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# DIY Water Drone Parts List and Local Build Guidance ## Executive summary “Water drones” usually mean either **uncrewed surface vessels (USVs)** that operate on the water surface, or **tethered underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)** that operate below the surface. The core difference is **communications and sealing**: underwater, conventional RF links are severely limited by attenuation in water, so DIY underwater “drones” typically use a **tether** (or specialized acoustics) rather than a standard radio-control link. citeturn9search5turn9search13turn9search19 For DIY builders, the most reliable path is to base your bill of materials around a mature marine robotics component ecosystem—especially pressure-rated enclosures, penetrators, thrusters, and leak testing tools—because **water ingress is the dominant failure mode** and can destroy electronics rapidly. citeturn20view2turn7search2 This guide provides (a) a **prioritized shopping list** with official links and compatibility notes, (b) a short **assembly SOP/checklist** with leak-test and first-water protocols, (c) a **global manufacturing map** by component type, and (d) **Slovakia-specific** practical guidance: what you can realistically fabricate locally (frames, brackets, harnessing, basic PCB work) vs what is usually better to buy (pressure-rated enclosures, thrusters, certified battery packs, underwater sensors). Slovak entities are included only where identifiable from public sources; anything not found is treated as **unspecified**. ## Prioritized DIY shopping list for a small USV or tethered ROV The table below is **platform-agnostic** (USV or ROV). In the “Compatibility notes” column, items are tagged as **USV**, **ROV**, or **Both**. image_group{"layout":"carousel","aspect_ratio":"16:9","query":["tethered underwater ROV components thrusters watertight enclosure diagram","USV autopilot boat electronics enclosure wiring diagram","underwater thruster T200 installation photo"],"num_per_query":1} | Priority | Part / subsystem | Typical specs & selection range (avoid over-specifying) | Official supplier (manufacturer / primary) + alternative | Approx. price range (Feb 2026 typical retail) | Compatibility notes (what must match) | |---:|---|---|---|---:|---| | 1 | **Watertight electronics enclosure** (ROV core; also useful for rugged USV electronics) | Pressure rating by depth; internal volume; penetrator hole count; material (anodized Al common) | **entity["company","Blue Robotics","marine robotics company"]** “Watertight Box” official listing citeturn20view2; alternative EU distributor listings exist citeturn6search4 | **$291+** for box style (varies with options) citeturn20view2 | **ROV/Both:** Choose an enclosure rated > your max depth with margin. Plan penetrator count early (thrusters + sensors + tether + lights). Pressure Relief Valve is required/supplied for the Watertight Box line. citeturn20view2 | | 2 | **Thrusters (underwater) / propulsion** | Thrust class; voltage; mounting; corrosion-resistance; number of thrusters depends on degrees-of-freedom (ROV) or drive config (USV) | T200 Thruster official page citeturn11view0; alternative distributors (RobotShop etc.) citeturn6search4 | **$230+ each** (T200 “from” pricing; quantity discounts) citeturn11view0 | **ROV/USV:** Match thruster voltage/current to ESC and battery. T200 is described as optimized around ~16V (typical 4S) and needs a sensorless BLDC ESC. citeturn11view0turn8view2 | | 3 | **ESC (bidirectional)** | Continuous current; input voltage (cell count); forward/reverse support; signal protocol (servo PWM typical) | Basic ESC product page with full specs citeturn8view2; alternative is to use other bidirectional marine BLDC ESCs (verify reverse behavior and waterproofing) | **$40** (basic quantity tier shown) citeturn8view2 | **ROV/USV:** Must support **reverse** (many aircraft ESCs don’t). Basic ESC is rated **7–26V (2–6S)** and 30A continuous. Signal uses a centered stop (1500 µs). citeturn8view2 | | 4 | **Control stack** (autopilot + I/O) | For USV: waypoint navigation/hold modes; for ROV: depth/heading hold, tether control; PWM outputs count; sensor interfaces | Navigator Flight Controller official page (Raspberry Pi 4 expansion “from $220”) citeturn22view0; alternative: