Hello everyone!
We have an idea for a project that really goes beyond my current knowledge and need some help and discussion on the best way forward. Thank you in advance for your time - this will be a bit longer read.
So for starters, I have been working with BlueROV2 for approx 7 years now, been thruogh many issues like leaks, cracks, connectors, software not working… Through teamwork, we’ve managed to overcome these challenges. While I’ve researched the BlueBoat, ArduRover, Omni setup, BlueOS, and Navigator (still using Pixhawk/companion setup), I haven’t yet applied them in a specific project. But enough about me…
and more or less sucesfully in the company we managed to overcome it. I have masters in mechanical engineering and high school in mechatronics. I have checked basic information about the BlueBoat, ArduRover, BlueOS and Navigator (still on Pixhawk/companion setup), but still no project appropriate for it came - so I know basic principles how it works, but haven’t used in specific project. But enough about me
The project is planned as a remotely controlled surface vehicle, that is DC powered via cable from the boat, has 4x T500 thrusters in OmniPlus or OmniX in aluminium box from BlueRobotics, with GPS and ability to hold its position controlled via topside handheld device. The idea is to mount everything to a sea cleaning device which navigates on the surface of the sea, so it can be controlled from the boat with this electronics setup. Sea cleaning device is about 1 meter by 1 meter, has approx 40 50 kilos and is deployed form the small vessel with crane, and controlled by man force litterally pullign the device to desired location. Goal is to avoid manhandling the cleaner and instead use this setup for remote and controlled control… I will try to breakdown project and questions - I’m sure I’ve missed a lot of things so I’ll be glad for anyone to join in on the conversation.
Vehicle electronics setup
- ArduRover - Boat - Omni setup
- 4x T500 with Basic ESC 500
- Pixawk cube or BR Navigator
- Raspberry PI
- Communication wirelles or wired
- DC power supply from the ship, approx 20m of cable
- USB Camera
- Emlid M2 gps
Topside setup
- Here link or handheld Windows Tablet PC with integrated joystick (like Asus ROG Ally)
- Qground control or Cockpit
- DC power supply for vehicle
- powerbanks, internet hotspot
So, the idea is to be able to manually navigate vehicle after deployment, and to be able to hold it in position using RTK GPS (I assume Loiter mode). Electronics would be deployed from the side of the vehicle, halfway submerged into water so it can be cooled, and other half ouside so GPS can be acquired, and the wireless signal if needed - wireless is better if possible.
My questions for discussion on this project would be:
- did anyone do something simmilar and can share experiences?
- do you see some major flaw in this concept?
- If I use HereLink, should I go with the Pixhawk? If I opt for a Windows Gaming handheld, can I use any flight controller? Which setup would be more reliable? I assume the Windows Handheld should be wired due to potential Wi-Fi instability at around 20 meters. I’ve only had experience with BlueROV and cable connection over tether nad Fathom-x.
- Can Cockpit even run this vehicle, or it can run only BlueROV and BlueBoat? Can Herelink run Cockpit from BlueRobotics, since it is browser based?
- Does anyone have experiences to share with Windows Gaming Handhelds and Pixhawk/Naviagator use?
Thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope I can get some feedback and comments, or even better discussion about this project, there are surely a lot of things I’ve missed, but the post is long enough as it is
Best regards,
Mateo