One of the challenges for a novice MATE Ranger ROV team (Remote Operated Vehicle) is creating an effective thruster control system. The simplest method is a 3 position toggle switch, connected directly to a thruster. While this system is cheap, it produces herky-jerky movements and the ROV is unable to “hover”. An ROV must be able to maintain a desired water depth in order to perform tasks underwater. A Variable Speed ROV Controller (VSRC-1) can solve these problems.

The goal for this project was creating a low cost, 3 axis (X-Y-Z) control box. The control system described here will run approximately $250. All of the parts can be purchased online or locally and only hand tools, a drill motor, a Dremel style tool, and a soldering iron are required for assembly. With simple programming, the control box provides variable power control from 2 thumbsticks and 1 potentiometer.