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Overview

by Ruiz Brothers

In this project we’re building a cricket powered paddle wheel rover.

 

This simple water bot is 3d printed and features a tripod mount for capturing underwater photography.

 

The rover stays afloat with the help of pool noodles that are mounted to the 3d printed enclosure.

 

We used NinjaFlex filament to 3d print watertight mounts for the motors and components!

Parts

 

You can find the list of all parts used to make this project linked below!

 

We used MakeCode and programed our water bot to maneuver around obstacles. You can use the on-board sensors to make it interactive!

 

3D Printed Parts

 

These flexible motor mounts press fit together to help prevent water from getting into the components. 

Prerequisite Guides

There's resources in these guides that go beyond what's covered in this tutorial. MakeCode guide is all about setting up your Circuit Playground Express board. TheCircuit Playground Express introduction guide walks you through all of the pinouts, sensors and everything you need to know.

3d_printing_tools.jpg
Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express

Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express

PRODUCT ID: 3093
Sometimes we wonder if robotics engineers ever watch movies. If they did, they'd know that making robots into slaves always ends up in a robot rebellion. Why even go down that...
$29.95
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Circuit Playground Express

PRODUCT ID: 3333
Circuit Playground Express is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and...
$24.95
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DC Toy / Hobby Motor - 130 Size

DC Toy / Hobby Motor - 130 Size

PRODUCT ID: 711
These are standard '130 size' DC hobby motors. They come with a wider operating range than most toy motors: from 4.5 to 9VDC instead of 1.5-4.5V. This range makes them perfect...
$1.95
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Waterproof 3xAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch

Waterproof 3xAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch

PRODUCT ID: 771
Keep your power source safe and toasty in these waterproof 3xAA battery holders. They're just like classic switched battery holders, but designed for survival! The case has a rubber...
$3.95
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2-Pin Wire Joints (3-pack)

2-Pin Wire Joints (3-pack)

PRODUCT ID: 3786
These are the easiest way possible to connect two wires - no if's, and's, or butt's! Well, actually, these are often referred to as wire butts 'cause you...
$0.95
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Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw

Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw

PRODUCT ID: 2392
Whaddya got a screw loose or something?This 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw is super handy if you're building projects that...
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1/4" to 1/4" Screw Adapter - For Camera / Tripod / Photo / Video

1/4" to 1/4" Screw Adapter - For Camera / Tripod / Photo / Video

PRODUCT ID: 2632
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" - Leonardo da VinciThis 1/4" screw to...
$1.50
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Swivel-Head Pan Tilt (PTZ) Shoe Mount Adapter

Swivel-Head Pan Tilt (PTZ) Shoe Mount Adapter

PRODUCT ID: 2464
This Swivel-Head Pan-Tilt (PTZ) Shoe Mount Adapter allows you to attach something with standard 1/4" machine screw mount to a camera's shoe...
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4 x Motor housing
M2x8mm
1 x Prop set screw:
M2x5
12 x CPX to Crickit
M3 x 7mm
4 x Crickit to Case
M3 x 6mm
1 x 60mm diameter pool noodle
60mm diameter pool noodle

We found the pool noodles have enough support for gopro session, but a slightly larger one like a GoPro hero should hold up. You can adjust the position of mini ball head to adapter for different water depths!
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
This guide was first published on Aug 01, 2018. It was last updated on Oct 15, 2018. This page (Overview) was last updated on Sep 02, 2018.