ardusub-gitbook

Hardware Components

We will divide the hardware required to run ArduSub into three categories:

Topside Components

Computer

The following operating systems are supported use with the topside software (QGroundControl):

Joystick

The following joysticks are supported for use with the topside software (QGroundControl):

ROV Components

Below is a typical diagram of hardware components on the ROV and their connections. Please note that many of the components on this diagram are optional, and this is not the only possible hardware configuration.

Autopilot

The autopilot is responsible for controlling the ROV. The autopilot will typically have multiple on-board sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers, and a compass to determine the vehicle’s attitude. The autopilot processes the pilot input and sensor data, and controls the motors, lights, servos, and relays on the vehicle.

Depth Sensor

ArduSub supports the use of the MS5837 (used in the Bar30) as an external water pressure and depth sensor. A depth sensor will need to be connected to the autopilot in order to use Depth Hold mode.

Leak Sensor

ArduSub can be configured to read leak sensors, and perform a failsafe action when a leak is detected. The SOS leak sensor is an excellent option.

Battery

It is recommended to design your vehicle to operate on battery power. Powering an ROV through the tether is not a trivial task, and is outside the scope of this documentation. Battery selection can be intimidating due to the overwhelming number of options, but there are only a few important considerations:

This battery is a good bet for most cases, and it will fit inside a 3” diameter enclosure.

Companion Computer

The Companion Computer has two major functions on the ROV:

The companion computer must be running the Companion Computer Software to function correctly with ArduSub. Currently, only the Raspberry Pi 3 model B (not yet B+) is supported for use with the Companion Computer Software.

Camera

The Companion Computer will stream HD video to the Ground Control Station at the surface. The Raspberry Pi camera and USB webcams with H.264 output are supported. The following USB webcams have been tested to work with the Companion Computer software:

Motors and ESCs

ArduSub is designed to work with brushless motors. Brushless motors require Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) to operate. ArduSub requires all of the motors to operate in forward and reverse, so the ESC must support this functionality. Most ESCs for UAVs and Drones only operate in one direction! The following ESCs are supported for use with ArduSub:

Sponsored by Blue Robotics. Code released under the GPLv3 License. Documentation released under the CC-NC-SA 4.0.
Submit a Documentation GitHub Issue here to report any errors, suggestions, or missing information in this documentation.
Submit an ArduSub GitHub Issue here to report issues with the ArduSub software.