Welcome To Your DTPod

Getting Started

Default Controls

DTPod Permanent Installations

Many applications for the DTPod involve a permanent installation under water.  The durable construction and materials used on the DTPod as well as the optional wiper system make long duration missions possible.  It is important to use a qualified certified diver to perform the installation.  The DTPod can be hung by its tether, or by additional ropes.  Two 10mm holes are provided on the upper portion of the pan rotor that can either be used to bolt the camera to a structure, or to secure ropes to.  In order to pan properly by use of the pan motor, the camera must be hung from at least 2 ropes secured to each of the 10mm holes parting upwards at 10 degrees or more to the surface. 

Tether and Connectors

Do not kink the tether.  Avoid dragging the tether over rough or sharp edges and bends, as it will create excess drag and accelerate wear on the tether. Utilize protective equipment for the tether where it would otherwise come in contact with sharp edges.

Do not step on or drive over the tether. If your tether does become damaged please contact Deep Trekker™ support or your authorized Deep Trekker™ reseller for assistance.  Under no circumstances is a damaged tether from the above listed scenarios warrantable.

For permanent installations, the top-side 4 pole connector to the controller may be left unplugged between inspections.  It is important to seal this from the elements with the provided tether cap.  Any water/moisture that comes into contact with the pins will degrade the connection and life of the connector.  Electrical grease should be applied periodically to this connector to help ensure they do not fail.

Operation

On / Off

The Power Button shown acts as an ON button when the camera is off, and as an ON button when the camera is on*. Pressing the button begins the boot sequence that will last approximately 10-30 seconds.

If the controls have not been activated on the controller for several minutes, the system will automatically shut down. This will shut down the controller and camera. 

Pan and Tilt Controls

The right joystick controls the camera’s pan. Forward on the joystick pans the camera Clockwise. Back on the joystick pans the camera Counterclockwise. 

The back right joystick controls the camera’s tilt. Forward on the joystick tilts the camera up. Back on the joystick tilts the camera down. 

Gain Control

The speed control arrows function as scrolling buttons that activate immediately after certain other buttons have been pressed. The user has 5 seconds to adjust these settings before the arrows return to speed gain controls. There is always a scrolling number to allow the user proper feedback. Below are the settings that can be controller using the speed gain control arrows.

1. Primary Flood Lights - use to scroll the intensity of the light from 20-100%

Primary Flood Lights

The primary light button turns the primary flood lights on and off. Immediately after these lights are turned on, an intensity level will appear in the upper, right-hand side of the LCD screen. Use the right-hand set of arrows, up and down, to adjust the level of light intensity. This can only be done in the first 5 seconds after the lights have been turned on. To adjust the intensity later, turn the lights off and then back on. After the first 5 seconds, or 5 seconds after adjusting, the arrows will return to their normal function as gain control. 

Camera Lock

At any point during operation, the camera can be returned to the home position by pressing the camera home button. 

By default, the camera is locked to 0 degrees relative to gravity (horizontal). This means the camera will remain forward facing.

Battery Life

The DTPod is powered by a single battery pack located in the controller.  The batteries inside the DTPod controller will provide up to 4-6 hours of use. When the batteries become low, the LED light will illuminate. When the light comes on, it is important to conclude the inspection and charge the controller battery.  If the controller is located in a safe indoor environment, it is permissible to charge the controller while the system is in use.  This will allow the system to be operated indefinitely. 

Charging the Controller

When the controller battery is low, the controller may stop sending data to the ROV, rendering it unusable. The controller may be charged while the system is still in use but should only be done when the unit is safely indoors and in a dry environment. Ensure to only use the Deep Trekker™ provided chargers, and in environments above 0°C [32F]. The controller is powered by a separate built-in battery pack that will require a charge approximately every 3-4 hours of run time. When the battery pack is low, the controller battery indicator on the controller will turn red. If the unit is not given a charge within 5 minutes of this warning, the battery will reach a critically low level and communication with the ROV will stop. To charge, simply plug the controller charger into the charge port on the rear of the controller. 

Shutdown

For permanently mounted cameras, simply press the ON/OFF button to shut the camera OFF.  If the controller needs to be removed from the camera tether, place the provided tether cap on the tether end to ensure the wet environment does not cause damage.  Store the controller in a dry indoor environment until next use.

For portable applications, return the DTPod to the launch site and place in a sturdy location secure from rolling away or falling.  Wash the DTPod with fresh water if deployed in a salt water environment. Press the ON/OFF button to shut the camera OFF.  Look through the camera windows for any sign of water or fogging.  If you see either of these problems you may have a leak and need to contact Deep Trekker™ support or your authorized Deep Trekker™ Reseller for assistance.  If possible, do not close the lid of the carrying case tight immediately after use.  Allow 1-2 hours for the camera and tether to dry off after washing, prior to sealing the case shut.  Any significant amount of moisture left in the case will promote corrosion.  Stow the DTPod safely while transporting it, to avoid damage to the system.

Optional Equipment 

Case and Reel

The DTPod can be equipped with a carry case and reel for applications where portability is required. The

reel can hold up to 400m (1312 ft) of tether, and also store the controller and camera itself. The reel fits

into the carry case that is fit with wheels and a handle. The camera can be lowered into the water via

the tether, with no other cable required to support the weight of the system.

Node

See this section on Nodes for more details

Storage 

Store the DTPod system in dry locations between the temperatures of -20C [-4F] and 40C [104F], out of direct sunlight. Storing in climates out of this range will lead to premature battery failure.  It is recommended to charge the battery at least once every 6 months if the unit is not being used.  If the camera is stored in a sealed compartment such as the carry case offered by Deep Trekker™ Inc., the camera and tether must be cleaned and left to dry off 100% prior to sealing the case shut.  Any significant amount of moisture left in the case will promote corrosion.