Radio Controlled Lego Submarine

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a radio-controlled Lego submarine build, emphasizing the challenges of radio control in aquatic environments. The builder utilized a salvaged 27MHz toy radio controller, which effectively managed control up to 3 to 4 meters. Despite experimenting with antenna and receiver placement, improvements in range were minimal. Additionally, the project incorporated Python coding on a Raspberry Pi to manage ballast using a syringe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radio frequency transmission, specifically 27MHz
  • Basic knowledge of Raspberry Pi programming with Python
  • Familiarity with remote control systems
  • Experience with Lego building techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research radio frequency propagation in water environments
  • Learn advanced Python programming for Raspberry Pi projects
  • Explore techniques for improving remote control range
  • Investigate alternative materials for submarine buoyancy control
USEFUL FOR

Hobbyists, robotics enthusiasts, and engineers interested in remote-controlled aquatic vehicles and Raspberry Pi applications.

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TL;DR
Youtuber builds a cool radio controlled submarine
 
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Engineering news on Phys.org
He also has an associated blog describing the build in greater detail.

https://brickexperimentchannel.wordpress.com/rc-submarine-4-0-blog-post-series/

In particular, I was curious about the radio-controlled aspect as radio-control is pretty much impossible in water. He salvaged a toy radio controller with a low-frequency transmission of 27MHz citing that very issue ie GHz wouldn't work at all.

His build was able to control the submarine at a maximum of 3 to 4 meters. Playing with antenna placement and receiver placement didn't seem to improve it all that much.

Another part of his build was the python coding for a Raspberry-Pi and the use of a syringe to control ballast.
 
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