Homebuilt ROVs Forum

Hello all!

I'm collecting pieces for my rov build. Ordering the pvc tonight.

I'm going with a 4" over/under design linking the two tubes by integrating 4x4x2 reducer tees into each one.
It will have a 4" pipe union window on the top tube at the front for my camera, and another at the back of the bottom tube for battery access.
Also on the front of the bottom tube it will reduce from 4" to 2" and I'll use a 2" pipe union window to house my MR16 3w led.

Batteries are nicad D-cell packs (got a good deal) and will be located in the bottom tube so it will self-right. I am not sure how many packs I'll utilize,
I bought 10 packs of 4 cells so I have up to 23.5 Ah at 12v if I can make them all fit without having to go crazy big on the hull.

For propulsion I'm looking at Hobby King 730kv Donkey motors because they are cheap, turn slow, and have a nice 5mm shaft.
ESCs will likely be Hobby King 30amp. Still deciding on props. Tempted to go with EDF rotors modified to fit.
I'm planning on 4 thrusters including a lateral one for manuverability.

Control will probably be rc as I just got a new DX6i for Christmas.

I'm only looking to go about 50 feet down. Feel free to weigh in on this design. I'll post pictures as soon as I get my pvc and start mocking it up.

how are going to send the signals between the dx6i and the rov?

fluxno wrote:how are going to send the signals between the dx6i and the rov?

I figure I'll link the transmitter antenna to the tether and have that particular wire terminate outside the hull so it only has to transmit through about 6" of water.
That should work shouldn't it?

scubersteve wrote:

fluxno wrote:how are going to send the signals between the dx6i and the rov?

I figure I'll link the transmitter antenna to the tether and have that particular wire terminate outside the hull so it only has to transmit through about 6" of water.
That should work shouldn't it?

i doubt it will.
it could work with a good quality coax to the rov and having that trough the hull and having the antenna inside the hull.
http://associationofmodelsubmariners.co ... rwater.php

I'm still researching the best way to connect a non-dsc tx to a rx.

I'm sure I can come up with something

My DX6i came with a 6 channel receiver that has a satellite receiver attached.
I'm wondering if I can leave the rx on the rov and have the satellite receiver topside and link them with the tether.
My understanding is that the satellite receiver works as a auxiliary antenna.
Something to try anyway.

is it this one? http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Defa ... =SPMAR6210
that could work yes.
simplest test is to connect in you tether in between and see what happens.

Yep that's the one.
I also wonder if I can connect the trainer port on the transmitter to where the satellite receiver plugs in on the rx via the tether and just leave the satellite receiver out altogether.

you could use a oscilloscope to compare those signals, that would show it quite easily.

So I got my pvc in the other day and got my basic hull design mocked up... Camera and electronics in the top, batteries and a light in the bottom.
I have yet to mock up the framework to which the thrusters will be attached.
More to come