DEEP DRAGON Setup, Use, and Care Guide
Introducing DEEP DRAGON Copyright 2014, Gates Underwater Products, Inc. Last document revision: January 15th, 2014 Photos by Lee Peterson / Marine Camera Distributors and John Ellerbrock This manual and current revision is available in 8.5 x 11 size and full color at http://www.gateshousings.com/documentation.html Gates Underwater Products, Inc. 13685 Stowe Drive Poway, California 92064 USA Phone: Fax: Web: 800.875.1052 toll-free in the U.S. 858.391.0052 outside the U.S. 858.391.0053 GatesHousings.
Introducing DEEP DRAGON Table of Contents Setup, Use, and Care Guide .............................................. 1 1: Introducing DEEP DRAGON ............................................. 5 Features ............................................................................. 5 Warranty Disclaimer .......................................................... 5 Unpacking DEEP DRAGON .............................................. 6 2: Cautions...............................................................
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Introducing DEEP DRAGON Page 5 1: Introducing DEEP DRAGON Congratulations on owning a new Gates product: the DEEP DRAGON housing. You’ve selected a product that will provide years of value and reliable service. We designed DEEP DRAGON specifically for the RDC EPIC-DRAGON, EPIC-X, EPIC-M (‘Epic’ camera for short) and Scarlet digital cinema cameras. Please read through this entire guide to learn about DEEP DRAGON so you can get the most out of this imaging tool.
Introducing DEEP DRAGON Page 6 Unpacking DEEP DRAGON After you remove DEEP DRAGON from its shipping container, carefully inspect it for missing parts or damage that may have occurred during shipment. If you discover any discrepancies, contact Gates or your dealer immediately for assistance. Standard Parts DEEP DRAGON Housing Tool Kit with case Camera Mount Lens Gear Drives (2x upper and 1x lower) Various assembly and spare parts for DEEP DRAGON including bolts, set screws and o-rings.
Cautions Page 7 2: Cautions SEAL CHECK VACUUM must remain below 6 in Hg. More vacuum can inhibit the transfer of heat away from the housing. Keep the vacuum on DEEP DRAGON below 6 in Hg. Camera Fan. Set the Epic camera fan to ‘Adaptive’. SETTINGS SETUP SYSTEM FAN CONTROL. This setting allows the EPIC camera to maintain a calibrated sensor temperature for optimal image quality. Refer to page 74 in the DSMC Operations Guide (Revision F).
Cautions Page 8 LEMO CONNECTOR MATING. When mating LEMO connectors, ensure alignment of the red dots on the plug and receptacle before engagement. It is the user’s responsibility to verify alignment, proper connection, and connector integrity. Ensure alignment before engaging any LEMO connector. Also ensure the SYNC and CTRL connectors are mated properly to the SYNC and CTRL locations on the EPIC / Scarlet cameras. TRANSPORT. NEVER ship or transport your Epic cameras inside the DEEP DRAGON housing.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 9 3: DEEP DRAGON Setup DEEP DRAGON requires complete and thorough setup prior to use. DEEP DRAGON Housing Preparation Port. Remove the Port by rotating 90 degrees either direction. Gently pull the Port away from the Port Extender. TIP: Liberal lubrication of the Port o-ring allows easy rotation during installation/removal. Port Extender. Remove the Port Extender by removing 4 screws around the perimeter.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 10 Shell removal. Before releasing the 3 latches on the shell, retract the Zoom, Iris and Power control on the right side, and the Assignable control on the left (see the controls section for additional details). Release the latches by depressing the lock and pulling up on the latch. Once released the shell will slide to the rear on the foot rails until free. Step 3. Slide the shell back until free from the housing.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 11 Unwrap Connectors. Several connectors are bundled together for travel and protection. Remove the protective covering and separate the cables. Unbundle the connectors from the protective covering. Save the covering for later travel use.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 12 Camera Tray Removal. Lay the SYNC, CTRL, Power, and other connectors that may be optionally installed to the side, away from camera installation Loosen 3 thumbscrews and slide the camera mount to the rear and free of the housing. Camera Mount removed from DEEP DRAGON. Loosen three thumbscrews and slide the camera tray to the rear, and free of the housing.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 13 Epic Camera Preparation Camera Settings. Prior to preparing the camera for setup, check the following settings are made. Firmware version shown is 4.0.1. Note that other firmware releases may be different. GPIO. The SYNC and CTRL ports must be set for proper interface to DEEP EPIC.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 14 USER KEY / KEY ACTION. SETTINGS SETUP KEYS ADVANCED Set Key Source, User Key and Key Action as shown. Set Camera Setting here are shown PRE-RECORD If you plan to use the Pre-Record feature, note that this feature is a two step process. Pre-Record must first be mapped to a user key (e.g. User 1 or @ on the SSD module, or on the Redmote), and then initiated prior to activating Record (via housing Record Trigger or otherwise).
