Gates AX700 Setup, Use And Care Manual

AX700 Underwater Housing

Setup, Use, and Care Guide

Introducing the AX700 Page 2

Copyright 2018, Gates Underwater Products, Inc.
Last document revision: April , 2018

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.

13685 Stowe Drive
Poway, California 92064 USA

Phone: [phone] toll-free in the U.S.

858.391.0052 outside the U.S.
Fax: [phone]
Web: GatesHousings.com

Introducing the AX700 Page 3

Table of Contents

Setup, Use, and Care Guide ............................................. 1

1: Introducing the AX700 ................................ ...................... 4

Features ........................................................................... 4

Warranty Disclaimer ......................................................... 4

Unpacking the AX700 ....................................................... 5

2: Cautions ........................................................................... 6

3: The AX700 Setup ............................................................. 7

Handle Installation ............................................................ 7

AX700 Housing Preparation ............................................. 8

Camera Preparation ......................................................... 9

Installing the Camera into the Housing ........................... 12

Closing the Housing........................................................ 15

Water Alarm (Optional) ................................................... 18

Hydrophone (Optional) ................................................... 19

Carry Handle (Optional) .................................................. 20

Light Mounts (Optional) .................................................. 20

Final Checks ................................................................... 22

4: AX700 Operation ............................................................ 23

Right Side and Front Controls ......................................... 24

Left Side / Rear Controls ................................................ 26

Changing Filters ............................................................. 28

Changing Ports ............................................................... 29

Cleaning Ports and Filters .............................................. 30

Diopters .......................................................................... 31

Buoyancy and Trim ......................................................... 32

Tips for Shooting Video with the AX700 .......................... 33

Housing Care and Maintenance ..................................... 33

O-Ring Care and Maintenance ....................................... 33

5: Customer Support .......................................................... 34

Introducing the AX700 Page 4

1: Introducing the AX700

Congratulations on owning a new Gates product: the AX700 housing. You’ve selected a
product that will provide years of value and reliable service. We designed the AX700
specifically for the Sony AX700, PXW-Z90, and NX80 digital video cameras.

Please read through this entire guide to learn about the housing so you can get the most
out of this imaging tool. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the features of the AX700
so you can get started.

Features

The AX700 has several key features:

Small and Travel-friendly. At just a few pounds, the AX700 packs easily into your

luggage or dive gear.

‘Bulletproof’ construction. Gates legendary reliability is inherent in the AX700:

machined aluminum shell, stainless hardware and reliable mechanical controls.

Precision optics. The AX700 allows the use of a variety of ports including Wide

and Macro.

Professional Imaging. The AX700 system includes many features for broadcast

TV and other professional uses.

Warranty Disclaimer

The AX700 is a tool that, like any tool, requires knowledge and understanding to be
effective.

Your responsibility is to learn the proper setup, use and care of the AX700. Because we
can only provide you with the information necessary to do so, Gates does not warrant
the contents of your housing (e.g. your camera and lenses) under any circumstance.
For the same reasons, Gates does not warrant optical performance or image quality.

We warrant the AX700 as an image acquisition tool for a period of 2 years. The optional
Seal Check unit is warranted for 1 year. Optics are warranted for a period of 1 year or
100 hours water contact, whichever comes first.

If you have any questions about the setup, use and care of the AX700, contact Gates
directly. Details are in section 5.

Introducing the AX700 Page 5

Unpacking the AX700

After you remove the AX700 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.

Standard Parts

The AX700 comes with the following standard items:

The AX700 Housing
Various assembly tools and spare parts for the AX700 including hex tools,

mounting screws, o-rings and lubricant.

Port(s) of choice (Dome, Flat or Wide Angle)
Removable Handles (which may already be affixed to the housing)
1 x 4 ounce weight

Optional Parts

Your housing may also come with optional items:

Water Alarm
Light System (user install)
Seal Check
Hydrophone
Carry Handle
Tripod / Tripod Adapter
62mm Diopters
Buddyphone / Comm. Input
SDI Video Out

Cautions Page 6

2: Cautions

 TRANSPORT. NEVER ship or transport your AX700 camera inside the housing.

The housing was not designed for this purpose and severe damage may result.

 USER RESPONSIBILITY. This Setup, Use and Care guide contains important

detailed procedures for setup and use of the AX700. 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 AX700 and may void your warranty.

Contact Gates if you have questions about this manual or using the AX700.

The AX700 Setup Page 7

The grips can be
adjusted to your
preference.

3: The AX700 Setup

Handle Installation

If the handles are not already installed on the AX700 Housing, perform this step first.

