# DIY ROVs **URL:** https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/c/build/diy-rovs/13.md [Latest](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/tags.md) --- ## [ROV Tether Winch ](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/rov-tether-winch/23618)
**Author:** [@shervin](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/shervin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 1:20am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/rov-tether-winch/23618 "2026-09-25T01:20:34Z")
Hi everyone, I’m currently designing a tether winch system for an ROV, and I’m looking for some advice from people who have experience with ROV tether management or winch systems. The main goal is to continuously measu… --- ## [The Marlin ROV (Design and Building)](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/the-marlin-rov-design-and-building/23499)
**Author:** [@CincinnatiDesigns](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/CincinnatiDesigns)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 10:58pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/the-marlin-rov-design-and-building/23499 "2026-09-01T22:58:12Z")
After years of having the idea for this project in the back of my mind, I finally decided to go for it. I built a CPS 5 drone a few years back, but I never felt like it was enough for what I wanted to do. I am naming my… --- ## [Multibeam T500 rov build for wreck and reef surveys](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/multibeam-t500-rov-build-for-wreck-and-reef-surveys/18281)
**Author:** [@IntoTheBlue](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/IntoTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 10:03am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/multibeam-t500-rov-build-for-wreck-and-reef-surveys/18281 "2026-09-01T10:03:20Z")
Hi there. We are trying to put together a T500 rov. We just threw ourselves in and ordered the parts we thought we’d have use of together with a complete BlueROV2 to make acquaintance with the architecture and to use on… --- ## [Ardusub and AM32 3D Dshot ESC weird movements](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ardusub-and-am32-3d-dshot-esc-weird-movements/22190)
**Author:** [@papaxiclas](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/papaxiclas)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2026, 11:26pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ardusub-and-am32-3d-dshot-esc-weird-movements/22190 "2026-07-23T23:26:46Z")
Hello. Running 4.7 locally compiled version of ardusub on a Kakute FC I was trying to use Dshoot to control some modified FPV drone ESC with AM32 firmware and the beaviour of the motors doesn’t match what is represented… --- ## [Project "Jules Verne" - Creation of the Russian ROV](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/project-jules-verne-creation-of-the-russian-rov/13668)
**Author:** [@Kant39](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Kant39)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/project-jules-verne-creation-of-the-russian-rov/13668 "2026-06-28T20:21:04Z")
Greetings to all! I have been nurturing the idea of creating a ROV for a long time, since I live on the Baltic Sea, between Poland and Lithuania. Of course, the Baltic Sea has muddy water and this sea is not deep, but in… --- ## [DIY sub remote vehicle](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/diy-sub-remote-vehicle/22985)
**Author:** [@harland](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/harland)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2026, 12:14am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/diy-sub-remote-vehicle/22985 "2026-05-25T00:14:06Z")
DIY sub uses Blue Robotic software hardware is standard Pi4 and Pixhawk controller 30 meter and 100 meter neutrally buoyant tether running cockpit extension on laptop running Windows 11 records video using cockpit ex… --- ## [Custom ROV build for ocean science](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/custom-rov-build-for-ocean-science/22881)
**Author:** [@vegards](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/vegards)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 4:03pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/custom-rov-build-for-ocean-science/22881 "2026-05-23T16:03:15Z")
Hello! Its been a long time since i have posted here, i was building a BlueROV1 back in the days when that was new. I didnt finish it as i switched jobs. However now i am back, slightly more grown up and i have learned … --- ## [ROVSea custom ROV build introduction](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/rovsea-custom-rov-build-introduction/22870)
**Author:** [@elamnek](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/elamnek)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2026, 9:57am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/rovsea-custom-rov-build-introduction/22870 "2026-05-07T09:57:16Z")
I would like to introduce my custom built mini ROV project. I have already provided an outline of the project on another post, but I have been asked if I can provide the STL files for the build so I though I had better i… --- ## [A more Affordable 6 DOF "mini Bluerov2" build](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/a-more-affordable-6-dof-mini-bluerov2-build/22815)
**Author:** [@AL3X](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/AL3X)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2026, 7:51am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/a-more-affordable-6-dof-mini-bluerov2-build/22815 "2026-04-23T07:51:48Z")
So I want to try to build a more affordable ROV which is a littlebit smaller and limited to max 100m depth. So maybe someone will know if this is a bad idea or not. Here is the plan to reduce cost. -3d printable frame… --- ## [Cylindrical ROV for polar research](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/cylindrical-rov-for-polar-research/17126)
**Author:** [@Filip](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Filip)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2026, 5:50pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/cylindrical-rov-for-polar-research/17126 "2026-02-02T17:50:29Z")
Hi, I am planning to construct an ROV using mostly BlueRobotics parts. I aim to keep it as simple as possible with only a camera and lights on the vessel. I may possibly want to add a DVL and IMU. The ROV is being cons… --- ## [Ardusub - Heading only control](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ardusub-heading-only-control/22356)
