Frame Assembly

Take the time to study the ROV assembly, and how the assorted lengths of PVC interconnect to form the frame.

Note that all pieces fit flush to one another. This is the goal for a 'perfect' ROV build, however as long as the frame is symmetrical, minor differences in length should not pose a major issue.

Depending on if you choose to route your wiring internally (recommended) will determine if you use the cross (part #5) (external routing) or tee (internal routing) joint pictured at the rear of the ROV.

If you are using the ROV kit available through store.rea.org.au you should already have all the necessary PVC sections and connectors, however it is always good practice to double check against a parts list to ensure a smooth build process.

To ensure you have all the required components to complete your build, refer to 'Unboxing Your ROV'.

If necessary, use the PVC cutters to cut your lengths of pipe to size; ensuring all parts are symmetrical to the corresponding parts.

Not doing this can lead to a PVC frame that does not fit together well and breaks apart too easily.

For more detailed instructions on how to cut PVC, refer to the 'PVC Cutting Basics'.

Begin with the assembly of the base of the ROV

Collect the following:

9x Tee Joints

4x Elbow Joints

10x 32mm Pipe Section

3x 90mm Pipe Section

Assemble the left half of the base in accordance with the accompanying images.

At this stage the frame only needs to be 'hand tight' as certain components will need to be removed and or manipulated during the build.

Assemble the right side of the base, using the assembled left side as a reference model.

Connect the two frame segments together.

This is the base of your ROV.

Next we will assemble the central frame segments directly into the base.

Collect the following:

5x Tee Joint

4x 32mm Pipe Section

2x 90mm Pipe Section

1x 215mm Pipe Section

Place the 32mm Pipe Sections into the upright Tee Connectors of the base.

Next, use the remaining components to construct the pictured frame segments.

Ensure the Tee Joints are connected perpendicular to one another.

While you will most likely have to twist them later to insert the motor mounts, it is good practice to have them correctly positioned for the interim.

Connect the frame segments to the base.

The segment with 3 Tee Joints connects into the rear of the ROV, as pictured.

The segment with only 2 connects into the front of the ROV, as pictured.

Next, we will assemble the top rail.

Collect the following:

4x Tee Joint

2x Elbow Joint

6x 32mm Pipe Section

2x 90mm Pipe Section

1x 215mm Pipe Section

Insert 4 of the 32mm Connectors into the upright Tee Joints of the frame.

Assemble and connect the top rail in accordance with the provided pictures.

Ensure the segment is symmetrical, otherwise it may be difficult to connect to the frame.

Attach the top rail to the 4 exposed 32mm Connectors at the top of the ROV.

Ensure the front bar is positioned towards the front of the ROV

Note the open Tee Joints at the rear of the ROV. This is to provide easy water passthrough when submerged.

Next we will connect the front arms and motor mounts.

To do this, first collect:

3x Motor Mounts

2x 45* Elbow

3x 40mm Pipe Section

2x 90mm Pipe Section

Your kit should have come with the motors inserted into the motor mounts, however if they did not, or have come loose in transit, follow these steps.

If your motors are mounted correctly you may skip forward to step 20.

Collect the motor and mount.

Using hand pressure, insert the motors into the motor mounts, aligning the motor as pictured.

Avoid using any adhesives if possible. A friction fit should suffice.

Ensure the logo on the mount faces the larger end of the motor, as identified in the image.

Repeat for the remaining two motors.

Now that your motors are mounted, it is time to connect them to the ROV frame.

Take the three 40mm Pipe Section and insert them into the three open Tee Joints on in the base of the ROV frame.

Now you can connect the motor mounts onto the frame of the ROV as pictured.

The three motors are identical and are not required to be mounted in any particular order or pattern.

Assemble the two ROV arms as pictured.

Mount the assembled arms into the two open Tee Joints at the front of the ROV.

You may wish to change the supplied 45* Elbows out for 90* Elbows, depending on the task at hand.

To assemble the Tether Input, collect:

1x Threaded Adapter

1x 40mm Pipe Section

Connect the two components as pictured.

Mount the Tether Input into the rear Tee Joint of the ROV.