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 15 Fan. Set EPIC camera fan to ADAPTIVE for most efficient cooling. Settings are Set to ADAPTIVE Do not block any ventilation openings or obstruct cooling fan airflow The intake is in the front just below the lens, and the exhaust on the top of the camera. Camera Basics Strip down your EPIC to the camera body only. Remove all accessories, battery/drive and lens and other accessories. Remove all accessories and lenses from EPIC or Scarlet.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 16 Camera / Lens Installation Camera Mount Installation. The Camera Mount is secured to the EPIC camera by two mounting screws on the bottom. Locate the two screws to the mating 3/8-16 threaded holes on the camera. Thread by finger tight first, then finish with a coin or wide-bladed screwdriver. Tighten firmly. Secure EPIC to Camera Mount with two mounting screws. Tighten firmly. Plug in the power cable to the camera. Plug in the Power cable.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 17 Camera Tray as shown in the photo. Connect External LCD. Slide the assembly forward until 2 in / 5 cm from fully seating into the housing. This is a good point to connect the LCD cable on the front of the EPIC camera. See the subsequent sections on installing the RED 5.6 in or RED PRO 5 in external monitor shells to the housing. Slide the EPIC camera forward and plug in the LCD Connector. Top View of LCD Connector.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 18 Plug in the optional Submersible Mic, Hydrophone, or Comm input to Mic-1 or Mic-2 locations on the EPIC camera. Place the audio connections. AUDIO CONNECTIONS. Failure to connect the Audio connectors may interfere with the camera fan, and overheating will result. Fully insert and secure the camera. Slide the assembly forward until it stops firmly under the thumbscrews. If there is obstruction, inspect for the reason. A thumbscrew or cable are likely the obstruction.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 19 Slide the EPIC camera fully forward until it stops and the camera mount is visually aligned with the camera mounts. Secure the camera with three thumbscrews. Tighten firmly with the 3/16 ball drive or 3/16 stub length hex key tools. Tilt the housing forward and plug in the SYNC and CTRL Connections. The connectors are clearly marked. Plug in the optional HD-SDI connector if installed.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 20 Power Connector. Plug in the power connector on the side of the V-Lock battery mount as shown. Install a charged REDBRICK battery. The red LED just above the EPIC camera record button will verify power is available to the camera. At this time, the following batteries are reported by customers to fit in DEEP EPIC: ·IDX E10 · IDX E10S · IDX E9 · Hawkwood V90 Install the Power connector here, on the side of the VLock battery mount. Install a charged battery Mount lens.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Lens Gear Drives (LGD’s) General Notes. This section addresses the installation of three LGD’s – 2 x CCW (CounterClock Wise) and 1 x CW (Clock Wise). These designators are applied because two LGD’s point in a CCW direction and the other in a CW direction, The LGD’s are marked CCW and CW. Page 21 DEEP DRAGON includes three LGD’s – 2x CCW and 1x CW. You will install guide bars and drive shafts that match the lens of your choice.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 22 LGD’s mounting. Install the LGD’s in their proper orientation with pivot gear screws facing forward. Slide it onto the guide bar and drive shaft, then line up the LGD with the lens gear you wish it to access. The sequence of tightening screws on the LGD’s is important. Step 1. Tighten the LGD mount screw securing it to the guide bar. Critical: the drive shaft/gear hub must be centered with the opening on the bracket. Center the drive shaft/gear hub to the bracket.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 23 Set the focus/iris indicators. The left side Focus control and right side Iris control have focus and iris dials. These shipped in the parts kit. These may be aluminum and pre-marked for the lens, or white plastic for marking focus / iris indications yourself. Rotate the focus or iris knob to either end of the lens travel, then position the indicator ring to that setting aligned with the marker pin on the housing. Secure the ring with the two set screws in the knob to retain.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 24 REDMOTE Controller Installation The RDCC REDmote™ is installed in the rear shell of DEEP DRAGON. The following photos show the REDMOTE Controller as separated from the housing. This is for illustration purposes only – do not remove the entire REDMOTE Controller from the housing. Remove REDMOTE Cradle. The REDMOTE Cradle is secured only by magnets. Pull the cradle away from the REDMOTE Controller to separate.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 25 Mate REDMOTE Cradle to REDMOTE Controller. When the REDMOTE Cradle is near the REDMOTE Controller, the magnets will self align and guide the Cradle into position. It will ‘snap’ when seated. Be sure to position the Power control to the ‘LOCK’ position to clear the cradle when mating. Position the power control to the ‘LOCK’ position for mating. The REDMOTE Panel will mate to the Cradle when bought in proximity to each other.