Testing Procedures

Intro

The electrical system allows the operator (in the shack) to propel an ROV in the X, Y, Z axis of a chlorinated pool, operate the mechanical extension, send and retrieve temperature and hydrophone data, and power optical equipment. The data platform (optics, thermometer, and hydrophone) is operable and accurate. The propulsion is operable and allows the ROV to move all around the aquatic environment. The tether is not in the way. Testing is serious; damage to the equipment is unacceptable. All testing occurs under supervision of an adult and with at least two team mates present. All testing takes place in the systems lab or one of the team members house.

Tests:

     Propulsion Test: What type of propulsion works best?  E Motor   Bilge Pump   Converted Pump
            Preliminary, Exploration, Comparison

1.      Wire power through 2 double pole double throw switches to a converted bilge pump and an electric motor (with propellers attached to the pump and motor).

2.      Make sure each direction of switch supplies power.

3.      Submerge systems in water.

4.      Power both in forward direction.

5.      Record which goes faster, the pump or the electric motor.

     Propeller Test: What type of propeller works best?
            Preliminary, Exploration, Comparison

1.      Take the winning system from the Exploratory Propulsion Test and duplicate it three times

2.      Outfit each different motor/pump with a different propeller

3.      Wire all four of the motors/pumps in parallel

4.      Submerge in water

5.      Power all motors/pumps in forward direction

6.      Record winner

     Data Platform Test: Does the data platform work correctly when powered together?
            Preliminary, Exploratory

1.      Wire the camera, lighting, thermometer, and hydrophone to 12 V 25 Amp battery

2.      Power all of the systems at the same time.

     Tether Test: Is the tether connection water proof?
            Preliminary, Exploratory

1.      Cut a half inch diameter hole in the bottom of a Tupperware container

2.      Put a stick through the hole and wrap the penetrating end with a wad of paper towels

3.      Seal both sides with rubber cement and let dry

4.      Close Tupperware container

5.      Submerge in water for a minute

6.      Remove container from water and remove lid

7.      Record if the paper towels are wet

* if wet, try different ways of sealing

 
     Propulsion and Data Platform Test
            Final, Exploratory

1.      Wire all components of the data platform and all components of the propulsion to the 12 V 25 Amp battery

2.      Wire in a fuse that blows at 25 Amps

3.      Power data package

4.      Power on each motor until all motors and the entire data platform are operating

5.      Record outcomes, can the battery support all of the systems simultaneously