Courtesy of Deep Trekker: 3D Model of the DTG2
DEEP TREKKER DTG2 ‘WORKER’ REVIEW
I have to say, when my new DTG2 arrived, I was just as impressed with the improvements as I was with the original. Deep Trekker had obviously paid attention to customer feedback as many of the issues I encountered in the past were addressed with this updated ROV.
SETUP AND PORTABILITY The DTG2 is entirely battery powered, and after using other ROVs that required me to lug a 50 pound generator to the launch site, I have to say I am a convert; battery powered mini ROVs are the future, plain and simple. Ease of transport and speed of set up have to be two of the DTG2's biggest advantages. Everything comes in a single, watertight-style case. Open the case and pull out the components, connect the hand controller, power it up, put the ROV in the water, and you're ready to operate. With the slip-ring tether reel, it is easily a one-person set up and operation. Although I never timed it, I doubt it takes more than 5 minutes. Deep Trekker claims the DTG2 has 6 to 8 hours of normal operating time after a full charge, and although I've never operated my DTG2 until the batteries were flat, I have frequently operated it continuously for 3 to 4 hours. Based on how long the batteries took to recharge, it didn't appear that I had used more than 50% of the batteries' power, so I'm guessing their estimate is pretty accurate.
Courtesy of Paul Unterweiser: The DTG2 with the Grabber
Courtesy of Paul Unterweiser: DTG2 Thrusters
CONTROL AND MANEUVERING I operated the DTG2 in waters that are typical for the area I work in, San Diego Bay, California. Visibility was poor, less than a meter, and there was a slight current (less than 1 knot) due to an outgoing tide. Operating an ROV in nearly zero visibility is a challenge, and I wanted to see just how well the DTG2 could handle it. This model DTG2 includes an On Screen Display (OSD). The OSD displays all the pertinent information you'd expect of a ROV of this class, and – with the exception of the battery levels – are entirely numeric. In a few cases, such as pitch, roll, and camera angle, a little more information on
30 | ROVplanet
Courtesy of Paul Unterweiser: DTG2