Underwater ROV

Step 11 Testing

The first time the ROV saw water, I tested it in my uncle's pool. As was expected, the ROV was too buoyant. I have since added lead weights I purchased at a hunting store to add weight to the skids. Lead shot would have been preferable because it is finer and easier to use, but it is really expensive. The lead also allows me to adjust the ballast with a reasonable degree of precision in the event that I need to change the weight on the spot. The total required ballast was about 8 lbs, quite a load. The next test will be in another pool, and then its hopefully into a lake! If you plan on using this in salt water, it would not be a bad idea to rinse it off afterward to keep corrosion down.

I will try to post some videos in the near future to show how this thing works in the water

Comments

[grundisimo]

Try using pumps and ballast tanks to control weight.

[Legoman132]

I am building an ROV myself, and I was wondering ow far your lights penetrated in cloudy water. Also, I flound that the 1250 GPH bilge pump replacement cartridge from West Marine doesn't need cutting to get to the motor shaft, and I got some boat props from hobbytown that fit the shaft perfectly, just tighten the key and go. The only issue is they produce more thrust in one direction than the other. Do you have the same issue? I also find that mounting your motors with PVC pipe clamps (in the 1 1/2 inch realm I think) and some old bicycle inner tube around the motors holds them on solidly, and you then put some bolts through the frame PVC (assuming your frame isn't watertight). This forms a very solid mount(at least for me) that doesnt move. It also doesn't crush your pipe like pipe clamps do.

[UberNoober]

Because of the shape and design of a propeller, and the way it's mounted on the motor, they produce more thrust in one way than the other. It's a problem all prop-driven ROV's must design around.

[thefrontdoorman]

If you live in a town where you can walk along the busy roads you can look on the side and find lead weights that come off the car tires. This is how I collect lead for projects. The ROV looks great ...thanks