Homebuilt ROVs Forum

Paul, you're absolutely correct, this is a HOBBY, we're not commercial ROV builders. I believe your pvc capsule design is less likely to hang up than foam ones, besides, all the postulating in the world won't solve the issue. It comes down to design and testing, tweeking out the kinks (no pun intend...

Pilikia, I stand corrected, a 1 atm sub, will be at 1 atm despite external pressure, so if Paul's capsules are absolutely air tight the darn thing might work! Paul, I have already self administered 12 lashes, it was so painfull that I had to chase it with a couple of Mojitos (with extra rum) :-} Let...

Shawn, I use a big fat 125 amp hr deep cycle batt topside.
It's a beast @ 70lbs but it gives me all the power I need.
On my next rov I think I'll try an on board SLA and save the
back!

Hi Paul, looks like a winner! Keep us posted about your progress, and good luck!

The only thing I could think of are the gas laws, I think it's Boyle's Law that states that volume is inversely proportional to pressure. So as external pressure increases, the internal volume of the air contained in the capsules will decrease as well. I dive and it's what happens to the air in my B...

Hi Pilikia, I haven't tested the bilge thruster's amp draw yet but I imagine it will be higher than my present setup. I use a 125 amp hr deep cycle batt with my unit so I'm not that concerned about amp draw. When I tested it, attached to a 2x4, and placed it in the water I was surprised by the amt o...

Hi Steve, thanks for the Forum, it will be a great asset to newbies that
need help and guidance when starting their project. I'm always learning
and planning my next ROV, so I can really use the help.
Thanks again, Carlos D

Hi Guys, my name is Carlos and I have just completed my ROV after two years of R&D, testing, and banging my head against the wall. The latter was kept to a minimum thanks to Steve's help. It's low tech spdt switch controlled, 3 ex 500gph bilge pumps mated to 50mm model boat props which seem to w...

Gents, I'm almost finished with my ROV, the thrusters are ex 500gph bilge pumps mated to 50mm model boat props which seem to work well. I also tested a bilge blower in the water and it produced strong thrust. When you look at it, what you have is a multi blade kaplan prop in a houseing which resembl...