Secure the handle arms to the housing using the 10-32 x 0.5”L socket cap screws.

Tighten with the supplied 5/32 hex tool.

Secure the grips to the handle arms using the 1/4-20 x 1” L socket cap screws.

Tighten firmly with the supplied 3/16 hex tool.

NOTE the handle grips are adjustable. They can be closer or further away from

the housing as shown in the image below. Remove the 1/4-20 x 1”L socket cap
screw and reposition as desired.

The AX700 Setup Page 8

Release the latches.

Separate the front and
rear housing shells.

AX700 Housing Preparation

Open the AX700 shell. Three stainless steel safety latches secure the housing

halves. They have a positive locking feature. To open them you must first depress
the center bar release while lifting the rear lever.

Separate the rear half of housing from the front.
Retract and Rotate controls. Pull out the Focus and Custom Wheel control about

one inch or until they stop.

The AX700 Setup Page 9

Camera Preparation

Your Sony camera will need some preparation before installing into the housing.

Remove any lens caps, filters, external lenses, or lens hoods you may have

added to the front of the camera.

Remove the Hand Strap from the camera.

CAUTION: Failure to perform this step may result in the hand strap becoming caught

in the housing seal and accidental flooding.

Remove any other accessories. All other accessories, such as the microphone

holder for Z90, must be removed.

The AX700 Setup Page 10

Z90 SDI OUT cap must
be securely attached or
completely cut off.

When using Z90 Camera Secure “SDI OUT” cap onto the SDI out connector.

CAUTION: Failure to make sure this cap is attached may prevent the controls on the

rear of the housing from functioning or prevent the housing from sealing.

(NOTE: when using Optional SDI Surface Feed, the cap must be completely cut off.)

Switch the camera to ‘MANUAL’ if you plan to use the ND filters.

o This switch is just above the ND filter slider on the back of the camera.

Otherwise, set the camera to ‘AUTO’, and the camera will automatically add

ND Filters as needed.

Turn ND Filter control on camera to the CLEAR / OFF position.

o This will aid in aligning the ND Filter control on the housing.
o NOTE: Switch to CLEAR even if you do not want to use manual ND filter

control. The rear half of the housing may not mate properly if this step is
skipped.

Install Fully Charged Battery and SD Cards.

The AX700 Setup Page 11

Viewfinder must be
fully locked into the
forward position.

Insert fully
charged
battery.

Insert
SD
Card(s).

Switch ND
FILTER to
“CLEAR”.

Switch to

“MANUAL” if

ND filter
control is
needed.

Install dovetail mount
plate onto camera with
¼-20 slot head screw

 Install Dovetail Mount onto camera with ¼-20 screw.

The AX700 Setup Page 12

Retract the Focus,
Custom and LCD
Pivot Controls.

Installing the Camera into the Housing

Pull out Focus, Custom, and LCD pivot controls. The Focus and Custom control

need only be retracted ~ 1in / 2.5cm. The LCD Pivot should be gently retracted until
it stops.

Carefully slide camera onto dovetail until it stops.
Secure the camera by rotating the cam lock clockwise.
Open the LCD fully as shown in the image on page 14.
Rotate and Guide the LCD Pivot onto your camera’s LCD display as shown on

page 14.

Press in the Focus and Custom controls.
Check controls. Before closing the housing, it is a good idea to check all of the

controls on the front shell for proper operation. (See section 4 for controls mentioned
here.)

The AX700 Setup Page 13

Slide camera onto dovetail
until it stops.

Rotate Cam Lock

clockwise to secure.

The AX700 Setup Page 14

Slide the Focus
and Custom
control knobs

Unfold the LCD panel.

Rotate LCD Pivot
Control to align with
the LCD panel then
push in.

The AX700 Setup Page 15

Rotate ND Filter control to
the down / off position before
installing back half of
housing.

Inspect the o-ring on the rear
shell and the sealing surface on
the front shell. They should be
clean and free of nicks, marks or
scratches.

Closing the Housing

Carefully inspect o-ring on back half and the sealing surface on front half. Make

sure they are clean and in good condition.

Turn ND Filter control all the way down to the OFF position. This will help align the

housing control to the camera when the back half of the housing is installed.

Place back half onto the front housing half. You will clearly see when the

housing halves align and seat together properly.

Locate and close the two side latches at the same time. Then close the third latch

on the top of the housing.

 CAUTION: The safety latches must be closed and locked prior to use to avoid

opening underwater. It is your responsibility to make sure the latches are secure,
locked, and in good condition. DO NOT enter the water with a faulty latch. Gates
will replace a damaged or faulty latch free of charge.

