Routine Maintenance
To avoid injury or damage to the videoray, disconnect the system power and tether before commencing any maintenance and/or repairs.
VideoRay's sealed components are designed to be tight fitting. Forcing a component open or closed may damage it permanently. If components do not come apart with bare hands or "soft" tools, check to ensure that all fasteners have been removed. Many VideoRay components are anodized aluminum and will be damaged by contact with steel.
Cartridge Seals
View example cartridge seals.
Cartridge seals must be checked before every dive and must be replaced with new ones before the air bubble reaches 1/2 of the volume of the seal. Cartridge seals must also be replaced with new ones if they contain contamination or look milky instead of clear. On long duration dives, the cartridge seals should be checked at hourly intervals during the dive unless this is impossible (for example, continuous extended video is required). Any cartridge seal that shows a high rate of air bubble growth or increasing contamination should be replaced (if unable to be replaced on-site, it must be checked more frequently until it is replaced). When replacing seals that are worn, the shaft must be checked for scoring or other signs of wear that could lead to premature seal failure. The shaft must also be checked for wobble (bent), which could also lead to premature seal failure. Thrusters should not be run for more than a minute in air, which could also result in premature seal failure. Cartridge seals must be replaced in a clean environment to ensure a good water tight fit of the O-ring and seals.
If these recommendations are followed, the ROV should NEVER experience a flood through the cartridge seal unless the seal itself suffers a catastrophic failure. VideoRay's warranty does not cover damage due to flooding of the ROV through a cartridge seal unless the customer can demonstrate that they have followed the above recommendations and there is reasonable evidence that the seal failed catastrophically due to a manufacturing defect.
Cartridge Seal Storage Recommendations:
- Cartridge seals should be stored in a sealed plastic bag so they do not attract dirt.
- Recommended storage temperature is between 2 to 15 degrees C (35 to 60 degrees F) to keep the storage gel from softening and allowing the oil to drain.
- Storage or transport at low air pressure (checked baggage in an unpressurized cabin) is not recommended.
O-Ring Care and Handling
O-Ring Rule of Thumb - If in doubt, throw it out! Generally, when compared to the equipment they are protecting, O-rings are very inexpensive. Should an incorrectly sized or damaged O-ring be installed, the result can be catastrophic. If there is any doubt as to the suitability or condition of an O-ring it should be replaced. O-rings and other components with sealing surfaces should never be handled with dirty or gritty hands. A small amount of dirt trapped next to an O-ring will cause leakage, which could result in serious damage to the ROV's internal components. The most common situation is a single strand of hair or lint, so care should be taken to ensure a clean work area. Should an O-ring or sealing surface become dirty, wash it with mild soap and water, and then rinse it with clean water. Avoid scratching the surfaces of the O-ring grooves and landings. Do not use sharp objects such as a knife or screwdriver to pry apart sealed assemblies or remove O-rings. Serious damage to the O-ring or the seat may result.O-ring Lubrication - VideoRay recommends the use of pure silicone spray or the O-ring lube kit that comes in the standard tool kit. Other lubricants can lead to deterioration and failure of the O-rings and components. Do not use other lubricants! Other lubricants may cause deterioration or attract dirt and lead to leaks or premature failure.
O-ring Inspection - O-rings wear out over time. Inspect all O-rings whenever a sealed assembly is apart. "Healthy" O-rings are soft, flexible and have not been pinched or nicked. Should an O-ring appear brittle, or have apparent cracks, nicks, or evidence of being pinched or permanently compressed, it should be replaced. Sealing surfaces should also be inspected while an assembly is apart. The surfaces should be examined to determine that they are free of dirt, nicks, scratches, or damage, which may result in seal failure once reassembled.
O-ring Storage - O-rings should be stored in clean plastic bags to protect them from dust when not in use. Avoid prolonged storage in direct sunlight as this may result in deterioration of the O-ring material. Stored O-rings should be sorted with regard to type and size with that information noted on the storage bag. Use of an incorrect O-ring can result in an ineffective seal.
Main and Light Dome Care and Handling
The domes should be cleaned with mild soap and water. They are acrylic and small scratches can be buffed out.
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol or other solvents. Solvents can make the dome brittle.
Maintenance Tools Required
VideoRay is designed with ease of maintenance in mind, and only a few tools are required to service the system. In fact, many maintenance procedures, such as changing light modules can be done without tools. VideoRay also includes a small tool and spares kit with each system delivered that contains most of the required tools. The following list of tools is recommended:
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* - These items are not included in the standard tool kit that comes with the Pro 4.
