How-to install an ROVL Mk II-III on a BlueROV2

Before you read this instruction, please take the time to read the user manual section for ROVL Mounting and Wiring Instructions.

Let's start with what comes with each bundle.

ROV Locator Mk II:

ROV Locator Receiver ROV Locator Transmitter Mounting Bracket 2 bracket holders

ROV Locator Mk III:

ROV Locator Transceiver ROV Locator Transponder Mounting Bracket 2 bracket holders

The following instructions assume a standard configuration of a Transmitter or Transponder mounted on the vehicle (deep side.) This setup is preferred for maximum range since ROV thrusters tend to be both acoustically and electrically noisy, so if the Receiver/Transceiver head is on the ROV, it has less sensitivity due to the increased noise environment.

Installing Transmitter/Transponder:

The first step is to potting the cable for the transmitter. First we will strip away enough of the cable jacket to make connection to power inside the ROV.

Next, we'll pot the cable. You can use an M10 penetrator for a 3mm cable. Note: Alternatively, you can use a 4mm WetLink penetrator. This system is a compression gland cable penetrator to seal electrical cables as they pass into a device or enclosure. No more potting!

Proceed on drilling the needed holes to mount the bracket holder and metal bracket onto the ROV

Test fitting to check the height. Make sure the mounting position is not conducive to mechanical blows or other types of shocks.

Attention ROVL Mk II auto sync users: to achieve satellite acquisition or re-acquisition, ensure the unit mounted on the ROV is placed so the main body (largest diameter section) is out of the water when the ROV is surfaced.

After the penetrator has cured, crimp terminals onto the negative (black) and positive (red) wires. The penetrator is installed onto the end-cap. Don't forget the O-ring.

For detail wiring specification, please read the ROV Locator manual section Wiring Notes Open the watertight enclosure and pull the wires free to be accessible. You can connect the power wires to a 5V 6A power supply. The Rx and Tx wires can be left unconnected as only power is required for the Transmitter/Transponder. Tape them up so they don't short to anything inside the ROV.

Installing Receiver/Transceiver:

The electrical/data connection of the receiver when purchased with the serial-to-usb-cable option is pretty straight forward as all you need to do is plug the USB cable into your computer.

If the Receiver/Transceiver was purchased with a serial-data cable, you will need to do some additional work to prep the connections. For detail wiring specification, please read the ROV Locator manual section Wiring Notes and USB Interface using Blue Robotics BLUART Board

Topside Deployment Fixture

For how to deploy (i.e, boat, dock) the topside unit, please see the ROV Locator manual section on how to assemble a topside deployment Fixture