DEEP TREKKER DTG2 USER MANUAL
DEEP TREKKER INC.
26
Optional Equipment
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Two Function Grabber
The Deep Trekker two function grabber upgrades the DTG2 from an observation-class
micro ROV into a working-class micro ROV. The grabber is equipped with an
open/close motion and a continuous bi-directional rotate motion.
The open and close motion is activated using the up and down buttons located at the
front left of the controller, where your left hand index fingers are. The 360 degree rotate motion is
activated using the right and left push buttons located at the front left of the controller.
Locking onto an object
The mechanical design of the two function grabber incorporates a self-locking feature. That is to say,
once the claws are closed, they will not re-open unless the force is large enough to cause mechanical
damage to the unit. This is a beneficial feature if the objects you are grabbing are very heavy. The
down-side to this is that once the claws are locked closed, the rotate motion is also locked. The rotate
should only be used to position the angle of the claws prior to grabbing.
The maximum weight that the ROV can lift and self-maneuver with is very small. Generally, if you are
retrieving a large or heavy object, the grabber is used to lock the ROV into it, and the user then retrieves
the ROV and object by pulling it back using the tether. The maximum weight the grabber should carry is
22 kg [50 lb]. The tether is also rated for up to 25 kg [55 lb] so it is capable of bringing up both the ROV
and an object.
Please note that the weight of most objects will differ when it is pulled out of the water. Based on the
density of the object, many objects will weight close to neutral in water while they are much heavier
in air.
Caution
Do not attempt to rotate the claws while the ROV sits on dry land. The tips of the claws, if opened at all
can cause the ROV to tip over. When the ROV is shut down after use, ensure the claws are fully closed
and horizontal to the ground. Never attempt to close or rotate the claws by hand as this will cause
damage to the unit. Inspect your grabber for foreign objects that may cause binding or seal damage. Do
not use the grabber in sandy environments that may seize the rotate sleeve bearings directly behind the
claws.
Removing & Installing the Grabber Arm
When the grabber arm is not required, the ROV is slightly easier to drive. You may remove it when it is
not in use with the following steps;
1)
Shut down the ROV power.
2)
Unscrew the electrical connector leading into the rear of the ROV. Do not allow the steel
bulkhead mounted to the rear of the ROV to turn. This will cause an immediate leak. If the steel
bulkhead appears loose, contact your authorized Deep Trekker Service center.
3)
Plug the grabber port housing the exposed (and electrically active) terminals using the provided
grabber port plug. Never leave these pins exposed to the water as they are electrically active at
19.2 VDC when the ROV is turned on. Ensure it is completely dry before inserting the port plug.
4)
Remove the 4 quick release pins that hold the grabber to the bottom of the ROV.
