3D Printed ROV – Control & Joystick
I use what a call the BRCS (Basic Rov Control System) for control of this ROV. (Which was part of the LCUBE.) It is a pretty basic control system using relays, a few buttons, and an arcade type joystick. While simple to make it does only allow for simple ON/OFF control of the thrusters. I’ve had a full write up of this system on my other website for years and this is also covered extensively in the “The Basic Rov Control System Wiring Manual” that I wrote while making the LCUBE. Below is just some quick highlights of the system.
The main control portion of this system consists of a bank of DPDT relays to control forward/reverse of the thrusters as well as options like lights, cameras, or open/close of manipulator functions.
This is the top side wiring diagram of the arcade type joystick.
These are DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) relays. two of these are wired together to control each thruster.
Once wired together correctly these eight relays will control the three thrusters and either the tilt of the camera (or control of the manipulator.) I have to pick which function I want before launching.
This is what the completed main control box looks like when fully wired.
I used melted candle wax to seal everything up in the project box.
The sealed box before attaching the lid.
For the top side controller I used an arcade type joystick and buttons, as well as a few other types of connectors.
For the controller box I used the top of a Fishing box. This will allow me to contain a battery in the bottom to make the entire system portable.
The top of the box which will actually be the controller is detachable if I do not need that battery. (say if I’m on my boat, I’ll use the trolling motor battery.)
This is the template for the layout of everything.
The joystick gets mounted diagonally this is a big part of the system so when you press up (forward) two buttons get pressed at once.
Here’s how the control buttons look like when mounted.
These are the power and tether connections.
All wired up ready to go.
The removable power and tether connections for easy break down.
Overall while pretty basic in function it does make for a simple and relatively cheap control system especially for beginners.
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