**Author:** [@ASV\_ROV](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/ASV_ROV)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ardusub-heading-only-control/22356 "2026-01-29T17:15:38Z")
Hi all, We are looking at building a frame for seabed deployment and all we need is heading control, as depth is controlled by crane. All other rov features will still be used, with info on depth, heading & altitude + … --- ## [DIY Acrylic Water Drone Submarine](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/diy-acrylic-water-drone-submarine/15136)
**Author:** [@Spinorose](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Spinorose)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2026, 7:33pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/diy-acrylic-water-drone-submarine/15136 "2026-01-04T19:33:50Z")
I wanted to use this opportunity to thank everyone on this forum for the unconditional support I received with building my small project - highly appreciated. My goal was to be able to make an affordable water drone fo… --- ## [Ways/protocols available to control Ardusub in a simple use case](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ways-protocols-available-to-control-ardusub-in-a-simple-use-case/22110)
**Author:** [@papaxiclas](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/papaxiclas)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2025, 11:00pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ways-protocols-available-to-control-ardusub-in-a-simple-use-case/22110 "2025-12-06T23:00:54Z")
Hello! I have an ROV that is working currently with a modified INAV firmware but want to test Ardusub but I am having a difficult time trying to just connect a radio to it. I have one RC receiver on the surface connect… --- ## [Thruster configuration in bluerov1](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/thruster-configuration-in-bluerov1/22055)
**Author:** [@kushion](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/kushion)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2025, 11:43pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/thruster-configuration-in-bluerov1/22055 "2025-12-03T23:43:17Z")
I am building custom rov with 5 thrusters, similar to the bluerov1 without thruster 6: My first thought for thruster placement was to have thruster 5 be CW and 3 and 4 be CCW. It has twice the contribution for the t… --- ## [Ardusub and CAN bus](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ardusub-and-can-bus/21939)
**Author:** [@Elwis](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Elwis)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2025, 3:13am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ardusub-and-can-bus/21939 "2025-11-26T03:13:55Z")
Hi,does anyone have experience with Blue robotics / ardusub and CAN bus operation? I have to build a sub and am forced to use ESC with CAN communication for the thrusters. My time is running out and I am looking for so… --- ## [ESC - Pixhawk configuration problem](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/esc-pixhawk-configuration-problem/21775)
**Author:** [@KEFiR-reytan](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/KEFiR-reytan)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2025, 12:28pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/esc-pixhawk-configuration-problem/21775 "2025-10-08T12:28:07Z")
I’m building my first ever rov and while testing the first motor have encountered a problem with configuring them so that these respond in any way to the controller or motor tests after arming. I’ve tested calibration a… --- ## [Adding support for RS-485 controlled thrusters](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/adding-support-for-rs-485-controlled-thrusters/20565)
**Author:** [@sree](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/sree)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2025, 6:09pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/adding-support-for-rs-485-controlled-thrusters/20565 "2025-06-05T18:09:52Z")
Hi, the thruster we bought working on the rs-485 principle, but want to integrate BlueOS also, if we made a customized gui or application is that possible to add as an extension in BlueOS, the pi board handling the rs-48… --- ## [Using 1 enclosure for electronics and battery](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/using-1-enclosure-for-electronics-and-battery/20456)
**Author:** [@umut](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/umut)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/using-1-enclosure-for-electronics-and-battery/20456 "2025-06-01T15:34:33Z")
Hi everyone, I’m planning to design an ROV, but I’m not a professional. For the enclosure, I want to use a single housing for both the battery and electronics. The ROV will be longer than the BlueROV2, but with a lower… --- ## [Help Needed: Building a Wireless Remote-Controlled Underwater ROV](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/help-needed-building-a-wireless-remote-controlled-underwater-rov/20420)
**Author:** [@itsJayMendoza](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/itsJayMendoza)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2025, 6:08pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/help-needed-building-a-wireless-remote-controlled-underwater-rov/20420 "2025-05-27T18:08:38Z")
Hi everyone, I’m currently planning to build a wireless, remote-controlled underwater ROV, and I’m hoping someone here can guide me through the process, especially on the electronic components I might still need. Here’… --- ## [Buoyancy Options](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/buoyancy-options/1775)
**Author:** [@NIW](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/NIW)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2025, 11:04pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/buoyancy-options/1775 "2025-05-14T23:04:25Z")
I was wondering, what are the advantages of using Sub sea buoyancy foam for buoyancy? What are alternative cheaper methods for buoyancy? --- ## [Underwater USB cam](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/underwater-usb-cam/19860)
