The MudChaserTM
the Zero Visibility Tool
MudChaser™ – MC106
The MudChaser™ Zero Visibility Tool™ is a patented device that allows divers to see in and through muddy/turbid water conditions using a simple, cost-effective technique for close-in work and inspections.
Description
At the heart of the Clearview System™ is Blackwater Vision’s patented turbid, black water displacement hand-held device, the MudChaser™. With its integrated color camera and LED lighting, spectacular and vivid color imagery is transmitted back to the console operator and to the diver. Using a proprietary technique, the weightless MC106 efficiently displaces the turbid water conditions up to 15” (beyond arm’s reach), allowing the diver to view, inspect, and weld the target area up close and personal! With balance, simplicity, safety, and flexibility engineered into the design, Blackwater Vision, LLC brings to market a new, extraordinary, and unparalleled tool for the challenging black water work of the commercial diver.

Features
- Handheld 6” diameter MudChaser™ with comfortable pistol grip allows the Diver and Tender/Supervisor to see, inspect, and work clearly in the most turbid water conditions.
- Using a low-tech, highly reliable technique, the muddy, turbid water is displaced, allowing for easy single-handed operation.
- Integrated composite video, color camera
- Integrated surround Hi-Intensity 20-LED light ring.
- Neutrally buoyant in water adds no additional work fatigue on the diver.
- Standard unit Includes a connector port to connect the optional Diver Display
- Integrated Video Switch Unit (VSU) supports Diver Display and optional helmet-mounted camera connection.
VSU Options
- Helmet mic pre-amp for stronger, clearer diver voice sound (clearer signal at the surface).
- Helmet camera connection. Allows the helmet cam to plug into the VSU and allow surface switching between cameras
Applications
- Underwater Welding
- Infrastructure Inspections/Surveys
- Underwater Inspections in Lieu of Dry-Docking (UWILD)
- Salvage and Recovery
- Ship Inspections, Repair & Examinations
- Search/Rescue Missions
- Archeological Digs
- Any Underwater Work in Black Water Conditions
Video
MudChaser™ Features & Benefits
|
Feature |
Benefit |
|
| The MudChaser™ concept | This patented device and technique allows construction or service providers a cost-effective solution to seeing clearly and working in the worst black water conditions at short ranges, and do what no synthetic process can do – see! | |
| With the integrated camera | A well designed, time-saving, consistent results approach ensures a very cost- and time-effective and highly reliable approach, to ensure great the video capture every time, inspect on-site at close range in real-time with no interpretation required of synthetic imagery. | |
| Integrated high intensity LED lighting | Makes for a lighter, more stream-lined, efficient design while putting surrounding light on the target area of interest allowing the diver is able to see his work more clearly and effectively. | |
| Single Electrical connection for lighting and camera | Allows for quick connect/disconnect for both the integrated color camera and the LED lighting when it’s ready to be used and go to work. | |
| Rugged, simple, clever design | Designed for quick assembly/disassembly, the MudChaser™ allows for ease of set-up, camera alignment, and maintenance. The rugged design permits it to be used in the harsh and hazardous environments of commercial diving, while the camera is safely housed within the MudChaser™. | |
| Comfortable hand grip | Rugged and durable, the handgrip is designed for secure, comfortable, and stable maneuvering of the MudChaser™ in all positions. | |
| Rear end cap quick release | Allows for easy access to the camera. | |
| Flotation Jacket | Capable of hold 10 flotation pads, the MudChaser buoyancy can be adjusted from a weight of 2.5lbs (no floatation) to slightly positive buoyancy relieving any burden on the diver. |
Specifications
| Inlet Water Port | 1” NPT Female (fitted w/male cam&groove) |
| Outlet Mouth Opening | 6in |
| Flow rate range (operating) | 20-25 gpm |
| Flow rate (max) | 25 gpm |
| Range (useable) at 20gpm | Up to 15in (reduced in cross-currents) |
| Weight, dry (w/camera and VSU) | 11.5lbs / 19.8kg |
| Weight, wet (w/o flotation jacket) | 2.2lbs / 4.8 kg |
| Weight, wet (w/ flotation jacket) | 0 lbs / 0kg (Neutral buoyancy) |
| Length (in/cm) | 15.5in / 39.5cm |
| Outer Diameter (in/cm) (std nozzle) | 7.25in / 18.4cm |
| Color | Yellow |
| Finish (Outer surface) | Epoxy coating |
Video Camera

| Features | Very Low Light Sensitivity |
| Focal Length: 5-15” | |
| Depth Rating: 930ft / 300m | |
| Mechanical | Size: 1.6”(4.1cm) Diam x 7.3”(18.5cm) |
| Body Material: Black Delrin | |
| Video/Electrical | Video signal output: NTSC |
| Resolution: 600 horizontal lines | |
| Sensitivity: 0.01lux |
