Squirrel's First ROV Attempt.
Posted: Jul 2nd, 2016, 8:46 pm
Hello Folks,
I figured it was about time to stop lurking and start posting. My goal at the beginning of this project was to build a ROV for under $1500 Canadian dollars ($1150 USD) and using minimal machining.
The initial intention was to build and test the electrical system using basic electro-mechanical systems since that is what I am familiar with, and then eventually retrofit to a digital control system when I prove the concept (and get over my fear of programming). I plan on using the Open ROV 2.8 DevKit to complete the retrofit as it is somewhat turn-key and there are a lot of videos and manuals.
Here is where I am at so far after a little over a year of tinkering when time and money allow.
Any suggestions and hints are appreciated.
The Plan
Based around plumbing supplies the design uses 2" PVC pipes and accessories for the frame and a 4" pipe for the main body.
The end caps on the skids are removable to allow for addition of ballast weights. There are holes drilled in the top and bottom to allow the frame to flood. The main body has limited penetrations and are located on the bottom. The umbilical enters though a strain relief and into a chamber filled with epoxy before entering the main body cavity. There is a water sensor on the floor of the main body.
The thrusters are modified bilge pumps with modified ducted electric RC aircraft fans as props. I have added a fifth thruster for better yaw control. *Note: this could be flawed logic when applied to the water, I am thinking helicopters.
The compass dome is based of Steve's design.
Basic Frame Completed
Proof of concept control board
Proof of concept "K-Boards" and test harness.
They all function as intended with inputs from the control board.
PCB Design for Concept Compass unit based around Dinsmore 1490.
This has been built and tested.
PCB Design for Compass Signal logic processor - Processes 4 Points into 8 Points *NOT TESTED YET*
I figured it was about time to stop lurking and start posting. My goal at the beginning of this project was to build a ROV for under $1500 Canadian dollars ($1150 USD) and using minimal machining.
The initial intention was to build and test the electrical system using basic electro-mechanical systems since that is what I am familiar with, and then eventually retrofit to a digital control system when I prove the concept (and get over my fear of programming). I plan on using the Open ROV 2.8 DevKit to complete the retrofit as it is somewhat turn-key and there are a lot of videos and manuals.
Here is where I am at so far after a little over a year of tinkering when time and money allow.
Any suggestions and hints are appreciated.
The Plan
Based around plumbing supplies the design uses 2" PVC pipes and accessories for the frame and a 4" pipe for the main body.
The end caps on the skids are removable to allow for addition of ballast weights. There are holes drilled in the top and bottom to allow the frame to flood. The main body has limited penetrations and are located on the bottom. The umbilical enters though a strain relief and into a chamber filled with epoxy before entering the main body cavity. There is a water sensor on the floor of the main body.
The thrusters are modified bilge pumps with modified ducted electric RC aircraft fans as props. I have added a fifth thruster for better yaw control. *Note: this could be flawed logic when applied to the water, I am thinking helicopters.
The compass dome is based of Steve's design.
Basic Frame Completed
Proof of concept control board
Proof of concept "K-Boards" and test harness.
They all function as intended with inputs from the control board.
PCB Design for Concept Compass unit based around Dinsmore 1490.
This has been built and tested.
PCB Design for Compass Signal logic processor - Processes 4 Points into 8 Points *NOT TESTED YET*