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Frequently Asked Questions
Ask our experts
Meet our Training Specialists as they answer your questions about Deep Trekker robots, features and more!
About Deep Trekker
Deep Trekker was incorporated in 2010. Watch our 10 year video to .
Deep Trekker’s head office is located at 155 Washburn Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. The company also operates a U.S. office at 4914 Distribution Drive, Tampa, Florida, and Deep Trekker SPA in Puerto Montt, Chile, serving as the regional hub for South America.
In addition, Deep Trekker maintains a growing presence across Europe, including Italy, supported through dedicated regional sales and service partners, along with many reseller partners throughout the world.
Deep Trekker holds four issued patents and has additional patents pending.
Our patents include:
- The DTG3 pitch system, which allows the ROV’s outer body to rotate around its internal frame, providing 180 degrees vertically (90 degrees up, 90 degrees down) and then 360 degrees horizontally motion control using only two thrusters.
- The Utility Crawler magnetic wheel system, enabling the vehicle to adhere to and navigate along ferrous surfaces for tank and hull inspections.
- The REVOLUTION ROV rotating camera head, which provides a 260° range of motion for cameras, sonars, grabbers, and other tools, allowing precise orientation without repositioning the entire vehicle.
- The A-200 and A-150 active free wheel retrieval mode, which automatically disengages the drive to simplify remote retrieval of pipe crawlers.
Deep Trekker continues to develop new technologies for underwater and confined space robotics, with several additional designs currently under patent review.
We are proud to say our products are made in Canada! Each and every Deep Trekker robot is designed and built at our headquarters in Ontario, Canada by our team of skilled engineers and technologists. Every submersible undergoes a rigorous product delivery inspection and in-water pressure testing before we ship to our customers.
Each Deep Trekker robot includes a 12-month limited warranty covering parts, labor, and return freight for any repair performed by Deep Trekker. Select professional and industrial packages include an extended 24-month warranty for added coverage and peace of mind.
Our technical support team is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST, and Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, to assist with everything from operational questions to troubleshooting and repair guidance.
Comprehensive user manuals and video resources are available to help you operate and maintain your system confidently. If your vehicle requires service but you prefer not to ship it back, our support team can often diagnose issues remotely and ship replacement parts for field installation, guiding you through the process via phone or video call.
A tether is required for an ROV that enters a pipe or operates underwater, providing live video, sensor feedback, and control. These signals cannot be transmitted through the ground or water with current technology. Our tethers can be extended up to 300 m (1,000 ') with custom lengths up to 1 km+ available for specific models and applications. For missions requiring extended reach, the 1000 m DPK & Fiber System is a strong option for the Deep Trekker REVOLUTION ROV. This system features a 4.5 mm polyurethane-jacketed tether with a 300 lb break strength, fiber-optic communication for increased bandwidth, direct power to the ROV, and a powered winch for smooth tether deployment. These features allow longer missions with fewer interruptions while maintaining reliable control and data transmission.
Many of Deep Trekker's accessories are modular for our robotics. These options often can be shipped to you to be utilized with your vehicle after you have already purchased and taken possession of the vehicle. If an option cannot be shipped to you to be added, it can be added at our facility at no extra labour costs.
We have worked with many customers who have their own sensors, cameras, tools and technology that they wish to adapt for use on a Deep Trekker robot. We are more than happy to assist you in mounting it. If your customization has special requirements, contact us today to discuss the best options for getting it installed.
Deep Trekker ROVs are designed for easy maintenance with no ongoing service schedules. Many underwater vehicles require regular oiling, greasing, or gas refills to maintain watertight integrity. Deep Trekker systems use magnetically coupled thrusters and wheel drives, eliminating these requirements and reducing wear over time.
After saltwater dives, rinse the vehicle with fresh water and keep the batteries charged if it will be stored for more than 4–6 months. For heavily used connectors or ports, occasional greasing is recommended.
For additional recommendations, see our Recommended Regular Maintenance Guide.
About the ROVs
Deep Trekker ROVs record UHD 4K video and capture 8-megapixel still images directly to an SD card located in the handheld controller. The main camera features advanced optimization software including Automatic White Balance (AWB), a turbidity filter, and a low-light tuning mode for improved visibility in dark or murky conditions.
Video output supports 4K or 1080p resolution at 30 FPS, with H.265 encoding for high-resolution streams and H.264 encoding for low-resolution streams. The system records at up to 24 Mbps bitrate with 8-bit color depth and up to 20x digital zoom. A noise reduction filter can be adjusted to enhance light sensitivity and minimize blurring in low-light environments.
