MIT SEA GRANT

MIT Sea Grants Sea Perch project introduces pre-college

students to the wonders of underwater robotics. Part of the
Office of Naval Researchs initiative, Recruiting the Next
Generation of Naval Architects, this program teaches
students how to build an underwater robot (called a Sea
Perch), how to build a propulsion system, and how to
develop a controller. This endeavor is one of many exciting
new projects funded by the Office of Naval Research as part
of its National Naval Responsibility Initiative. The initiative focuses on bringing academia, government
and industry to work together to ensure that the talent needed to design the Navys next generation of ships
and submarines will be there when needed.
The Sea Perch project is based upon the book Build Your Own Under Water Robot and Other Wet Projects
by Harry Bohm and Vickie Jensen. The Sea Perch ROV project can easily be turned into a
multidisciplinary venture within the classroom. For instance, by incorporating novels that focus on ocean
exploration, focusing on ship and submarine technology throughout history, adding environmental sensors
for data collection and studying the math and physics involved in ocean exploration, teachers can develop
extensive, in-depth programs for their classes.
Our project website is our main source of materials for the Sea Perch project. Please visit the site for PDF
versions of the manuals, experiments, activities and additional online resources at:

http://seagrant.mit.edu
Questions, comment? Please contact:
Kathryn Shroyer
Engineering Educator
617-715-5148
[email protected]

Rachel VanCott
Educator and Ocean Literacy Communicator
617-253-5944
[email protected]

Chryssostomos Chryssostomidis
MIT Sea Grant Director
(617) 253-7131
[email protected]

Mike Soroka
MIT Sea Grant Research Engineer
617-253-9310
[email protected]

Table of Contents
Unit 1 Assembly of Subsystem One: The Vehicle Frame ............................................1 - 1
Step 1: Cut the frame parts ...........................................................................................1 - 2
Step 2: Create drain holes in vehicle frame...................................................................1 - 3
Step 3: Assemble the vehicle frame .............................................................................1 - 4
Step 4: Assemble the float supports and tighten the frame ..........................................1 - 5
Step 5: Attach the motor mounts to the frame..............................................................1 - 6
Step 6: Attach the payload netting ...............................................................................1 - 7
Unit 2 Assembly of Subsystem Two: The Thruster Assembly.....................................2 - 1
Step 1: Assemble the potting holder ............................................................................2 - 2
Step 2: To test the motors and mark polarity of the terminals......................................2 - 3
Step 3: Seal the motors from the wax ..........................................................................2 - 4
Step 4: Drill holes in the thruster containers ...............................................................2 - 5
Step 5: Attach the tether wires to the motors................................................................2 - 6
Step 6: Potting (waterproofing) the motors with wax..................................................2 - 8
Step 7: Mounting the propellers on the motors ...........................................................2 - 11
Step 8: Mount the thrusters on the vehicle frame ........................................................2 - 14
Step 9: Waterproof the tether cable..............................................................................2 - 15
Unit 3 Assembly of Subsystem Three: The Control Box ............................................3 - 1
Sea Perch Circuit Diagram ..........................................................................................3 - 2
Step 1: Gather the parts for the control box assembly ................................................3 - 3
Step 2: Prepare the control box....................................................................................3 - 4
Step 3: Assemble the power cable ..............................................................................3 - 5
Step 4: Wire the push-button switches (vertical thruster controls)..............................3 - 8
Step 5: Wire the toggle switches (horizontal thruster controls) ..................................3 - 11
Step 6: Finish the control box......................................................................................3 - 15
Step 7: Testing your Sea Perch ROV..........................................................................3 - 17
Parts and Tools List ................................................................................................ PL - 1
Parts and supplies........................................................................................ PL - 2
Tools and batteries ...................................................................................... PL - 3
Websites and accessories............................................................................. PL - 4

Sea Perch Teacher Handbook

Safety Reminders
Make sure the workspace is well lit and ventilated.
Each student must wear:
Safety goggles
Close-toed shoes
Aprons

Each student must have adequate space for soldering

Students should put soldering irons in holders

whenever the soldering irons are not in use (while

students questions, inspect work, listen to or read
instruction, and/or help others)
Students must use a vise or clamp while soldering or
drilling.
Students should hold solder by the solder case to avoid
burns and avoid touching lead-based solder (if used).

Have spare pieces available for students to

practice drilling and soldering before they
attempt to drill or solder their ROVs.

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UNIT 1:
Assembly of the Vehicle Frame

For this unit, you will need:

Tools
Ruler
Marker
PVC pipe cutter or saw
Phillips Screwdriver
Drill
1/4 drill bit
3/32 drill bit
Vise or clamp

Materials
5 ft. (1.5 meters) of 1/2 PVC pipe
10 1/2 PVC elbows
4
1/2 PVC Ts
15 Plastruct H-beam
2 Football Floats
3 Motor Mounts
6 #6 x 1/2Screws
6 #6 washers
Netting
Tie Wraps (zip ties)
Time: Unit 1 requires approximately 2 hours to complete. We recommend:
1 class period to cut the PVC pipe and drill the holes
1 class period to assemble the frame, and attach the payload netting and motor mounts.

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STEP 1
PURPOSE:

Cut the frame parts

MATERIALS:
5 (1.5m) of 1/2 PVC
pipe
TOOLS:
Ruler
Marker
PVC Pipe cutter
(or saw)
Figure 1:
PVC pipe cutter, Cut sections of PVC pipe, Elbows and Ts
PROCEDURE:
1. From a straight end of the pipe, measure and cut:
Two pieces 2 1/2 (6.4 cm) long
Two pieces 4 (10.2 cm) long
Two pieces 4 1/2 (11.4 cm) long
Four pieces 1 1/2 (3.8 cm) long
Four pieces 5 or (12.7 cm) long
Four pieces set aside for use in the next step
Try to cut straight, so that the ends of each piece are square with the sides, but
dont worry if its not perfect.
Tip: You may want to write the length on each piece to keep track.
Pipe Cutting Tips
PVC pipe can be cut in many ways, each of which has its own concerns:
Ratchet Style Pipe Cutters are the easiest and safest option. To open the cutter, pull the
handles FAR apart. Then click them closed through the pipe by pumping the handles
together and apart.
Non-ratchet Pipe Cutters are a cheaper alternative, but more difficult to use. Place the
pipe in the cutter, push down LIGHTLY, and turn the cutter around the pipe slowly,
applying light pressure, until it cuts through all the way.
Hack Saws and other saws can cut through PVC, but they are the most labor-intensive
option.
Band Saws are large pieces of shop equipment, and can get the job done, but may also be
too dangerous to use around less mature or trustworthy student groups.
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STEP 2
PURPOSE: Create drain holes in vehicle frame
MATERIALS:
10 1/2 PVC elbows
TOOLS:
Hand drill or
drill press
1/4 drill bit
Vise or clamp

Figure 2: Drain holes drilled with 1/4 drill bit

PROCEDURE:
1. Securely place a PVC elbow in the vise or clamp.
2. Place the 1/4" drill bit in the drill (or drill press), and drill a hole in the outer
corner of the elbow.
3. Repeat for each of the ten PVC elbows.
These holes will allow water to fill the frame when you put your SeaPerch ROV
in the water and for the water to drain out when you take the SeaPerch ROV out.
Drill Safety:
Drills can be dangerous pieces of equipment. Always supervise students who are
working with a drill or other power tool. Make sure everyone in the room is wearing
safety goggles when power tools are being used.
It is necessary to secure the object that you are drilling in a vise or clamp before drilling.
This keeps it steady, prevents it from spinning and hurting your hand if the drill should
bind, and keeps your fingers away from the drill bit while drilling.
If you do not have a vise or clamp available, push the elbow onto one end of a long (5 or
more) piece of PVC pipe, and hold the pipe while drilling the hole. DO NOT drill the
elbow while holding it in your hand!
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STEP 3
PURPOSE:

Assemble the vehicle frame

MATERIALS:
Cut pieces of pipe
from step 1
10 1/2 PVC elbows
with holes drilled from
step 2
4 1/2PVC Ts
Figure 3: PVC Frame Parts
PROCEDURE:
Assemble the frame using all the PVC parts as shown in Figure 4 below.

