Hello from British Columbia

[Sterno]

I've just recently found this board, have been working on a design for a Search/Recovery ROV for some time now. Lakes around here are up to 800' deep but most searches are at 200-400 feet. The electronics housings and flotation are solved, as is power and propulsion so tether length and control is the only real stumbling block. I'll post my questions over in the "Control Systems and Tethers" section.

Great forum, Thanks to the mod(s) for looking after it.

[cjstepney]

I am working on something very much similar to yours, however much simpler: I just want it to be able to run deep and have a video camera. What are you using for a control system (the actual controller system, not the motors). I have my whole ROV planned out and all the pieces tested and ready, but I have no control system. What are you using?

[Sterno]

System was originally planned around a laptop/joystick via USB extender to ROV setup, but cost and complexity has me rethinking to go with a microcontroller, probably an arduino.

[Mareike]

Have a look at Trusters and Fiber Opitic Thether, we have both in our forums. Cheap (Tailor made) Fiber Optic Cable and Fiber Optic Converters with Lan Connection you want to buy at www.fiberkorat.com. We talk about F.O. cable for 1-2$ per meter and a converter for a 120-150$.
The water depth you want to go needs aleady the best materials