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Connectors
A cable termination assembly (CTA) is removed from the cable drum that was just released from the Remotely Operated Cable Laying System (ROCLS) during the ROV ROPOS dive 1599. The CTA, held in ROPOS's manipulator, provides a termination/connection between wetmate connectors and extension cables. An RSN wetmate hybrid connector (RS03W3-PA) is shown in the background, still attached to an extension cable that is figure 8'ed on the front horns of the cable drum.
Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
This 60-m extension cable will soon host a high-definition video camera to be deployed at the Mushroom hydrothermal vent (far left). White microbial mats along narrow fractures in the lobate lava flows mark areas where low-temperature diffuse hydrothermal fluids issue from the seafloor. The 7-function manipulator arms of the Canadian ROV ROPOS gently place the wet-mate connector holding plate on the seafloor. VISIONS '13 Leg 4
Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
Connectors and splices (Cable Termination Adapters, CTAs) are critical components in the extension cable assemblies because they provide terminations between cables, junction boxes, platforms and nodes. Several types of connectors are necessary for the Cabled Array system. Most of the cables are wet-mate connectors that allow coupling and uncoupling of cables with an ROV without having to bring infrastructure to the surface. This allows optimal use of ship and ROV time while at sea, and provides valuable testing capabilities. Connectors for each part of the Cabled Array have been carefully evaluated. In general, there are three major types of connectors: Wet-Mate Electrical Connectors, Wet-Mate Hybrid Connectors, and Dry-Mate Electrical Connectors.