The handheld controller includes HDMI, Ethernet, and USB outputs to connect to larger monitors or computers. With BRIDGE software and hardware, operators can livestream footage through any internet-connected device using compatible broadcast software, or the BRIDGE Box for remote viewing and control.
The PHOTON ROV is depth rated to 120 m (400'). The DTG3 ROV is depth rated to 200 m (656'). The PIVOT and REVOLUTION ROVs are depth rated to 305 m (1,000'). Each system that we sell is tested to the depth that it is rated for in our pressure tanks.
It is die-cast aluminum anodized and powder coated for extreme durability in salt and fresh water. If you are diving in salt water, it’s always good to give it a fresh water rinse afterwards.
The PHOTON, PIVOT, and REVOLUTION use six vectored thrusters for full 3D maneuverability, allowing precise movement in any direction - including vertical motion. Unlike older spherical models such as the DTG3, these ROVs do not rely on a pitching system; instead, the vectored thrusters let the pilot move up, down, forward, backward, and laterally while maintaining stable positioning.
Our ROV systems offer multiple power options tailored to operational requirements, noting that runtime and performance depend on payload, environmental currents, and control gains:
1. Integrated Lithium-Ion Battery (Onboard)
Each ROV and controller is equipped with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, providing up to 6 hours of continuous operation. This onboard power source eliminates the need for tethered power, reducing drag and enhancing maneuverability. Battery replacement is straightforward, taking approximately 30 seconds, with a recharge time of 1.5 to 3 hours.
2. BRIDGE Console
The BRIDGE Console is a rugged, weatherproof control station featuring an 18.5" HD touchscreen, programmable buttons, and a built-in 100Wh battery. It supports 120–250 VAC input and offers connectivity options including 2x HDMI, 4x USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
3. Direct Power Kit (DPK)
For extended missions, the Direct Power Kit provides continuous operation by delivering power directly through the tether.
It features:
- Input Voltage: 110–220 VAC
- Maximum Power Output: 2 kW
- Tether Length Options: Up to 300 meters
- ROV Power Supply Bottle: 1600W output with 97% efficiency, supporting up to 62.5A continuous and 75A pulsed
4. Field-Swappable Battery Sets
For operations requiring extended runtime without access to charging facilities, additional sets of field-swappable lithium-ion batteries are available. These batteries can be quickly replaced by a single operator, ensuring minimal downtime and enabling a full day's work. These flexible power solutions ensure that our ROV system can meet the demands of various operational scenarios, from short inspections to extended missions.
The PHOTON, PIVOT, and REVOLUTION ROVs are equipped with UHD 4K cameras with advanced underwater optimizations. The DTG3 comes standard with a 1080p camera and can be upgraded to UHD 4K for higher-resolution imaging. Features of the 4K camera include automatic white balance (AWB) for colour correction, turbidity filtering, digital zoom, low-light optimization, automatic image dewarping, and automatic image enhancement. Continuous software updates through BRIDGE ensure the ROVs’ imaging performance improves over time, and advanced image processing algorithms provide clear, accurate underwater visuals for inspections and surveys.
The ROV cameras will see as well as a human eye underwater. If the water is extremely murky, you will need to rely on other means to navigate and perform the inspection. Sensors for heading and depth can tell you what direction you are moving through the water, which is helpful to get to a single target; however these sensors do not tell you your position. Dead Reckoning and Mission Planner software allow operators to estimate position and maintain course even without visual reference. ROV GPS systems can provide surface-referenced positioning when connected to a buoy or vessel-mounted receiver. Acoustic technology such as USBL Positioning can tell you where you are underwater but users will be unable to visualize what is underwater. The best tool for murky water operations are sonars. We highly recommend equipping a sonar to a ROV when operating in murky water, giving you a viable option for performing most inspection and survey tasks.
Click here to learn more about how sonars work >.
All Deep Trekker ROVs come with shadowless, dimmable LED floodlights. These lights are designed for high efficiency, minimizing battery impact during use. Additional lighting options are available for dark, enclosed environments or nighttime operations.
- DTG3: Comes standard with 1000 lumens, with optional 1000-4400 lumens add-ons.
- PHOTON: Main camera lights 2,400 lumens.
- PIVOT: Main camera lights 2,400 lumens; additional auxiliary floodlights 6,000 lumens; optional additional torch lights up to 10,000 lumens.