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 26 External Monitors Two monitor options are available for use with DEEP DRAGON: the RED 5.6 in and RED PRO 5 in. RED 5.6 in External Monitor Open the case. Remove the 4 screws that secure the back to the monitor shell. Remove 4 screws to open the LCD Monitor shell. Plug in the LCD cable, then insert the LCD into the shell. Lead with the edge closest to the wire first. Clean the window / LCD. If necessary, clean the inside of the window and blow out any foreign matter.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 27 Close the monitor shell. Mate the rear shell to the housing. Insert and tighten the 4 screws until snug. Tighten until there is no visible gap between shells. A good indicator is when the orange o-ring is no longer visible. Close the shell and secure with 4 screws. Tighten firmly, but do not overtighten. Plug in the external monitor to the camera.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Pass the cable through up to the mating collar. Page 28 Face the right angle LEMO connector to the rear, then tighten the collar until it stops.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 29 RED PRO 5 in External Monitor Open the case. Remove the 3 screws that secure the back to the monitor shell. Remove 3 screws to open the LCD Monitor shell. Insert the RED PRO monitor at an angle as shown, then plug in the LCD connector. Clean the window / LCD. If necessary, clean the inside of the window and blow out any foreign matter. Clean the LCD screen as well. Connector. Plug in the LCD connector. Be sure it is fully seated to the LCD. Install the LCD.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 30 Inspect the o-ring. As always, inspect the o-ring for foreign matter. Wipe your finger around the silicone o-ring to clear away any dirt, hair, etc. DO NOT LUBRICATE the silicone o-ring. Inspect the o-ring. Wipe clean with your finger to remove foreign material. DO NOT lubricate orange o-rings. The RED PRO 5 in monitor will seat into the front shell. Close the monitor shell. Mate the rear shell to the housing. Insert and tighten the 3 screws until snug.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 31 Audio Connections (Optional) All audio connections are controlled via one screen on the EPIC camera. The Submsersible Microphone, Hydrophone and Diver Comm will plug into Mic-1 or Mic-2 of the (depending on your configuration). Adjust the input levels as described in the EPIC manual.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 32 Video Connections (Optional) If you have the HD-SDI option installed, no special camera setup is required. You need only connect the HD-SDI surface feed cable to the bulkhead connector as shown in the photo.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 33 Water Alarm (Optional) If you have the optional water alarm installed there are three alarm conditions to know: Condition LED Siren New Battery (Insertion) Bright Intense blink while siren plays Ascending tones played 4 times Water Intrusion Bright Intense Blink Grating Warble sound. Alarm will sound for duration of detection. Low Battery Low Intensity fast blink Descending tones played 8 times pausing approx.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 34 Check Operation At this point check operation of the system before closing the shell and installing Ports. Power on the camera and check the following: Verify LCD image and operation of External Monitor switches. Verify Zoom Control (servo motor option only) Rotate the zoom control (if used on your lens of choice) and verify it operates the lens in both directions through the entire range of travel.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 35 Port and Port Extender Inspection. Before installing the Port Extender and Port, visually inspect the orings for dirt or other foreign matter that may compromise the seal. Do the same with the bulkhead face and Port bore where the o-rings seal. See the document “Housing Care and Maintenance Guide” for more details. Lubrication. Lubricate the Port o-ring with silicone grease. Also liberally lubricate the Port bore. This will greatly aid installation of the Port.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 36 Housing Closure General. The shell slides from the rear on the foot rails, over the camera and mates with the front bulkhead. If there is obstruction at any time during this process – stop! – remove the shell and locate the obstruction. Mount Trim Weights. Mount trim weights to the interior and exterior of the shell. Refer to the section below ‘Buoyancy Adjustment’ for more details. Retract controls. It is necessary to retract the Zoom, Iris and Power controls prior to mating.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 37 Latches. Once properly mated, secure the 3 latches. Visually inspect there are no gaps around the perimeter. Mate Controls. At this time all controls can be pushed in. The Zoom and Iris control must be rotated until it couples with the gear mechanism on the inside. When properly mated, there is no gap between the Zoom / Iris control knobs and the gland. Refer to photo.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 38 Seal Check Seal Check Manual. Follow the procedures in the Seal Check manual for verifying integrity of the housing and monitor. CAUTION. DO NOT draw more than 6 in Hg vacuum on DEEP DRAGON. More vacuum can inhibit the transfer of heat away from the housing. NOTE. Pulling a vacuum on DEEP DRAGON will take several minutes or more. Further, the vacuum indication will take several minutes to ‘settle’ due to the size of DEEP DRAGON. Seal Check both Housing and RED PRO Monitor.