Figure 4: Frame Assembly

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STEP 4
PURPOSE:

Assemble the float supports and tighten the frame

MATERIALS:
Assembled frame
15 Plastruct H-beam
2 Football Floats
PVC pipe scraps
TOOLS:
PVC Pipe Cutter

Figure 5: H-beam Assembly for floats

PROCEDURE:
1. Cut the 15 Plastruct H-beam into two 7 1/2 pieces.
2. Cut Four 3/4 (2cm) pieces of PVC pipe from your scraps.
3. Insert one of the 3/4 (2cm) PVC pipe pieces into the open end of each of the
four PVC angles on the top of your vehicle.
4. Insert an H-beam through each of your floats and between each pair of PVC
angles.
5. Push all parts of your vehicle frame together HARD, so that H-beams cannot
fall out of the PVC angles.

Figures 6: Assembly of H-beam float supports.

TIP: If you place the vehicle on your work bench and push down hard from all
sides, you can squeeze all the frame sections together tightly. Unless you are
building a larger frame, or have PVC that remains loose, it is not necessary to
glue or screw the joints.

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STEP 5
PURPOSE:

Attach the motor mounts to the frame

MATERIALS:
Vehicle frame
3 Motor Mounts
6 #6 x 1/2 Screws
6 #6 washers
Washers
TOOLS:
Marker
Phillips Screwdriver
Drill
3/32 drill bit
Vise or clamp
Figure 7: Motor mount placement
PROCEDURE:
1. Hold motor mounts against frame in locations shown in Figure 7. Its more
important to center them between the joints on the pipe than to get the right
angle around the pipe.
2. With a marker or pencil, mark vehicle frame through the holes in motor
mounts.
3. Using the vise or clamp, and the 3/32 drill bit, drill holes through the marks
on the frame.
4. Place washers over the outside of the holes in the motor mounts, and place a
screw through each washer and motor mount hole into hole in vehicle frame.
If the heads on your screws are large enough that they dont pass through the
holes in the motor mounts, then the washers are optional.
5. Using the screwdriver, LOOSELY attach the motor mounts to the frame.
DO NOT over-tighten and strip the holes in the PVC!! You will be
removing the motor mounts later anyway to get the motors under them.
Motor angle tips:
For now, dont worry about what angle your motors mounts are attached at. Since we do
not glue the joints in the PVC we can adjust the angle later by simply turning the pipe in
its joints using a pair of pliers. For now, its easier to drill and attach the motor mounts
on the back (outside) of the frame well turn them in later.
Think about how the angle of the motors 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?
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STEP 6
PURPOSE:

Attach the payload netting

MATERIALS:
Netting
Tie wraps (zip ties)
Assembled Vehicle frame
TOOLS:
Scissors
Pliers

Figure 8: Net attached to frame

PROCEDURE:
1. If you wish to paint your vehicles frame, do so before attaching netting, and
make sure to use waterproof paint.
2. Place the netting underneath the vehicle frame and trim to size with scissors if
necessary.
3. Attach the netting to the frame with about 6 to 8 tie wraps (aka. cable ties or
zip ties). Pull them tight, using pliers if necessary.
4. Trim off the tie wrap ends with scissors.
5. You have now completed the vehicle frame of your SeaPerch ROV.

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UNIT 2:
Thruster Assembly

FOR THIS TASK YOU WILL NEED:

Tools
A cardboard box
Pen
Scissors
Vise/Clamp
Drill
Hot Pot
Metal for Ballast
Pliers
Saw
Marker
Ruler
Scissors
Soldering Iron
Eye Protection
Wire Stripper

Materials
Tether wire
Solder
3 film cans with caps
3 12 volt DC motors
3 Bushings
3 Propellers
Wax bowl ring (1/2 ring)
Water
Electrical tape
Butyl Rubber tape
#24 stranded hook up wire, Red
#24 stranded hook up wire, Black
12 volt battery
1/2" PVC pipe scraps (~2 or 5cm long)
Paper towels
Rubbing Alcohol

Time: Unit 2 requires about 3 hours to complete. We recommend:

1 class period to solder the tether wires to the motors
1 class period to pot (waterproof) the motors
1 class period to attach propellers, finish potting, and mount the motors on the frame

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STEP 1
PURPOSE: Create a holder for motors once they are potted (waterproofed).
MATERIALS:
TOOLS:

1 cardboard box
a pen

PROCEDURE:
1. Place the cardboard box in a stable orientation
2. Push the tip of the pen through the upper surface of the box, to make three
holes. Be sure to space these holes out sufficientlythese holes will be where
you place the motor shafts, as the waterproofed motors cool and try, so you
need space for the motor housing on either side of the hole.

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STEP 2
PURPOSE: Test the motors and mark the polarity of the terminals.
MATERIALS:
3 motors
12-Volt Battery
2 Alligator clips
2 pieces of wire, red and black
TOOLS:
Marker
Wire Stripper
WARNING - TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK AND SEVERE BURNS:
DO NOT touch exposed wires to the battery terminals.
DO NOT touch the battery terminals with or ANY metal object, especially tools!
We will not be able to see the polarity markings on the motor housing once we wrap it in
electrical tape, so we have to mark the polarity first.
PROCEDURE:
1. Make a pair of test wires: (these are temporary, and will be disassembled for
making your control box in Unit 3)
a. Strip 1/4 (7mm) of insulation from both ends of the loose black wire,
without cutting the copper threads inside. Connect the black wire to the
black alligator clip by twisting or screwing it on. (NO SOLDER).
b. Repeat with the loose red wire and the red alligator clip.
2. Look carefully to see if the terminals on your motors are pre-marked with polarity
(+/-). If so, continue with #3, if not, skip to Trouble Shooting below.
3. Locate the negative (-) terminal on the motor, and mark the actual terminal with a
black marker. Connect the exposed end of the black wire (-) to the negative (-)
motor terminal.
4. Mark the positive (+) terminal with a red marker (if available). Connect the
exposed end of the red (+) wire to the positive (+) motor terminal.
5. Holding on to the motor, connect the alligator clips to the corresponding (+/-)
battery terminals and ensure the motor is in good working order. The shaft should
spin rapidly counter-clockwise.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 with the other 2 motors. If any motor is not working, get
a replacement. Motors should spin COUNTER CLOCKWISE.
TROUBLE SHOOTING: IF you cannot see polarity markings (+ and signs) near the
terminals of the motor, THEN follow this procedure to find the + and motor terminals:
1. Put a small piece of tape on the motor shaft, so you can easily see it spin.
2. Connect the black wire to one terminal and the red wire to the other, and connect
the alligator clips to the proper battery terminals (red on +, black on -)
3. Observe the rotation direction of the motor.
4. If the motor shaft turns counter-clockwise, then you have chosen the correct
terminals: black wire on negative (-) and red wire on positive (+).
5. If the motor shaft turns clockwise, then the wires are reversed. Switch them
around and make sure the motor turns counter-clockwise
6. Mark at least one motor terminal with the correct color(s): (-)=black, (+)=red
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STEP 3
PURPOSE:

Seal the motors.