- REVOLUTION: Main camera lights 2,400 lumens; additional auxiliary floodlights 6,000 lumens; optional additional torch lights up to 10,000 lumens.
Yes. The ROV’s handheld controller has a 7” high-definition LCD for single-operator use, but it also includes an HDMI out port, as well as Ethernet, SD, and USB ports. This allows you to connect to larger monitors or other devices to share live video with a group. Additionally, video and photos are recorded to the SD card, which can be removed and viewed on other devices.
Deep Trekker ROVs are designed for easy maintenance. After saltwater use, give the vehicle a freshwater rinse and keep the batteries charged. With no dynamic seals or components requiring frequent replacement, upkeep is minimal. For heavily used connectors or ports, occasional greasing is recommended.
For more details, see our Recommended Regular Maintenance Guide.
This is a common question, however the answer isn’t as simple as just a number or a specification.
This depends on the application and the ROV model being used. Generally, operations can be divided into two categories:
- Transiting to a single target – where holding a precise path is less important.
- Conducting detailed inspections or surveys – where maintaining heading, position, and consistent coverage is critical.
When transiting to a single location, all Deep Trekker ROVs are capable of handling stronger currents since their exact path is not as important as reaching the target. Tools such as imaging sonar, USBL positioning, and heading/depth sensors can help maintain situational awareness during transit.
For structured inspections, performance depends on the vehicle’s thrust configuration and stabilization features:
PHOTON - Compact and lightweight, ideal for calm conditions, confined spaces, and tanks or shallow protected areas. Best operated in 1 knot currents for controlled navigation and image stability.
PIVOT - Equipped with six vectored thrusters for full lateral and vertical control, enabling efficient maneuvering in any direction. Capable of maintaining course and performing detailed inspections in up to 2 knot currents, depending on tether length and configuration.
REVOLUTION - Deep Trekker’s most powerful ROV, featuring larger vectored thrusters and a stable, balanced frame. The system can transit through currents up to 3 knots and perform comprehensive surveys, even under moderate flow conditions.
Tether drag also affects how well the ROV can fight current. The longer the tether deployed, the greater the drag on the vehicle. Deep Trekker’s 4.5mm diameter neutrally buoyant tether minimizes drag compared to thicker, topside-powered systems. For optimal control:
- PHOTON and PIVOT operate best with less than 300 m of tether deployed.
- REVOLUTION maintains reliable control with tether lengths of up to 800 m.
In summary, the ROV’s ability to handle current is influenced by both model selection and operational setup - including tether management, mission type, and environmental conditions.
The tether has a 150 kg (300lbs) break strength, so there is no problem lifting the ROV by the tether. You can lower and raise the ROV by the tether and retrieve objects with the grabber arm by pulling up on the tether.
Grabbing and lifting objects from underwater is a common application for Deep Trekker ROVs. The two-function grabber attachment features an open/close motion and a continuous bi-directional rotate motion, controlled via the ROV’s shoulder joysticks. Its self-locking design allows the claws to remain securely closed once an object is gripped, providing a locking force of 32 kg (70 lbs) to help secure items while maneuvering.
The maximum weight that an ROV can lift and swim with directly is relatively small. For larger or heavier objects, the grabber can be used to lock onto the item, and the object can then be retrieved by gently pulling the ROV and object using the tether. This method reduces strain on the ROV and preserves battery life. The density of the object affects its effective weight underwater; very heavy items may be retrievable below the surface but can strain the tether when brought to the surface.
For lifting heavier objects, Deep Trekker offers a Lift Kit – 5000 lbs, which allows operators to connect a recovery line and heavy-duty hook to a target for safe recovery. This tool is used in place of the grabber attachment for larger retrievals.
Each ROV model integrates a sensor package that includes:
- Depth: Monitors the vehicle's current depth.
- Heading: Indicates the direction of travel.
- Pitch and Roll: Assess the vehicle's orientation in the water.
- Water Temperature: Measures the surrounding water temperature.
- Camera Angle: Shows the tilt or orientation of the camera.
- Battery Levels: Displays remaining power.
- Turn Count: Tracks the number of rotations for navigation.
These sensors are complemented by a 9-axis IMU and pressure sensor, enabling precise control and stabilization.
Yes, as long as the accessory is within 40 grams of neutral buoyancy it will not affect the ability of the ROV to maneuver throughout the waters.
