Since the Rhiwbach and Ecton trips, a couple of equipment failures and so on, I've decided after much thought and research to build a ROV for limited exploration using an umbilical link for flooded shafts and the like.

This will limit the exploration to about 300 feet. The ROV will carry a 520 lines full colour video unit and a Canon G7 still camera (video also possible). Lighting will be proved by LEDs. Propulsion and maneuverability will be by submersible pumps.

I'm using proven methods and designs already being used by other enthusiasts. This means the project is already underway and the basic chassis should be completed by the end of next week. I then have to install the motors and control circuits. Lighting will follow that. This will then allow initial testing in a swimming pool.

To accelerate the build I'm keeping things very simple and will add to it as it develops especially on the electronic side. For those wanting to know more. The chassis will be a wet one as I need to utilise near neutral buoyancy, so it will be just and I mean just positively buoyant. So the WTC (water tight compartment) will be kept to an absolute minimum this being the video pod. The camera housing is a separate add-on unit, payload. Large WTC present problems of all sorts, not least if they flood. Buoyancy tanks will be foam filled for the same reason.

If the project is successful I shall look at the possibilities of training up others to use the kit. As Vanoord can testify I'm not as fit as I used to be and it would be a shame to limit the use of the equipment by virtue of the operator.

I'll have some photos soon and I'll post here as to the progress.

Remote Orbital Vehicle??

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Yes, I missed out the obvious!! Remotely Operated Vehicle and by default applies to underwater.

Thnx Mr C.

Thanks - I could figure what it was for, but couldn't reconcile the initials. I think I must of spent too much time as a kid reading Peter Farleys Space Annual!
Sounds interesting though, good luck with it.

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Brilliant idea and best of luck with it, it's something I kept wondering about trying to build myself!:thumbsup:

I can think of quite a few good candidates for dropping a ROV down round here - Neptune, Side and Mandale spring to mind immediately. Is the 300ft limit down to cable length or pressure on the waterproof container?

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Excellent idea Peter, there is a flooded section in the Alderley Edge mines approx 50' that no body has ever seen into since the mine closed in the 1800's. Also it is easy to get to , being more or less a walk in.

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The depth issue is actually less of a problem compared with the communication/power problems Adam.

By using either a wet chassis or foam filled one gets rid of pressure problems to a point but does add mass when you come to move the ROV. The umbilical depending on the final configuration then becomes the problem. Voltage drop on DC circuits etc, again this can be overcome by using electronics and create an ethernet and carry onboard power so 600 feet becomes a reality without the camera but with the video. (I'll be using a standard underwater enclosure for the camera which should be OK to 300 feet.)

There is some way to go and aspirations will no doubt change but I'm optimistic that a useful tool can be made. The biggest challenge at the moment is the final design and positioning of the propulsion units.

Sounds like an ideal test dive Redlion as indeed are Adam's suggestions.

I'm going to apply the pressure to myself now and I'm looking to have something workable by the Christmas break. I'm sure there will be plenty of work for it.

Having seen the previous (air and water going) rigs and the spectacular results from them I can't wait to see this latest incarnation.

Nice work Peter, it takes nerve to launch hundreds of pounds of kit into the air or submerge it but I know plenty of people are very appreciative of the results :flowers:

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Sounds like a very interesting project. I have seen a number of these builds on the internet. They all look fascinating. And as you say the biggest problems being power and boyancy for
the cable.
I have seen a couple of interesting ideas such as using a normal RC control system but connecting the reciever and transmitter to one of the lines in the umbilical.

Why use "normal" pal video and not a digital signal? i.e. digitise everything and dump it over an ip link if you are already doing that? IP cameras are relatively cheap so you could have multiple angles covered and add more later if needed.

http://www.ominoushum.com/oac/ 
looks very interesting. A similar set up would let you see the position of the ROV in real time making navigation a lot less hassle.

Thanks Simon.

You are right MP but I'm an impatient so and so and I would like to see results. Seeing that video mentioned by Bruce has made me more so!

But there are other reasons too. Even thought it should be quite easy to replicate others work and add features of one's own it is still a steep learning curve. The CAT5 idea is right for video but having just been part of installing such a system in nearly 100 hotel bedrooms I can see some of the potential issues. I'm not saying it can't be done but at this stage I'm trying to keep it simple to get the show on the road as it were.

I have put up a small web site to cover the construction and progress of the ROV.
http://www.kap.toadstone.com/ROV/ 

It is very much more advanced than the picture shows BTW. I've just broken off assembly to post this. I'll set the gallery up later.

Peter.

Thanks for the link Peter, look forward to seeing more , as you progress.

Lee

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back in the 80's i did some work on bore hole cameras
for oil well use ...... That was difficult even with a bottomless
pit of money .......
What you've done on a limited budget is pretty sh1t hot..

hard hats off .......... respect :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I have put up a small web site to cover the construction and progress of the ROV.
http://www.kap.toadstone.com/ROV/ 

It is very much more advanced than the picture shows BTW. I've just broken off assembly to post this. I'll set the gallery up later.

Ah, just seen this (I've been many leagues across the sea for a while) - if you've not got the pumps yet, drop me a PM! 🙂

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Thanks Justin.

Vanoord, I'll PM but test motors are on. Check the site I've just updated it.

I'll be over at the Peak District Mining Museum this Saturday afternoon for the PDMHS AGM etc so will take it with me should anyone be interested.

Peter.

I should be at the talks, and look forward to seeing the ROV! :thumbsup:

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have you spoken to Peter at IA recordings - he developed a shaft camera for use in deep shafts at Nenthead - I am sure he can offer some constructive advice

Mike

Is the IA shaft cam an underwater unit? I took a look at the IA Recordings web site MineCam and Borg page http://www.iarecordings.org/minecam.html  but couldn't see anything specifically for underwater use?

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No it isn't and that is my error - albeit there is a lot of knowledge there and should be wiorth talking with them - I have PM toadstone with contact details

Mike