Homebuilt ROVs Forum

Hi we are using a 12VDC CCTV style camera in our ROV watertight compartment, everything works fine with the image. However when our vertical motors are turned on, the camera image disappears (the camera turns off) until the vertical motors are turned off. We think the problem is around a voltage drop at the camera, but is there a way to solve it? Motors and cameras must be from the same 12V power supply.

Thanks

Hi,

Your power source is indeed the problem. When you turn on the motors the voltage drops to far for the camera. Best thing would be to add a in depended power source. Else add something in front of the camera to regulate the voltage with enough capacity to survive the drop. There are regulators that can up power from a wide input range to 5V maybe there are similar options for 12V.

KR,

Fryslan76

gsisrov, the regulator fryslan76 is referring to is known as a "buck boost converter". Lots of them available if you google the term. Make sure that the current output is enough to run your camera. The good thing about the regulator or converter is that you will still have video when the battery starts to run down.
Could also be an interference problem. Is it only the vertical thruster that is causing the problem? What about the others? Camera and other sensitive circuits should be connected to the battery with their own dedicated wiring, positive and negative. Wiring to motors/ESCs and camera etc should NOT be run alongside each other. Also, measure the battery voltage when the problem is occurring.

Cheers

Edit: Here is a converter. You can get the same thing much cheaper elsewhere, but there are some specs listed on this page http://zoxoro.com.au/Products/Kimdrox-D ... vQodoSgAmA