The AX700 Setup Page 16

Install the back half of the housing.

Close both side latches at the same time.

Close the top latch after closing the
side latches.

The AX700 Setup Page 17

Inspect the parting line.

Carefully inspect the parting line between front and rear housing. If this line is

not even all the way around, remove the back and determine the reason. (O-ring
out of place, hand strap interference, etc.) Failure To Do This May Result In A Wet
Camera!

Power up the camera. Check all controls for the proper operation before entering

water. If ND Filter Control is not seated properly on the camera it can be pulled out,
aligned over the camera control and pressed back in. (See section 4)

Install a port. Visually align the bayonet mount on the port with the housing. Mate

the port to the housing, and press. It should seat fully with no gaps around the
base. Rotate the port 90° either direction to fully engage the port. For specific
details, see the section Changing Ports on page 25.

The AX700 Setup Page 18

Condition

LED

Siren

New Battery

(Insertion)

Bright Intense

blink while siren

plays

Ascending tones played 4 times

Water

Intrusion

Bright Intense

Blink

Warble sound. Alarm will sound for

duration of detection.

Low Battery

Low Intensity

fast blink

Descending tones played 8 times

pausing approx. 20 seconds between

plays after alarm test or water

detection.

Water Alarm battery.

Water
Alarm LED
will indicate
here.

Water Alarm siren.

Water Alarm (Optional)

If you have the optional water alarm installed there are three alarm conditions to know:

The alarm can be tested anytime by shorting the detection contacts that lead to the
water alarm transducer. The water detection condition will activate for 6 seconds. If the
battery is drained the low battery condition will sound.

The water alarm requires a single 6V battery like Radio Shack model 23-469 or A544.
Your battery should be removed when stored (e.g. between dive trips). Check the

battery prior to every dive to ensure proper operation. Change when indicated.

 CAUTION: You must wait a minimum of 30 seconds between battery insertions to

allow the unit to fully discharge.

The AX700 Setup Page 19

Just prior to inserting the
camera into the housing,
connect the hydrophone to
the camera's microphone.

Seal Check
fitting location.

Seal Check (Optional)

Seal Check Manual. Follow the procedures in the Seal Check manual for verifying

integrity of the housing and monitor.

 NOTE. Pulling a vacuum on the AX700 will take only a few seconds. Be careful to

avoid excessive vacuum greater than 100 mbar.

Hydrophone (Optional)

Camera connection. If you have the hydrophone installed, plug the connector into

the camera after before inserting the camera into the housing.

The AX700 Setup Page 20

Slide the Carry Handle
onto the Dovetail and
secure by tightening the
thumbscrew.

There is a ¼-20 threaded Insert on top of
each Handle Grip.

UCLS AD-1420 for mounting lights.

Carry Handle (Optional)

Position the Carry Handle on the top dovetail, then secure by finger tightening the

thumbscrew.

Light Mounts (Optional)

The top of the handle grips each have a 1/4-20 threaded insert for mounting lights, such
as the Gates GT14. The Ultralight Control Systems (ULCS) AD-1420 ball mounts
thread directly into this location.

The AX700 Setup Page 21

The symmetric version of the Gates
Tripod uses 1/4-20 x.75”L flat head
screws to mount the adapter, and
1/4-20 x .5”L flat head screws to
mount the Tripod plate.

NOTE: only the Gates Tripod plate
is shown. The extendable legs and
clamps are omitted for clarity.

Tripod / Tripod Adapter (Optional)

The Gates Tripod is a useful accessory for steady, locked down shots, particularly for
macro imaging. The Gates Tripod has extendable arms up to 18in/ 45cm long that
collapse close to the housing when not in use.

The AX700 Setup Page 22

The asymmetric version of the
Gates Tripod uses 1/4-20 x.75”L
flat head screws to mount the
adapter, and 1/4-20 x .5”L flat
head screws to mount the tripod
plate.

NOTE: only the Gates Tripod
plate is shown. The extendable
legs and clamps are omitted for
clarity.

Final Checks

Visual Inspection. Look closely at all seal mates – Port and Main Housing seal –

for gaps. Look over the housing one final time.

Verify operation. As a final check, power on the camera and verify all controls are

functioning normally.

AX700 Operation Page 23

4: AX700 Operation

Your Gates housing utilizes 100% mechanical controls to provide you with the most
reliable operation possible. They either rotate and/or depress to provide smooth and
consistent operation. (see ‘Housing Care and Maintenance’ section).

The housing controls are designed by Gates engineers, to the extent possible, to feel
and behave like the camera controls. With time and use, the housing controls will
become quite familiar and easy to use.

