Build logs, field notes (if it makes it that far), and dispatches from the workshop.
MVR: First Test
One of the principles I’m adhering to for this project is to build momentum by getting stuff working quickly. I don’t want it to languish in design purgatory. Since I bought a thruster early, I set a goal to get it running as soon as possible. This meant I would need a power source, a control input, and a way to wire those together with the thruster. The basic structure is: ...
MVR: Design
Before I started purchasing parts, I wanted to have a rough design in mind to ensure I didn’t waste money/time on parts that didn’t fit in to the MVR. So began a design process that was very educational, but at times became circular to the point that I experienced decision paralysis. I’ve been reading a textbook - Underwater Robotics by Moore, Bohm, and Jensen - and they call this the “design spiral.” ...
MVR: Origin
The idea to build a ROV originated at the confluence of two things: A desire to apply my software expertise to the physical world. Living in Berkeley right by the water. I have primarily worked on purely virtual software throughout my career, and it feels like something is missing. I love the physical world - being in nature, working with my hands, interacting with people and places - and want to have a positive impact on it. When you apply software to the physical world, you get robotics! ...