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PF4K Underwater Housing

Setup, Use, and Care Guide

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Summary of Contents for Gates Underwater Products PF4K

  • Page 1: Setup, Use, And Care Guide

    PF4K Underwater Housing Setup, Use, and Care Guide...
  • Page 2 Page 2 Copyright 2014, Gates Underwater Products, Inc. Last document revision: 9-15-2014 Photos by John Ellerbrock / Gates Underwater Products This manual and current revision is available in 8.5 x 11 size and full color at http://www.gateshousings.com/documentation.html Gates Underwater Products, Inc.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Cautions Page 3 Table of Contents Setup, Use, and Care Guide ..........1  Introducing the PF4K Underwater Housing ....... 4  Features ................4  Warranty Disclaimer ............4  Unpacking PF4K ..............5  1:  Cautions ................6  2:  PF4K Setup ............... 7 ...
  • Page 4: Introducing The Pf4K Underwater Housing

    PF4K specifically for the Vision Research Phantom Flex4K camera. Please read through this entire guide to learn about the PF4K so you can get the most out of this imaging tool. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the features of the PF4K so you can get started.
  • Page 5: Unpacking Pf4K

    Page 5 Unpacking PF4K After you remove the PF4K from its shipping container, carefully inspect it for missing parts or damage that may have occurred during shipment. If you discover any discrepancies, contact Gates or your dealer immediately for assistance.
  • Page 6: 1: Cautions

    PF4K. It is the user’s responsibility to read, understand and employ these procedures. Failure to do so can result in poor or non-operation of the PF4K and may void your warranty.
  • Page 7: 2: Pf4K Setup

    PF4K Setup Page 7 2: PF4K Setup PF4K Housing Preparation Port. Remove the Port by rotating 90 degrees while facing the front of the housing. Gently pull the Port away from the Port Extender.  TIP: Liberal lubrication of the Port o-ring allows easy rotation during installation/removal.
  • Page 8 PF4K Setup Page 8 Port Extender. Remove 4 screws, then the Port Extender. Remove 4 screws and washers, then the Port Extender. Rear Shell removal. Release four (4) latches by depressing the lock and pulling up on the latch. Once released the rear shell will remove freely.
  • Page 9 PF4K Setup Page 9 Camera Bridgeplate Removal. Rotate the lever lock to the unlock position. Slide the camera mount to the rear and free of the housing. Rotate the lever lock to the unlock position. Slide the camera mount to the rear and free of...
  • Page 10: Flex4K Camera Preparation

    PF4K Setup Page 10 Flex4K Camera Preparation Camera Basics Strip down the Flex4K camera to the bare camera body. Remove the following items: Tape measure hook Top Hand Grip Unit Any additional mounts or brackets Camera Lens Remove the tape measure hook.
  • Page 11: Camera Installation

    PF4K Setup Page 11 Camera Installation Camera Bridgeplate Installation. The Flex4K camera is mounted first to a Bridgeplate Adapter with two screws, then to the Bridgeplate with two thumbscrews, as shown. Interior Trim Weights-- Required. Mount three 11oz weights to the interior of the back shell as shown below.
  • Page 12 PF4K Setup Page 12 Pull out controls on left side of Front Shell. Housing controls on the front shell must be retracted for camera clearance during insertion. Power, Menu and Record/Back controls will retract. Refer to Section 3 Operation for more details on the housing controls.
  • Page 13 PF4K Setup Page 13 The Bridgeplate will slide onto the dovetail here. Slide carefully. Stop if you encounter obstructions. Rotate the lever lock to the lock position to secure camera.
  • Page 14: Lens Gear Drives (Lgd's)

    PF4K Setup Page 14 Lens Gear Drives (LGD’s) The PF4K includes three LGD’s – 2x CCW and 1x CW. General Notes. This section addresses the installation of three LGD’s – 2 x CCW (Counter Clock Wise) and 1 x CW (Clock Wise). These designators are applied because two LGD’s point in a CCW direction and...
  • Page 15 PF4K Setup Page 15 The sequence of tightening screws on the LGD’s is important. Step 1. Tighten the LGD mount screw securing it to the guide bar. Critical: the drive shaft/gear hub must be centered with the opening on the bracket.
  • Page 16 PF4K Setup Page 16 Secure the ring with the two set screws in the knob as shown. Verify Operation. Once positioned and secured check operation of the Focus, Iris and Zoom controls. They should rotate freely – but with slight resistance – in both directions and through the entire range of travel.
  • Page 17: Water Alarm (Optional)

    PF4K Setup Page 17 Water Alarm (Optional) If you have the optional water alarm installed there are three alarm conditions to know: Condition Siren New Battery Bright Intense blink Ascending tones played 4 times (Insertion) while siren plays Water Intrusion Bright Intense Blink Grating Warble sound.
  • Page 18: Check Operation

    PF4K Setup Page 18 Check Operation At this point check operation of the system before closing the shell and installing the Front Bulkhead, Port Extenders and Ports. Power on the camera and check the following: Clear Image on TVL55 External Monitor.
  • Page 19: Front Shell, Port And Port Extender

    PF4K Setup Page 19 Front Shell, Port and Port Extender Inspection. Before installing the Front Shell, Port Extender and Port, visually inspect the o-rings for dirt or other foreign matter that may compromise the seals. Do the same with the Front Shell face (where the Front Shell mates) and Port bore where the o-rings seal.
  • Page 20 PF4K Setup Page 20 Lubrication. Lubricate the yellow Port o-ring with silicone grease. Also liberally lubricate the Port bore. This will greatly aid installation of the Port.  TIP: Liberal lubrication of the Port and Port Ring o-ring allows easy rotation during installation/removal.
  • Page 21: Monitor Mount / Video Connections

