Building an RC Submarine: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this article, we will explore the process of building a remote-controlled submarine that can dive and navigate through the water with ease. The project requires some expertise in electronics and programming, but the end result is well worth the effort.

The heart of our RC submarine is its power system, which includes four pumps, two microcompressors, and two solenoid valves. These components are powered by a Darlington ULN2803 assembly, which provides the necessary voltage and current for the submarine's motors.

For radio communication, we will be using an HC-12 radio module, which is capable of receiving signals even underwater. This means that our submarine can be controlled remotely from anywhere on the surface.

To ensure stable operation of the equipment, we have included a separate stabilizer L4941BV in the power supply system. This component ensures that there is a minimum difference between the input and output voltage, which helps to prevent any fluctuations that might affect the performance of the submarine.

In terms of sensors, our RC submarine will be equipped with an IMU sensor that can detect tilt angles in three axes. This allows us to monitor the submarine's pitch, roll, and yaw in real-time, making it easier to control its movements.

To keep track of the battery charge, we will be using an INA219 current sensor. This component monitors the flow of electricity through the battery and alerts us when it needs to be recharged.

One of the unique features of our RC submarine is its ability to save pins by using a CD4069UBE logic chip. This chip allows us to connect the L293D driver without needing to use six separate pins, which frees up space for other components.

In the future, we plan to install two engines with screws that will give our submarine even more maneuverability and speed. The current design uses an Arduino board as its microcontroller, but it has a second hardware UART on board that allows us to connect a GPS module and determine the coordinates of the submarine using satellite navigation.

The board is made using the AT Mega 328PB microcontroller, which provides plenty of room for expansion and customization. We have also used a Russian version of the Arduino board called Iskra Nano Pro as the basis for our electronics assembly.

Overall, building an RC submarine requires some expertise in electronics and programming, but it can be a fun and rewarding project for anyone interested in robotics and underwater exploration. With its advanced sensors, stable power system, and remote control capabilities, this submarine is sure to impress anyone who sees it in action.

Building rc submarine