Operator’s Manual
5
Wide-i SeaCam
®
nected. See the Flooding Repair Procedure
for more information.
Flooding Repair Procedure
If the camera stops working while underwater, you
should assume that it has been flooded. When working
on a potentially flooded camera, it is important to use
appropriate personal protective equipment to include, at
a minimum, eye and hand protection.
1. Immediately turn off the power to the unit.
2. Open the housing by removing the rear end
cap-retaining ring. Grasp the rear end cap in one
hand and the camera housing in the other. With
care, separate the two components using a linear
motion. If required gently twist components while
separating.
3. Pour out any water trapped in the housing.
4. If the camera is completely flooded, rinse the
internal components with clean fresh water in
order to minimize contamination and corrosion.
5. Allow parts to dry in air or a convection oven set
at 60° C (190° F). IMPORTANT! DeepSea Power
& Light cannot be responsible for any damage
incurred during emergency field repairs. Such
repairs should be undertaken only as a last resort
and by qualified personnel.
Troubleshooting
1. If the camera stops working while underwater,
assume that it has flooded. See Flooding Repair
procedure.
2. Once determined that the camera is not flooded,
or if the camera does not turn on during pre-
deployment checks, troubleshoot in the following
sequence:
a. Check the cable/inline connector to make
sure that correct voltage and current are
being supplied, and that the pinout matches
the camera. See page 2 of this manual for
electrical specs and standard connector
pinouts.
b. Remove the endcap to access the bulkhead
connector. Inspect the assembly for visual
signs of wear. Use a multi-meter check for
continuity or shorts in the connector. Try a
spare connector, if available.
c. If the camera still does not work, return it
to DeepSea Power & Light using the RMA
Procedure.
cable into the monitor or VCR video-in jack (a
BNC-to-RCA adapter may be required by the
monitor/VCR in use).
4. Lubricate the camera bulkhead connector with
an appropriate silicone lubricant (spray type
recommended), and using a linear motion plug
the female inline connector into the male bulkhead
connector on the back of the camera.
5. Screw the locking sleeves together firmly (hand
tighten. Do not use tools).
6. The camera is now ready for operation; switch
the power supply ON to power the camera. The
camera draws approximately 160 mA of current
during operation, and will work when supplied
between 11~30 VDC.
Video Output
The Wide-i SeaCam does an exceptional job at giving
a high quality wide angle image even in very low light
conditions. This camera is capable of producing an
incredible 125° (H) x 89° (V) degree field of view under
water. Just like with any wide angle lens, users should
be aware of vignetting effect (black corners).
Figure 1
below shows a standard still image taken from the Wide-i
SeaCam clearly showing the vignetting effect on the four
corners of image.
Figure 1: Sample Image
DANGER
After each deployment, carefully check
to make sure the camera has not flooded. It
is possible for the camera to partially flood
and then reseal itself while underwater. Upon
surfacing, the camera can become internally
pressurized, which may be potentially dan-
gerous. Additionally, if the power remains
on when the camera has partially flooded, it
is possible for electrolytic generation of an
explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen
gases. If a camera appears flooded upon
removal from the water, it should be treated
as potentially dangerous. Point the camera
away from persons and valuable equipment
and make sure that the power is discon-