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Oden Antarctic Expedition 08

WOW! I am super impressed. What a great job Eric and John have done! They used the steps of the scientific method and applied them to a real-life situation. I can't wait to see the next prototype.

Will the camera take pictures or video? What do the researchers hope to see with the camera? Are Eric and John going to make any additional modifications? Can Eric and John move to Virginia and help us finish making our ROV?

Please tell Eric and John - Way to go!

Tue, 10/14/2008 - 18:15

Jeff Peneston

Cameo!
Sorry it took me a few days to respond.
The sea ice team on the Oden wants to use the camera to look for gas pockets under the sea ice and the scientists who are capturing seals want to view the seals from underwater as they are released.
I have had this underwater video camera for 4 years and my students and I have used it to explore several local lakes from drifting boats and through the lake ice.  I have always connected it directly to a portable 13 inch TV with a VHS recorder.  Now I have to figure out how to connect it directly to a hand held video camera so that I can record what the underwater video camera sends to the little handheld screen.  Eric and John have done a great job with the first prototype and this week they are going to take it apart and attempt to create the final version.  They will get rid of all the duct tape and the smaller pipe.  The control strap will go through the center of the pole.  Since I will hand carry the whole thing to South America, the 3 meter pole will be cut into 6 pieces that are small enough to fit into the camera's carry case.  Threaded fittings will be added to the pole sections so that it can be reconnected once I am on the Oden. Because of baggage weight limits when we fly from McMurdo to Christchurch, I will probably leave the camera on board the Oden for the slow trip back to Sweden where it can be shipped back to me.
I am very excited for your trip to start.  Today my students started reading Robin's journals.  This is all really going to happen, isn't it?
 Take care,
Jeff

Wed, 10/15/2008 - 07:20

Jack-sparrow

wont the camra get frozen under water? will it get crushed by the wather? I cant believe it!:)

Wed, 10/15/2008 - 07:25

angeleyes496

well way to go eric and john
 

Thu, 10/16/2008 - 13:01

Jeff Peneston

Jack Sparrow!
 This underwater video camera was designed for use in the ocean and it is pretty tough.  The case and lens shield are made of PVC plastic.  I have used it many times before and I have dropped it through holes in lake ice here in Upstate NY.  Remember that although the air can get below zero, the liquid water cannot go below freezing or it would be part of the solid ice on top of the sea or lake.  My only concern regarding the camera freezing is if ice builds up on or inside the pole that we are using to push the camera through the ice hole.  Part of the pole will be above the water and exposed to much colder air.
Thanks for the question!
 Jeff