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High School Underwater ROV Project — Parallax Forums

High School Underwater ROV Project

trenttrent Posts: 1
edited 2007-02-09 03:48 in Robotics
As a newly formed·High School robotics club, we are totally inexperienced with electronics. Great start!. We need help with setting up·and the product selection of microcontrollers(boards and·STAMP modules) to accomplish our task. We are willing to pay for your consulting time. IFI Robotics has a system that is plug and play, but we need to learn how to build a system ourselves. This will be part of the learning process for the kids. Our ROV will have the following function reqirements:

1) Tether connection between surface interface with PC and onboard
··· controller
2) Surface control of motors with Joystick
3) View of robot motion through TV monitors
4) Motor control for four 12V motors(5A max), variable speed,
··· forward·and reverse
5) LED light control for four arrays, dimming control
6)·Control of two or three solenids·for pnuematic switches
7) Control of two or three servos
8) Control of two onboard CCDboard cameras
9) Under water camera with cable back to surface

Where do we start. Can Parallax provide all of the parts we need?
Thanks for any help.

Trent

Comments

  • John R.John R. Posts: 1,376
    edited 2007-02-07 18:21
    Trent;

    Where are you located? I have to assume that someone (of quality) would be willing to help out for free.

    I don't see anything on the list that is "over the edge".

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    John R.
    Click here to see my Nomad Build Log
  • LawsonLawson Posts: 870
    edited 2007-02-07 19:21
    This is sounding like something that's be best done in person. If you could say what state this is in and the nearest big city that'd be enough info to figure out if someone is close enough to drop by and help.

    my 2 cents,
    Marty
  • jhoyozajhoyoza Posts: 72
    edited 2007-02-07 20:59
    Hello,

    It does matter if your planning to use it in salt water of fresh water IMHO, and I‘m curious to know as I'm thinking of doing the same sort of thing.

    However, as far as electronics are concerned you might consider purchasing the Parallax Basic stamp 2 Discovery Kit. It would answer at least half of what your asking in an easy to read, and learn format for beginners. High-school level students could easily understand it. Perfect for your club and possibly a lot more cost effective than a consultant

    www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=27207

    -Cheers
  • PARPAR Posts: 285
    edited 2007-02-08 04:12
    trent said...
    As a newly formed·High School robotics club, we are totally inexperienced with electronics. Great start!. We need help with setting up·and the product selection of microcontrollers(boards and·STAMP modules) to accomplish our task. We are willing to pay for your consulting time. IFI Robotics has a system that is plug and play, but we need to learn how to build a system ourselves. This will be part of the learning process for the kids. Our ROV will have the following function reqirements:

    1) Tether connection between surface interface with PC and onboard
    ··· controller
    2) Surface control of motors with Joystick
    3) View of robot motion through TV monitors
    4) Motor control for four 12V motors(5A max), variable speed,
    ··· forward·and reverse
    5) LED light control for four arrays, dimming control
    6)·Control of two or three solenids·for pnuematic switches
    7) Control of two or three servos
    8) Control of two onboard CCDboard cameras
    9) Under water camera with cable back to surface

    Where do we start. Can Parallax provide all of the parts we need?
    Thanks for any help.

    Trent
    So the club's experience and work environment include machining, hydraulics, electrical (non-electronic aspects), physics (e.g., bouyancy, pressure), chemistry (e.g, corrosion), etc?

    If not, then perhaps a more tame terrestrial-based initial project, to get the electronics aspects more under control would be the place to start? Parallax is certainly an efficient and effective place for "totally inexperienced in electronics" robot enthusiasts to begin their journey. And, please do treat it as a journey; the fun is (should be) in the trip. Diving into deep water, or into·murky water head first, may take some of the fun out of the adventure.

    On the other hand, if you've got those other skills and knowledge nailed down, then you'll still want to take a step back and delve into the fundamentals of electronics.

    PAR
  • tech-mechtech-mech Posts: 14
    edited 2007-02-08 05:39
    For the underwater video camera check out www.harborfreightusa.com they have one with 65 feet of cable. It includes monitor, battery and charger. The camera has IR LEDs that you can turn on/off and control brightness.

    It would be more learning but I think that an SX proto board would be a good controller as you would be able to do your serial communication in the background.

    I have an interest in this and would like to know what progress you are making and what help I could give, I have a background in mechanics and general shop, with some training in Mech. Eng. Tech.

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    Dale Bartel

    Portland Or
  • WarrlokWarrlok Posts: 77
    edited 2007-02-08 20:00
    i would read the "Whats a Microcontroller" and do the Boebot route and then u might have a good grasp on what help u,ll need if any!!

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Problems are the "roads" of life,
    solutions are only "onramps" to the next problem



    ············································· "Brad Smith"
    ·
  • mackmmackm Posts: 4
    edited 2007-02-09 03:48
    You don't need someone to show you, it's easy to learn this·by yourself.··

    Post Edited (mackm) : 2/9/2007 3:58:45 AM GMT
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