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The “traction winch” is a key part of the towed mapping systems we are using on this expedition. The drum of the winch has 11,000 meters of fiber optic cable wound around it. This cable sends electricity and control signals down to the DSL-120 sonar or Argo II vehicles. The data from the vehicles come back up the cable. The electrical and optical signals must pass through the entire length of cable without picking up any “noise”. An important connection is between the end of the cable on the drum and the transmission line that transmits the signals to and from the Control Van on the ship. Special devices called “slip rings” (see next photo) are used to transmit this signal through this connection as the drum rotates. The “slip rings” must work perfectly at all times.

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