Homebuilt ROVs Forum

Hi all

My name is Stuart and I've just started making my ROV. My plan is to make a similar to the Seafox design with a Raspberry Pi (http://www.raspberrypi.org) as the main on-board control unit in the ROV and just power and Ethernet run down to it. I've started with the lights and just today the lenses have arrived. Rather than using a compass and cutting them out I had them laser cut by Ponko (http://www.ponoko.com/) as a friend was already having some perspex cut and had spare room on the sheet. I'll let you know how that turns out.

My first real question is what type of epoxy should I use for sealing the wires in the lights? I have some thicker epoxy at home but I'm presuming that a more pourable type like used for fibreglassing would be best. The answer is presumably elsewhere in the forum so I'll do a search around.

Stuart

Welcome to the forum Stuart,

I would think any epoxy would work, (a lot is going to depend on how deep you go too.) I like to use Potting Epoxy myself because it does have a lower viscosity. I first like to fill the end (near the wires exit) with a little silicone just to provide a little tension relief for the wire so if it constantly bends the epoxy won't crack. (hopefully that make sense.)

-Steve

dangarstu wrote:Hi all

My name is Stuart and I've just started making my ROV. My plan is to make a similar to the Seafox design with a Raspberry Pi (http://www.raspberrypi.org) as the main on-board control unit in the ROV and just power and Ethernet run down to it. I've started with the lights and just today the lenses have arrived. Rather than using a compass and cutting them out I had them laser cut by Ponko (http://www.ponoko.com/) as a friend was already having some perspex cut and had spare room on the sheet. I'll let you know how that turns out.

My first real question is what type of epoxy should I use for sealing the wires in the lights? I have some thicker epoxy at home but I'm presuming that a more pourable type like used for fibreglassing would be best. The answer is presumably elsewhere in the forum so I'll do a search around.

Stuart

Stuart im in the same process you are. I am using a product called system 3. It dries clear and is made for boat building. Ive used it for years and works great.
good luck, post some pics if you get a chance.
tim