This is a thread to discuss hypothetical camera systems for use in the Vortex Springs cave system to search for additional information regarding a missing diver. Threads about the missing diver are in A&I, while some information about Vortex is in the Cave Diving area. In an effort to keep the speculation and hypotheticals in their appropriate pidgeon holes, this thread has been created.
Rough Statement of the Problem
1) Underwater environment
2) Flowing water (desire to go "upstream" against the flow)
3) No natural lighting (Cave)
4) [-]120[/-] 160 FFW (this needs to be corrected - I think this is close, but I'm going by memory)
5) numerous tight passages (difficult for human access)
Potential Solutions
1) Power
a)Tether
b) Battery
c) other? (generate from flowing water?)
2) Data
a) record (tape, solid-state, ...)
b) Transmit via cable/tether
c) Other?
3) Lights
a) supplied by power source in #1 above
b) alternate power source?
4)Propultion
a) self-propelled
b) diver propelled
c) other?
One Concept -
Tethered system. Diver Deployed. Divers carry a reel with the tether, and advance it through the cave system. This laying of the tether is similar to laying a line in a cave, and should use familiar skills. This eliminates tether drag and snag. Power for lights and camera is in the tether, along with data transmission to bring video to surface. The camera/lights can be attached to a pole for manual deployment into tight restrictions. The system can be advanced by teams, since it can remain in the cave system indefinately. (Bulb life may be an issue, and perhaps lighting power is switched off from the surface until desired to extend bulb life).
Other concepts and their pros and cons are desired - that's the point of the tread. Feedback from cave divers is particularly desired.
Thanks!
Rough Statement of the Problem
1) Underwater environment
2) Flowing water (desire to go "upstream" against the flow)
3) No natural lighting (Cave)
4) [-]120[/-] 160 FFW (this needs to be corrected - I think this is close, but I'm going by memory)
5) numerous tight passages (difficult for human access)
Potential Solutions
1) Power
a)Tether
b) Battery
c) other? (generate from flowing water?)
2) Data
a) record (tape, solid-state, ...)
b) Transmit via cable/tether
c) Other?
3) Lights
a) supplied by power source in #1 above
b) alternate power source?
4)Propultion
a) self-propelled
b) diver propelled
c) other?
One Concept -
Tethered system. Diver Deployed. Divers carry a reel with the tether, and advance it through the cave system. This laying of the tether is similar to laying a line in a cave, and should use familiar skills. This eliminates tether drag and snag. Power for lights and camera is in the tether, along with data transmission to bring video to surface. The camera/lights can be attached to a pole for manual deployment into tight restrictions. The system can be advanced by teams, since it can remain in the cave system indefinately. (Bulb life may be an issue, and perhaps lighting power is switched off from the surface until desired to extend bulb life).
Other concepts and their pros and cons are desired - that's the point of the tread. Feedback from cave divers is particularly desired.
Thanks!
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