Newb Help

[ltdcruze]

I am reposting this in this section of the forum because i think it is more appropriate here and might get more answers.
Hello! I am a newb at building ROVs, but I am really interested at building my own. I plan to assemble the frame out of PVC pipe. The thrusters will be 4 modified bilge pumps, 2 placed horizontally to go forward and back, and for turning, and 2 placed vertically for going up and down. That part is pretty straight forward. Now the part I'm not so sure about...Electronics.
I plan on using an Arduino Uno to control everything, but I'm not sure the best method of controlling the thrusters and motors to make them go in either direction. I also plan on having a webcam that can be tilted by servos. I have heard the USB will not be be good for the tether, so i plan on getting 2 USB-Ethernet adapters so i can change it use an Ethernet tether.
To waterproof it i plan on making a PVC hull that is sealed on one end and has a closet flange and polycarbonate on the other. The camera will look out of this and i can easily pull out the flange to do any modifications to the electronics/inside.
Would this work? Have any suggestions to make this better? Please, help a newb in need.
Link to the closet flange.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R ... ogId=10053

[MagicHat]

The best way of controlling the engines with an Arduino would be to use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) on its digital outputs. The output of the microcontroller is not very powerful, so you must then be used to drive an H-bridge. The H-bridge (which can tackle larger currents) will then finally drive the engine.

This information is just something I've got after reading a bit about the Arduino in a couple of days. I am familiar with simple programming of Basic Stamp microcontrollers, but not the Arduino yet.

What interface are you going to use to steer the microcontroller? Arrows on your keyboard of your computer perhaps? If you proceed, or even succeed, please share the program.

[thegadgetguy]

Yes, you need to use a motor controller or an H-bridge relay to actually power the thrusters. In regard to you waterproof housing, I think it would work fine. You may want to put a T piece in the middle of it with an end cap or screw in type plug so that your wires comming off of thrusters and such can get inside. You could probably fit all of them in out the back of the enclosure, but it might get a little tight.

Best of luck and welcome to the forum.