Blue Robotics BlueROV2 Configurable

Base BlueROV2 Configuration

Two options of tube material are available for BlueROV2 base package. The material of the tube determines the depth rating of the BlueROV2. The acrylic option is depth rated to 100 meters and the aluminum option is depth rated to 300 meters.

Heavy Configuration Add-on for the BlueROV2

The Heavy Configuration Retrofit Kit enables 6 degree-of-freedom control and active pitch and roll stabilization, increasing the manoeuvrability and stability of your BlueROV2. This adds two more vertical T200 thrusters and moves all vertical thrusters to the outside of the ROV frame. Additional buoyancy foam blocks and fairings are are also included to retain the right amount of buoyancy.

The kit doubles the thrust in the vertical direction, especially useful for use grabbing objects with the Newton Subsea Gripper. The BlueROV2 Heavy Configuration Retrofit Kit is recommended when accessories like sonars or manipulators are installed.

Tether

A tether is a required component to connect the vehicle to a surface computer. The standard 4-twisted pair tether is the default tether for the BlueROV2 because it has the longest communications distance and the greatest flexibility for future accessories. With the utilization of the included Fathom-X Tether Interface Board, data carrying telemetry and video is transmitted using only one twisted pair of wires. The remaining twisted pairs are available for expansion. The standard 4-twisted pair tether is available in lengths of 25 to 300 meters.

A slim single pair tether is available, offering less drag in currents but has some specific limitations in use, please call us to discuss this option if required.

Lights

Options are:

• No Lights;
• 2 Lights (1 Pair); or
• 4 Lights (2 Pairs).

We normally recommend the 2-light option for most BlueROV2 applications, which is suitable for most applications. When operating in good lighting conditions and shallow water, no lights may be necessary.

When operating at night or in low-light conditions, the 4-light option may be better suited. If you’re not sure, you can always add a set of lights later.

Both light options have full control over brightness settings from the topside during operations and may therefore be adjusted to suit conditions.

Tether Spool

The Fathom Spool simplifies the storage and operational management of the tether during ROV deployment and significantly decreases the amount of work the operator must do. We recommend the Tether Spool for tethers longer than 50 meters with the BlueROV2.

There are two sizes of tether reel available, standard and large. The standard size spool can hold up to 150 meters of the 4-twisted pair tether. Use the large size tether spool for 4-twisted pair tethers longer than 150 meters.

Gripper

The Newton Subsea Gripper (manipulator) is a useful tool for picking up small objects, attaching recovery lines, or freeing a snagged tether. Installing the BlueROV2 Heavy Configuration Retrofit Kit in addition to the Newton Subsea Gripper allows for the BlueROV2 to pitch forward and hold its angle while maneuvering to pick up objects on the sea floor.

Ping360 Scanning Imaging Sonar

When operating in limited visibility, it is recommended to install the Ping360 imaging sonar.

The Ping360 Scanning Imaging Sonar is known as a mechanically scanning sonar. Scanning sonars are useful tools for navigation, and acoustically imaging targets in a top-down 2-dimensional representation.

Batteries and Charger for the BlueROV2

An onboard battery is the default method for powering the BlueROV2 because it provides a safer and very portable system that does not require a generator or a wall outlet. High-capacity batteries are now affordable and have a high discharge capacity allowing for quick bursts of speed if needed.

The Blue Robotics Lithium-ion Battery (14.8V, 15.6Ah) is a high amp-hour capacity battery for the long runtimes. Note – This high capacity means that it’s prohibited from taking onto airplanes, so keep that in mind if you plan to fly with your BlueROV2.

The especially high capacity of our batteries means that they are subject to more stringent shipping regulations than our other products and can only be shipped by surface means and we a limited to shipment to UK mainland only.

In addition to a battery, you will also need a battery charger such as our H6 Pro Lithium Battery Charger.

Important Information

The BlueROV2 comes partially assembled and requires 6-8 hours of user assembly to complete. During the assembly process, you learn how all of the components of the system work and fit together and it leaves you with the knowledge needed to make upgrades and improvements in the future. We recommend that our customers do this themselves, it does provide an advanced understanding of the system and a better user experience. A full user guide to this process is available on the Blue Robotics BlueROV2 build guide page.