VFTech GNOM BABY User manual
remotely operated vehicle
GNOM BABY
Underwater
remotely operated vehicle
GNOM BABY
Operator manual
Vapenicka 24, 971 01 Prievidza, Slovakia
Tel/Fax +421 46 54264 56
https://www.vftech.sk
https://www.rov
2020
remotely operated vehicle
VFTECH spol s r.o.
Vapenicka 24, 971 01 Prievidza, Slovakia
Tel/Fax +421 46 54264 56
https://www.vftech.sk
https://www.rov
-1.eu
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2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Description 3
1.1 Purpose 3
1.2 Design 4
1.3 Technical specifications 6
2.
User’s anual for operation with GNOM
7
3. Keys and Buttons at the control panel 12
4. Screen odes 15
5. Calibration 16
6. Maintenance operation 17
7. Safety require ents 19
8. Warranty state ent 20
9. Exa ples of linking odules 21
10. Appendix 22
11. Annex 27
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1. DESCRIPTION
1.1
PURPOSE
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS:
Underwater module
Surface control module
Hand reel
Coaxial cable
Joystick
Digital video recorder
Computer
Monitor
Waterproof case
ROV Gnom Baby is intended for inspection of underwater objects such as wrecks, ship
underwater parts, propellers and other underwater constructions.
ROV Gnom Baby has a small color camera with tilt function. Two clusters of ultra-bright
LEDs are installed at both sides of the underwater module. The module has horizontal and
vertical thrusters, which allow the movement of underwater module in all directions. The
underwater module is operated from the surface control module and is connected to it by
umbilical coaxial cable . The operator controls the underwater module by joystick
according to video and data from sensors on the TV screen . The maximum operating depth
is 50m.
The video signal from surface control module can be displayed on the monitor , TV
receiver, or sent to the digital video recorder (if supplied) via standard AV cable. There are
two video output connectors at surface control module ,, that allow to connect two display
units, or one display unit and a video recorder at the same time.
The power supply of the surface control module is 110-230VAC 50Hz, or 12-24VDC from battery
with inverter 12VDC/230VAC can be used. Maximum power consumption is 200 Watt. Battery
operation time (12 Ah) is more than 1 hour.
The complete system can be integrated into two plastic cases. One case contains the underwater
module and cable reel with cable , the other one contains the surface control module
, joystick and other equipment (monitor, video recorder - if supplied).
The size of operating area is limited by cable length (35 m in basic set). The cable length can be
lengthened up to 75 m. The video camera together with lights provides 15-20 m visibility in
transparent water in daylight. Maximum 3-4 m visibility can be reached during the night.
LCD display or video recorder can be installed upon request.
For updated info please visit our web site www.vftech.sk
.
The system consists of
Underwater unit
contains aluminum waterproof cylindrical hull
attached to the back cover
is located
at the front part of the vehicle. Two horizontal thrusters
to the sides of the
main hull. The plastic
of the vehicle
.
Screw propellers are installed at the end of
(the power supply converter, electronic module and depth sensor) are installed in
cylindrical hull. Communication tether is placed at the back
sensor membrane.
Under the vehicle, there
are protective plastic feet
buoyancy using additional metal weights.
The DC motors
inserted in the
transmitted
to the screw propeller
shaft inside the thruster hull and
shaped head. The cone-
shaped
effort) for cleaning.
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1. DESCRIPTION
the underwater vehicle, the cable, and
the
contains aluminum waterproof cylindrical hull
–
with
. A glass dome
with a color camera based on a 1/3” CCD matrix
at the front part of the vehicle. Two horizontal thrusters
with lights
main hull. The plastic
float is fastened by the nut and
the
Screw propellers are installed at the end of
the thruster
ax
(the power supply converter, electronic module and depth sensor) are installed in
cylindrical hull. Communication tether is placed at the back
cover
of the hull
are protective plastic feet
,
that can be
used to adjust the
buoyancy using additional metal weights.
inserted in the
waterproof hulls
serve as the thrusters
to the screw propeller
using magnetic coupling disk
. One disk is fastened
shaft inside the thruster hull and
the other one to
the screw propeller shaft inside the cone
shaped
head is filled up with water and can
be removed
5
the
surface control unit.
with
a vertical thruster
with a color camera based on a 1/3” CCD matrix
with lights
are fastened
the
screw
to the top
ax
es. All the electronics
(the power supply converter, electronic module and depth sensor) are installed in
the main
of the hull
, along with the depth
used to adjust the
vehicle
serve as the thrusters
. The rotation is
. One disk is fastened
to the motor
the screw propeller shaft inside the cone
-
be removed
(with an definite
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2. DESCRIPTION
The vehicle is connected with the control module via thin coaxial cable transmitting power voltage
(48V), operation commands, data from all the sensors, and video-signal.