To help familiarize you with the housing controls, Gates recommends reviewing each
control individually, how it actuates the corresponding camera control, and operating it to

get a ‘feel’ for the control. You can view all front housing controls with the housing

open. After reviewing all controls, perform a ‘simulated’ dive by operating the controls as

you would in the water.
One final note about controls: when operating any control out of water, you may need to

press the control against the housing, into the position it would naturally find while under
water pressure. The controls are designed to operate properly in this position.

AX700 Operation Page 24

Assign
5/6
Control.

Flip Filter.

Zoom
Control.

Record/Photo(Assign 4)
Control.

Right Side and Front Controls

Record / Photo. The Record/Photo control is red. A momentary counter clockwise

motion will trigger record START/STOP. Clockwise rotation activates assignable
button 4.

AX700 users:

The AX700 can take a still photo using assignable button 4. The

camera must be switched to photo mode to take a picture.

SHOOTING MODE must be mapped to assignable button 5 or 6

in order to switch between photo and video modes.

Set the menu as follows:

MENU > OTHERS > ASSIGN BUTTON > ASSIGN5 or

ASSIGN6 > SHOOTING MODE

Z90/NX80 users:

Although the Z90 and NX80 cameras do not have a still photo

mode, the control is still usable. Clockwise rotation of the

AX700 Operation Page 25

Record/Photo control activates assignable button 4, marked
FOCUS MAGNIFIER.

Zoom. The Zoom control is blue and operates with a momentary rotation.

TIP: The Zoom control operates free and smooth when well lubricated. This

should be done after storage and often during heavy use (as much as every 2
or 3 dives).

To lubricate, pull out the control to expose a portion of the control shaft, and
lightly apply the grease supplied with your housing, Push the control back in
and rotate it in both directions until it operates freely.

Assign 5/6 Control. The assign control is black and operates with both a

momentary push and rotation to activate the controls.

Pushing on the control activates Assignable button 6.
Rotating the control counterclockwise activates assignable button 5, labeled

IRIS PUSH AUTO.

To change assignable 5 or 6 set the menu as follows:

MENU > OTHERS > ASSIGN BUTTON > ASSIGN5 or ASSIGN6 >

choose option desired.

Flip Filter. The Flip Filter moves the color correction filter in/out of position of the

camera view. Refer to Page 27 for instructions on changing the filter.

AX700 Operation Page 26

Left Side / Rear Controls

Iris, Gain and Shutter buttons activate Iris, Gain or Shutter. Once selected they

are controlled with the Custom Dial.

Power Control switches camera on and off.
ND Filter toggles between ND3, ND2, ND1 and ND Off.
White Balance button toggles white balance select mode on/off. When white

balance adjust mode is active the Custom Dial knob can be used to switch between
user preset A, user preset B, and a Kelvin Preset.

In order to use auto WB SET it must to be assigned to the ASSIGN 5 or

ASSIGN 6 buttons.

To change assignable 5 or 6 set the menu as follows:

MENU > OTHERS > ASSIGN BUTTON > ASSIGN5 or ASSIGN6 >

WB SET

NOTE: auto WB SET has no effect unless user preset A or B is active. The

Kelvin Preset can only be accessed in the camera menu.

Auto / Manual Focus switches between Auto and Manual Focus.
Custom Dial rotates the custom dial on the camera. It is used to manipulate Iris,

Gain and Shutter.

Focus Ring is used to manually adjust focus.
LCD Pivot allows a limited rotation of the LCD screen’s viewing angle.

AX700 Operation Page 27

Focus
Ring.

Auto/Manual Focus
Control.

ND Filter.

LCD Pivot.

Custom
Dial.

Power, WB, Iris,
Gain, and Shutter
buttons.

AX700 Operation Page 28

Use a 7/64 Allen tool
to remove the filter
from the holder.

Changing Filters

The color correction filter in your housing may be changed to accommodate different

gradient filters. “Blue water” and “green water” are the two most common, recognizable

by their orange and purple color, respectively.

Removal. The color filter is held in place by a tension screw in the filter holder.

Loosen this screw with a 7/64 Allen tool.

Installation. Rest the filter in the holder and tighten with a 7/64 Allen tool. Tighten

just enough to secure the filter. Do not over tighten.

Cleaning. You will likely have fingerprints on the filter after installing, so clean the

filter according to the directions in the “Cleaning Ports and Filters” section.

AX700 Operation Page 29

1

2

Port Installation.

