Start to build ROV or not?

[mapernica]

Hi all,

I'm interested in ROV but I'm not sure if I'm able to create it myself. I have lot of technical experiences but I'm a very beginner in electro, building robots and programming.
Do you think I'm able to fix it? If yes, could you give my an advice how to start?
I've just read some materials and watched videos but I have still chaos in control systems.

I very appreciate any answer.
Thanks a lot.

Martin
(Czech republic)

[dna1990]

Like anything, start small.

A simple frame of just about any shape, or made from PVC pipe.

Three bilge pump motors. with props or fan blades.
Three DPDT switches.
Some wire.
A battery or DC power source.

Get that working, then think more on a more elegant design, perhaps with camera and electronics, etc.

[KR2_Diving]

Hi all,

I'm interested in ROV but I'm not sure if I'm able to create it myself. I have lot of technical experiences but I'm a very beginner in electro, building robots and programming.
Do you think I'm able to fix it? If yes, could you give my an advice how to start?
I've just read some materials and watched videos but I have still chaos in control systems.

I very appreciate any answer.
Thanks a lot.

Martin
(Czech republic)

Hey Martin!
Go for it! One of my teachers in school gave me the most valuable piece of advice I have ever heard, one that still rings true with every project I undertake; "The Space Shuttle was not build all in one go. The Shuttle is made of many systems, each system has a sub system, and each sub system has even more sub systems."

Start with a simple task, get a motor to spin forward and reverse at your control with a simple switch. Then try two, then three, then look into a frame, then think about a control box, then a tether... and let the project grow step by step. If you try to do to much to quickly, a simple issue will seem like an impossible hurdle, and you will be tempted to quit. Baby steps, and with a bit of perseverance, a little luck, and all of us here on the forum, I am sure you can build what ever you want!

And hopefully, next time all the floods strike, you can be the guy out in the street helping neighbors find their stuff!

If you have any questions along the way, let us know! We are all a team here!

Ryan
"KR2_Diving"

[mapernica]

Hi all,

thanks a lot for your support and advice.

I need to advise with selection of components for the beginning (motors, switches, etc.). I've just looked at some components at hobbyking.com but I'm very beginner and don't know what to buy.
Is it possible to provide me detailed information what to do or how to use these components?

Thank you very much!

Martin

[mapernica]

Hi all,

I finally choose these components:

Control station:
- notebook + joystick
- software Roborealm

Communication (Control station – ROV):
- TCP/ IP (UTP LAN kabel)

Controller:
- controller Pololu Maestro

Regulators:
- three regulators HobbyKing Brushless Car ESC 30A w/ Reverse

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=11742

Motors:
- three motors Turnigy D2836/9 950KV

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=34227

Power:
- 12V lead(Pb) battery- aboard ROV

Lights:
- 2 x LED lights (T6 cree)

Camera:
- USB camera

Frames, Hulls, Bouyancy:
- hereby I don’t deal


Do you think that it’s good choice?

Thank you for your advice.

Best regards.
Martin

[scubersteve]

Sounds like you are off to a good start.
Keep us updated on your progress.