MATERIALS:
3 12 volt DC Motors
Electrical tape
TOOLS:
Scissors

Figure 12: 12VDC Motors sealed with electrical tape

PROCEDURE:
1. Make sure the negative and/or positive terminals are marked on each motor so
that you can tell them apart after covering the motor in tape. If not, go back to the
previous step.
2. Completely wrap each motor with electrical tape to seal the holes. See the tips
below before you begin!
3. Make sure ALL holes are sealed, and the motor is still thin enough to easily slide
into the housing container (film can).
Motor wrapping tips:
The purpose of wrapping the motors is to keep the molten wax out of the motor when we
waterproof it, so EVERY hole must be sealed, and folds in the tape where wax could pass
through must be avoided. The care with which this is done will help determine how long
your thrusters will last.
It may be easiest to cover the ends of the motor first with short pieces of tape, and then
wrap longer pieces around the sides. But dont make it too think by wrapping too much
tape around the sides.
You can push the tape right over the motor terminals so that they punch right through the
tape, but its best to avoid putting tape on the motor shaft, as this will increase friction
and possibly stop the motor. Make sure ALL holes are sealed, and the motor is still thin
enough to easily slide into the container.

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STEP 4
PURPOSE:

Drill holes in the thruster containers.

MATERIALS:
3 film cans with caps
1 12 volt DC motor
1 pair of test wires
TOOLS:
Drill
3/32 drill bit

Figure 13: Drilled motor canisters (film cans)

PROCEDURE:
1. Using the 3/32 drill bit, drill a hole in the center of each film can cap. The
holes in the caps are where the wires pass through, so high precision is not
essential.
2. Now drill a hole in the bottom of each film can (see Figure 13). The holes in
the cans are where the motor shafts pass through the cans, and form the shaft
seals, so it is VERY IMPORTANT that these holes are drilled extremely
carefully. First, pick any plastic lumps off of the center of the can with your
fingernail or a screwdriver. Then carefully and slowly drill the hole straight
into the very CENTER of the can. Pull the drill straight out to avoid
enlarging the hole.
3. You can use one of your motors to polish the hole in the can to the perfect
size. Hook the motor up to the battery using the test wires. With the motor
spinning, carefully push the motor shaft into the hole you drilled, and hold it
there for a few seconds, until the motor spins freely.
4. Check each can to make sure that the hole is drilled exactly in the center, and
that a motor fits inside easily.
Drill Safety:
Always supervise students who are working with a drill or other power tool. Make sure
everyone in the room is wearing safety goggles when power tools are being used.
It is necessary to secure the object that you are drilling in a vise or clamp before drilling.

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STEP 5
PURPOSE:

Attach the tether wires to the motors.

MATERIALS:
3 motors sealed with tape
3 film cans and caps with
holes drilled in step 4
Tether wire
Solder
TOOLS:
Drill
3/32 drill bit
Soldering iron
Wire stripper
Figure 14: Tether wire soldered to motor
PROCEDURE:
1. On one end of the tether cable, strip off about 15 (38cm) of the outer sheath,
being careful not to nick any of the inner wires.
2. Separate the four twisted pairs in the stripped section, as shown in Figure 15
on the next page. The brown pair is not used, and can be left hanging for now.
3. Thread about 4 (10cm) of twisted pair through the hole in each film cap, and
tie a knot INSIDE the cap for strain relief (Figure 16B).
4. Strip about 1/4 (7mm) of insulation from the end of each wire, for all 3 pairs.
5. Take a pair of wires with attached cap, and one of your taped motors. Solder
one wire onto each of the two terminals on the motor: colored wire to (+), and
white wire to (-). Repeat for each motor and tether wire pair. (Figure16C).
SEE FIGURES ON THE NEXT PAGE

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Soldering Safety:
Always wear safety glasses when soldering. Solder fumes are often toxic. Work in a well
ventilated area, avoid breathing the fumes, dont put it in your mouth, and wash your
hands after working with it.
Soldering Technique:
Offer students a soldering technique demo and allow them to practice soldering on pieces
of scrap wire.
For best results, always twist the inner copper threads of a wire together right after you
strip off the insulation, so that they dont fray and break off. Then poke the wire through
the hole in the motor terminal, and twist it back around itself to make a good mechanical
connection.
Apply heat with the soldering iron to get the wire and the terminal up to solder melting
temperature. Applying a little solder to the tip of the soldering iron helps transfer heat.
Be careful not to get it so hot that you melt any surrounding plastic, or wire insulation.
Once the parts are up to temperature, apply the solder wire between the soldiering iron
and the connection, and melt a small drop of solder onto the connection. Remove the
solder wire, but keep the soldering iron on the connection for a moment to allow the
solder to soak in, then remove the soldering iron. Try to keep the connection still until
the solder cools and hardens (turns dull).

Blue
Green

POSITIVE (+)
Green
Blue
Orange
Brown

Orange

NEGATIVE (-)
Green & White
Blue & White
Orange & White
Brown & White

Brown

THRUSTER
Starboard (right)
Port (left)
Vertical
Not Used

Figure 15: Tether Wire Color Index

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A:
Film cans drilled with
3/32 drill bit

B:
Tether wire threaded
through film cap

C:
Tether wire soldered to
motor

Figure 16A-C: Wiring the 12 volt DC motors

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STEP 6
PURPOSE:

Pot (waterproof) the motors with wax first half.

MATERIALS:
3 Drilled Film cans
Wax bowl ring ( ring)
Electrical tape
Sealed motors
TOOLS:
Hot Pot
Cardboard holder
Pliers
Scissors
Eye Protection
Paper Towels (for
cleanup)

Figure 17: Motor placed into wax

PROCEDURE:
1. Put a small piece of electrical tape over the hole in the bottom of each of your 3
motor containers (film cans). The tape should be tapped on VERY LIGHTLY, so
that it keeps the molten wax from flowing out the hole, but pushes aside easily
when the motor shaft pokes through the hole. (Figure 18A)
2. Melt wax in the Hot Pot.
3. Put on your SAFETY GLASSES before working with hot wax.
4. Fill one film can with about 1/4 (7mm) of wax, not more! (Figure 18C)
5. Quickly but carefully place one of your sealed motors in the wax. Wiggle the
motor until the shaft pokes through the hole in the bottom of the film can. It may
take a little pushing to get the shaft to go through, but DO NOT push so hard that
you poke another hole in the can. This happens more easily than you might think,
since the plastic softens when heated by the wax. Get the motor in and through
the hole quickly, since the wax cools and hardens rapidly when the cold motor
touches it (Figure 18D). The wax should push up around the sides of the motor,
but should not fill in above the motor.
6. Repeat for each of your 3 motors.
7. Place the motor shafts in the holes in the cardboard box that you prepared earlier
and let the wax cool and harden. One end of your motor is now sealed in the wax,
so be careful not to push on the motor shaft and break the seal.
FIGURES AND WAX MELTING TIPS ON NEXT PAGE

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A: Film can partially filled with wax

B: Motor placed into wax

Figure 18A and B: Potting the motors

Wax Melting Tips:

