We view fishing gear and fish behavior in real time using a winch with a 16-conductor armored cable and low-light cameras and other instruments. We currently build an "octopus" at the lower end of our system that consists of a 16 pin wet-pluggable Subconn connector and pigtail joined to 2, 3, 4, or 5 pin wet-pluggable connectors with pigtails using 3-M splice kits. These "octopuses" are somewhat unreliable and cannot be repaired.
I am interested in learning more about junction boxes or enclosures that are rated to depths of about 200 meters. We envision something we can drill into and attach bulkhead connectors, or watertight connectors for pigtails, and that we can re-open to repair or to modify the wiring for a change in mission.
Less expensive or do-it-yourself options are preferable!
(We do not have access to a pressure testing vessel.)
Mike we have had some good experiences working with Electromechanica Inc. in Mattapoisett. They have a 3D printer and fabrication shop, and have built customized enclosures for the video trawl survey. Our contact over there is Adam Robert, might be worth a shot getting in touch with him.
I recon you have filled the junction with silicon gel, which worked for our ROW cable.
That's an interesting idea, Thomas. We have previously used resins which cannot be removed. But perhaps a closure doesn't need to be watertight if we fill it with silicon gel, which perhaps could be removed, so that splices could be changed or repaired?
- Badges
- Science method
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Ecology