What does this do?
It allows someone operating the unit from above the water to explore the area below the water.
How deep does it go?
The tether is 250 feet long, and the units are tested extensively for a depth of 250 feet. However, since the tether is never completely straight down, and there is always some of it above the water, the practical limit is 200 feet.
back to the top
How long does it take to learn how to work it?
We think the basics can be understood in 5 minutes or so by most any adult - or 2 minutes by your average video-game playing kid. However, in order to completely master techniques for avoiding tether tangles, effective searching, and getting the most from the camera tilt and focus, you should budget at least 4 hours of fun.
How long does the warranty last?
We provide a seven day customer acceptance period. If you're unhappy with the unit for any reason, you can return it in its original condition for a full refund in the first seven days. After that, we offer a standard 90 day/100 hour materials and workmanship warranty.
What scheduled maintenance is required?
So long as scheduled maintenance is observed, and the unit is not abused (for example, run out of water,) there is an extended coverage for leaks for a full year.
back to the top
How long will it go between overhauls?
Full overhaul should be done every 100 hrs. Including replacing/greasing o-rings, and replacing seals on motors and verifying the integrity of the motor shaft, with a total parts cost of less than $50. If motors have to be replaced, cost is roughly $50 / motor. Regularly changing seals and monitoring the motor shaft condition should result in a motor life well in excess of 500 hours. Occasionally, during the course of normal operation, the acrylic domes may get damaged and need to be replaced. Replacements are available for about $60 each. Anytime any work is done on the vehicle, o-rings should be replaced if possible/convenient. They are an extremely inexpensive component which, if damaged, can result in very expensive damage.
Can I just rent one?
At the moment Water Video is not in the rental business. Most banks should be able to lease them, and for certain volume buyers we'll attempt to help with this. I'm in the diving business.
Why would I buy something to make it easier to avoid diving?
Think of Water Video as a way to extend the diving experience - to more people, greater depths, more bottom time, and adding a video record they can take home. While this can't take the place of "being there," it is the next best thing, and the only option for many people who otherwise won't be on your boat, increasing your revenues and profits.
I don't have AC power on my boat. Can I use it somehow?
Certainly, with a battery powered inverter. A decent sized car or boat battery should power Water Video and a viewing and/or recording device for hours.
back to the top
How safe is this around divers?
Nothing is completely safe, and Water Video MUST be operated responsibly. However, since the tether is strong and brightly colored, and the thrusters are within thruster guards, Water Video is much safer than other ROV designs.
How safe is it aboveboard?
All electrical appliances can be dangerous on board a boat. However, the low 48 volts sent to the vehicle, and the rugged design of Water Video's control panel add to the safety of the unit.
How much do the units weight?
The control box weighs 16 pounds, and the submersible, tether, spare parts/tool kit, and pelican case weighs 48 pounds. The submersible alone weighs 8 pounds.
If I ordered one today, when would I get it?
In general, we expect to be able to deliver one week after order, but this may fluctuate based on demand.
back to the top
Why doesn't it have autofocus?
An autofocus would be "fooled" by floating debris in the water to focusing on what's closest to the unit, not the target you find most interesting. In addition, the constant change in focus would be very annoying, and would be likely to burn out the focus motor. We could use fixed focus, but that would not allow detailed study of close objects, one of the things that is very enjoyable with Water Video.
Why doesn't it include video playback or record?
We're studying an onboard LCD display - in fact, we have a prototype in the booth. We feel that recording devices - VCRs and camcorders and the like - are so inexpensive and pervasive that we felt that most users would want to provide their own.
Does it come in PAL or SECAM?
PAL is available. We've found that most SECAM users can use PAL, so we have no SECAM alternative right now.
Does it come with 220 Volt power supply?
The unit can be switched at the factory to either 110 or 220 volt usage.
back to the top
How fast does it go?
This depends how much tether it is dragging, and the angle of the tether in relation to the submersible. Speed in excess of 2 knots are common in ideal conditions.
How well does it handle currents?
This is generally not too much of a problem below one knot. Between one knot and two, Water Video can be used but there's a bit of a challenge to controlling it.