Deep Trekker offers a range of ROVs suited to different operational needs. The PHOTON and DTG3 are the most portable and lightweight options, designed for quick deployment in confined or shallow environments. The PIVOT provides more stability and versatility for general inspections, supporting a variety of add-ons. The REVOLUTION is built for higher current, deeper operations, or missions requiring multiple accessories simultaneously, offering enhanced stability, lateral movement, station holding, and greater thrust power. Each ROV is available in multiple packages to suit specific inspection or operational requirements.
Compare the packages here
Each Deep Trekker vehicle comes with a tether, with standard lengths varying by model. We can customize tether lengths to meet your specific requirements.
- ROVs: Standard tether lengths come in 100m, 150m, and 300m; custom lengths up to 1km+ available.
- Pipe Crawlers: 200m or 310m.
- Utility Crawlers: Customizable tether lengths from 75m to 400m.
Longer tethers may require larger reels. Contact us for a quote and guidance on the reel size required for your desired length.
We have taken our ROVs on planes as checked bags many times before! Our customers also regularly travel with our robotics on planes.
Always check with your airline's weight restriction policies before arriving at the airport, as some of our vehicle configurations may be over the weight limit (typically 26-36 kg). If this is the case, we see many customers split the weight between bags or cases.
Our robots also utilize lithium ion batteries, which have undergone rigorous testing procedures. We have the utmost confidence in our battery reliability and have documentation including test reports, UN38.3 MSDS forms and other forms that may be requested at the airport in order for the robots to fly.
About the Pipe Crawlers
The A-200 and A-150 are both portable, battery-operated pipe inspection crawlers designed for ease of use. Both models are steerable and rated for pipes up to 50 m (164') deep. The A-150 is optimized for smaller diameter pipes, while the A-200 is built for larger diameters.
The A-150 and A-200 crawlers offer multiple ways to record and present inspection data, from quick video captures to full NASSCO-compliant PACP reporting with GIS integration.
- PACP Software: Integrates with industry-standard PACP reporting tools.
- Pipe Trekker TUNNEL Software: Included with X packages on the rugged tablet controller, TUNNEL enables users to generate detailed reports, grade and score inspections live, and integrate directly with the handheld controller.
- GIS Mapping: Supports map and model generation for inspections.
- Quick Recording: Save directly to the SD card using the controller.
- Third-Party Integrations: Compatible with leading software like WinCan, SewerAI, and CTSpec for advanced analysis, cloud sharing, GIS mapping, and 3D model generation.
- AI-enabled: Supports AI tools for automated inspection analysis.
We offer multiple packages for the A-150 and A-200 crawlers to suit different inspection needs:
- A-150S: Includes a 7" LCD handheld controller, manual tether reel, rubber wheels, robotic elevating arm, and 512 Hz sonde. Ideal for straightforward inspections in 6"–24" (150–600 mm) pipes.
- A-150X: Adds a powered tether reel, touchscreen rugged tablet with CONTROL software license, reporting software access, and carbide wheels/wheel spacers. Designed for users who need full software integration and extended tether reach (310 m / 1000 ft).
- A-200S: Similar to the A-150S but sized for larger pipes (8"–38" / 200–900 mm), with optional rear camera and magnetic coupling. Includes manual tether reel and standard wheel kits.
- A-200X: Combines the features of the A-200S with a powered tether reel, touchscreen tablet with CONTROL software, reporting software access, carbide wheels/wheel spacers, rear camera, and magnetic coupling. Perfect for detailed inspections with full reporting and extended reach (310 m / 1000 ft).
All packages include a robotic elevating arm, 512 Hz sonde, and a depth rating of 50 m (164 ft). Compare the packages here
After a complete and thorough product delivery inspection, pressure test, drive test and submerged test, we pack each crawler into rugged Pelican cases and ship them via air freight in most cases. For single systems, there are no skids required as the cases are on wheels and weigh less than 100 lbs.
The A-150 can fit into pipes as small as 6" (150 mm) and center its camera in pipes up to 24" (600 mm) in diameter.
The A-200 is designed for larger pipes, fitting into lined or slightly deformed 8" (200 mm) pipes at minimum. With its modular robotic elevating arm, it can raise the camera to the center of pipes up to 38" (900 mm) in diameter.
There are different wheel options for different pipe scenarios. The standard rubber tires are best for general purpose use in concrete or iron pipes. Carbide tires provide more grip in clay or plastic (PVC) pipes. Tracks are best for larger diameter corrugated steel or other large diameter pipes with large amounts of debris like mud, sand, gravel, etc.
