ROV Thruster Testing

So another ROV update, I did some tests of bilge pump motors as thrusters and got some interesting results

 

Results

Model	Direction	Voltage (V)	Current (I)	Power	Thrust (lb)	W/lb
1000gph w/ propeller	Forward	12.5	7A	87.5	1.25-1.5	58-70
	Reverse	12.5	7.5	93.75	1-1.25	75-93.75
500gph w/ propeller	Forward	13.0	5.0	65.0	0.5	130
	Reverse	13.0	4.5	58.5	0.75	78

These are some strange results that I need to reconcile before carrying forward, particularly the odd thrust value of the 500gph motor in forward.

Future plans involve testing nozzle shapes such as straight nozzles, nozzles with collimating fins (to reduce turbulent flow or increase laminar flow), and Kort rings. Anyone with expertise in this area feel free to chime in with comments.

A slightly less yellow submarine

So, because of the sheer expense of 6″ sch80 pipe and pipe fittings (read:  several hundred dollars for a few feet of pipe and 6 fittings!), there has been a redesign!

A yellow submarine

So besides the obvious song reference, I’m starting on a new long term project (as if I don’t have enough going on?). I’m going to be building a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a friend for fun and potential science. This has been on my list of things to do for ages, though prohibited mostly by cost. Being gainfully employed has its benefits (ie: money).

Stay tuned for more details, as the goal is to complete construction in time for summer 2011.

Key specs:

Rated depth: 100m
Rated pressure: 1.081 MPa or 156psi

Construction:
sch80 PVC pipe for electronics pods, 1″ CPVC pipe for frame, and aluminum for cross-bars

Power source:
Internal sealed lead acid batteries

Propulsion:
Modified bilge pumps

Instrumentation:
Pressure, temperature, compass, internal monitors (temperature, voltage, current consumption, [humidity/water sensor]). Video over IP camera

Control system:
Surface control computer
Onboard microcontroller with ethernet connectivity, control via tether.

Fiber coupled fluorometer

One of my more recent projects has been tinkering with fiber optics and sensitive detectors to make a fiber coupled fluorometer. Details to come (eventually).

Desert Bus for Hope Craft Along

For those of you unfamiliar with the Canadian sketch comedy group Loading Ready Run, I suggest you get familiar. Their videos document comedic genius on the internet since before Youtube (yes, really) and have been working their way up in the world in the realm of internet media. For the past 3 years they have been hosting an event known as Desert Bus for Hope raising, money for the Childs Play charity by playing the most boring game in existance as a marathon:  a real time driving sim between Tuscon,AZ and Las Vegas,NV.

This coming year I decided to send them some laser cut acrylic, some of which is just because they are awesome, and one item for their DBFH craft along (where people make crafts, send them in, and they get auctioned off for charity). Below are some photos of 2 items I sent the group as gifts, and not shown is a similar DBFH acrylic plaque that will hopefully auction well.

 

Just a few hours ago the countdown officially started to the Desert Bus for Hope charity marathon, so gear up for some fun!