Summary

This is one solution to powering the OpenROV ( http://www.openrov.com ) at my desktop with an external power supply using a 3D printer to generate most of the physical parts.

While working with the ROV out of the water I wanted to power it externally other than from its batteries. A 3D printer allowed me to design and print a battery adapter to connect an external 12V power supply to the power leads of the ROV.

Instructions

Items

3D Printed

9 20mm spacers
1 inner end cap plug (negative terminal)
1 outer end cap plug
1 outer end cap plug holder
1 terminal clamp (positive terminal)
Other
1 set of â€œAAâ€ standard battery terminals (spring and plate)
2 60cm pieces of wire capable of 12V @ 3A

Instructions

Print out all 12 3D items
Construct adapter tube (Negative terminal)
a. Tape 9 spacers together to create a 180mm tube
b. Insert one wire (negative) through tube and through inner end cap plug
c. Solder flat battery terminal to wire coming through inner end cap plug
d. Push flat battery terminal into inner end cap so that it sits flush
e. Insert inner end cap into 180mm tube
f. Slide outer end cap plug over wire coming out of tube
g. Secure outer end cap plug by using the "outer end cap snap holder" to hold the plug in place.
Construct positive terminal clamp
a. Inert positive wire through hole in the side of the terminal clamp
b. Solder spring terminal to wire
c. Attach soldered terminal to clamp with hot glue
Usage
Remove all batteries from ROV battery tubes
Insert adapter tube into either battery tube
Push down adapter tube so that it fits snugly in battery tube
With adapter pushed down place a piece of tape over the top it so that it does not become loose and fall out
Attach terminal clamp to ROVâ€™s positive terminal lead
Attach wire to sufficient 12V power supply

External Power Supply Adapter for OpenROV