DIY Underwater ROV

md_rov.jpg
This ROV is controlled by a Basic Stamp2 and is fully controlled via StampPlot. This allows for a GUI interface and feedback from the sensors while you are exploring the vast depths of the local lakes.

Initially I had hoped to have an un-tethered ROV. I tried to transmit data using Bluetooth from a laptop to the ROV underwater but as soon as it went under the surface all communication stopped. I also tried data communication using two radio transceivers operating at 438Mhz but got the same result.

Build your own ROV - Link

Related:
 Rovrev2 Pictures Image48
Making an PVC ROV Sub - Link.

 ~Javamoose Rov Images 056
DIY Underwater ROV Project - Link.

Posted by Marc de Vinck | Feb 21, 2008 03:00 AM
DIY Projects | Permalink | Comments (5) | Email This | Bookmark and Share | Digg this!

Recent Entries

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: zdeubeu on February 21, 2008 at 4:33 AM

You can't use HF signals in water unless they are very low in frequency. Submarines use signals in the 15kHz range. Hard to do.

Otherwise, you can use sound: ultrasound transducers should work well.

73 !


Posted by: Richard on February 21, 2008 at 5:55 AM

Nice project! I really liked the videos. I also like the way you used StampPlot for the surface side interface. I will have to try something similar with mine.

One question -- what did you use for speed control on the thrusters?


Posted by: haagmm on February 21, 2008 at 7:03 AM

zdeubeu true, i saw a presentation on low cost Acoustic Modem technology based on DIY work with fish finders.

http://wuwnet.engr.uconn.edu/papers/p071-benson.pdf is the paper.


Posted by: Hackius on February 21, 2008 at 12:33 PM

How'd you waterproof the motors?


Posted by: Craig on February 22, 2008 at 9:21 PM

The one model has submersable sump pumps that are waterproof, the other looks like the motors are geting full contact with water, which is so-so iffy workable in fresh water, useless in salt water. I am working on one that has long motorshaft motors in a PVC housing that goes through a few snug & teflon lubricated o-rings. The other end of the PVC housings has a watertight large o-ring threadded cap. Rubber compression fittings for insulated wire allow control cable inside watertight.
Even expensive learning center aquarium ROVs have no speed controllers, just full thrust fwd/rev. You learn to feather the controls with a good pilot's touch. It's nice that you can find 12V color & sound cameras for under $100 lately, JUST over $100 with a 5" monitor.


Leave a comment


Subscribe to MAKE!Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now

How-to videos for Makers and Crafers!


Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out... Welcome to the Make Blog!

Features and more @ MAKE!


Get MAKE 14 - Subscribe or on newsstands!

Add MAKE to iGoogle - GoogleGoogle.
Add MAKE to your RSS reader - Real simple.


Advertise here with FM.

Why advertise on MAKE?
Read what folks are saying about us!

Click here to advertise on MAKE!

Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!


Phillip Torrone.Phillip Torrone
Senior Editor
Tel: 707-827-7311


Gareth BranwynGareth Branwyn
Robot Maker


Kip KayKip Kay
Video Maker


Jonah Brucker-Cohen Jonah Brucker-Cohen
Artist / Researcher

Suggest a Site!

Natalie Zee DrieuNatalie Zee Drieu
Senior Editor
CRAFT


Becky Stern Becky Stern
Culture jammer


Collin CunninghamCollin Cunningham
Sound Maker


Marc de Vinck Marc de Vinck
CNC Maker

Current Podcast

itunes_p.jpg Maker's Notebook Pocket - CRAFT Video Podcast Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes Love your Maker's Notebook, but wish it had a pocket? Well, in this video I'll show you how easy it is to add your own. This... More...

Get the Make blog sent via email

Enter your email to receive the Make blog each day:



WOW! Thanks to everyone involved with Maker Faire Bay Area: attendees, makers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and crew...it was AMAZING! Over 400 Makers and 60,000+ attendees! Be sure to check out the photos @ Flickr, and our Maker Faire posts for all the action! The next scheduled Maker Faire is Austin: Oct. 18th & 19th, 2008 - Travis County Expo Center!

Make Categories

www.flickr.com
photos in MAKE More photos in MAKE Flickr Pool
www.flickr.com
photos in Craft More photos in Craft Flickr Pool

Advertise here.
Why advertise on MAKE?
Read what folks are saying about us!

Click here to advertise on MAKE!
Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Recent Posts from the Craft: Blog

Recent Posts from the Hackszine Blog