Pixhawk-family autopilots (ArduPilot compatible) citeturn21search2turn15search2 | **$220+** for Navigator citeturn22view0 | **Both:** If you use Navigator, it’s designed for **Raspberry Pi 4** and runs with BlueOS ecosystem; supply is 5–5.35V. citeturn22view0 If you use Pixhawk-class, plan serial ports and power module separately. citeturn21search14turn21search2 | | 5 | **Companion computer** (for UI, video, mission logic) | SBC with enough USB/Ethernet; thermal management in enclosure; stable OS | Raspberry Pi product pages show current price points (example: Pi 5 16GB listed at $205; other variants “available from $45”) citeturn18search0turn18search4; alternative: industrial SBCs (regional distributor) | **~$45–$205+** depending model/RAM citeturn18search0turn18search4 | **Both:** Underwater ROVs often rely on tethered Ethernet/video pipelines; confirm your compute can sustain video encode/stream and won’t thermally throttle inside a sealed enclosure. (Navigator specifically targets Pi 4.) citeturn22view0turn9search11 | | 6 | **Tether cable (underwater ROV)** | Neutral buoyancy; strength; jacket; twisted pairs; max comm length; depth rating; terminations | Fathom tether (ROV-ready) official page with price range and tested comm-length guidance citeturn19view1turn19view0; alternative distributors citeturn18search5 | **$250–$2,330** depending type/length citeturn19view1 | **ROV:** Underwater comm is typically tether-based: ArduPilot Sub notes tethered control via GCS to autopilot telemetry port and requires a depth sensor. citeturn21search2turn9search19 Standard tether is stated as max **300 m**, slim max **200 m** in their testing. citeturn19view0 | | 7 | **Topside tether interface** (ROV) | USB–Ethernet bridging; interface board; enclosure; strain relief | Fathom-X Tether Interface Enclosure product page (price shown) citeturn9search2; alternative: BlueOS “tether interface” guidance citeturn9search6 | **$245** shown citeturn9search2 | **ROV:** Choose tether interface architecture (Ethernet over tether is common in this ecosystem). Ensure your topside computer and UI (QGroundControl) can reach the vehicle network. citeturn7search7turn9search6 | | 8 | **Cable penetrators / bulkhead sealing** | Cable OD range; thread size; pressure rating; installation tooling | Penetrators category (price ranges) citeturn7search1; alternative: other subsea penetrator systems (verify depth ratings and tooling) | **$13–$17** per WetLink penetrator (typical range) citeturn7search1 | **ROV/Both:** Penetrators and cable OD must match. Treat penetrator installation as a controlled process (clean, correct torque, leak-test). WetLink is advertised as easy assembly without adhesives/potting. citeturn7search5turn20view2 | | 9 | **Depth / pressure sensor** (ROV; sometimes useful for USV science payloads) | Depth rating; interface (I²C common); logic voltage; daily drying constraint for gel sensors | Bar sensor official page: Bar30 up to ~300 m; price range shown; supported by ArduSub/ArduPilot citeturn28view0; alternative distributors citeturn7search4 | **$80–$90** shown citeturn28view0 | **ROV:** ArduPilot Sub hardware docs state a depth sensor (underwater barometer) is required. citeturn21search2turn9search19 Bar sensors use I²C and 3.3V logic (with limited input range) and require drying for accuracy. citeturn28view0 | | 10 | **Leak detection** (strongly recommended) | Probe placement; interface to controller; failsafe behaviors | SOS Leak Sensor noted as compatible with ArduSub and $35 citeturn29view0; alternative: custom conductivity probes + autopilot analog inputs (verify failsafe wiring) | **$35** shown citeturn29view0 | **ROV/Both:** Use ArduPilot Sub leak failsafe mechanisms if you integrate leak sensors. citeturn7search2turn7search6 Plan probes so water is detected early (lowest points inside enclosure). | | 11 | **Battery pack** | Chemistry (Li-ion common for endurance; LiPo common for high current); voltage (often 4S class for this ecosystem); connector types; transport restrictions | Lithium-ion battery product page includes full spec (14.8V 18Ah 266Wh, XT90S, UN38.3 doc links) citeturn13view0turn13view1; alternative: source packs locally but ensure proper safety/shipping documentation | **$425** shown citeturn12view0turn13view0 | **Both:** Battery voltage must match ESC and thrusters. Example 4S Li-ion