olegodo
Hi. I am curious if the EZ-Robot hardware and software might be a good solution as a control system for my underwater ROV that I am building.
Although I have tried to create something using arduino myself, the programming is really a steep learning curve for me.
I will be running a wired Ethernet connection from the surface and have a wifi hot spot in the rov to allow connection to the bv4. It must control 9 brushless esc's. 6 for movement (thrusters) and 3 for a robotic arm. Also one servo for moving the camera vertically. The esc's use the same signal as servo's do, so I don't think this will be a problem.
I will also need to control 3 relays.
I have this unit for sensing battery voltage and current draw: https://www.coolcomponents.co.uk/attopilot-voltage-and-current-sense-breakout-180a.html This can be connected to the ADC pins correct? This is made for 3.3volts, but can it still be used maybe?
I have this IMU from OpenROV that I want to use:
http://store.openrov.com/collections/frontpage/products/openrov-imu-depth-module
I see there already is support for the MPU-9150 chip. But is it possible to also get the depth and temperature rating from the MS5803-14BA chip?
I want all to be controlled with a gamepad/joystick. This means that multiple motors must react differently to stick movements. For instance, if I want the ROV to turn in place. 2 motors must turn clockwise and two counterclockwise.
Would all this be possible to do?
Br Ole
It will take some scriping, but nothing seems like it can't be be done.
Alan
Hello,
Alan is right. I would think all propulsion motors could be controlled. My only question is, can the signal get from the pc, or joystick device to the ROV through the water. Otherwise a remote antenna may be needed?
It would be real COOL to run the camera to scan as it runs..
Ron
@Andy Roid.... If you read his post he states he is going to have a wifi hotspot on board the rov itself....
Hi Richard,
I did and understand, but depending on depth, and distance, would the signal be maintained? Otherwise it may need a teathered antenna? I don't know. I have very limited experience with Wifi through water. I just want to mention it.
This sounds like a real nice project. Can't wait to hear more.
Curious .. Would a Ping sensor work?, (in water), to determine depth below the ROV.
Ron
I will run a wired network down to the ROV. Standard Wifi signals only travel a few inches under water.
How does "some scripting" compare to programming all the functions on an arduino board? Much easier I expect.
Also, is there any way to embed my two IP cameras in the control software using the "ONVIF" standard? The http feeds they give are laggy, some times up to a few seconds. But using ONVIF software to view the feed there is no delay.
If not, I can treat the video feed and control system separately.
I will try to draw up a what I am thinking during this weekend to make it a little easier to understand what I want to do
EZ Robot just came out with a low cost ($169.00 usd) robot called Adventure Bot. Most of the basic devices you want to work with are on this unit. The EZB v4 and camera can transfer to your ROV. The wheel servos can mimic the propulsion motors. Camera position can be set up with an additional servo which you may already have. Take a look and see if it meets your needs. I am not a salesman for EZ Robot, LOL, but I REALLY enjoy my EZ Robot kits. This would give you an opportunity to see how, with learning from the tutorials, easy the EZB software is to use. I believe this may be a way to go.
The EZB v4 is software expandable not a limited controller. You will see it should fit your ROV needs.
Good Luck and have fun..
Ron
Scripting is much simpler that programing an Arduino. You'll be able to use a combination of built in functions and scripts. The most difficult will be the depth sensor. I2C can be tricky to get working. I think the voltage / current sensor will work out if the box, but EZ-B has built in voltage sensor as well.
Can you send a link to the ESCs? Some things that claim to work "just like servos" don't. If they arw inexpensive enough, I would be happy to buy and test one before you make an EZ-B investment. (if you were in the US I would loan you an EZ-B to test with, but shipping back and forth to Norway would be prohibitively expensive).
Alan
@olegodo
Hello,
New prices on EZB products. Check them out when you can. Any updates on your project?
Ron