Always wear SAFETY GLASSES when working with hot wax. The soft wax used in
this project can get very sticky. An apron and gloves (latex, nitrile, etc.) are highly
recommended. To facilitate cleanup, put a drop cloth on the work bench, on the ground
below it, and on the wall behind it. Avoid getting wax on your clothes. To get wax off
your skin, wash with warm water and dish soap.
1. The molten wax is hot, but should not be hot enough to burn the thick skin on your
the palms of your hands. More sensitive skin or large quantities of hot wax may
cause burns. In case of a burn, quickly rinse the area with LOTS of cold water.
2. One wax ring will usually pot about 6 motors (enough for 2 SeaPerch ROVs).
1. Once all three of your containers have a motor in them, we will fill them the rest
of the way with wax, in 2 steps.
2. Fill the container with wax up to 1/2 inch below the top (Figure 19A & B). (We
fill them up only partway, since the wax shrinks as it cools, and we want to make
sure everything is filled with wax, not air pockets.) Pour the wax so that it fills in
all the air spaces around the motor.
3. Lift your container and look at it from the side to see if you have any air bubbles.
Get out any air bubbles while the wax is still liquid by squeezing the container.
4. Set the container up on your stand to cool, and repeat for the other two.
5. While you are waiting for your wax to cool, make sure your SAFETY GLASSES
are on, and put on an apron and gloves since the wax often squirts out during the
next steps!
6. Once the wax has cooled, push the caps up to the knots in the wires and coil the
wires into the cans. Make sure the caps go on well, and then remove them again.
7. Carefully fill one container to the top with wax, creating a positive meniscus
(Figure 19C).
8. Quickly but carefully roll the cap onto the container, leaving as little air inside as
possible (Figure 19D). Watch for wax squirting out the hole in the cap!

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9. Repeat these steps for the other 2 motors, and let the wax cool and harden.
*TIP- Once wax is hardened, recheck motors with test wire to make sure
connections are still good, and wax did not seize the motor.

A: Second wax layer

B: Filled part way

C: Positive meniscus

D: Filled all the way

Figure 19 A-D: Potting the motors Final two wax steps

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STEP 7
PURPOSE:

Mounting the propellers on the motors.

MATERIALS:
3 propellers
3 prop shafts
6 small brass nuts
3 potted motors

Figure 20: Propeller and shaft mounted on motor.

TOOLS:
Epoxy
Mixing stick
Paper Towels
Rubbing Alcohol

PROCEDURE:
1. WIPE ALL WAX OFF of the motor shaft with a paper towel and rubbing
alcohol (if available).
2. Look at the propeller and note that the side of the propeller with the groove in it is
the side that goes towards the motor.
3. Screw one of the brass nuts onto each propeller shaft, as far as they will go.
4. Prepare your workspace to quickly glue everything, since with many epoxies
(including the one specified in the parts list), you will only have about 3 minutes
of working time before they get too stiff to use. Lay out your three potted motors,
your propeller shafts with a nut on each, your three propellers, and your three
remaining nuts (Figure 21).

Figure 21: Parts ready to assemble

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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5. Get out your epoxy, mixing stick and a sheet of paper to mix on.
6. Mix the epoxy. If you are using the packets specified in the parts list, fold the
packet so that the two halves are together. Tear off one end and squeeze the
contents of both halves onto your piece of paper (Figure 22A). Quickly mix the
contents together with the mixing stick until they are fairly uniform (Figure 22B).
7. Use the mixing stick to put a drop of epoxy on the propeller shaft and the nut, to
hold the nut in place. Put another drop of epoxy on the threaded part of the shaft
to hold the propeller (Figure 22C).
8. Place the propeller onto the threaded part of the shaft, grooved side first (Figure
22D). Put a drop of epoxy on the end where the threads stick out, and screw the
remaining nut on finger tight, making sure it is held by epoxy (Figures 23A & B).
9. Place a drop of epoxy on the hollow end of the propeller shaft, and on the tip of
the motor shaft (Figure 23 C). Push the hollow end of the propeller shaft onto the
motor shaft, but do not let the epoxy or the propeller shaft touch the motor
canister! (Figure 23D).
10. Repeat steps 6 to 8 for the other two motors before the epoxy hardens.
*TIP- It is a good idea to share epoxy between groups of students, as each packet
can mount up to ~10 prop shafts
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

A: Squeeze out the epoxy

B: Mix the epoxy

C: Drop epoxy on nut and threads

D: Place propeller on the shaft

Figure 22 A-D: Mixing epoxy and attaching propeller.

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Put your motors aside and allow the epoxy to harden to handling strength (60 minutes for
the specified epoxy) before touching them again.
11. It takes most epoxies about 24 hours to harden to final strength. Do not turn on
the motors or otherwise stress the epoxied connections until this time has passed.

A: Place nut and epoxy on prop

B: Prop epoxied to shaft

C: Epoxy on motor and prop shafts

D: Prop shaft mounted on motor

Figure 23 A-D: Attaching prop to shaft and shaft to motor

BE CAREFUL that props do not push back due to hydraulic pressure, if this happens
lightly push the shaft towards the motor for thee minutes, until the epoxy dries and the
shaft no longer slides away from the motor.

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STEP 8
PURPOSE:

Mount the thrusters on the vehicle frame.

MATERIALS:
Assembled thrusters
Assembled frame
TOOLS:
Phillips Screwdriver

Figure 24: Mounted thrusters

Note: This step should only be done after the epoxy on the propellers has hardened to
handling strength (60 minutes for the specified epoxy), but may be rushed as long as
you do not turn the propeller shafts or stress the newly epoxied connection.
PROCEDURE:
1. Using the screwdriver, remove the motor mounts from the frame.
2. Place a thruster inside each motor mount, according to the table below. The
motor mount should go over the back end of the motor. It should not be over the
back of the can where there is only wax, or over the center of the motor, where it
might squeeze the motor casing, but over the back end of the motor, which will
best resist the pressure of the motor mount.
3. Reattach motor mounts to the frame. Its OK if the motor cans get squeezed a
little. Tighten screws just enough to hold the motor firmly, but be careful not to
strip the hole in the PVC (tighten screws equally, three turn top, three turns
bottom, etc., this will avoid stripping the PVC, and give you a tighter fit). If you
do strip the holes, pull apart the Sea Perch ROV and, re-drill the holes on another
side of the PVC.
4. You can now use pliers to adjust the orientation of the PVC that the motors are
mounted on to get the angles you want. This is a good time to think about thrust,
vectors and propulsion. How do the angles of the motors affect 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?
*TIP It is easier to mount center thruster first, then mount the two side thrusters
POSITIVE (+)
NEGATIVE (-)
THRUSTER
Green
Green & White
Starboard (right)
Blue
Blue & White
Port (left)
Orange
Orange & White
Vertical
Brown
Brown & White
Not Used

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STEP 9
PURPOSE:

Waterproof the tether cable.

MATERIALS:
Completed frame with
thrusters
Butyl Rubber tape
Electrical tape
TOOLS:
Scissors
Figure 25: Waterproofed tether tied in strain relief loop
PROCEDURE:
1. Once the thrusters have been mounted, follow the wire pairs from the thrusters, to
where they meet inside the tether sheath.
2. Take a small piece (about 1 or 2.5cm) of the butyl rubber tape (aka. monkey
dung) and press it over the wire pairs and the sheath.
3. Knead and work it in well, so that it seals both around and between the wires and
sheath, preventing water from getting into the tether cable.
4. Wrap electrical tape over the Butyl Rubber tape to keep it from sticking to
anything.
5. After water proofing the tether, make a loop in the tether and attach to the vehicle
frame with tie wraps (aka. Zip ties). Make sure the tether comes off from the
center of the frame to avoid pulling our ROV to one side once in the water. This is
strain relief, intended to prevent any pulling on the tether cable from pulling on
the motors. (Figure 25).
Note: Since butyl rubber tape IS electrically conductive, make sure it DOES NOT
touch any exposed wires. If you find that the wires are nicked where you cut the
tether cable (exposing the inner copper wire), you must either seal them with
electrical tape (if possible), or re-do the wiring for the motors.

