The RUNO3-BS Model

As a part of learning something that i always wanted to do but couldn't have the time to do so- C++ coding and Arduino Circuit Making. I had always had this spark of interest in such a field. So i decided to take a few dedicated months towards learning the same. Hence, as a final goal to showcase my skills and learning i decided to make an Arduino Bluetooth controllable submarine-a model of it that functions.

Note: Above bottle layout is for reference when assembling circuit into bottle later on.

Note: Above image is just for clarity if confused for ordering technical parts

• 2 DC motor 6 V
• Plastic Bottle
• Motor Driver(L298N)
• Powerswitch
• 18650 Lithium battery holder
• 18650 Lithium batteries (x2)
• HC-05 Bluetooth model
• Glue Gun
• Arduino R3 Uno board(with its uploading cable)
• Male to female jumper wires (20 cm)
• Male to male jumper wires( 20 cm)
• Female to female jumper wires(20 cm)
• Plastic motor fans (x2)
• 2 Plastic caps
• Dry Clay
• PVC Sheet(30 x 20 cm)-Size not being priority
• Binding Tape
• Double sided tape

This should all cost around Rs.1000. However, it also depends on which type of quality you get the technical parts.

For technical parts, I recommend buying online-specifically from FLYROBO.

Right now, just make sure you have all the supplies. Get all the technical components like arduino board, motor driver,etc. And a plastic bottle+PVC Sheet and the double sided and binding tape.

Measure diameter of the bottle entry. As per that cut out the PVC sheet by length of diameter which will be the width of sheet and as per the length of bottle adjust it and take a certain amount by yourself, i recommend 13-15 cm but it depends as per size of bottle.

Then using the double sided tape stick the technical parts as per your PVC sheet and just adjust it properly. I recommend following the layout diagram of bottle and the image given of my PVC sheet by putting battery on the lower side(mandatory). Go through the image of PVC sheet, their are notes given within them which will give more clarity.

Now following the above circuit diagram make sure to attach the wires to the correct parts. For just a reference i provided an image of what my circuit looked like.

Note: Please do refer to notes given in circuit diagram as that is what will help in giving more clarity.

After having a circuit that starts, you will see certain lights of the different parts like red from motor driver- please check if that is happening.

Now with the remaining copper bit showing wire and the red wire of battery that starts the circuit if connected, this will be connected by a switch to controll off and on of circuit. Well a power switch has two contacts make sure that the initator wires are connected to 1 port each only. Turn the switch on and test it out!(if it is on or not)

Uploading Code:

Now after testing that the circuit can be turned on and off via switch. Take all the wires that are connected to arduino board and de-attach them from it. Then using the arudino editor site download its app. Then copy the code from this document entirely and paste it in a blank editor page and verify it to ensure there aren't any errors while copying it. Now get the arduino board and its cable, connect it to the laptop with the app of arduino that you copied the code onto. Then make sure that the incoming port is arduino uno board device itself and the board is 'arduino uno'. This can be checked from tools when the app is open. Now you can check if the board is actually connected as it would have its light on when it is as its turned on. Then upload the code and patiently wait a few seconds after the code is uploaded and then disconnect it and attach all the wires again.

Bluetooth Controller App instructions:

Download the 'Bluetooth RC Controller' app on mobile and turn circuit on and turn bluetooth on and you will see a device; "HC-05" and connect with that. A green light will indicate if its connected or not. Then make sure all wires are connected stably. Now press the up arrow and both motors should turn on and as per the controlls given above, that should follow. If not then check the circuit again and again for any loose connections with motor or other parts and if no problems are there with that then upload code again using above procedure and check again with wires deattached from arduino board. If it works then you may continue to next step.

Also for specific code explaination please do refer this document.

Basically, just try to ensure that the wires take less space as it might cause problems in bottle like loose connections. So like the hole in between the PVC sheet for wires. Just make adjustments that ensure it will fit in your bottle. Like taping certain loose wires to sheet so they stay down. Get creative!

This is just a way to mark out the exterior parts of the submarine. For reference. Also the power switch should be most prefrerably joint outside with the cap part so it is easier to turn the circuit on or off.(Refer to step 9)

Before starting with this process, i do recommend soldering wires of motor with contacts for stronger connection for both motors.

I use bottle caps and make a small hole for the wires of the motors to go through and make a smaller hole in the bottle, then stick the cap on the exact place marked on the bottle.

Now for these motors that will be encased in the plastic bottle cap, it won’t stay stationary. That is why I will be using play to make it fit and make it stay in one play and since it will be in contact with water it will be perfect and clay can act as extra waterproofing. Which is also why i will be using clay for concealment and waterproofing of the front part or the cap part of the entire bottle.

I decided to use a basic concept of dynamics for the diving aspect of submarine. PVC sheet fins stuck on sides of bottle downwards at a 30 degree angle. Refer to image. However, i do have recommendations- sticking a flat piece of PVC on the bottle and then stick the diving fins on that piece for more foundation so it will be more stable when on the bottle and the extra layer would add more strength so it wouldn’t break or get loose from the bottle when moving underwater

Credits: ScrapSmith(Diagram+Concept)

Now to stick diving fins and Motor caps together on the bottle as per the markings. Using fevistick, tape and clay.(for clay sooth it out with a little bit of water.

As said before in step 5. The power switch will be joint within the cap of the bottle using fevistick,clay and tape. I made a hole through the cap where the two contacts can fit into as shown in the above image. This way the contacts are inside and connection can be established from inside the bottle. Be extremely cautious about this part when waterproofing and concealing the same.

There are mainly 3 areas to waterproof and conceal. The 2 motor cap areas due to the holes and cap area of bottle(most important). Use clay and tape. This is just my recommendation but there are other options.

Place the bottle first without the circuit and just the motor-caps and closed by power-switch cap in water and hold it down and then get it out and see if any water is there inside the bottle, if there is then check from where the loose ends are and try to use clay to seal it up even more. If a few drops get in then it is fine. Then once you are completely sure no water will get in, test the same with circuit inside bottle.

The wait is over! Now finally test it out. I recommend to test it out in a bigger area of water like a lake or pool. Connect the circuit with phone and see if it works without any fail and is able to dive. Enjoy your Submarine!

I have many extensions that i would like to follow through with this project. As i think there are still many improvements as well that can be done to make it better which i plan to work upon. Here are somethings that i want to work upon;

-Making automatic ballast tanks that can be controlled by phone, coding of the same as well(Improvement) to make the diving method more efficient.

-Adding an ultrasonic sensor to avoid obstacles underwater(Extension)

-Adjusting a waterproof camera(Extension)

I plan to take on future projects regarding circuit making and making more instructables. I hope that all my work and efforts also lead to igniting a spark of interest for others to pursue their interest in circuit making. I hope to continue this work and i hope that you all can support me. If you have followed this instructable and decided to make your very own project. Please do show a photo of it down below and let me know what i can work upon or any other projects that i should take up in the comments down below.