The plastic cable reel with a moving lift point allows to reel the cable in/out during the
operation. The cable is strengthened by the Kevlar threads and the additional polyethylene shield.
The central cable core has 48V voltage. The power supply module has the short circuit
protection.
Surface module is built in the separate case and consists of power supply module, control
module and joystick. LCD display and battery 12V/7(12Ah) can be added to the basic set of
equipment upon request. Module has standard RCA jack for connecting to TV or audio/video
recorder.
Using the control pads and the joystick, the operator can move GNOM forward-backward,
turn to the right-left, up-down; adjust the thruster speed and the brightness of the lights. All the
data are displayed on the monitor. By pressing one of the buttons on the joystick, the operator
can enter the menu to tune up some of the functions, such as calibrating of the depth sensor.
1.2
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
•3 magnetically coupled thrusters
•Operation time - 500 h
•Speed: horizontal - up to 1 m/sec
vertical - up to 0,3 m/sec
Operation depth - 50 m ( can be modified up to maximum depth 100 m)
•Cable length - max 75 m
•Cable is strengthened by the Kevlar threads and the additional polyethylene shield,
negatively buoyant
•Cable diameter –4.2 mm, breaking effort – 90 kg
•Two clusters of ultra-bright LEDs
•Color camera PAL CCD 1/3", 720 TV Lines, 0.1 lux
•Power supply and surface control unit
•Power supply – 230VAC or 12-24VDC battery 12V/7(12Ah)
•Voltage value is displayed on a screen
•Operating environment humidity – up to 100%
•Operating temperature range – -5 …+ 45º. С.
•Complete system is packed in two high-performance waterproof STORMCASE cases
•ROV weight – 1.7 kg, full weight of system – 8 kg
•Vehicle dimensions 210х185х150 mm
•Depth sensor (sensibility 10 – 20 cm) with TV-text overlay on a screen, autodepth mode
•Compass with TV-text overlay on a screen, autoheading mode
•Vehicle has a slightly positive buoyancy, adjusted by adding metal weights
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2. USER’S MANUAL FOR OPERATION
The central cable wire has 48V voltage! In case of any damage, repair
or change the cable!
2.1. Before using, check up all parts of the vehicle, especially the propellers, the cable and the
dome. Clean the vehicle if necessary, check the propeller rotation.
2.2. If necessary, adjust the buoyancy of the vehicle by adding additional weights on the plastic
feet (Note that the cable weight in water is approximately 2 g/m).
2.3. Plug the 3-pin connector to the reel and video cable to the monitor video input. If you work
from 230 VAC, connect the AC power cable.
Do not rotate thrusters on air!
Do not switch lights on a full power on air!
Be very careful with the cable, do not:
•Stand on it
•Press on it
•Twist it
2.4. If use any additional display or audio/video recorder, connect the video cable to RCA jack of
additional video device.
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2. USER’S MANUAL FOR OPERATION
2.4.1
NOTE
You cannot connect the GNOM and other devices (accessories) to the mains with the
following problems:
• incorrect wire connections of L and N conductors in the appropriate slot.
• without protective earthing conductor.
Note. Checking the correct wiring connections (phase conductor - L) inspects the
operator. (E.g. by phase tester)
2.4.2 Checking the RCBO
Checking the RCBO (residual circuit breaker with overcurrent protection) must be
performed before any underwater operation at the new location:
• If the requirements of paragraph 2.4.1 are met, connect only the surface module to the
power supply.
• Switch the mains voltage button on the control panel on.
• After 5 seconds, press the "TEST" button on the RCBO. It would immediately lead to a
safe shutdown of the module.
• Switch the mains voltage button on the control panel off. Switch the RCBO on.
• Switch the power supply button on the control panel on again. The RCBO must remain
switched on.
2.
USER’S MANUAL FOR OPERATION
2.5. Power supply from 2
3
Switch the main 230V switch
ON
2.6. If use the LCD display,
and color saturati
on can be adjusted manually (see the
monitor operation, follow
the monitor
2.7. After the power is ON
, the message
After you finish the operation,
2.8. Operation
Do not rotate thrusters on air!
Do not switch lights on a full power on air!
Put the vehicle into the water. To start
following buttons on the
joystick
All the
control functions are displayed on
#To move the vehicle
Forward/Back
# Slow mode (SLOW).
Press
gradually (25%,
50%, 75%, 100
You can adjust the
speed gradually (128 grades)
j
oystick. The direction and speed are
#To move the vehicle
Up/Down
#Jump mode - A
llows to push vehicle slightly for a distance 30
then stop. Press ②to enter
the Jump mode
direction, press the arrows (
Left/Right, Up/Down
power, use the
left joystick
right joystick
ANALOG
HOME
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USER’S MANUAL FOR OPERATION
3
0V
ON
(UP position).
switch
it
on separately. Brightness, contrast
on can be adjusted manually (see the
LCD manual).