pack is 14.8V nominal; minimum safe 12V; XT90S. citeturn13view0turn13view2 High Wh packs face shipping limits (seller lists restricted destination shipping). citeturn13view1 | | 12 | **Charger** | Chemistry support; cell count; charge power; connector adapters | H6 PRO charger product page ($196) and specs (4S/6S lithium by default, XT60 port) citeturn14view1; alternative: other reputable LiPo/Li-ion balance chargers (EU hobby distribution) | **$196** shown citeturn14view1 | **Both:** Charger must match chemistry and cell count. This charger warns against using unsupported chemistries/voltages unless firmware is updated. citeturn14view1 | | 13 | **Camera (optional but common)** | Interface (USB common); low-light performance; housing approach (inside enclosure with view port vs external depth-rated camera) | Low-Light HD USB camera page includes price + origin + USB/JST cable details citeturn26view0; alternative: other underwater cameras (market varies) | **$120+** shown citeturn26view0 | **ROV:** If camera is inside main enclosure, you need a port/window; if external, need depth-rated camera and connectorization. This camera is 5V USB and is described as ArduSub-supported. citeturn26view0 | | 14 | **Lights (optional but often needed underwater)** | Brightness; depth rating; voltage input; PWM control; heat management | Lumen Subsea Light page: $175, 1500 lm, 500 m depth rating, PWM 1100–1900 µs citeturn24view0; alternative: diving/ROV lights (verify IP and connectorization) | **$175** shown citeturn24view0 | **ROV:** Lights draw power; ensure supply voltage range and penetrator/power distribution capacity. The page specifies 7–48V input (full brightness 10–48V). citeturn24view0 | | 15 | **Sonar (optional; USV bathymetry / ROV altimeter)** | Range; beam width; depth rating; interface (UART/USB adapter); mounting | Ping Sonar page: $430, up to 100 m range, 300 m depth rating; connects directly to Navigator citeturn25view0; alternative: other echosounders/sonars (cost varies widely) | **$430** shown citeturn25view0 | **USV/ROV:** Confirm interface (UART TTL) and power (4.5–5.5V) suits your control stack. citeturn25view0 | | 16 | **Buoyancy + ballast** | Target buoyancy (slightly positive is common for ROV recovery); machinability; depth rating | Buoyancy foam product page with price range citeturn18search3; alternative foams exist (verify hydrostatic performance) | **$48–$170** shown citeturn18search3 | **ROV:** Foam and ballast finalize trim and stability; plan mounting and ensure you can machine/shape safely. citeturn18search3 | | 17 | **Leak test tools + sealing consumables** | Vacuum test capability; silicone grease; O-ring picks; torque tools | Watertight Box page recommends pressure relief valve and vacuum leak tests, and lists a vacuum pump accessory ($98) citeturn20view2turn20view0; Watertight Enclosure assembly guide gives O-ring steps and tightening approach citeturn6search10 | **~$98+** for vacuum pump shown citeturn20view0 | **ROV/Both:** Vacuum test before water exposure. Use correct tightening pattern (star pattern) and avoid threadlocker on acrylic components as instructed in enclosure assembly guidance. citeturn6search10 | | 18 | **GNSS module (USV)** | GNSS band support; update rate; interface (UART/I²C/SPI depending module); antenna | u‑blox drone navigation overview citeturn0search2 and M10 platform page citeturn21search10; alternative: buy specific u‑blox modules from major distributors (Digi-Key pages) citeturn21search16 | **Varies** by module type (meter-class to RTK) | **USV:** Match module interface and voltage to controller (3.3V logic typical). Consider RTK only if you have a base/corrections plan. citeturn0search2turn21search10 | | 19 | **Radio / telemetry (USV)** | Band legality; range; antenna height/mast; failsafes | ArduPilot Rover supports boat frames and features position hold and RTL behaviors in autonomous modes citeturn15search0turn15search3; telemetry port setup guidance applies across autopilots citeturn21search14 | **Varies** | **USV:** Ensure you have a robust “return to launch / hold” configuration and geofence where supported; confirm link-loss behaviors before open-water operation. citeturn15search3turn15search0 | ## DIY assembly checklist and SOP ### Assembly flowchart ```mermaid flowchart TD A[Plan mission & choose USV vs ROV] --> B[Enclosure