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 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.