Trident can be controlled with a modern Android phone or tablet running Android 5.1 or later using the OpenROV App (not available on IOS at this time). We also offer a dedicated controller we recommend.
The Trident Topside creates its own WiFi network to send video and control signals between Trident and your device. You only need internet access to update your software or upload your videos.
Trident will usually ship within 3 business days of the order being placed.
Duties and taxes are required for importing goods into most countries. Every country has its own set of rules, taxes, and duties. Before ordering you should be aware of the possible charges. There are a few online calculators that can help you estimate your total landed cost but they are not guaranteed to be accurate. We recommend this calculator to get an idea of the costs that you will incur. The harmonization code for Trident is 8525.80.5050. In some instances your country may prefer a different numbering scheme for the last four digits, so if you are having trouble with the first code, try 8525.80.0000.
For companies, commercial enterprises, and schools we can make arrangements for volume pricing. Please send an email to sales@sofarocean.com to let us know what you're thinking.
We don’t have an official policy regarding distribution or reselling yet, but we are gathering a list of interested companies to reach out to when the time is right. If you are interested in discussing an opportunity, please email sales@sofarocean.com to start the conversation.
If you suspect damage (or water inside), do not use or charge your Trident. Extra care is needed to store and transport potentially damaged lithium batteries. Place Trident safely in a cool, dry place away from combustible materials and contact support.
The camera films in both 1080p and 720p at 30 frames per second simultaneously in MP4 format. The 1080p stream records direction to Trident’s onboard memory. The 720p video streams to the tablet along with telemetry data for the pilot to see live. It is recorded locally on the tablet. Both can be toggled on and off independently in the settings to fit your needs and available storage.
Trident has 2 banks of 3 LEDs with both spot and flood focusing. The combination has an output of 360 true lumens at a warm 4000k. These are sufficient for many applications but for some applications, especially those in very clear water, external lighting can help. It's easy to use adhesive mounts or Trident’s hardpoints to attach commercially available scuba diving torches.
For an example of Trident using only its lights, check out our video from the Galapagos at night-time and 90 meters deep.
Trident has active stabilization. This works for adjusting pitch, yaw, and depth hold to compensate for external forces like current and tether drag. For position keeping there is no way for the Trident to know where it is at any given time in relation to an absolute position. Aerial drones take advantage of GPS, which does not penetrate water, for this ability.
The pilot’s screen has heading (compass degree), depth, temperature, and time, pitch angle, remaining battery, and remaining storage for video as well as a few other indicators (lights on / speed setting).
Power is stored internally in a set of Lithium batteries. These batteries are 95Wh so you can ship or travel with Trident without problems. They last 3 hours when you are running all the motors continuously and using the lights. They can last up longer (up to 6 hours or more) if you aren't driving very much and are just observing. The batteries are not removable. It takes about 3 hours to charge from 10% to 90%. The battery chemistry is designed for lots of cycles so you shouldn't lose any noticeable capacity for the lifetime of the vehicle. A 3 hour charge and 3 hour discharge means 2 Tridents can offer nearly continuous use if desired.
The motors and props can be replaced with simple tools and in the field. We can provide guidance and the necessary components if this is needed. Usually fouling, even when significant, does not damage the motors or props.
The Trident tether is far from delicate. It has a Kevlar reinforcement member that gives it a working strength of 175 lbs, so you can really pull on it hard if needed. It’s abrasion-resistant as well.