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UNIT 3:
Assembly of the Control Box

WARNING:
SOLDERING IRONS GET VERY HOT AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BURNS.
HOT SOLDER MAY SPATTER. WEAR EYE PROTECTION.
TAKE CARE TO NOT SHORT BATTERIES OR SHOCK YOURSELF.

FOR THIS TASK YOU WILL NEED:

TOOLS
MATERIALS
Soldering iron
Control box
Drill
2 push-button switches
1/4 drill bit
2 toggle switches
Nut driver
2 alligator clips with sleeves (one red one black)
Wire cutter
Fuse cap wire
Wire stripper
Fuse (10 A slow blow fuse)
Small Phillips Screwdriver
Speaker wire
1 loose red wire (#24 stranded hookup wire)
1 loose black wire (#24 Stranded hookup wire)
Time: Unit 3 requires approximately 6 hours to complete:
1 class period to gather parts and prepare the control box (ergonomic design)
1 class period to make the power cable
1 class period to wire button switches
1 class period to wire the toggle (pole) switches
1 class period to finish the control box
1 class period to test Sea Perch in a dry run in the classroom
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Sea Perch Circuit Diagram

In this section, you will build the control box for your Sea Perch ROV. Below is a circuit
diagram which shows all the electrical connections that will be made. This diagram is a
technical representation, to show the connections, but is not drawn to scale, and leaves
out everything but the wires and electrical components. You can always refer back to
this diagram to understand how and why the wiring should work. The individual steps
have their own circuit diagrams, which are simply parts of this complete diagram. They
also have wiring diagrams, which will help you understand what the wiring actually looks
like.

Figure 26: Sea Perch ROV Circuit Diagram

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STEP 1
PURPOSE:

Gather the parts for the control box assembly.

MATERIALS:
Control box
2 push-button switches
2 toggle switches (pole switches)
2 alligator clips
1 red alligator clip sleeve
1 black alligator clip sleeve
Fuse cap wire
Fuse (10 A slow blow fuse)
Speaker wire
1 loose red wire
1 loose black wire

Figure 27: Completed control box assembly.

PROCEDURE:
1. Find the test wires that you used to test your motors in the previous unit.
2. Remove the alligator clips from the test wires. The alligator clips will be used on
the power cable, and the wires will be used for the control box circuitry.
3. Gather the other parts required for the control box assembly, as shown in the
diagram on the next page:

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Figure 28: Parts for the control box assembly.

NOTE: Speaker wire/power cable may be WHITE (instead of brown)

Figure 28a: This is what the Fuse Cap Wire looks like when taken apart. Some of these wires may
fall apart during transport of the kits. If you find these pieces in your kit, reassemble them in the
order shown above.

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STEP 2
PURPOSE:

Prepare the control box

MATERIALS:
Control box
TOOLS:
Marker
Drill
1/4 drill bit
Vise or clamp

Figure 29: Control Box

PROCEDURE:
1. Using the marker, mark the locations of the holes on your control box, as
shown (approximately) in Figure 30 below. Make sure holes are at least
away from edges to allow switches to fit inside. There should be one in the
center of the back for the power to come in, one in the center of the front for
the tether cable to go out, two on the right hand side of the front for the
vertical thruster controls, and two on top for the horizontal thruster controls.
Make sure that the holes for the vertical thrusters leave enough room for the
switches against the sides of the box.
2. Secure the control box in a vise or clamp and drill holes with the 1/4 drill bit
in the marked locations.

Figure 30: Control Box hole locations

Sea Perch Construction Manual

Figure 31: Cables in holes (see steps 3 & 4)

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October 2011

STEP 3
PURPOSE:

Assemble the power cable

MATERIALS:
Speaker wire (5-10 long)
2 alligator clips with sleeves
Fuse cap wire
Solder
Electrical tape
Loose red wire
Loose black wire
TOOLS:
Soldering iron
Wire cutter
Wire strippers
Small scissors
Vise or clamp

Figure 32: Completed power cable

In this step you will build the power cable for your
control box. A wiring diagram of the finished
power cable is show in Figure 33.

PROCEDURE:
1. Cut about 3 (7.5cm) of wire off of the end of
the red and black loose wires. Set these short
pieces aside for a later use with the toggle
switches.
2. Cut the remaining red and black wires into four
equal length pieces each (4 black and 4 red). If
your pieces will be less than 5 (12.5cm), then
ask your instructor for extra wire.
3. Strip about 1/4" (6mm) of insulation from each
end of each piece. Twist the inner wires
(strands) on each end to prevent fraying and
breaking.

Figure 33: Power Cable wiring diagram.

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4. Take one end of each of the four red wires and twist them all together, as shown
in Figure 34 below.
5. Do the same with the black wires. These spliced wire bundles will distribute
power in your control box.

Figure 34: Spliced wire bundles

6. Find the power cable (speaker wire), and determine which side of it is positive
and which is negative. Notice that there are two conductors inside, each with its
own insulation, and attached to each other with a thin web of insulation material.
Usually the insulation on one side is ribbed (like corduroy) and the other is
smooth. Other times, one is marked with white or black stripes, or other
indicators. We will call the ribbed or marked side the positive (+) side.
7. On each end of the speaker wire (power cord), carefully separate the two
conductors for about 1 (2.5cm). This is best done by snipping the thin web of
plastic between the wires with a small pair of scissors, or a fine pair of wire
cutters. Be careful not to nick the insulation on the conductors.
8. On one end of the power cord, leave the separated section only 1 (2.5cm) long.
On the other end, pull the two wires apart for about 14 (35cm).
9. On the part of the cord that you just separated, find the positive (ribbed or
marked) side and cut off 13 (33cm) of the positive wire. This section will be
replaced with the fuse cap wire, as shown in Figure 35 below.

Figure 35: Battery end of the power cable.

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October 2011

10. Strip 1/2 (1.3cm) of insulation off both ends of the fuse cap wire. The fuse cap
wire does not have a positive and negative side it will work either way.
11. Strip 1/2 (1.3cm) of insulation off of all four ends of the power cord (speaker
wire). Twist the conductor strands on each end together to prevent fraying and
breaking.
12. Attach the fuse cap wire to the positive (ribbed/marked) side of the speaker cable,
(where you cut off the 13/33cm piece). Twist the wires together, solder the
connection, and cover it with electrical tape.
13. Slide the red alligator clip sleeve onto the loose end of the fuse cap wire, and the
black alligator clip sleeve onto the negative side of the power cord.
14. Attach alligator clips to the fuse cap wire (+), and to the negative side of the
power cord (-). Stick the wire in through the back of the clip, and up through the
hole near the screw. Loosen the screw and wrap the wire around it clockwise.
Tighten the screw. You can solder the connection if you want to. At this point,
your power cable should look like Figure 35.
15. Push the sleeves down over the alligator clips and put the fuse into the fuse cap.
16. Pass the loose end of the power cable (no alligator clips) through the hole in
the back of your control box. Tie a strain-relief knot about 6 (15cm) up the
cord, inside the control box. (Fig. 31
17. Take the spliced bundle of 4 red (+) wires, and twist the bundled end onto the
positive (ribbed/marked) side of the speaker wire. Take the spliced bundle of 4
black (-) wires and twist the bundled end onto the negative (smooth) side of the
speaker wire. Solder the connections and cover them with electrical tape, as
shown in Figure 36. ALWAYS USE A VISE OR CLAMP TO HOLD WIRES
WHEN SOLDERING!

