Underwater ROV

Building Bob

"Bob" is a Remotely Operated Vehicle or ROV that can explorer your local lake or bay down to 60 feet below the surface.  Bob can be built in just a few evenings from parts that are easy to find at the hardware store and on-line. The total cost is less than $300. You only need a few simple tools to complete the work as most of the parts are glued.  The wiring is soldered, but it is simple to do and there is a detailed wiring diagram to follow. Read more...

Joystick for Props

This circuit connects to the Joystick and to relay switches down on the ROV that turn the thrusters on and off.  When you move the joystick the circuit determines which motor is turned on and if it runs in forward or reverse. TTL circuits are a great way to get started building simple electric circuits.  TTL or Transistor/Transistor Logic chips are simple to understand.  For example if pin #1 and pin #2 both have power coming in, then pin #3 will have power going out.   The circuit is completely built using TTL chips and a few resistors. No diodes, no capacitors, no voltage regulators. Read more...