BlueROV2 UScanner integration guide

This guide explains how to integrate the UScanner to the Blue ROV

UVision provides a BlueROV2 ROV cable that is specifically prepared for connecting to the BlueROV2.

At one end it has an 8 contact subconn connector which attaches to the UScanner. At the other end it has a 6.5 Blue Robotics’ WetLink Penetrator for connecting to the payload tube.

The cable terminates with a pair of spade terminals for connecting to the ROV power source and an JST which connects to the micro Ethernet switch in the payload tube.

Prerequisites

Tools: Wrench for the WetLink penetrator (usually 14mm), small flathead screwdriver (if the power bus uses screw terminals).

Hardware: BlueROV2 (with payload tube installed), UScanner, ROV cable and desktop cables provided by UVision, Micro Ethernet Switch (already installed in ROV).

Step 1: Connect the cable to the payload tube

Find an available port on the payload tube, feed through the spade and JST terminals and screw in the penetrator with a reasonable level of tightness. Tighten until the O-ring is slightly compressed, then an additional 1/8th turn. Do not over-torque

Step 2: Connect the spade terminals to the power supply

Find an available connector on the power bus and connect the red spade to the positive terminal and black to the negative as shown below. The UScanner can take 11-48V input which is adequate for the range provided by the BlueROV2 which is 12-16V depending on the charged state.

Step 3: Connect the JST connector to the micro Ethernet switch

Find an available port on the micro Ethernet switch and plug in the JST connector, as shown in the image below. If all ports on the Ethernet switch are full, a larger switch will be needed.

Step 4: Connect the UScanner directly to the operator computer

Use the desktop cable to connect the UScanner to the operator computer. The desktop cable is shown below. Connect the USB-C connector to the provided power source and the RJ45 to the operator computer.

Step 5: Set up UController

The UScanner is controlled using the UController application. Please follow the instructions here, to install and configure the UController and connect to the UScanner.

Be aware that the IP address will be different if the UScanner has been pre-configured by UVision. If the IP has not been preconfigured then the next step will be needed to change the IP address to be compatible with the BlueROV2.

Step 6: Configure IP address

The IP address can be configured in the UController under the Settings page (click on toothed wheel – bottom left).

The IP range for the BlueROV is 192.168.2.0/24, so an unused IP address in this range can be used. The BlueROV2 ecosystem uses specific IP addresses by default (e.g., 192.168.2.1 for the Companion/Navigator, 192.168.2.2 for the operator computer).

To communicate with the BlueROV2 system, the UScanner must be on the same subnet as the ROV (192.168.2.x).

Important: This step requires the UScanner to be connected directly to your computer via the Desktop Cable first. Do not attempt this through the BlueROV2 tether until the IP has been changed.

Open UController: Launch the application and ensure the UScanner is detected via the desktop cable.
Access Network Settings: Click the Settings (gear icon) in the bottom-left corner of the interface.
Enter New IP Credentials: Locate the Network configuration area and enter the following:
- IP Address: 192.168.2.22
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 (or “24” if using CIDR notation)
- Default Gateway: 192.168.2.1
Apply Changes: Click “Apply Network Changes.” The UScanner will save these settings and automatically reboot.
Update Host Computer: To reconnect to the scanner after the reboot, you must manually change your computer’s Ethernet adapter settings to a static IP in the same range (e.g., 192.168.2.2).

WARNING: Please double check and write down the configuration to be sure you can reach the UScanner after the change.

Also check that the .22 isn’t already assigned to another peripheral like a Ping Sonar or Water Linked DVL.

Step 7: Connect the UScanner to the BlueROV2

Now the UScanner can be connected to the BlueROV2. The UScanner should be reachable via the operator laptop/computer connected to the BlueROV2 tether.

One should now be able to see images from the UScanner in the UController interface.

Step 8: Mount UScanner on the ROV

UVision provides a mount that can be used with the BlueROV2 as well as a dedicated buoyancy aid to ensure the UScanner is neutrally buoyancy as shown in the following image.

Step 9: Vacuum Test After sealing the payload tube

Perform a vacuum test using the Blue Robotics vacuum pump to ensure the new penetrator installation is watertight before deploying in water.