SeaPerch Remotely Operated Vehicle, Construction Manual, Page: 33 / 110

SeaPerch ROV Construction Manual
– Version 2010-04NW
1.5-1
Procedure 1.5 – Attach the Thruster Mounts
Tools:
Marker (or Pencil)
Drill
5/64
” Drill Bit
#2 Phillips Screwdriver
Materials:
Vehicle Frame
3 Thruster Mounts
6 #8
x ½” Phillips-Head
Sheet Metal Screws
6 #8 Washers (Optional)
Figure 1.5-1: Thruster Mount Placement
Thruster Mounting Tips:
For now, don’t worry about where, around the circumference of the pipe sections, you attach the three
thrusters’ mounts. Since we do not glue the joints in the PVC frame, we can change the angles of the
mounts later by simply turning the pipe in its joints using a pair of pliers. It is easier to drill and attach the
thruster mounts on the back (outside) of the frame… we’ll adjust them later.
This is a good time to think about how the angle of the thrusters affects the performance of the ROV. What
angles will get you the best forward and backward thrust? What angles will get you the best turning ability?
What is the best compromise for your mission needs?
Construction Steps:
1. Hold a thruster mount against the frame in the three locations shown in Figure
1.5-1, and, using a marker or pencil, mark the vehicle frame through the holes
in the thruster mounts. Centering the mounts between the joints on the pipe
is more important than placing them at a specific angle around the pipe (they
can easily be turned later).
2. Using the 5/64
” drill bit, drill holes through the six marks on the frame.
3. Using #8 screws and washers (washers are optional if the heads on your
screws are large enough that they will not pass through the holes in the
thruster mounts, and if the thruster mounts are metal or hard plastic).
LOOSELY attach the thruster mounts to the frame. DO NOT over-tighten
the screws and strip the holes in the PVC!! You will be removing the
mounts later anyway to install the thrusters in them.