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Accessory Integration 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
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 APIC 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
Control Panel
sections of the
213
Equipment Guide
for more information about the
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