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For the next two steps, do not operate horizontal thrusters out of water for more than 30
seconds to avoid overheating or premature wear of the cartridge seals.
1. Gently move the joystick forward and backward and left and right - the horizontal thruster
motors should turn the propellers. Release the joystick - it will return to center on its own, and
the propellers will stop turning.
2. Rotate the Depth Control knob - the vertical thruster motor should turn the propeller. Return the
Depth Control knob to center to cease the vertical propeller rotation.
Test the lights
For the next two steps, do not leave the lights on bright for more than 30 seconds while
the ROV is out of water to avoid overheating.
1. Turn the Lights Intensity knob to brighten or dim the lights - the lights intensity should vary
according to the knob's position.
Test the camera functions
1. Press and hold the Camera Tilt Up button - the camera should tilt up smoothly through its entire
range.
2. Press and hold the Camera Tilt Down button - the camera should tilt down smoothly through its
entire range.
3. Press and hold the Camera Focus In button - the camera should focus in smoothly through its
entire range.
4. Press and hold the Camera Focus Out button - the camera should focus out smoothly through
its entire range.
If a manipulator or other accessories are attached, these items should be checked at this time.
Good Advice
The time to catch small problems before they become big problems is during the pre-dive inspection.
Dive Operations
After the previous four pre-dive checks and tests have been completed successfully, you are almost
ready to commence the dive. But, there is one more issue to address that could affect the performance
of the ROV. The ROV is designed to be operated in a near neutrally buoyant configuration, so the last
step before launching your VideoRay is to check the buoyancy, and adjust the ballast if necessary. For
most operations, the buoyancy is optimal when the top of the float block is even with the water surface
and the ROV is level. If the ROV is too buoyant or too heavy, the vertical position may be hard to
maintain or control.
Buoyancy will need to be adjusted for use in fresh water versus salt water and depending upon
whether accessories are used with the ROV.
Buoyancy Check and Adjustment
To determine if the buoyancy is correct, lower the ROV and at least 3 meters (10 feet) of tether into the
water. You can lower the ROV by the tether - it will not hurt the tether because there is Kevlar in it.
Observe the ROV in the water - it should not be floating too high or sink. It should also be floating level
and not tipped to one side or pitched up or down. If the ROV floats too high, you will need to add some
ballast weights. If the ROV sinks, you will need to remove some ballast weights. If the ROV is not
floating level, you can change the locations of the weights.
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