DIY Underwater ROV

[James_sgp]

Been building an underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), for the last few months. Made from plastic plumbing pipe, with onboard electronics for compass, depth, thruster control, lights & video camera.
Its controlled via a laptop on the surface, and connected with a 50m long umbilical cable. Attached a few pictures, working on the final assembly at the moment. But got a little distracted building myself a 20W LED video light (using concepts from my ROV).

[Sarah]

Now that has to be fun building!

[seasnake]

Very cool. What are some of your other projects. I assume you don't start out building ROV's?

[James_sgp]

Seasnake,

Well you`ve already seen my dive light, which was an inspiration after designing the lights for my ROV (they should be able to go down to 50m, based stress analysis).
Built lots of other toys before, but not many for diving. Built serval dive computer interfaces, for Sunnto & UWATEC.

I like a good challenge, so figured the ROV would be good...and hopefully useful too. Has got some concepts for a baby version, but will depend how sucessful the big one is first.

[fredob]

Nice - what do you use for the thrusters & how do you keep the dreaded salty-shorting out liquid from entering?:confused:

[Tigerbeach]

Can it be outfitted with a shark fin to cruise the surf zone...?

[acelockco]

Ha! Now that sounds like a great idea!