Project Background
The D-8635G was integrated into a Surface Power Console (SPC) used with the SARbot ROV system. The application chain runs from the keyboard and trackball to the surface console, then to SARbot topside control for underwater search and recovery operations.
The Surface Power Console draws power from a ship or shore connection and supplies the ROV through a tether. The Model 3 console combines a built-in computer and a 22-inch sunlight-readable display with the operator controls. It runs the control software and records video and sonar data. Its 370 VDC output supplies the ROV through the tether; this is a console power specification, not the keyboard supply voltage.
The keyboard and trackball are part of this integrated operator interface alongside the emergency-off button, information display, power controls and connectors. The console is deployed on boats or at shore-based operating positions for field tasks associated with public safety and underwater search and recovery.
The Challenge
The operator station must support data entry, menu navigation, system settings and cursor control while running ROV software and viewing video and sonar information. Both keyboard input and a pointing device are needed at the same console.
Panel space is already shared by the display, emergency stop, power controls and connectors. Separate keyboard and trackball modules would add mounting openings, cable routing and installation work. The input assembly also needs to remain practical in a portable console that is repeatedly transported and deployed near the water.
Serviceability is another concern for a mechanical pointing device. Cleaning or replacing the trackball should not require removal of the entire keyboard from the control panel.
Two input functions in limited topside-console space
The console required a compact panel-mounted keyboard and trackball with practical field serviceability.
DAVOLIN Solution
DAVOLIN supplied the D-8635G, combining keyboard entry and trackball control on one 329.8 × 99.8 mm panel. Its rear-panel-mount structure integrates the input unit into the Surface Power Console instead of placing a loose keyboard inside the case.
The keyboard has a 304 stainless steel front panel and stainless steel keys with an aluminum-alloy rear housing. Its removable 36 mm resin mechanical trackball supplies cursor control in the same input assembly.
The trackball can be removed for cleaning or replacement without removing the complete keyboard. USB connectivity was configured to match the host computer inside the console, allowing the input module to serve the console’s control-software workflow.
The removable trackball supports cleaning or replacement without removing the complete keyboard from the console.
Selected Product
D-8635G
A 329.8 × 99.8 mm rear-panel-mount keyboard with a 304 stainless steel operating surface and removable 36 mm resin mechanical trackball. USB connectivity matches the Surface Power Console host computer for keyboard entry and cursor control.
Project Result
The combined keyboard and trackball was installed in an actual Surface Power Console. The project therefore progressed from product selection and panel integration to a completed ROV topside control unit.
SARbot field-training records show this type of Surface Power Console in boat-based operation at Lake Havasu, Arizona, during training for Mohave County Sheriff personnel. This illustrates the equipment application in public-safety search and recovery; it does not indicate a direct keyboard sale by DAVOLIN to the agency.
The input architecture brings text entry and cursor operation into the same portable console used for ROV controls, settings, video and sonar-data work.
Looking Ahead
The equipment partner continues to purchase DAVOLIN keyboards annually. The established installation provides a practical reference for compact keyboard-and-trackball input in ROV topside consoles, remote control stations and portable operator consoles.