For
the monitor
manual.
, the message
“ WELCOME ” appears. GNOM
is ready for operation
switch the main 230V switch OFF.
Do not rotate thrusters on air!
Do not switch lights on a full power on air!
Put the vehicle into the water. To start
the operation, press one of the
joystick
:
control functions are displayed on
the drawing below.
Forward/Back
and turn Right/Left use the
Press
the and adjust the
power
50%, 75%, 100
%).
speed gradually (128 grades)
by pressing the
oystick. The direction and speed are
shown on the monitor.
Up/Down
use the .
llows to push vehicle slightly for a distance 30
- 50 cm,
the Jump mode
To choose the jump
Left/Right, Up/Down
). To adjust the jump
.
left joystick
right
joystick
MODE
9
on separately. Brightness, contrast
For
is ready for operation
.
power
2.
USER’S MANUAL FOR OPERATION
# Simultaneously press ③+
lights (LOOP : 0% ÷
100%, 100%
simultaneously to turn
100% brightness on
Simultaneously press ③+
#Hand mode - control
the GRABBER (if
by keys /
#To tilt the camera
Up/Down
Press +
simultaneously
# Laser - press ③ +
# Autodepth mode. Press
①
need. To change the depth,
use left joystick. Autodepth mode
and current depth are
displayed
# Autoheading - maintains
the speed and direction
to turn on/off (or: tilt
left joystick to left
Select forward speed,
then switch
# Press ④to
select SCREEN MODES:
Mode1 or Mode2 or Mode3
(see below)
#
You can choose the menu language (Russian/English)
SELECT
L
1
L
2
R 2
R
1
R 2
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USER’S MANUAL FOR OPERATION
to change the intensity of the front
100%, 100%
÷0% ... ). Press ③+ +
100% brightness on
/off.
to adjust the rear lights – if installed
the GRABBER (if
installed)
Up/Down
press / pads.
simultaneously
to return the camera to initial position.
to switch the laser on/off
①
to fix the vehicle at the depth you
use left joystick. Autodepth mode
status
displayed
on the monitor.
the speed and direction
. Press
left joystick to left
for ON, to right for OFF ).
then switch
the autoheading on..
select SCREEN MODES:
(see below)
You can choose the menu language (Russian/English)
Start
L
1
L
2
R
1
R
1
R 2
R 2
10
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2. USER’S MANUAL FOR OPERATION
2.9. Finishing the operation
To finish the operation, switch the power OFF, then disconnect the cables
and wind them into the reel.
Try to avoid nods and twisting of the cable.
After operation, clean the propellers and motor shafts, and wash the vehicle in fresh water.
Special Functions
Sleep mode (Power Saving Mode)
In order to save the power and extend the battery life, the wireless joystick has a power saving
mode. The joystick enters sleep mode (power saving mode) in following situations:
A. There is no operation within 30 seconds from establishing the connection between the
controller and the receiver.
B. The pause between individual operations lasts for more than 5 minutes.
To wake from the sleep mode, press one of the following buttons:
ANALOG
HOME
MODE
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5. CALIBRATION
To enter this ode, you should be in start ode ( essage WELCOME is displayed). To calibrate depth
sensor and co pass, press and hold the key ③ for 7-8 sec. Only while message WELCOME is displayed
Message "Calibration mode" appears. To select the function, use the arrows on the left. To enter the
function, use the right key ②
-“Set current depth as 0” To calibrate the depth sensor, set 0 when GNOM is on a surface. To
finish the calibration, press Enter (right key ②). We reco end to set the 0 depth 5 inutes after
switching the power ON.
-“Compass Calibration” Set by manufacturer Use only, if compass works incorrectly To calibrate the
compass, follow the Calibration procedure
:
1. Put the GNOM on flat surface away fro etal objects, with the do e pointing North
2. Press circle (right key ②) to start the calibration
3. Slowly turn the GNOM, clockwise around its own axi
s
at least two ti es
4. Press circle (right key ②) to finish calibration
-“Joystick for left-handler” Unavailable
-
“Camera color adjust” Unavailable
-
“Max vertical power” Set the axi al power of vertical thrusters in %.
-
“Max horizontal power” Set the axi al power of horizontal thrusters in %.
-
“Max straight jump power”. Set the length of the straight ju p.
-
“Date/Time Setup”. Set up the date and ti e.
-
“Video systems”. Select PAL or NTSC.
-
“Перейти на Русский” Select language (Russian or English).
-
“- Bereg Vxxxx -” and “- Bort Vxxxx -” indicates version of software.