Figure 37:
Completed power cable assembly
(without the control box).

Figure 36:
Wire bundles soldered to end of
power cord.

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October 2011

STEP 4
PURPOSE:

Wire the push-button switches (vertical thruster controls)

MATERIALS:
2 button switches
Solder
Prepared control box
Assembled power
cable
TOOLS:
Soldering iron
Vise or clamp

Figure 38:
Vertical thrusters with tether wire and power connections.
(Note: The switches in this photo are wired using the old
method. The wiring described below will look slightly different.)
PROCEDURE:
1. Refer to Figures 39 and 40 on the following pages for a circuit diagram and
wiring diagram for the vertical thruster controls (the pushbutton switches).
2. Pull the end of the tether cable through the hole in the front of the control box.
Tie a strain-relief knot about 8 (20cm) down the cable, inside the box.
3. Strip about 6 (15cm) of sheath off of the tether cable, being very careful not to
nick the insulation on the inner wires.
4. Separate the four twisted pairs. We will be using the orange pair for the vertical
thruster, so wrap up the others for now so they are out of the way.
5. Locate the terminal labels above the wire terminals on each switch. C stands
for common, NO stands for normally open, and NC stands for normally
connected.
6. Take one of the red (+) wires from your power cord (inside the control box), and
twist it onto the NO terminal of one of the pushbutton switches. Repeat for the
other switch.
7. Twist the two black (-) power wires to the NC terminals on the two pushbutton
switches. (ONE black wire to each switchSee Fig 40 on next page)
8. Now take the orange wire pair from the tether cable and untwist the pair for about
2 (5cm). Strip 1/8 to 1/4" (3-6mm) of insulation off the end of both the orange
wire and the white & orange wire.
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October 2011

9. Twist the orange (+) wire to the C terminal on ONE of the switches. (This switch
will move the sea perch downward.)
10. Twist the white & orange (-) wire to the C terminal on the other switch. (This
switch will move the sea perch upward.)
11. Once you have attached all the wires to the switches, ask your teacher to check
your wiring, as its much easier to correct it before you solder.
12. Solder the connections on the three terminals on each switch, being careful not to
create any solder bridges between the terminals, and making sure to snip off any
frayed pieces of wire sticking out toward other wires.

Figure 39: Vertical thruster circuit diagram.

*TIP- It can be useful to pre-mark switches for students

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October 2011

Figure 40: Vertical thruster control / pushbutton switch wiring diagram.

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October 2011

STEP 5
PURPOSE:

Wire the toggle switches (horizontal thruster controls)

MATERIALS:
2 pole switches
Prepared control box
Solder
TOOLS:
Soldering iron
Vise or clamp

Figure 41:
Cross wired toggle switch with tether and power cable
connections
PROCEDURE:
1. Refer to Figures 45 and 46 on the following pages for a circuit diagram and
wiring diagram for the horizontal (port & starboard) thruster controls (the toggle
switches).
2. Before you solder anything on the toggle switches, attach ALL the wires by
wrapping them through and/or around the terminals. Since some of the terminals
have more than one wire connected to them, it is best to solder at the end, when
ALL the wires are attached.
3. Cut four 1.5 (3.5cm) pieces of wire from either the small pieces wire you saved
in an earlier step, some pieces of the brown tether wire, or other scrap wire. Strip
1/8 to 1/4" (3-6mm) of insulation off all of the ends.
4. Attach one of these pieces across the opposite corner terminals of each pole
switch, making an X wiring pattern, as shown in Figure 42.
Switch Soldering Tips:
When soldering the switches, be very careful to avoid shorting out the many wires which
end up in close proximity in the back of the switch. Attach all of the wires to the switch
before soldering anything. Make sure that the wire strands are well twisted together, to
avoid fraying strands that may short out against other wires or terminals. Solder quickly,
so that the wires do not get too hot, and melt their insulation. Do not use too much
solder, which could stick out and touch other connections.

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October 2011

Figure 42: Cross-wired toggle switch.

5. The pole switch terminals are arranged into 2 columns with 3 terminals in each
column. Use the RIGHT column for positive (+) connections, and use the LEFT
column for negative (-) connections.
6. Un-twist about 2 (5cm) of the blue and green tether wire pairs. Strip 1/8 to 1/4"
(3-6mm) of insulation off of each wire end.
7. Attach the green (+) wire to the right corner terminal on your first pole switch.
Attach the white and green (-) wire onto the terminal adjacent to it, as shown in
Figure 43. Repeat with blue wires for the second switch.

Figure 43: Cross-wired toggle switch with tether connections

8. Attach one red (+) power wire to the middle terminal of your first switch, on the
same side as the solid-colored wire. Attach a black (-) power wire to the middle
terminal on the other side, as shown in Figure 44. Repeat for the other switch.

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October 2011

Figure 44:
Toggle switch with cross-wires, tether connections, and power connections.
9. Once all of the wire connections are made, check that the connections are clean,
without fraying wire strands or other short circuits. Have your teacher check your
wiring, and then carefully solder all of the connections on both toggle switches.
10. After soldering the connections, go back and check again that there are no shorts
(touching wires or solder) between the switch terminals. If you find a short, desolder and re-do it before continuing.

Figure 45: Circuit diagram for horizontal (port & starboard) thruster controls.

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October 2011

Figure 46: Toggle switch/Port and Starboard thruster wiring diagram

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October 2011

STEP 6
PURPOSE:

Finish the control box

MATERIALS:
Control box
Wired Switches
TOOLS:
Phillips Screwdriver
5/16 Nut driver or
Pliers

Figure 47: Completed control box

PROCEDURE:
1. Place the pole switches in corresponding holes in the control box. Check the
direction that the switches move the motors before securing them into place, (ex.
Pressing forward will make the ROV move forward, etc.) Tighten into place with
a nut driver or pair of pliers.
2. Remove the red button caps from the button switches by pulling up hard on the
red caps. Be careful not to break the white stem.
3. Place button switches through the 2 holes next to the tether cable. Again, check
the direction of the switches before securing into place. Tighten with nut driver or
pliers. Replace the red button caps by pushing them on very snugly.

Figure 48: Control box with toggle switches and then all switches installed.
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October 2011

4. Screw the back onto the control box using the screwdriver.
5. Place the fuse in the fuse holder.
6. Congratulations, you have completed your Sea Perch ROV! (Figure 49).
NOTE: The direction of the forward/reverse thrusters will affect the efficiency of your
Sea Perch. Play around with the direction of your thrusters when you test your Sea Perch
to see what works the best!