Changing Ports

Gates offers several ports for your AX700 housing, which attach with a bayonet-style
mount. Port changes are easy and straightforward:

Removal. You will see alignment dots on the housing and on the port. When

aligned, the port is fully engaged and ready for underwater use. Turning the port 90
degrees, or ¼ turn in either direction to face the dot left or right allows the port to
release from the front of the housing. Gently pull the port directly away from the
housing to do so.

Inspect the o-ring -- Before installing a new port, perform an inspection and

lubrication of the sealing o-ring. See “O-ring Care and Maintenance” in this Use
and Care Guide for specific details.

Installation. Mounting a different port is directly the opposite: Insert the port into

the front bulkhead of the housing with the alignment dot on the port facing left or
right, or ¼ turn away from the dot on the top of the housing. You may need to
gently push the port into the bulkhead to fully seat the port. Then turn the port until
the dot on the port aligns with the dot on the housing. Be sure the port is fully
seated and flush with the housing. You should see no gaps between the port and
the housing.

 CAUTION: The Port must be fully seated and flush with the housing to avoid

flooding.

AX700 Operation Page 30

Verify the port is
fully seated and
secure.

Cleaning Ports and Filters

Gates ports can be cleaned readily by following these simple guidelines.

Dust or Lint can be blown with compressed air, preferably from a can. Do not

clean the surfaces if it is unnecessary.

Salt deposits or sand may also be removed with compressed air. Use a soft

lens brush if necessary to brush away foreign material that remains.

Rinse fresh water over the outside of the port, if necessary, to loosen any

residual salt or sand that may remain. Do this with the port sealed on your housing
to keep water away from the rear of the port.

 CAUTION: Do not submerge the GP34A wide angle port in water when separated

from the housing! This port is not sealed from the backside and damage will result if
submerged.

Only if necessary, clean the port using a mild cleaning solution and a non-

abrasive, lint free cloth. Use light circular strokes when wiping away cleaning
solution and any foreign material. Excessive pressure used when cleaning dirty
lenses (e.g., rubbing sand into the lens surfaces) may damage coatings. Use a light
touch.

 CAUTION: Not all cloths are lint free and non-abrasive! Use of an abrasive material

(such as cotton balls and cotton fabric) may scratch the glass and/or coating of
Gates ports and will void the warranty.

 TIP: Gates offers approved cleaning solutions and lint free cloths as accessory

items. Use of these materials will not void your warranty.

AX700 Operation Page 31

A diopter can be
directly threaded
onto the camera.

Diopters

Hoya 62mm diopters may be used with the AX700 housing and the FP34A Flat Port for
close up/macro imaging. There is sufficient space between the camera and port to
utilize one diopter on the camera.

 NOTE the Filter cannot be used with diopters. When installing the camera with

diopter ensure the filter is positioned as far as possible away from the port opening.

AX700 Operation Page 32

Press the 4 ounce weight down FIRMLY in this
location. Check that it is fully seated and
secured.

Buoyancy and Trim

To achieve proper trim balance please install the 4 ounce weight included in your kit

using the hook and loop fastener,

CAUTION: DO NOT TRAVEL WITH TRIM WEIGHTS INSTALLED IN HOUSING.

AX700 Operation Page 33

Tips for Shooting Video with the AX700

Manual Focus. A common technique is allowing the camera to auto focus on your

subject (or on something about the same distance from you as your subject), then
switch to manual focus. This ‘freezes’ the focus at that distance – no hunting or
seeking. The GP34A wide angle port further provides a large depth of field (DOF),
so most everything in front of your camera will be in focus, too.

Note however, that the auto focus capability of the AX700 and Z90 cameras is
remarkably good. If your subject has detail and contrast, the camera will accurately
track focus. You may find auto focus in such situations can be of benefit to your
video.

Image Stabilization. The Sony AX700 and Z90 cameras have built-in image

stabilization functions. These are useful above water for steady, even shots.

Housing Care and Maintenance

Proper care of your Gates housing is important to provide you reliable operation and
long life. You’ll find all the guidelines in the “Housing Care and Maintenance” document
included with your Gates housing. You can also find it on Gates web site at

www.GatesHousings.com.

O-Ring Care and Maintenance

Your Gates housing has 2 serviceable o-rings. One is located between the mating
halves of the housing (the large orange one), and one is located on the Port.

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.

 CAUTION: Do not lubricate the large orange o-ring! It is a special silicone o-

ring and can be damaged by petroleum-based lubricants.

 CAUTION: Never use metal tools or objects for removing o-rings!

Customer Support Page 34

5: Customer Support

Should you have any questions about the AX700 and its operation, please contact Gates
at the numbers below.

Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.GatesHousings.com
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]