Build your own underwater ROV for $250

Granted, this here project isn't nearly as inexpensive as the $100 underwater ROV from years back, but at least this one is propelled by something a bit more advanced than a pull string. Regardless, the ROV-in-a-Box Project Kit -- created by folks from Carl Hayden High School for use in the National Underwater Robotics Challenge -- is a $249.95 package that "includes all the parts needed to build a working underwater robot: a frame, motors, underwater light, camera, 50-foot tether, operator control box, and a dry-cell battery." Of course, you'll still be required to provide your own tools and TV monitor, but to take a closer look at exactly what a nickel under $250 will buy you, click on through for a detailed video (but do tap Mute beforehand, okay?).

[Via GoRobotics]

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 5:51AM]

Your comments: Impressive But I don't need one of those. Question to the EngadgetTeam. Wich time do you use? I'm on GMT + 2 right now. And to know when your contests expire this would be handy .

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 7th 2007 8:49AM]

I think engadget time is east coast US time, GMT -6, so 8 hours behind you, and the contests last 6 hours, I'm pretty sure they mention that..

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 6:03AM]

interesting.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 6:08AM]

Very interesting...

[RAY16 Posted Sep 4th 2007 6:12AM]

Neato. Now I can make that documentary about finding things at the bottom of public pools.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 8:05AM]

Are you *really* sure you want to go looking around the bottom of public pools? That sounds like you're just asking to find untold horrors!

[isy Posted Sep 4th 2007 6:17AM]

Alright everybody, round two of Engadget's hundred gadget giveaway! Up for grabs for the next six hours:

Gold - SanDisk Sansa e260 (4GB)
Silver - Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave keyboard and mouse
Bronze - Halo 2 (Windows)

[heyguy Posted Sep 4th 2007 6:33AM]

money

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 6:38AM]

PVC not included?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 11:03PM]

I'm fairly certain the PVC *is* included. As per the website, the only thing you need to provide is, "PVC cement, soldering iron, wrenches, drill, scissors, battery charger, or TV monitor"

[stridermt2k Posted Sep 4th 2007 6:51AM]

WHY WHY WHY?

WHY DIDN'T I HIT MUTE??

The ROV?
Outstanding!
It's very hard to make a waterproof device like that at low cost.
Kudos!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 8:41AM]

so going to try this

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 9:21AM]

I wonder how clear images would turn out in the typical tea colored water in the lakes near me...

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 10:49AM]

This is not really that great of a kit for 250$ I would look into building your own via the Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/robotrov/

or the ROVrev2 http://www.popsci.com/popsci/how20/68a9e0ed53bcc010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

[TurboTalon Posted Sep 4th 2007 11:00AM]

I built something that looked exactly like that back in 8th grade.. Of course we didn't have a camera or light on ours but total cost was

[wescrockett Posted Sep 4th 2007 11:10AM]

I competed in two of these competitions in Monterey, CA. You can build an amazing ROV for a LOT less than 250. I designed 4 and one of my models did amazingly well... Only problem with that it was very hard to see due to rain on the out door pool... We kinda got shafted...

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 11:51AM]

Sweet

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2007 12:00PM]

awesome

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 5th 2007 12:21PM]

Now, that.. seem's very interesting.. If I had the money to burn, I would buy it, put it together and go to my local lake and check out what was going on. Seriously.

It is really neat to have your own little ROV...

Actually I might just go to a big creek at first.. get used to using it then go to a lake.. Don't know what I would do if it went down about 30 foot and got tangled on a log or some junk like that.