Homebuilt ROVs Forum

I had recently build a ROV using Sea-Perch Manual without PVC Floats. My ROV just consists of frame fitted with payload net and thrusters and when i dip into water i get the left-right control , but the upward motion produced by the thruster is not sufficient . It keeps on sinking , but i can feel the ripples produced by the motor. So what kind of materials can i add to make it move up ? Will the foam or floats added to sides of the frame facilitate the motor to provide sufficient thrust or it has to do something with motor rating? I use 12V DC brushed motor.
Is it something to do with motor / propeller size or with the floats i should add on to create the necessary buoyant force?

You need the floats to make the Rov neutral buoyant in the water. Neutral Buoyant means the Rov will neither float nor sink but remain at the same depth. The vertical thruster is then used to control your depth.

The best way to do this is to add flotation first at the top of the Rov so it just barely floats. This can be in the form of foam, PVC pods, fishing net floats, pool noodles, ect. After that you can then add just enough weight to the bottom of the Rov to achieve neutral buoyancy. Anything from washers, nuts, or even pennies. The floats at the top and the weight at the bottom of the Rov will help keep the Rov stable in the water. See This Page for a simple explanation.

-Steve