2024-03-18 Assembly Updates and Waterproof Testing

Updates as of 2024-03-18

Mechanical Updates:

• Previous issues described above have been addressed:

  • 3D Printed components were designed and implemented to successfully support a bearing on the right-hand side of the Level Wind.

  • Shaft and housing components that hosted rotary seals were machined to correct the fit of the rotary seals, along with adding 3D-printed components to properly secure the seals.

• The full system has been tested to mechanically work out of water - all mechanical systems work smoothly in motion when powered by the motors

Electrical & Software Updates:

• Electrical integration has been completed

• Minimum viable product has been completed for software, all that remains is fine tuning of the controls

Waterproof Testing

With the system working out of water, the next step was to ensure it would still function while submerged. Before subjecting the entire system with all of the electronics to submersion underwater, the entire portion of the system that is required to be waterproof was tested with the electronics removed.

The assembled gearbox (with electronics removed) was assembled with paper towels inserted into the inside, and was then submerged in water for several minutes. After removal, the exterior was dried and the gearbox was then disassembled. The paper towels were found to be completely dry, and no signs of moisture were found on the interior of the gearbox. Thus, the system was proven to be waterproof at minimal levels of water pressure. See video of the test below: