Rugged rotator unit with RS-485 / RS-232 computer control
to remotely orient camera systems, acoustic equipment, RF and
microwave antennas, and other instrumentation.
The unparalleled reliability of the R-10-FB RS-485 / RS-232 rotator
is due in part to its rugged construction. Housings and machined
components are made of corrosion resistant, hard-anodized aluminum.
All external hardware is made of stainless steel for deep water
or hazardous environment applications.
The R-10-FB RS-485 / RS-232 rotator provides 10 lb-ft (13.56
N-m) of output torque. Heavy-duty ball bearings supporting the
output shaft allow it to accommodate payloads up to 25 lbs (11.3
kg). The rotator includes a DC brushless stepper motor coupled
to low backlash harmonic gearing. It is designed to allow stalling
of the output shaft without damage to the gear, the motors, or
control electronics.
The RS-485 / RS-232 control enables the rotator to be highly
configurable and precision controllable. By using either the ROS
positioner GUI (graphical user interface) or the ROS communication
protocol for custom software integration you can control unique
features such as: variable rotation speed, real-time position
feedback, variable braking, programmable software limits, and
networkability of multiple ROS rotators sharing the same cable.
A total of only four wires (two for power; two for communication)
are needed to operate the RS-485 / RS-232 rotators.
Using RS-485 control provides several advantages over RS-232.
RS-485 allows communication over longer lengths of cable (1000
feet) and enables the ability for networking multiple nodes. A
typical computer has the capability of RS-232 communication through
its serial COM ports. Inexpensive devices are readily available
for converting RS-232 to RS-485, USB to RS-485, or Ethernet to
RS-485. This unit may also be controlled by an external joystick.
The R-10-FB RS-485 / RS-232 rotator is available in two versions:
air-filled or oil-filled. Air-filled rotator units are used for
shallow water applications up to 30 meters depth. Also, air-filled
rotator units are suitable for above water applications where
rain, humidity, and dust are issues. Oil-filled rotator units
are used for deep water applications up to 3,000 meters depth.
The R-10-FB RS-485 / RS-232 rotators complement all ROS underwater
lights and underwater video
cameras.
