Procedure 2.9 - Waterproof And Mount The Tether Cable - SeaPerch Remotely Operated Vehicle Construction Manual

Procedure 2.9 – Waterproof and Mount the Tether Cable
Tools:
#2 Phillips Screwdriver
Pliers
Flush Wire-Cutting Pliers
Materials:
Completed Frame with
Thrusters Mounted
1" (2.5 cm) Butyl Rubber
Tape
Electrical Tape
5 6" or 8" Tie Wraps
Construction Steps:
1. Locate the point near the thruster end of the tether cable where the four thruster
wire pairs emerge from the cable sheath, and bring it out a bit away from the
vehicle frame so you can waterproof that opening using butyl rubber tape.
2. Locate in your kit (or cut from a roll) a 1" (2.5 cm) piece of butyl rubber tape.
3. Stretch the tape to about twice its relaxed length, then wind it among and around
the four wire pairs where they emerge from the cable's outer sheath and press it
over the sheath opening such that it extends at least ½" on each side of the
opening, as shown in Figure 2.9-2. Knead and work it in between the wires well,
so that it seals both around and between the wires and forms a smooth seal over
the sheath opening, preventing water from getting into the tether cable.
Figure 2.9-2. Butyl Rubber Tape Wrap to Waterproof Tether Cable Sheath Opening
4. Wrap electrical tape over the butyl rubber tape to keep it from sticking to anything.
SeaPerch ROV Construction Manual – Version 2010-04NW
Figure 2.9-1: Tether Cable Tied in a Strain Relief Loop
and Pointing Straight Back from the Center of the ROV
2.9-1