KCF Technologies' Smart Tether is a revolutionary technology for underwater navigation and positioning. A robust and easy-to-use system, the Smart Tether offers real-time GPS positioning for divers and underwater vehicles, along with advanced scanning, mapping, and target-marking functions, greatly expanding your underwater mission capabilities.

SYSTEMS


Model Description Delivery Price Brochure Data Sheet Manual
ST-PRO3 Tether-based navigation and positioning system for all VideoRay Pro3 ROVs 4 weeks $19,500
ST-PRO4 Tether-based navigation and positioning system for VideoRay Pro4 ROV 4 weeks Contact VideoRay
ST-DIVER Tether-based navigation and positioning system for divers, with extra twisted pairs for lights, camera and comm systems See it in action Call for delivery and configuration $18,500 Video
DiverNav Tether-based non-acoustic navigation and positioning sytem for divers Call for delivery and configuration $10,840  
ST-DIDSON Tether-based navigation and positioning system for divers using DIDSON™ hand-held SONAR.  The tether includes extra twisted pairs for lights, camera and intercom systems Call for delivery and configuration $18,700  
ST-Kongsberg Tether-based positioning for Kongsberg MS-1000 tripod-mounted SONAR 4 weeks $14,600  

 

SOFTWARE OPTIONS


Model Description Delivery Price Screenshot Data Sheet
ST-SOFT-NAVCHRT Chart Overlay Plug-In: Overlay a nautical chart in the background of the software for instant geo-referencing Call or email $1,995 Click
ST-SOFT-POST Path and Waypoint Plug-In: Post-Process saved Smart Tether data into KML objects for viewing/editing in Google Earth Call or email $995 Click
ST-SOFT-REALTIME Real-Time Data Output Plug-In: Sends position data out from Smart Tether software via serial connection at real-time speed Call or email $995  

Download the 2010 Smart Tether Software for Pro4 VideoRay (ver. 5.8.28.0)
Download the 2010 Smart Tether Software for Pro3 VideoRay (ver. 5.8.28.0)
Download additional drivers required for Smart Tether installation (New installations only; existing users do not need this)

For software support please contact support@kcftech.com

 

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES


Model Description Delivery Price

ST-ADAPTER-

PRO3-4

Adapter for Smart Tether Pro3-Pro4 conversion

4 weeks $1,600
ST-EXT-PRO3-80M-NEG Smart Tether Pro3 80m Extension (Negative) 4 weeks $4,500
ST-EXT-PRO3-80M-NEU Smart Tether Pro3 80m Extension (Neutral) 4 weeks $4,500
ST-EXT-PRO3-80M-NEU-2S

Smart Tether Pro3 80m Extension with 2 sensors

Call for delivery and configuration $6,995
ST-EXT-PRO4-80M-NEU-2S

Smart Tether Pro4 80m Extension with 2 sensors

Call for delivery and configuration $6,995

 

SERVICE AND SUPPORT PROGRAM


Level Description Delivery Price
Gold Protect your investment and receive software upgrades with this valuable service and support agreement for damage or loss of your Smart Tether equipment Call or email 15% of System MSRP Annually

 

TRAINING


Program Description Price/Availability
Certification Enhance your navigation abilities and add value to your Smart Tether system by becoming a certified Smart Tether operator through this advanced training program Call or email

 

Smart Tether Benefits

Smart Tether, a complete underwater navigation system, offers you unmatched operation with your VideoRay system or tethered diver. The Smart Tether system, which includes tether, control box, ultra-mobile PC and software, is designed to meet multiple missions and tested to survive extreme environments. No matter what your mission, the Smart Tether system makes it smarter, faster, safer, and easier.

Deploy Instantly, Deploy Easily

With Smart Tether, there is no need for additional external transponders or complicated set-up, measurement, and training. Since the sensors are embedded in the tether, you won’t need extra wires and batteries, either. It’s a “drop and go” system.

Navigate in Real Time

The Smart Tether system’s fast refresh rate gives your crew instant and accurate information about your diver's or VideoRay submersible's position. This real-time navigation facilitates missions that require precise operation, including: close-up inspections, rescue and recovery work, ordnance location, and homeland security operations.

GPS Enabled

Tides, currents, and wave dynamics can make precise underwater navigation using a fixed launch point nearly impossible. Smart Tether includes GPS integration to help you navigate your ROV or diver from a moving point such as a boat or barge.

Robust and Tough

Smart Tether was designed to outlast your toughest mission. It’s been tested and used in extreme environments.

Missions

  • Law and Drug Enforcement
  • Search and Rescue
  • Homeland Security
  • Offshore Drilling
  • Inland and Offshore Inspections

Smart Tether Interface

The Smart Tether user interface and display makes navigation in the field simple, smart, and safe. The system features a smart user interface that displays the live position of your ROV or diver and tether, allowing real-time navigation, communication, and tether awareness. Smart Tether even provides a position history of visual and SONAR scans so your operators know what areas have already been searched.

The powerful ultra-mobile PC included with the Smart Tether features simple, intuitive touch-screen operation and easily fits within your standard VideoRay Integrated Control Box for operation and storage.

The Smart Tether software also seamlessly integrates with mapping software such as Google Earth for simple one-click geo-referencing of targets marked and areas scanned, making it a valuable tool for mission reporting.

Technology

Smart Tether includes a series of sensors nodes embedded in the tether itself. These nodes use acceleration, magnetic, and rate-gyro sensors to measure the orientation and track the position of your vehicle and tether. This data is then transmitted to the control box and displayed on your computer screen in real time.

System Capabilities

  • Accurate: The Smart Tether accuracy is 1.5 meters or better, depending on the deployment configuration.
  • Real-time: Smart Tether position updates are fast (~5 Hz), showing the dynamic motion of the tether and vehicle or diver.
  • Scan History: Smart Tether gives position history of Visual or SONAR scan.
  • Winchable: The Smart Tether can be stored in and deployed from an optional Tether Deployment System.
  • For More Information: Check the Smart Tether Frequently Asked Questions section.