Build your own underwater robot FAQ

FAQs

Back to details about Build Your Own Underwater Robot And Other Wet Projects

Build Your Own Underwater Robot And Other Wet Projects

Number of FAQs for this book: 4

If you'd like to ask a question about this or any other book, please contact me. Popular questions will be posted here.

How deep can the robots in this book go?

The SEA PERCH and SEA FOX robots are shallow-diving robots. SEA PERCH is rated to 3 meters (10 feet) and SEA FOX is rated to 10 meters (30 feet).

How do I find the materials and supplies needed for building an underwater robot?

Almost all of the parts needed for building the projects listed in the book are easily available at any local hardware and electronics store. We’d also suggest checking out the Yellow Pages™ or ordering from catalogues or on the web. (See below for catalog/website sales.)

Each project has a complete list of parts—read it over first to make sure you understand what is needed and in what quantity. Many people dramatically cut the cost of building projects by scrounging and adapting parts—that’s part of the challenge!

Most electrical and electronic supplies can be found at local electronic component suppliers, hardware stores or even automotive supply shops. For CCD cameras and video monitors, you can try electronic supply shops and businesses that supply burglar alarms and security electronics. You will probably find the cheapest prices by checking the internet and ordering online from companies such as All Electronics (www.allcorp.com) or www.supercircuits.com.

You can make your own floats or buy them at a commercial marine supply store or ships chandlery. In the same store you should be able to locate small bilge pumps or you can order them online. For example, if you do an online search by typing “Rule Industries” you’ll come up with the websites of several companies that carry the 360 and 500 gph Rule bilge pumps. Similarly, Johnson Pump of America makes the 500 gph Mayfair bilge pump inserts. If you do an internet search for “Mayfair bilge pump” you’ll find several companies that carry this product.

Hobby shops have a variety of motors and props. (Surprisingly electronic shops do not really have a good supply of motors.) Props for hobby airplanes can easily be cut down for use on thrusters. Or you can use props from a toy boat or construction set. The important thing is to buy or make a prop with the correct-sized shaft hole.

Waterproof underwater lights from underwater robotic manufacturers are very expensive. It’s possible to make your own from halogen bulbs or white LEDs. You can also use waterproof flashlights available from hardware stores, outdoor stores, and scuba shops, although these will cost more.

Automotive shops have simple compasses that will work well for an underwater vehicle. Depth gauges and diver compasses come from scuba shops.

About how much does it cost to build an underwater robot?

The cost of any project depends on a number of factors. If you go out and purchase all of the parts and supplies off the shelf, the SEAPERCH project will cost approximately $30 (U.S.) and the more complex SEAFOX project can cost up to $300, depending on how many sensors you choose to add. Of course, you can significantly reduce costs by scrounging materials or by comparison shopping. For example, you could pay more for ready-made underwater lights or you could adapt a cheaper diver’s flashlight.