Florida International University Senior engineering project

[Gaby1723]

hello all, first let me start by introducing myself as this is my first post on this site. I am a senior engineering student from Miami fl, and im building an ROV as my final project. im using 1000kv outrunners, 30A esc, 2 5000 mA 3s lipo batteries, and edf fans, im only drawing approximately 4-5 amps at 11V. a 6 channel receiver in which I will extend the antenna to the surface. I am using a clear dome I ordered from EZ tops. a gopro with a composite out cable for live feed, and 200' cat3 cable for a tether. ( I only need a 3 wire tether so cat5 would be too bulky). I have done all my testing inside a 55 gallon drum full of water, and all is well so far, it is time to enter the big leagues and take her for a deep dive

<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/user/deadoral ... 5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a72/de ... hoto15.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo15.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/user/deadoral ... 6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a72/de ... photo6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo6.jpg"/></a>

[ERIEWRECKDIVER]

WOW. What did you cover the body with?

Best of luck.

ErieWreckDiver

[Gaby1723]

WOW. What did you cover the body with?

Best of luck.

ErieWreckDiver

Hello ERIEWRECKDIVER,
the structure is made with pvc and marine starboard, then I added some fiberglass and polyester resin to shape the "wings", then a lot of sanding, some marine bondo, more sanding, and even more sanding. the final produst was then sprayed with approximately 3-4 layers of white gelcoat.

Ive owned boats my whole life so im familiar using these products, so it only made sense to incorporate them into the build

[Mgbss]

Looking like an "A" so far

Did you run the wires for the motors and other exterior features under the fiberglass? How are you sealing the back of your PVC ? What Channel MHz are you running on your 6 channel radio?

Please post more info looks like a very cool build

Joe

[Gaby1723]

Looking like an "A" so far

Did you run the wires for the motors and other exterior features under the fiberglass? How are you sealing the back of your PVC ? What Channel MHz are you running on your 6 channel radio?

Please post more info looks like a very cool build

Joe

thank you! I ran the wires behind the "wings" its open to the water and not covered like the front, that way water can enter and counteract the hydrostatic forces at depth. therefor only the middle pvc pipe will experience pressure. This also allows me to be able to unplug and swap out a motor if needed.

the back of the PVC is a threaded cap, where I just apply a little bit of Teflon tape and screw in the cap.

im not too sure on the MHz of the radio, its just one I picked up form a friend who flies rc planes

here I attached a picture of the "business end" so you can see what I mean.

hopefully I can put it in a pool this weekend and post some pics

<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/user/deadoral ... 1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a72/de ... /rov-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo rov-1.jpg"/></a>

[ERIEWRECKDIVER]

I have to agree with everyone. Looks like an "A" to me.

Your design has got to be one of the coolest looking on the forum. I hope your testing goes well. If so tell your professors that we are very impressed. Because to combine form and function into a successful project is not a easy thing to do.

My ROV works very well, but it is an Ugly Cousin in comparison to yours. Plus I would hazard to guess that yours will perform through the water more efficiently due to its streamlined design.

You will be graduating soon I would guess. Have you considered a career in this field. I don't know if you know but there are major firms that hire ROV Pilots, but they want you to have a engineering background. I bet they would be very interested in you.

Please keep us informed about your progress.

ErieWreckDiver

[Gaby1723]

I have to agree with everyone. Looks like an "A" to me.

Your design has got to be one of the coolest looking on the forum. I hope your testing goes well. If so tell your professors that we are very impressed. Because to combine form and function into a successful project is not a easy thing to do.

My ROV works very well, but it is an Ugly Cousin in comparison to yours. Plus I would hazard to guess that yours will perform through the water more efficiently due to its streamlined design.

You will be graduating soon I would guess. Have you considered a career in this field. I don't know if you know but there are major firms that hire ROV Pilots, but they want you to have a engineering background. I bet they would be very interested in you.

Please keep us informed about your progress.

ErieWreckDiver

Thank you for the kind words,


I will be doing the first trial in a friends pool this weekend and I will keep you posted on the results

Thanks again!

[a_shorething]

Good luck with it, keep us posted here!

[fireslayer26]

Can you post some more information about your grippers?

[thegadgetguy]

I believe he is using claws from sparkfun. See this thread for a link:

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=438

I bought one and was not impressed with the quality, FWIW. Might be okay if you were actually using it with a servo (I wasn't) and not underwater.