The A-150 provides up to 4 hours of runtime, while the A-200 can operate for up to 8 hours. For extended operations, using a second crawler body allows you to swap batteries and achieve up to 16 hours of continuous use.
About VAC Utility Crawlers
Both Utility Crawler packages are portable, battery-operated systems designed to simplify water storage tank cleaning. They share the same tether and handheld controller. The VAC package is smaller and more maneuverable, fitting through tighter manways. The MAX package is built for larger tanks and heavier debris, featuring larger tires for improved traction, higher speeds, and compatibility with wider vacuum head options.
Utility Crawlers use a vacuum head mounted on an actuator arm, allowing you to tilt, raise, and lower the head during operation. The head has intakes connected to a hose, with the other end attached to a submersible pump that provides suction. The vacuum head concentrates suction on the tank floor where sediment and sludge settle, while the crawler is maneuvered to move the head across the tank for thorough cleaning.
Flexible plastic hose is the most common hose type we see customers use, 1.5-2" in diameter. We can offer custom intake sizes for larger diameters upon request.
Most customers use a 2" dewatering pump. The required pump size and power depend on hose length and desired cleaning rate. Larger pumps clean faster but remove more water. Typical setups for the Utility Crawler use 50-100 ft of hose with a 500-1,000 L/min pump.
Cleaning area depends on factors such as tank layout and sediment accumulation. Customers estimate that one VAC Crawler can cover approximately 3,000–5,000 sq ft (280–465 m²) per day.
The VAC Utility Crawler can raise its vacuum head up to 2" off the surface, while the MAX can raise its vacuum head up to 3". Tanks with thicker sediment can still be cleaned, but some material may be disturbed rather than fully captured. The Utility Crawler is optimized for regular maintenance rather than heavily neglected tanks.
The Utility Crawler can be equipped with up to a 400 m (1,312') tether. In practice, having a hose and pump that long while maintaining sufficient suction is unlikely. Most cleaning jobs are within approximately 75 m (200'). Contact us with your project details, and we can help determine the best setup.
The Utility Crawler batteries provide up to 8 hours of runtime on a single charge. They fully recharge in 90 minutes and can reach 80% charge in 45 minutes.
The Utility Crawler is equipped with a camera to monitor cleaning progress, as well as a pan/tilt camera mounted above the crawler for a “bird’s eye view.” In smaller tanks, these cameras with LED floodlights may be sufficient to track cleaned areas. For larger tanks, many customers supplement with a PHOTON or DTG3 ROV, which can swim around the tank, illuminate, and capture footage to show which areas have been cleaned and which still need attention.
The tether has a breaking strength of 300 lbs. It can be used to lower and deploy the crawler as well as assist in the recovery once the cleaning is done.
About MAG
This value is difficult to calculate precisely, as the magnetic pull force on a steel surface depends on several variables - including steel thickness, surface condition, and proximity of the magnets to the metal. Coatings or marine growth can significantly reduce holding strength. In typical vessel hull conditions, the estimated holding force is approximately 300 lbs. On a hull with less than 4 inches of marine growth and minimal corrosion, the magnetic crawler is extremely difficult to remove manually and remains secure against any reasonable current experienced during vessel operation.
Yes. The MAG Crawler is depth rated to 50m (164'). It can also work above water. We do recommend that you take the necessary safety precautions when working with anything overhead, if for any reason the magnetic crawler did fall, we do not want anyone to be accidentally harmed.
The Magnetic (MAG) Crawler batteries provide 6–8 hours of runtime per charge and fully recharge in 90 minutes. The lithium-ion battery packs have an estimated 1,000 charge cycles. If the batteries reach the end of their life, they can be replaced individually - there’s no need to purchase a new crawler.
The MAG Crawler should be placed onto the steel surface with care to not place hands between the surface and the magnets. It is best to find a deployment where you have a flat surface to drive throughout the duration of the mission. If there are large obstacles, it is best to try and find an alternative deployment location. To retrieve the crawler, you can retrace your steps and drive the crawler back to you following your tether, or if you are stuck you can pull back by the tether. Once the crawler is safely within reaching distance, we provide a small plastic ramp with magnets to help separate the crawler from the surface.
It depends on the tank’s structure. Many water storage tanks have a single access point and limited direct access to the walls, which would require the MAG Crawler to “jump” onto perpendicular surfaces. Even when deployment is possible, obstacles may prevent full coverage. In most cases, we do not recommend using any magnetic crawler to clean the interior walls of a steel tank.
