Current work in progress.

[PaulC]

Hey all,
I am currently in the design stage, but about to start this week on the construction of the frame. Attached is a copy of the overall design that I came up with. Please note that since the original design shown, and since the economy is not that great that some design aspects have changed like I am now reusing old bilge motors with props instead of machined housings. The frame has also changed a bit, but I like the new one better. At any rate take a look at the picture.

[Carlos D]

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

[PaulC]

I need to get some pictures up of what I have so far, but I had a minor set back I was trying to figure out how the mount points were going to work and managed to break one of the side plates.

[PaulC]

Hey gang,

I just wanted to show you all how the new ROV is shaping up. What you all are seeing is the main frame that will house two polycarbonate tubes that will have the camera and the electronics. In between the two tubes there will be the vertical thruster or thrusters can't decide, but leaning towards two thrusters for balance and ease of attaching. On the outside of the frame I will be mounting the left and right thrusters, lights, hydrophone, pressure sensors, and maybe a compass. Then outside of that I am putting those other two side plates to act as guards to protect the motors, lights and sensor array's. It will look just like the original picture, but obviously the guards are now plastic. The guards are the ones that have the hammerhead sharks carved into the plastic. There is still a ton of work to be done, but I have all winter to work on it. Since there is about three to four inches of snow on the ground right now and it is bloody cold out side I figure that there is nothing else better to do than work on the new ROV.

[robe_uk]

Hi Paul,
Great looking frames and love the color Have you cut them by hand or cnc machine?

Rob

[PaulC]

All the pieces that you see were cut by hand.

[chance]

Wow, seriously good attention to detail!

-Chance

[PaulC]

I got all the cross struts made last night, and will post pictures in a day or two. Just on a side note this ROV is gonna be extremely strong frame wise as well as versatile. If anyone would like me to send them any plans that I have I will make them available to the public. Just remember folks that this is a design in progress so as I build it is 80% from the plans and 20% tinkering.

[PaulC]

Oh, I forgot to mention in the earlier post when I said that I got "all" the cross struts built last night that; that does not include getting the curved side guards in place. Still trying to find a place local that can curve my about 3/8 inch high density polyethylene plastic to a one foot diameter.

[sthone]

WOW, That's looking really good, I'm impressed you did all that by hand, Great Work.

-Steve