DEEP DRAGON Setup Page 39 NOTE. The nature of the ‘pass through’ monitor cable means a vacuum is drawn on the monitor shell at the same time as the DEEP DRAGON housing. After verifying Seal Check integrity on DEEP DRAGON, the external monitor is now under vacuum and cannot be opened independently. NOTE. Inspect the monitor cable regularly. While it is a durable marine grade cable, care must be exercised to avoid cuts or abrasions that could compromise the cable, and thus the housing seal.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 40 4: DEEP DRAGON Operation Right Side Controls Zoom – Mechanical (optional). If you have a mechanical zoom control installed, simply rotate the control either direction. Zoom – Servo (optional). The Servo Zoom Control operates by rotation CW for zooming in one direction, and CCW for zooming in the opposite direction. Record / Standby. The Rec/Stdby control is black and operates with a momentary counterclockwise rotation. Power.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 41 Left Side Controls Focus. The Focus control operates with a CW or CCW motion to adjust lens focus. Assign Control. A movement up or down of the Assign control trigger will activate the camera assignable buttons 1 or 2.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 42 Rear Controls REDMOTE Controller. The REDMOTE Controller operates all functions on the RDCC REDmote™. The pushbuttons operate the corresponding buttons on the face of the REDmote™. The Power control is green and rotates 90 degrees. Move the control from the ‘Lock’ position to the ‘On’ position momentarily to activate power. Return the control to the ‘Lock’ position. Below the Power control is the Dial control.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 43 Monitor Controls The RED 5.6 in External Monitor and the RED PRO 5 in External Monitor both have 4 slide switches that activate the corresponding buttons on the top of the LCD. To activate the buttons on the RED 5.6 in External Monitor, slide the switches toward the shade, then release. The switch will retract by itself. On the RED PRO 5 in Monitor, direct depression of the buttons will activate the corresponding buttons on the side of the RED PRO monitor.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 44 Buoyancy Adjustment DEEP DRAGON features adjustable buoyancy and trim. 4, 8 11 and 16 oz trim weights can be secured to the housing – both inside and out – to adjust the housing precisely to your liking. Five general locations are available to add/remove and adjust trim weights. Internal – shell walls. The interior sides of the shell have a lock strip for securing weights. You can secure up to four 8oz weight to each side (for a total of 8).