    PF4K Setup Page 21 Monitor Mount / Video Connections Mount the TVL55 monitor . Secure the monitor to the top of the main shell, as shown and tighten the thumbscrews to secure. Slide the TVL55 onto the housing dovetail and...
  • Page 22 Tighten the brass collar until snug. Connect to the camera. An HDMI adapter cable is supplied with your PF4K kit to make the final connection to the camera from the TVL55 monitor cable. Connect the TVL55 to the monitor out.
  • Page 23: Housing Closure

    PF4K Setup Page 23 Housing Closure General. The Rear Shell slides from the rear onto the foot rails, over the camera and mates with the Mid Shell. If there is obstruction at any time during this process – stop! – remove the shell and locate the obstruction.
  • Page 24 PF4K Setup Page 24 Latches. Once properly mated, secure the 4 latches. Visually inspect there are no gaps around the perimeter.  CAUTION. Faulty Latches can lead to a wet camera! Replacements for faulty latches are available at no charge from Gates.
  • Page 25: Adjustable Handle Grips

    PF4K Setup Page 25 Adjustable Handle Grips The PF4K housing has adjustable handle grips. These are assembled to the housing from the rear and set with the thumbscrew. If necessary, tighten with the supplied 3/16 hex tool. Slide the Handle Grips onto the top dovetails from the rear.
  • Page 26: Seal Check

    PF4K Setup Page 26 Seal Check Seal Check Manual. Follow the procedures in the Seal Check manual for verifying integrity of the housing.  CAUTION. ENSURE THE FITTING PLUG IS INSTALLED PRIOR TO SUBMERSION! FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN A FLOOD.
  • Page 27: 3: Pf4K Operation

    PF4K Operation Page 27 3: PF4K Operation Right Side Controls Focus/Iris/Zoom Screen Controls Power Record/ Back Menu Roller Focus/Iris/Zoom...
  • Page 28: Left Side Controls

    PF4K Operation Page 28 Left Side Controls Focus/Iris/Zoom Record Assign 1, 2...
  • Page 29: Buoyancy Adjustment

    PF4K Operation Page 29 Buoyancy Adjustment The PF4K features adjustable buoyancy and trim. 4, 8 11 and 16 oz trim weights can be secured to the housing – both inside and out – to adjust the housing precisely to your liking.
  • Page 30 PF4K Operation Page 30 Top accessory rails. The top of the shell has three rails (used for handles and monitor) that can accommodate 4 and 8oz weights. Port Extender. The top and sides of the Port Extenders can also accept 4 and 8oz weights.
  • Page 31: Accessories

    Carry Handle (included) A carry handle is included in your PF4K kit. It can go on any of the top rails for a convenient way to move your housing. If you plan to place it on the center top rail, it must go on prior to installing the Front Bulkhead.
  • Page 32 PF4K Operation Page 32 Tripod Legs (optional) Gates Tripod Legs are three extensible legs mounted to the housing for stabilizing your shots. They pivot in all directions, and allow collapsing close to the housing when not in use. The front Tripod...
  • Page 33 PF4K Operation Page 33 Light Bar (optional) The Light Bar is a convenient method to mount lights forward and to the outside edges of the housing. It accepts a wide variety of Ultralight Controls Systems ball mounts and bases. The External Monitor will secure on the top of the Light Bar as shown.
  • Page 34: Port Options

    Port Options At this time of publication Gates SP80 Dome and FP80 Flat Port options are available for the PF4K. When choosing a Port consider the following tradeoffs and limitations.  The optical interaction between any given lens and a Dome or Flat Port is NOTE: unpredictable.
  • Page 35 PF4K Operation Page 35 Flat Port Optical material: Optical-grade acrylic or anti-reflective coated glass. Purpose: Medium to macro imaging. Advantages: Zoom through. Flat Ports retains the zoom capability of a lens. Macro. Flat Ports are excellent for macro shots and/or the use of close up diopters to capture small subjects.
  • Page 36: Lighting Systems

    Page 36 Lighting Systems The PF4K has provisions to utilize a variety of lighting systems. Ball mounts for the light arms may be located in several locations on PF4K: a) threaded into the top of the Handle Grips: b) on the Foot Rails; or c) onto accessory mounts that slide onto the same dovetail slots as the handle grips.
  • Page 37: Travel / Transport

    CAUTION: No Camera. DO NOT transport your Flex4K camera inside the housing. Severe damage may result.  CAUTION: No Trim Weights. DO NOT transport the PF4K housing with trim weights installed. Severe damage may result. Secure Camera Mount. The Camera Bridgeplate must be well secured. Install and tighten with the lever for travel.
  • Page 38: 4: Pf4K Maintenance

    In addition to the guidelines in the Care & Maintenance guide is one additional maintenance item specific to PF4K. Gear controls. To lubricate the Gear control shafts requires removal of a snap spacer. Refer to the photo below for the location of this spacer. After removing the spacer, retract the control shaft and lubricate liberally.
  • Page 39: O-Ring Care And Maintenance

    PF4K Maintenance Page 39 O-Ring Care and Maintenance Your Gates housing has 3 serviceable o-rings: Housing Main Seal (ORANGE ); Port (YELLOW); and Port Extender (ORANGE). Servicing the o-rings is easy and covered in the “Housing Care and Maintenance” document in this package. It can also be found on the Gates website at www.gateshousings.com.
  • Page 40: 5: Customer Support

    Customer Support Page 40 5: Customer Support Should you have any questions about the PF4K and its operation, please contact Gates at the numbers below. Email: Customer.srvc@GatesHousings.com Web: www.GatesHousings.com Phone: 858.391.0052 Fax: 858.391.0053...

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