Homebuilt ROVs Forum

Hi folks,

I've just introduced myself in the new intros and would like to kick off with a wee question: as a total newbie and building my first ROV, is it OK to use small bilge pumps for thrusters? Would the pumps on their own provide enough thrust or would I have to modify the pump to take a propellor?

Would something like these be suitable: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MARINE-BILGE- ... 114wt_1265

six off, two forward, two aft, one for ascent and one for descent?

Yes those will work just as they are or you can do what most everyone else does and put props on the bilge pump motors. I use bilge pumps just the way they are. You can check out my Rov under the projects section. Look for "My nearly completed/completed rov.

bilge pumps work just fine in their original configuration. the only downside is you need twice as many verses a motor and a prop.

the choice is yours.