Accessory Overview

The Pro 4 architecture supports several methods for mounting and using accessories, and the accessories can be divided into categories based on whether they are used on the topside or the ROV and their requirements for power and/or communications.

VideoRay tether includes an APIC (Auxiliary Pair of Independent Conductors) that can be used to communicate with accessories. The Pro 4 ROV has a 9 pin accessory port that includes access to the APIC as well as to power, and the ROV communications and video buses. The Control panel likewise has an AUX port for topside access to the APIC.

See the ROV, Tether and Control Panel sections of the Equipment Guide for more information about the APIC and connections.

Most accessories that require communications with the topside, rely on the APIC. The signal travels from the accessory, through the ROV's accessory port to the tether and then to the AUX port on the control panel. There is usually a topside interface that connects to the AUX port and converts the raw signal from the APIC (typically RS-485 or Ethernet over twisted pair using DSL modems) to RS-232 or USB so that it can be interfaced to the topside computer for processing. In the Pro 4, several popular accessories can have their interface built into the control panel. These include BlueView and Tritech as well as any device that uses RS-485. In these cases, there is an additional switch on the control panel that can direct the APIC directly to the AUX port (for raw output), or through the built-in interface. The built-in interface is connected to the computer through either an Ethernet or USB connection (depending upon the type of interface). If the device uses USB, the standard USB connection between the control panel and the computer can be used so another USB connection or cable is not required. Even with systems that contain built-in interfaces, the AUX port allows any device to be connected, including Pro 3 versions of accessories. This maintains forward compatibility of existing accessories and backwards compatibility of the Pro 4.

In addition to using the APIC for accessories, the Pro 4 can communicate with low bandwidth devices over the ROV's RS-485 communications bus. This allows multiple accessories that require communications with the topside to be used simultaneously, and tighter integration of the software. For example, the Videoray radiation sensor used to require the APCI and a separate software program. With the Pro 4, the radiation sensor can use the ROV's communications bus and a VideoRay Cockpit instrument to display the data. This means that the Pro 4 can carry the radiation sensor and another accessory, such as sonar, simultaneously, and the radiation sensors data can be overlaid on the video or trigger events, such as alarms, in VideoRay Cockpit.

Topside Accessories

Topside accessories include those that support operations and logistics and those that integrate with the control panel

• Topside Logistics

• Awning, tables, chairs, etc. - for operator comfort

• Gloves - for handling the tether

• Topside Integration

• Generator - to provide power to work in remote locations

• Extra display monitor - to provide live video for observers

• LYYN visibility enhancement system - to improve video quality

ROV Mounted Accessories

ROV mounted accessories include intervention tools like the manipulator and cutter and additional sensors like sonar and water quality sensors. Examples of the types of integration and a few sample devices are listed below:

• Power Only

• Transponders for Desert Star Pilot and Seafloor and Tritech Micron Nav

• Power and ROV Communications Bus

• Auxiliary Lights, Manipulator and Cutter

• Power and the APIC

• Sonar

The Smart Tether is a unique example of integration. It is currently the only device that uses power from the Tether. It also uses the ROV communications bus for transmitting data.

Using Accessories

For specific instructions on mounting and operating accessories, see the user manual that came with the accessory.