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 45 Internal – Camera Mount. Trim weights can be installed on the battery plate as shown in the photo. Trim weight secured to the battery mount. Use the adhesive locking material in your spare kit to mount the weight here. Shell Base. The base of the main shell has two accessory rails for securing 16 oz weights. Two of these can be secured and adjusted forward and aft for trim. 4 and 8 oz weights can also be secured here as needed.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 46 Top accessory rails. The top of the shell has three rails (used for handles and monitor) that can accommodate 4 and 8oz weights. Trim weights can be mounted on the top accessory rails. Port Extender. The top and sides of the Port Extenders can also accept 4 and 8oz weights. Trim weights can be mounted on the Port Extender.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 47 Adjustable Handles DEEP DRAGON includes adjustable handle grips. They slide forward and back on the top rails for positioning exactly as you desire. Loosen the thumbscrew to slide back and forth, then tighten to secure. If necessary you can use the 3/16 ball drive to tighten more firmly. Handle Grips can be adjusted forward and aft. Note: DEEP RED shown.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 48 Port Options At this publication a Dome and Flat Port options are available for DEEP DRAGON: When choosing a Port consider the following tradeoffs and limitations. Dome Port Optical material: Optical-grade Acrylic or anti-reflective coated glass. Purpose: Wide to super wide imaging. Advantages: Retains FOV. Corrects for field of view distortions inherent in Flat Ports. Wide FOV capable. Up to 180 degree fisheye are possible depending on the camera lens capability.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 49 Tripod Mount (Optional) An optional Tripod Mount (for use with third party tripods) can be secured the base of the shell. The Tripod Mount has additional ¼-20 threaded holes for mounting other items as you need.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 50 Tripod Legs (Optional) Tripod Legs are optionally available to mount directly to the DEEP DRAGON housing. Rear Tripod Leg is installed as shown in the photo with two ¼-20 bolts. Front Tripod Leg is secured to the front foot as shown. First install the ball mount and secure very tightly with a wrench to prevent accidental unthreading. Then attach the Tripod Leg and clamp.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 51 Accessory Mount Locations DEEP DRAGON has provisions for attaching accessories or mounting the housing to a crane or jib. Both locations are on the Front Shell, and both have the same patter of 832 UNF holes. Top Accessory Mount location.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 52 Lighting Systems DEEP DRAGON has provisions to utilize a variety of lighting systems. Ball mounts for the light arms may be located in several locations on DEEP DRAGON: a) threaded into the top of the Handle Grips: on the Foot Rails; or onto accessory mounts that slide onto the same dovetail slots as the handle grips.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 53 Using the Optitek ProLock Nikon Mount The Optitek ProLock Mount allows the use of Nikon DSLR lenses on the EPIC camera. An optional adapter gear from Gates is necessary for use with DEEP DRAGON. Gates Gear Adapter for Optitek ProLock Mount Step 1: Position and hold the Gear Adapter here.... Step 2: Roll the Gear Adapter over the red Optitek gear teeth so they mate intimately. Check for Gear Teeth Clearance to DRAGON fan shroud. Refer to the image on the next page.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 54 Verify Operation. Install a Lens Gear Drive to mate with the Gear Adapter as shown in the image below. Verify smooth operation with no interferences. The Optitek ProLock is shown in rotated to the counterclockwise stop, and the lens lock ring in the unlocked position. Relocate the Locking tab as shown, which is midway between the locked and unlocked position. Position the locking thumbscrew here.
DEEP DRAGON Operation Page 55 Travel / Transport DEEP DRAGON requires several preparations for travel. No Camera. DO NOT transport your EPIC camera inside the housing. Severe damage may result. No Trim Weights. DO NOT transport DEEP DRAGON with trim weights installed. Severe damage may result. Secure Camera Mount. The Camera Mount must be well secured. Use the tools provided to tighten three thumbscrews firmly. Secure thumbscrews.
DEEP DRAGON Maintenance Page 56 5: DEEP DRAGON Maintenance Housing Care and Maintenance Proper care of your Gates housing is important to provide you reliable operation and long life. You’ll find all the guidelines in the “Housing Care and Maintenance” document included with your Gates housing. You can also find it on Gates web site at www.GatesHousings.com. In addition to the guidelines in the Care & Maintenance guide is one additional maintenance item specific to DEEP DRAGON. Focus control.
DEEP DRAGON Maintenance Page 57 O-Ring Care and Maintenance Your Gates housing has 3 serviceable o-rings: Housing Main Seal (ORANGE ); Port (YELLOW); and Port Ring (YELLOW). Servicing the o-rings is easy and covered in the “Housing Care and Maintenance” document in this package. It can also be found on the Gates website at www.gateshousings.com. CAUTION: Do not lubricate the large ORANGE o-ring! It is a special silicone oring and can be damaged by petroleum-based lubricants.
Customer Support Page 58 6: Customer Support Should you have any questions about DEEP DRAGON and its operation, please contact Gates at the numbers below. Email: Customer.srvc@GatesHousings.com Web: www.GatesHousings.com Phone: 858.391.0052 Fax: 858.391.
