Structure, Controls and Thrusters: Built using MIT Sea Perch kit. For Phase 2, I may either scale up the Sea Perch configuration (using bilge pump for thrusters) or look at alternatives (such as Sea Fox). Alternative construction options can be found at HomebuiltROVs and Jensen's book Camera System: Built using a board camera with video baluns (from supercircuits.com) in a waterproof enclosure (useful tips on waterproofing here). This configuration allows longer range (up to 150 feet) with a re-usable television and the abilty to upgrade camera as needed. (Another DIY option is Sparkfun RCA #1 and an off-the-shelf option (underwater fishing camera) can be found at Cabelas.com). Viewing is done using portable TV (longer battery power and less expensive than a laptop). Signal can be split to go to a second camera (camcorder, etc.). View port created with corrugated plastic. Camera and thrusters need to be on separate 12V batteries (otherwise interference). Read more about how the camera system was built here. Lighting: LEDs from a cheap flashlight in an enclosure that are turned on/off with a magnetic switch (from Jameco). Read more about this system here. Diver lights would be good alternative for shallow depths. Power: 12 Volt batteries (someday supplemented by 12V solar panels). Depth gauge: scuba depth gauge was bought on EBay with max depth indicator. Could be placed to be viewable by the camera (not implemented) but currently sits in payload area. Weights: additional weights were obtained from sporting store (1oz fishing weights). Tether: two ethernet lines (one for thrusters, one for video). Fishing floats used for buoyancy. Not yet implemented:
Click here to see Phase 2 planning. Additional References:
Pictures:    Picture taken through viewport with regular camera (doesn't do it justice)  |