Figure 49: Finished Sea Perch ROV

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October 2011

STEP 7
PURPOSE:

Testing your Sea Perch ROV

MATERIALS:
Completed ROV
TOOLS:
12 volt battery

Figure 50: Completed Sea Perch ROV

The first time you power-up your Sea Perch ROV, there are a few steps you should take
to make sure everything is working properly:
1. Before beginning, make sure that you have a good fuse installed, and that all of
the switches on your control box are turned off pushbutton switches are not
pressed, and toggle switches are in the center position.
2. The first time you attach the power cable to the battery, clip the black (-) alligator
clip onto the Negative (-) terminal on the battery. Then, quickly tap the red (+)
alligator clip against the Positive (+) terminal on the battery. You should NOT
get a large spark when you do this. A tiny spark is ok, but a large spark indicates
a possible short in your system. A short circuit can wreak havoc on your Sea
Perch, as it may cause wires to heat up and melt, in the control box, or worse,
inside the tether cable or the motors.
3. If you do get a large spark, check that your switches are all off, and try again. If
you still get a large spark, unclip the black alligator clip from the battery, use a
multi-meter to find where the short is in your system, and fix the short. The
circuit diagram at the beginning of this section, and the wiring diagrams in the
previous steps are good references for troubleshooting.
4. Once you have confirmed that there are no initial shorts, clip both alligator clips
onto their corresponding battery terminals. Quickly tap the switches (rapidly on
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October 2011

and off) one at a time, and listen if a motor turns each time you do. If all of the
switches satisfactorily engage a motor, then your system is ready to run. If a
motor does NOT turn when you activate each switch, you have either a broken
connection (blown fuse, unclipped battery, broken wire, broken solder joint, etc.),
or you have a short circuit somewhere.
5. Turn on each motor one by one, and check that it is turning in the correct
direction. If not, the easiest way to fix this is to physically re-position the switch
in the control box. This is usually simpler than re-soldering the wires.
You are now ready to run your Sea Perch ROV!
To run the Sea Perch, clip the alligator clips onto the corresponding terminals on the
battery (red +, black -). Be careful not to short the battery. If the Sea Perch stops
working, first check the fuse to see if it has blown.
Place Sea Perch in the water and attach weights to the payload netting until it has just
slightly positive buoyancy, meaning that it sits in the water with the floats just out of the
water by about 1/4 (5mm) or less. A typical Sea Perch without cameras or other sensors
on board usually requires about 4 to 10 ounces (125 to 300 grams) to achieve proper
buoyancy. If your Sea Perch sinks without applying the downward thruster, it is too
heavy. If your Sea Perch has trouble diving, or floats up to the surface very quickly, then
it is too light.
The motor angles can be adjusted for optimal thrust, maneuverability, or stability, as
described in Unit 1.
*Make sure to charge your battery after using it. Lead-acid batteries will last much
longer if they are not left discharged. *
Always make sure to rinse your Sea Perch with fresh water when you have finished
operating it. Pay special attention to the motor shafts as they are often the first place to
rust. Clean all seaweed and other buildup off of the motor shafts, and rinse them well

with fresh water.

The Sea Perch website ( http://seaperch.mit.edu ) has many resources and ideas for using
Sea Perch ROVs for fun and education. Dont forget to take some photos of your
expeditions. If you send them to us, we may be able to put them on the website!
Remember to be safe when working around the water.
Have Fun!

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October 2011

Sea Perch

Sea Perch ROV

Parts and Tools Lists
These lists have been compiled in order to assist you in building the Sea Perch in your classroom and in ordering the necessary parts
and tools. Please consult the construction manual and reference your Sea Perch training to verify what you will need.
The suggested vendors have been selected for convenience, price, and/or ease of use. Many of the items may be available at lower cost
from other sources, or may be already available at your school (especially tools). Many items come in bulk, or are only available in
quantities or packages larger than that needed for a single Sea Perch kit. In these cases, the cost per kit is calculated as a fraction of the
minimum order quantity and price. When ordering for multiple kits, verify the quantity needed to order with the quantity needed for each
kit and the minimum order quantity. Do not rely solely on the quantity column for the number to order. Many vendors have significant
quantity discounts available, and some may have educational discounts.
Key
Qty.
Size
Item
Suggested Vendor
Cat.No.
Minimum Package Quantity
Per Package Cost
Order Quantity (# Pack.)
Minimum Order Cost
Per Kit Cost
Notes

Quantity - number of items needed for 1 kit, or length needed for items such as wire.
Size or amount of item required, or unit of measure.
Description of item.
Suggested source for purchase of items.
Catalog Number of item in suggested vendor's catalog
Minimum amount available from vendor in a single order - may be more or less than needed for 1 kit
Cost of minimum order.
Number of packages of minimum order size needed for 1 kit.
Cost of quantity needed to order (minimum order)
Cost of material needed for 1 kit (ignoring minimum orders)
Additional information, including quantity discounts and alternative sources

These lists were last updated in August 2007. All items were available from the suggested vendors at that time, but availability may change.
We strongly suggest ordering some extra film cans (sample vials), fuses, and hookup wire, as these items often need replacing.

Sea Perch Construction Manual - Parts Tools List

PL - 1

MIT Sea Grant

Sea Perch
Master List - Parts for 1 vehicle

Qty.
Size
Vehicle Frame
1
14 in
1
5 ft
10
each
4
each
1
12"x8"
3
each
6
each
6
each
2
each
4
each

Minimum
Package
Quantity

Per
Package
Cost

Order
Quantity Minimum
(# Pack.) Order Cost

Per Kit
Cost

Item

Suggested Vendor

Cat. No.

3/8", ABS H-Column

1/2", Sch. 40 PVC Pipe
PVC elbows, 1/2" Sch. 40
PVC Tees, 1/2" Sch. 40
Polyethylene Mesh (sold 36" wide, per foot)
Conduit straps (motor mounts)
#6 x 1/2" stainless steel sheet metal screws
#6 stainless steel flat washers
Football floats 3"x5"
1 oz. and/or 2 oz. large steel nuts (ballast weight)

Plastruct
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
Aquatic Ecosystems

H-12
48925K91
4880K21
4880K41
9314T33
9429T36
92465A148
90107A007
NF7

1
1
1
1
1
50
100
100
1

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

1.45
1.97
0.31
0.38
1.05
5.00
7.36
4.08
1.80

1
1
10
4
1
1
1
1
2

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

1.45
1.97
3.10
1.52
1.05
5.00
7.36
4.08
3.60

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Thruster Assembly
3
each Plastic Sample Vial, 50ml (or use free film cans!)
6
each Brass Hex Nuts, 4-40
3
each Threaded Coupler 4-40, 0.095" (Propeller Shaft)
3
each 1/8" plastic propeller 0.19, 0.35
3
each Motors 12 volt
40
ft. long Cat 5 cable, 4 twisted pair, stranded (by the foot)

US Plastics
McMaster-Carr
Tower Hobbies
Tower Hobbies
Jameco
Jameco

81037
95130A110
GPMQ3832
DUMB1860
232021
201582

1
100
2
1
1
25

$
$
$
$
$
$

1.57
3.13
1.39
1.15
2.25
9.45

3
1
2
3
3
2

$
$
$
$
$
$

4.71
3.13
2.78
3.45
6.75
18.90

$
$
$
$
$
$

Control Box
1
each
2
each
2
each
2
each
1
each
1
each
1
each
1
each
6
ft. long

Jameco
Jameco
Jameco
Jameco
Jameco
Jameco
Jameco
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr

18913
21952
121304
256525
248972
248962
151918
7085K15
70405K34

1
1
1
2
2
2
1
5
1

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

3.69
1.55
3.59
0.50
0.51
0.51
1.19
6.44
0.18

1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
6

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

3.69
3.10
7.18
0.50
0.51
0.51
1.19
6.44
1.08

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

3.69
3.10
7.18
0.50
0.26
0.26
1.19
1.29
1.08

1
10
100
100
100
576
1
1

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

1.40
12.04
6.83
6.83
4.14
18.25
0.99
1.39

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

1.40
12.04
6.83
6.83
4.14
18.25
0.99
1.39

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

0.70 @ HomeDepot: 8 rings for $3.35

1.20
0.14
0.14
0.62
0.10
0.99 Higher quality tape also available
1.39

144.92

Plastic box 4.9"x2.5"x1.5"