**Author:** [@gfmaximo](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/gfmaximo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 7:24pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/underwater-usb-cam/19860 "2025-03-24T19:24:44Z")
Hello everyone! I am building my own ROV but first i would like to train making underwater enclosures making and underwater camera that measures depth. For that, i am using the BlueRobotics pressure sensor and a USB came… --- ## [Heavy Configuration ROV with T500 Thrusters for Habitat Mapping](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/heavy-configuration-rov-with-t500-thrusters-for-habitat-mapping/18545)
**Author:** [@Lsbutler21](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Lsbutler21)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 1:17am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/heavy-configuration-rov-with-t500-thrusters-for-habitat-mapping/18545 "2024-12-07T01:17:56Z")
For my masters, me and another engineer were tasked with developing an ROV using the T500 thrusters that could be used for habitat mapping. A downward facing ILX-LR1 camera was integrated with the ROV to take high resolu… --- ## [Built ROV with 4 T500 for horizontal and 4 T200 for Vertical](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/built-rov-with-4-t500-for-horizontal-and-4-t200-for-vertical/19336)
**Author:** [@Zamzam](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Zamzam)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2025, 7:32pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/built-rov-with-4-t500-for-horizontal-and-4-t200-for-vertical/19336 "2025-02-17T19:32:38Z")
Hi all, i’m in plan building configuration a blueROV with 4 T500 for horizontal thruster and 4 T200 for vertical. what’s gonna happen with this configuration? Is it gonna blow several component in the POD or it’s gonna w… --- ## [Using ardusub without pixhawk or similar board](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/using-ardusub-without-pixhawk-or-similar-board/19304)
**Author:** [@Mini](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Mini)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2025, 2:42am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/using-ardusub-without-pixhawk-or-similar-board/19304 "2025-02-08T02:42:12Z")
so i was trying to make a ROV for a project in schoo but i wanted it to be as cost freindly as possible i was wondering if it were possible to run ardusub without a pixhawk or simmillar board as they can add to the price… --- ## [Heading & Depth data to surface?](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/heading-depth-data-to-surface/1281)
**Author:** [@Spipp](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Spipp)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2025, 2:03am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/heading-depth-data-to-surface/1281 "2025-01-17T02:03:21Z")
For a scientific project I had a request if it is possible to get the depth and heading data up to surface for logging on a separate computer (RS-232 / ASCII) Does anybody know a way to get depth and heading out of the … --- ## [New Build - First testdive 03.12.2024](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/new-build-first-testdive-03-12-2024/18756)
**Author:** [@SDI](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/SDI)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2024, 5:46pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/new-build-first-testdive-03-12-2024/18756 "2024-12-03T17:46:13Z")
Just thought I share a photo and a video with you guys. The picture shows the old build and the new build side by side. The newbuild has 4,8KW in the subsea PDU, 250m tether with 2SM fiber - 1UTP and 2\*2,5mm^2 CU for pwr… --- ## [Hull Cleaning ROV/AUV](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/hull-cleaning-rov-auv/18401)
**Author:** [@General\_Scipio](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/General_Scipio)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2024, 11:15am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/hull-cleaning-rov-auv/18401 "2024-10-30T11:15:06Z")
Just curious if anyone has tried building a hull-cleaning ROV/AUV. I was looking at the few commercial options and they seem to operate motorised brushes, though some use pressure-jets as well. The problem seems to be w… --- ## [Ballast tank with water pumps instead of compressed air](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ballast-tank-with-water-pumps-instead-of-compressed-air/10247)
**Author:** [@travy641](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/travy641)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2024, 10:45pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ballast-tank-with-water-pumps-instead-of-compressed-air/10247 "2024-09-25T22:45:52Z")
I am trying to create a variable ballast tank system using 4 inch pvc sch40 pipe. However, instead of using compressed air, I want to use water pumps instead. Ideally I would like to use one pump per tank, to do the pump… --- ## [Printed Circuit Board for all of the ESCs and more](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/printed-circuit-board-for-all-of-the-escs-and-more/4185)
**Author:** [@jjabraham](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/jjabraham)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2024, 2:14am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/printed-circuit-board-for-all-of-the-escs-and-more/4185 "2024-09-19T02:14:13Z")
Hi Blue Robotics i want to make a PCB that houses all of the electronics but i don’t know which PCB i should use that can handle the voltage and amperage coming from the ESCs. my ideal goal is to have all of the power l… --- ## [Just getting started: what is it with metric motor shaft diameters vs. english diameter propellers?](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/just-getting-started-what-is-it-with-metric-motor-shaft-diameters-vs-english-diameter-propellers/2030)
**Author:** [@larsks](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/larsks)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2024, 3:03am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/just-getting-started-what-is-it-with-metric-motor-shaft-diameters-vs-english-diameter-propellers/2030 "2024-09-16T03:03:19Z")
I am in the early stages of planning out a simple, 3-motor ROV. I’m am thinking of using some 800kv (-ish) brushless outrunner motors with 50/55mm propellers, like these. The problem I am running into is that while bru… [Next page](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/c/build/diy-rovs/13.md?page=1)