-To exit the calibration enu, set the cursor to word Exit and press Enter (right key ②).
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6.
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
To maintain the vehicle, it is necessary:
•to clean the propellers from algae, sand and mud
•to rinse the vehicle in the fresh water after using in the sea
•to inspect the cable after the operation. In case of any damages, the cable must be
repaired or changed
•to check the magnetic disk coupling regularly
•to use silicon oil spray for lubrication of propeller shafts every time after diving. Oil
must get inside the cone-shaped heads of motors. See appendix position 96, 147,
217 of thruster assembly.
•to avoid nods and twisting of cable.
Within the certificate of warranty, the bond (joint) maintenance manual is included.
Use it only in case of emergency, if standard maintenance is insufficient.
Before this service, consult technical problems in our company on email address:
Attention:
In case of non-professional action and damage of any part, the consecutive service in our
company will be charged.
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6.
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Spare parts
REAMER HOLDER + REAMER
• use to clean the bearing bushings
SCREW-WRENCH FOR COUPLING
COVER
• use to loosen/tighten the conical nut
(coupling cover)
VULCANIZING TAPE
• use for temporary repair of damaged cable
(damaged insulation)
FUSES
• use if the fuses installed in the power
module are destroyed
SEALING O RINGS
• use if the cable in the underwater unit was
disconnecting and reconnecting
SCREWS, NUTS, WASHERS
• use in case of loss or damage of a
component from a set
BALLASTS
• use to set the buoyancy of underwater unit
if necessary
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7.
SAFETY REQUIREMENT
1. Device belongs to the CLASS 1. For this reason, the power adapter must be
connected to protective earthing.
2. Switch the machine on and off by main 230V switch, which is placed over the
power cord on the surface control unit.
3. Do not use the system with the damaged cable.
4. Do not touch the underwater vehicle and the cable, if you are in water and the
power is turned ON.
5. Keep the control module and the cable reel dry.
6. When recharging the battery, disconnect the vehicle and the cable reel.
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.
WARRANTY STATEMENT
VFTECH warrants that at the time of shipment, all products shall be free from defects in material and
workmanship and suitable for the purpose specified in the product literature. The unit/system warranty
commences immediately from the date of customer acceptance and runs for a period of 1 year (except for
thrusters). Warranty for thrusters is 6 months from the date of purchase. Customer acceptance will always
be deemed to have occurred within 72 hours from delivery.
Note: Any customer acceptance testing (if applicable) must be performed at either VFTECH premises, or at
one of their approved distributors, unless mutually agreed in writing prior to dispatch.
The warranty service is conditioned by regular inspections every three months starting from the date of
customer acceptance of the device. If the regular maintenance checks are not performed, the warranty is
not applicable.
Conditions:
These include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. The warranty is only deemed to be valid, if the equipment was sold through VFTECH, or one of its
approved distributors.
2. The equipment must be installed and commissioned in strict accordance with approved technical
standards and specifications, and for the purpose that the system was designed for.
3. The warranty is not transferable, except for as applies to Purchaser first, then to the client.
4. VFTECH must be notified immediately (in writing) of any suspected defect, and if advised by VFTECH,
the equipment subject to the defect shall be returned by the customer to VFTECH, via a suitable mode of
transportation and shall be freight paid.
5. The warranty does not apply to defects that have been caused by not following the recommended
installation or maintenance procedures. Neither the defects resulting from normal wear & tear, incorrect
operation, fire, water ingress, lightning damage, the fluctuations in vehicles supply voltages, nor from any
other circumstances that may arise after delivery, that is without the control of VFTECH. (Note: The
warranty does not apply in the event where a defect has been caused by isolation incompatibilities.)
6. The warranty does not cover the transportation of personnel and per diem allowances relating to any
repair or replacement.
7. The warranty does not cover any direct, indirect, punitive, special consequential damages, or any
damages whatsoever arising out of or connected with misuse of this product.
8. Any equipment or parts returned under warranty provisions will be returned to the customer freight
prepaid by VFTECH.
9. The warranty shall become invalid, if the customer attempts to repair or modify the equipment without
appropriate written authority being first received from VFTECH.
10. VFTECH retains the sole right to accept or reject any warranty claim.
11. Each product is carefully examined and checked before it is shipped. It should therefore be visually and
operationally checked, as soon as it is received. If it is damaged in anyway, a claim should be filed with the
courier and VFTECH notified of the damage.
Note: VFTECH reserve the right to change the specifications at any time without notice and without any
obligation to incorporate new features in instruments previously sold.
Note: If the instrument is not covered by warranty, or if it is determined that the fault is
caused by misuse, the repair will be billed to the customer, and an estimated price
submitted for customer approval before the commencement of repairs.
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