Data Logging Tow Fish - What Do You Think?

[AHarris]

Hello HomebuiltROVs Forum,
Just thought I would update you on my project and show you all the specific details and bits that I am hoping to include.
After my last disaster I am setting a strict budget (and I mean strict) and will make sure I don't choose a supplier that adds a £50 shipping fee as I made the mistake of doing last time.

The idea is to create a "Fish" that shall record information about the waters whilst being towed behind my kayak at approximately five knots.
The fish shall include multiple sensors (if I can get hold of them) to record the information, these sensors could include; temperature, GPS, PH, Light and other such sensors that can be connected via USB to a laptop computer that shall sit inside my kayak.
There is also going to be a mini camera that shall send live video and audio (not that it shall be much good) feeds to a mini monitor via RCA that shall also sit in the kayak.

This is a run down of the stuff I shall need:
Rope
Mini Camera
PVC Pipe
Plexiglass
USB Hub (adds more USB ports allowing for more sensors)
USB Active Repeater (keeps the signal strong)
RCA Cable
RCA Splitter
Laptop
Battery
Sensors

The rest of the stuff I have, I shall be looking forward to keeping you updated and my also create a website to post my results.

[soulreaper]

If it is being towed, how will you control the depth, or avoid obastacles?

[AHarris]

The Fish shall sink to the length of the tether, as I begin to kayak it shall create a drag that shall lift it up but keep the tether taught.
It isn't controlled by depth and instead is similar to side scan sonar in that it is just towed and records as opposed to controlled.

[SoakedinVancouver]

There is a fishing gadget out there, that let you adjust the "planing" depth of trolled fishing lure, you might want to research that, as a simple form of control.

[AHarris]

Thanks for that, shall look into it for sure!
I got the laptop free as my parents old broken one which I repaired so I now have money for some other gadgets!

[thegadgetguy]

Yes, you should see if there's anything like SoaedinVancouver is describing, as I know even pros have to deal with this, especially with the seafloor changing in height. I assume you'll have to be relativly close to floor, and it isn't always flat.

[tanner331]

For a camera I use a Security Labs SLC-137C Color Waterproof Camera. It has 65ft of cable,is waterproof down to 90', and it is color or IR night vision.
here is a linkhttp://www.security-labs.com/pdf_docume ... 7C_cut.pdf