Laying foundation for subsea fiber-optics

Alameda, Calif.— Installing and maintaining fiber-optic cable 10,000 ft down on the ocean floor requires highly specialized equipment, such as Sonsub Inc.’s (Houston, Tex.) Sedna, a free-flying, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for cable maintenance and burial. Tethered to a surface vessel, Sedna serves as both eyes and guide on the seabed. The ROV’s pilot directs Sedna; operates high-pressure trenching swords for burials; and runs a high-pressure “fire hose” for deburial.

To work accurately, Sedna is equipped with seven cameras, and uses several RGB Spectrum products to solve information display and recording problems. For example, to display critical data, Sedna uses RGB’s SuperView video processor, which combines video signals with computer-generated inputs, including sonar signals, a graphic of the ROV control system, a cable tracker showing location, and GPS/Acoustic positioning data.

For more information, Circle 349 or visit www.rgb.com or www.controleng.com/freeinfo .

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