This booklet provides hassle-free plans for building a tetherless, shallow-diving robot that can be programmed to carry out simple underwater missions to a depth of 3 meters (10 feet). This basic AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) is called SEA ANGEL and its “brain” is the LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ or ROBOLAB™ RCX controller brick that is housed inside a modified Model 350 waterproof Otter Box™. These well-illustrated plans can be adapted to use other brands of microprocessors. Power for this underwater vehicle comes from 8 AA batteries that are hooked up to inexpensive hobby motors with small propellers. SEA ANGEL’s slow speed and small size means it can be used in a tank of water only 1 cubic meter in size, something that can easily be brought into the classroom environment. BUILD YOUR OWN PROGRAMMABLE LEGO® SUBMERSIBLE details basic skills required to build this underwater robot as well as the tools required and a complete parts list. The booklet discusses how to waterproof motors, lights and cameras for use on a small underwater robot. There’s also a section on how to build a deeper-diving, faster-traveling AUV. The LEGO® trademarks and products are used with permission in this publication. The LEGO Group does not sponsor or endorse this publication. CAUTION: While the projects in this book are fun to build, they are more than challenging toys and constructing them is not play. Some projects involve real tools and utilize procedures that require skill and care. In all cases, it’s important to use common sense, work under experienced adult supervision and follow safe working practices. The authors and publisher assume no responsibility for injuries or other occurrences. |
