hecs
Hexagonal Environmental Conditions Surveyor
materials
HECS is made from three types of plastic PLA, PETG, and PVC. PLA or Polylactic Acid is biodegradable, and most of our 3D parts are printed from PLA. PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride ) are both easily recyclable. Also, by printing the 3D parts for the HECS in house we reduced the environmental impact of shipping. The HECS is an environmentally aware ROV built for an environmental purpose. We think that ROVs like HECS are the answer to plastic pollution and coral surveying.
To complete a company goal of creating a competitive but entirely custom propulsion system, our thrusters were made using inexpensive brushless motors with 3D-printed propellers and shrouds. The propellers went through many design iterations to find the best shape for efficiency and thrust, until the resulting thrusters fully satisfied our goal.
structure
safety
electronics
All the on-shore electronics are inside of a lockable, water-resistant case called the Electronics Housing Case (EHC). Inside of the EHC the electronics and wiring are covered by a sheet of plexiglass for easy visibility while being safe for operation. The ROV is controlled using game controllers for ease of piloting and two switches. The controller goes to the Raspberry Pi, and the switches directly power the SRT and its reel. The programs for motor control and image recognition are written in Python.
DOR has included many safety features into the design of the HECS. It is completely waterproof with sealed wires, motors and electronics. Over the thrusters we have 3D printed covers to keep fingers, the tether, and the product demonstration props out of the propellers. Our tether is secured to the HECS by a strain relief clamp. The EHC is water resistant in case the HECS is being transported in inclement weather or is splashed when at pool side. Inside the EHC the electronics are protected by a plexiglass cover so that the electronics are visible but not exposed during operation.