My ROV in Mobile Alabama

[Bamanator]

Hi builders. I have spent the last 18 months (since the BP oil spill interrupted my fishing in the GOM) building a ROV. I just recently found this site and decided to share my build progress with the group.

Description of my ROV.
Weight: About 35 lbs
Frame: 12"x12". 1/4" alum plate frame top and botton.
Flotation: 4"PVC
Camera: Sony 420P color
Main Propulsion: 30 lb thrust Motor Guide trolling motor.
Steering: Magnetically coupled rudder
Elevators: Magnetically coupled
Lights: 2 ea 400 candle power LED 4 watts @ 12v (these are bright!)
Dive Bladder: 10 in wheelbarrow inner tube.
Umbilical: 5/8 in x 70 ft
Forward speeds: 6
Reverse Speeds: 2
Water Protection: Pressurized system. (tested to 4o psi)

Controls
Steering: DPDT momemtary switch
Elevators: DPDT momemtary switch
Thrust: Original MG control switch (modified)
Video: CAT-5 with baluns (has a great picture with no interference)
Dive Bladder: 1/4" PVC Tubing
Air Compressor: 12 v 300 psi (mounted in console)



I have done some preliminary flotation tests. I will maintain pressure just above the .44 psi for each foot of depth in salt water so that pressures are never high on the system. Right now the ROV has positive flotation. I will add just enough weight to cause slow descent. Any inflation of the air bladder should cause ascent with assist by the elevators. I will be operating in currents up to 7 mpi at the mouth of Mobile Bay. I wanted an ROV that I could set down on the bottom and not move. I haven't tested the ROV in the pool yet other than flotation, ballast and leakage. I am a few days from full power sea trials. I am still putting together the control console. I have had to build each of the air tight thru-bulkhead connectors for the electrical connections.

Not sure if these images will post but I will try.

Latest


Front


Left
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 2668_n.jpg

Rear


Rudder Linkage


Elevator Linkage


Lights

[anengland87]

Hey. Im a new member in this forum and new to rovs. I am in the process of planning one. I want to use it in gulf. In up to 100' of water. One of the biggest issues Im having is the ballast and how I want to build it. Most sites and books Ive looked into so far have rovs that dont have a ballast system in it. But are rated to 33'. In gulf as you know wont to me any good. I noticed on your post how you used a tire intertube for a ballast. Could you give me some ideas and howtos on building a remote ballast?
Andrew
anengland87

[thegadgetguy]

I'm not sure if this really pertains to your question or not, but a static ballast system will work at any depth, provided that your flotation doesn't implode or lose it's buoyancy under pressure.

Anyhow, welcome to the forum, and good luck!

[anengland87]

Ok. I appreciate the feedback. What we are thinking now is a Pressure Ballast System. Using a pump to push water into a ballast tank. Pressurizing the air causing more weight. Just looking for a valve and a pump that can handle pushing the water to the pressure we need. Any suggestions on pumps or valves. We though bilge pumps but dont think it could handle the air pressure against it.

[thamlin]

whats the speed your expecting out of the thrust motor. Ive never seen anyone use a min kota motor , thats awesome.