3-22-06 & 3-29-06
The 1st day of ROV

In hind sight I should have posted this earlier, but I didn’t. There were several things accomplished this 1st day, as a group we meet and strategized about possible designs for a successful ROV. Many resources were used, we scoured the class website, internet, magazines and even past ROV carcasses left at MDT. This works fruition was a list of general areas that need specific focus in order for our group to succeeded. The class website lists the following areas:

Vehicle Structure
Vehicle Electrical & Electronic
Hydraulic System
Propulsion
Lighting
Camera Systems
Manipulators
Umbilical
Control Van
Pilot's Control Console
Handling System
Power Supply System

Our list was more simplified as we grouped several areas together. The vehicle structure and propulsion systems are tied in together since our shrouded thrusters are fixed and tied into the vehicles frame. We are currently searching for cost effective magnetically coupled 12 volt DC motors but also sourced Water proof bilge pump motors as they are a commonly used and cost effective given our budget. Propeller design is also a concern. We need to find the best lbs of thrust versus amperage as we are limited to 12v 30 amps. The frame will be constructed from Polypropylene sheets with PVC shrouds and stainless steel fasteners. We won’t have a control van or manipulator or need for Hydraulics. The power supply, electronic controllers and handling system at present will be tied into a PIC processor and DC motor controlling unit controlled via 3 axis joystick. Currently the control system is our biggest area of concern given our groups general lack of electronic education and experience. As of yet we have not decided on a specific camera system but do feel that it should be self powered via a topside connection to the surface so that it is independent from the power supply provided to us. If possible lighting will be included in this via High intensity LED illumination mounted to the ROV frame focused forward of the vehicle. Options for the umbilical have as of yet not been finalized. Below is a copy of our thruster placement. The vertical thruster will be fixed in the center of the four horizontal thrusters.