DPDT center off toggle switches
SPDT mom. push button switches
Alligator clips
Insulator for alligator clip - Red
Insulator for alligator clip - Black
Fuseholder, In-line, 1.25"x.25" fuse
Fuse: 10A, slow-blow
#18AWG speaker wire, 6 foot length

Expendable Supplies
0.5
ring Wax Toilet Bowl Ring (1/2 ring for each vehicle)
McMaster-Carr
1
each Epoxy packet & mixing stick
McMaster-Carr
2
ft. long #24 stranded hookup wire, red (sold by 100' roll)
McMaster-Carr
2
ft. long #24 stranded hookup wire, black (sold by 100' roll)
McMaster-Carr
15
6 in. 6" cable ties (aka: zip-ties or tie-wraps), black
McMaster-Carr
3
inches Butyl Rubber Tape aka. "Monkey Dung" (16 yd. roll)
McMaster-Carr
1
roll Electrical tape
Jameco
1
roll Solder, 60/40 rosin core (contains lead)
Jameco
1
bottle Rubbing Alcohol
1
roll Paper Towels
Newspaper, cardboard or dropclots to protect waxing table, wall & floor
Total for ROV

Sea Perch Construction Manual - Parts Tools List

2793K31
7493A34
7587K921
7587K922
7130K42
76385A15
285587
170457

Total for minimum order quantity

PL - 2

1.45
1.97
3.10
1.52
1.05
0.30
0.44
0.24
3.60

Notes
Quantity discount: 4 for $5.55

24+ @ $1.60ea.
Or use large fishing sinkers

4.71 Quantity Discount available

0.19
2.09
3.45
6.75 100+ @ $1.79ea.
15.12 Quantity discounts available

10+ @ $3.32ea.
Quantity Discount available
Quantity Discount available
Quantity Discount available
Quantity Discount available
Quantity Discount available
Quantity Discount available
Quantity Discount available
250'+ @ $.09/ft.

69.79 per kit, w/o battery or charger

MIT Sea Grant

Sea Perch
Battery & Charger
1
12 v Battery, Sealed Lead Acid (SLA), 12 volt, 7 AH
1
Charger - 12v, 500mA Automatic SLA Charger
1
Cord for Charger

batterymart.com
batterymart.com
batterymart.com

SLA-12V7-F1
ACC-12BC0500D-1
ACC-D-1766

$
$
$

14.95
15.95
1.95

32.85

4657
5682A18
5682A27
3608A14
5624A8
3621A11
7294K58
54185T601
4387T51
224611
36329
226018

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

17.88
4.46
3.32
11.51
8.12
5.81
9.91
2.30
4.34
7.95
4.95
0.95

LXHH93
LXB838

$
$

7.89
3.39

2901A124
2901A113
4333K26
various
65987

$
$
$
$
$

2.16
1.06
23.28
29.99
29.99

220812
19166
5310A42

$
$
$

9.65
4.95
49.16

Total for Battery and Charger

Individual Tools (suggested for each Sea Perch kit)

1
PVC Pipe Tubing Cutter (RATCHET Style!)
1
Screwdriver, flat, medium
1
Screwdriver, phillips, small
1
Scissors
1
Slip joint pliers (and/or needle-nose pliers)
1
Diagonal cutter pliers (wire cutters)
1
Wire strippers (for 26-16 AWG Stranded wire)
1
Safety Glasses (Eye Protection)
1
Plastic Tote: parts and/or tool container (optional)
1
Soldering Iron
1
Soldering Stand
1
Soldering Iron Tip, conical
1
Sharpie (marker)
1
Ruler
1
Pen
1
Pencil
1
Pad of paper (lab notebook)
1
Paint set, enamel, regular colors (optional)
1
Paint brush set (optional)

PlumbingStore.com
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
Jameco
Jameco
Jameco
Office Depot, etc.
Office Depot, etc.
Office Depot, etc.
Office Depot, etc.
Office Depot, etc.
Tower Hobbies
Tower Hobbies

Shared Tools (shared by multiple Sea Perch kits)

1
Drill bit, 1/4"
McMaster-Carr
1
Drill bit, 3/32"
McMaster-Carr
1
Twisted Pair Cable Stripper (for tether sheath)
McMaster-Carr
1
Hand drill, variable speed - corded or cordless
Sears, Home Depot, etc.
1
Electric Skillet (by Presto)
Ace Hardware, etc.
1
Metal cup or beaker for melting wax
1
Digital Multimeter for debugging (optional)
Jameco
1
Desoldering Pump, aka. "solder sucker" (optional)
Jameco
1
Bench vise, 4" (optional)
McMaster-Carr
Thruster potting holder parts: wood, fine nails, wood glue (optional)
Total for a complete set of Tools

Sea Perch Construction Manual - Parts Tools List

also @ Jameco # 264057, $18.15 ea.

also @ McMaster # 7448K67, $38.33
(cord not needed with McMaster Charge above)

also available at McMaster #8336A13, for $44.37

For over prescription glasses, use #52755T9, $5.02 ea.

Many options available, for +/- $

Quantity Discount available, 12+

Quantity Discount available, 12+
@ Jameco: #230447, $18.89
Many types available: $30-$200
Any Hot plate and pan will do
cups with handles suggested
Or use solder wick, Jameco # 41081, $1.75 ea.
cheaper @ HomeDepot, etc.

$ 243.02

PL - 3

MIT Sea Grant

Sea Perch
Web Addresses of Vendors
Ace Hardware
Allied Electronics
Aquatic Ecosystems
BatteryMart.com
Home Depot
Jameco
McMaster-Carr
Plastruct
The Plumbing Store
Sears
Tower Hobbies
US Plastics

www.acehardwareoutlet.com
www.alliedelec.com
www.aquaticeco.com
www.batterymart.com
www.homedepot.com
www.jameco.com
www.mcmaster.com
www.plastruct.com
www.PlumbingStore.com
www.sears.com
www.towerhobbies.com
www.usplastic.com

Old Suppliers (no longer used in this list, but still useful as backup)
Radio Shack
Small Parts Inc.
Newark Electronics
Contact East
DataComm Warehouse
Go Fishin
IWP

www.radioshack.com
www.smallparts.com
www.newark.com
www.contacteast.com
www.warehouse.com
gofishin.com
www.rubbermaidproducts.com

Optional Accessories for the Sea Perch

Alternative switches
Some educators have been successfully using larger toggle switches to replace both the toggle and pushbutton switches. They are cheaper and easier to hookup because of their screw terminals.
They are avalable from:
http://www.kelvin.com
Part# 270013
$1.75 ea.
($1.45 ea. for >10)
Cheaper Tether Cables
Ethernet cable is available in bulk from various vendors. Searching online will yeild cheaper sources, as prices fluctuate. Be sure to get Cat5 or Cat5e cable with 4 twisted pairs, and STRANDED wires!
Sensors
Hobo Data Loggers

http://www.iscienceproject.com/

K-12 teachers can sign them out for free!

Underwater cameras
Resources Unltd
Security labs
Polaris
Matco

http://www.resunltd4u.com/
http://spycorder.com/waterproof.htm
www.polarisusa.com
www.matco.com

part# GM-300KX-10
Model # SLC-131

Tank for testing ROV (allows for testing during adverse weather)
Aquatic Eco Systems

http://www.aquaticeco.com/

QT502, $352, Portable Tank, 450 gallons - 30 inches high, 6ft diameter

Sea Perch Construction Manual - Parts Tools List

PL - 4

$179
$150

MIT Sea Grant