Q-Boat Assembly and Operating Instructions
August, 2008
The Oceanscience Group
760 754 2400
www.oceanscience.com
Q-B o at I
A s s e m b l y a n d
O p e r a t i n g
I n s t r u c t i o n s
The Oceanscience Q-Boat I is a remotely
controlled electric boat designed for easy sensor
deployment. It has two 12VDC motors and a
top speed near 1.7 mps. The Q-Boat is
configured to accept optional Hydrolink radio
modems. A generous space for data electronics
is located below deck. Following are
instructions for set up and operation of the boat
with a standard ADCP.
Battery Installation
The Q-Boat I uses a single high-energy 12V
30Ah NiMH battery. The battery is nested in a
fiberglass bracket below the main deck hatch
and strapped in place with Velcro straps. Be
sure the main power switch is off when loading
and unloading the battery (See Figure 1).
Control Electronics
The QB-I is operated using a commercial off-
the-shelf Futaba transmitter/receiver or the
Oceanscience Vessel Control System. Please
refer to the controller manual for instruction.
The onboard Vessel Control Unit (VCU, see
Figure 2) holds a speed controller and control
radio receiver. The VCU also provides a 12VDC
auxiliary power port for powering standard
instrumentation equipment (including data
transmission radios).
Operation
Caution: The propellers turn at over 1500 RPM.
There is extreme danger of injury if they are
touched or otherwise contacted while operating.
Always stay clear of the propellers when
batteries are onboard.
Oceanscience recommends that you familiarize
yourself
with the control system operation before
deployment.
Figure 1. Battery(s) Power Switch
Figure 2 Auxiliary Power Main Power