Controlling an electric motor...

[Wing Nut]

I kind of had in mind to build a miniature ROV (A remote control submersible) with a video camera for underwater exploring as a project.  Ihave it pretty much worked out except that I have two issues that I have no idea how I would resolve them.  Right now, this is just a thought that is forming, more than a formal plan to build the thing.  If anyone could point me in the right direction to learn more, I would appreciate it.  

My first problem is how to rig up a joystick to control the motors, the second is how to rig up the video camera to operate remotely.

Anyone get into this kind of thing or know where I might find more information?

[Iroquois]

If it's an R/C sub, you'll want an ESC (electronic speed control). You can use any R/C radio throttle channel. The ESC basically works in the same way as a dimmer switch.

The video camera is a little more complicated, depending on what kind of camera it is. If it's a simple one with no zoom feature, you'll want to have a switch on your radio to turn it on and off. There are special cameras for R/C vehicles that can be worked off of a switch on the radio. If it has a zoom, you'll want to radio to have nobs to turn so you can zoom in and out.

Try going over to RC Groups Forum. www.rcgroups.com
They have a board for people interested in R/C subs.

[ozzy72]

Kevin please don't tell me you're planning to torpedo rubby ducky in the bath AGAIN!

[Nexus]

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/ProductD ... uct=SUPEXP

 :o


I WANT ONE OF THOSE  ;D

[SilverFox441]

If you are looking for a hard-wired controller you may want to  look at R/C servo testers. http://www.uoguelph.ca/~antoon/gadgets/servo3.htm

I've included one simple link as an  example.

If you don't neem proportional control and just want it hardwired for on/off I can draw that up in a couple of minutes.

[Wing Nut]

Kevin please don't tell me you're planning to torpedo rubby ducky in the bath AGAIN!

That rubber ducky is out there. It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead.  

[Wing Nut]

It's kind of turning funky on me.  Do you know how hard it is to find a piece of 8" aluminum tubing?  Finding waterproof motors is hard, waterproofing a motor to about 15 atmospheres is even harder...

[SilverFox441]

15 ATM?

You want this thing to be good for 500'?

[Wing Nut]

I want it to go to 300'.  I figure if I build it for 500' then I can play at 300 all day long...

[SilverFox441]

It's not going to be much on the "minature" side if it's built for 300' tethered operation.

I'd suggest you start a little more modestly....easier from an engineering standpoint.

Checkout http://www.subcommittee.com/

[Ivan]

what is this thing going to be, an 'Alpha' class scale model?

[Wing Nut]

If I do go ahead with it, I am not talking about a submarine, I am talkine about a ROV.  It basically is a box with a camera in it that has motors attached and is tethered by a line for power and control input.  I have talked to a couple people in the ROV industry and and it is seeming more and more like a cool project to do.

http://www.yesmag.ca/ROV/Intro.html

[SilverFox441]

I realize you want an ROV...but many of the components of a homebuilt ROV and a R/C Sub are the same. Much of what you need to acquire is available through links on the Sub Commitee page, especially things like motors, pumps, failsafe circuits, gyros...

I'm a model shipbuilder myself so can probably help sort out a lot of what you have trouble figuring out.