plan: penetrators, cable OD, sensor count] B --> C[Mechanical build: hull/frame, mounts, thrusters installed] C --> D[Dry electronics integration: controller + ESCs + power distribution] D --> E[Harnessing: strain relief + labeled wiring] E --> F[Bench power-up: current-limited, check ESC signals] F --> G[Software setup: ArduPilot Rover/Sub + GCS config] G --> H[Sensor calibration: compass/GNSS (USV), depth sensor (ROV)] H --> I[Seal: O-rings cleaned/greased, close enclosure] I --> J[Vacuum leak test via PRV / test port] J --> K[ROV: tether comm tests / USV: radio range tests] K --> L[First-water test: shallow, tethered retrieval plan] L --> M[Post-test: dry-out, inspect seals, log issues] ``` ### Step-by-step SOP (short, practical) **Preparation and safety** - Treat your electronics build as precision assembly: protect against static and mechanical damage during wiring and board handling (even though the dominant failure mode is water ingress). - Treat lithium batteries as high-energy components: follow the battery’s published safe limits (min voltage, max current) and never leave charging unattended (the example charger includes explicit warnings). citeturn13view0turn14view1 **Mechanical assembly** - Mount thrusters with attention to strain relief and cable routing; plan cable exit paths that won’t kink when the vehicle is handled or retrieved. - If using a pressure-rated enclosure, follow the enclosure manufacturer’s assembly guidance: O-ring placement and tightening method (including criss-cross/star tightening approaches where specified). citeturn6search10turn20view2 **Wiring and bench checks (before sealing)** - Wire ESCs to the power distribution with appropriate conductor gauge and secure fasteners (avoid loose high-current connections). - Verify ESC signal wiring and initialization behavior. The Basic ESC documentation provides signal expectations (center point initialize/stop and the ability to reverse by pulse width). citeturn8view2turn8view2 - For tethered ROVs, validate topside connectivity and network path (tether interface guidance emphasizes reliability improvements with tether interfaces). citeturn9search6turn9search2 **Software setup** - For **USV**: ArduPilot Rover supports boats; set frame class to **Boat** and configure modes (Auto/Guided/RTL behavior) and position holding. citeturn15search0turn15search3 - For **ROV**: ArduPilot Sub expects tethered control via a ground station to the autopilot telemetry port and states a depth sensor is required; enable leak failsafe if you have leak probes. citeturn21search2turn7search2turn7search6 - Use a compatible ground control station; QGroundControl is described as the GUI for ArduSub and supports multiple vehicle types. citeturn7search3turn7search7 **Seal and leak-test** - Use the pressure relief valve/test method recommended by the enclosure supplier to conduct vacuum leak testing (the Watertight Box guidance explicitly calls out vacuum leak tests and lists tooling such as a hand-operated vacuum pump). citeturn20view2turn20view0 - Do not skip this step: vacuum testing is the cheapest way to catch an O-ring pinch, debris on an O-ring, or a mis-installed penetrator. **First-water test protocol** - Start in shallow water with an immediate retrieval plan (line/tether, spotter, and safe shutdown). - Confirm failsafes: for USV test RTL/hold; for ROV test leak detection behavior (in controlled conditions) and verify stable manual control. citeturn15search3turn7search2 ### Templates (copy/paste) ```text BUILD TRAVELER — WATER DRONE (USV/ROV) Project/Model: ____________ Variant: [ ] USV [ ] ROV Rev: _______ Unit Serial/ID: ____________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______ Builder: ______ CORE COMPONENT TRACEABILITY - Enclosure (type/size/serial if any): __________________ - Penetrators (qty/type/threads): _______________________ - Thrusters (qty/type/serials): _________________________ - ESCs (qty/type/serials): ______________________________ - Controller stack (Navigator/Pixhawk/etc): ______________ - Companion computer (SBC): _____________________________ - Battery pack (chemistry/serial/Wh): ____________________ - Tether (if ROV): length/type: __________________________ - Leak sensor installed? [ ] Yes [ ] No - Depth sensor installed? [ ] Yes [ ] No (ROV requires depth sensor) PROCESS STEPS (initial + date) 1) Incoming inspection complete .......... ____ ________ 2) Mechanical assembly complete .......... ____ ________ 3) Dry wiring & strain relief ............ ____ ________ 4) Bench power-up + ESC signal tests ..... ____ ________ 5) Firmware loaded + parameters saved .... ____ ________ 6) USV: GNSS/compass checks OR ROV: depth sensor check ____ ________ 7) Enclosure sealed (O-rings checked) .... ____ ________ 8) Vacuum leak test passed ............... ____ ________ Vacuum level/hold time: _______________ 9) First-water test passed ............... ____ ________ 10) Post-test inspection + dry-out ....... ____ ________ NOTES / ISSUES / REWORK Issue #: ________ Description: ________________________________ Disposition: [ ] Rework [ ] Replace part [ ] Scrap ``` ```text INCOMING INSPECTION — WATER DRONE CRITICAL ITEMS PO/Supplier: _______________ Date: ________ Inspector: __________ ENCLOSURES & SEALS [ ] Enclosure surfaces free of dents / cracks [ ] O-rings present, clean, no cuts/flat spots [ ] PRV / test port present (if required) PENETRATORS / CONNECTORS [ ] Correct thread type (M06/M10/M14 etc) [ ] Cable OD matches penetrator spec [ ] No damaged threads; O-rings included THRUSTERS / ESCs [ ] Thruster housings intact; fasteners present [ ] ESC voltage/current rating matches design [ ] ESC supports reverse (if required) SENSORS [ ] Depth sensor rating matches intended depth [ ] GNSS module (USV) physical condition OK [ ] Leak sensor probes present (if used) BATTERIES [ ] No swelling/dents; connectors undamaged [ ] Documentation present (if provided): MSDS / UN38.3 / label [ ] Measured voltage within expected shipping/storage range: ______ V Disposition: [ ] Accept [ ] Quarantine [ ] Reject NCR/Issue number: ____________ ``` ## Global manufacturing map for water-drone components Global marine robotics supply chains look similar to aerial drone supply chains in one key way: **battery and electronics manufacturing is heavily concentrated in Asia**, while many marine-robotics specialist vendors are headquartered in North America/Europe but may source some assemblies from Asia. For lithium batteries specifically, the IEA reports China manufactured **well over 80%** of batteries in 2025. citeturn17search0 A practical way to avoid speculation is to use **published country-of-origin** on actual components. The component ecosystem cited above provides unusually explicit COO fields for many parts: | Component type | Common global manufacturing pattern | Example manufacturers / evidence (COO or HQ as available) | |---|---|---| | Underwater thrusters | Specialist marine thrusters: US/EU vendors; some manufacturing in Asia depending on brand/product | T200 Thruster lists **Country of Origin: USA** and provides pricing tiers. citeturn11view0 | | Marine BLDC ESCs (bidirectional) | Frequently manufactured in China even when designed/marketed by US/EU supplier | Basic ESC lists **Country of Origin: China**. citeturn8view2 | | Pressure-rated enclosures | Often machined/assembled in Asia; niche high-end also US/EU | Watertight Box lists **Country of Origin: China**. citeturn20view2 | | Tether cables / subsea cable assemblies | Specialized products; often manufactured in China with branded terminations | Fathom tether lists **Country of Origin: China** and includes tested max comm-length statements. citeturn19view0turn19view1 | | Navigation/control electronics | Mixed: some US-made boards; PCBA and subassemblies often Asia | Navigator lists **Country of Origin: USA** and “From: $220.” citeturn22view0 | | Underwater cameras (consumer-grade) | Imaging sensors and modules largely Asia; assemblies commonly China | Low-Light HD USB Camera lists **Country of Origin: China**. citeturn26view0 | | Underwater lights | Can be US/EU for rugged subsea devices; many commodity dive lights Asia | Lumen Subsea Light lists **Country of Origin: USA** and 500 m depth rating. citeturn24view0 | | Subsea pressure sensors | Often US/EU designed; some are assembled as penetrator-form modules | Bar sensors list **Country of Origin: USA** and provide Bar30 depth rating. citeturn28view0 | | Battery packs (finished, branded) | Many packs manufactured/assembled in China; cells frequently from Asian majors | Example 4S Li-ion pack lists **Country of Origin: China** and provides UN38.3 doc links. citeturn13view1turn13view0 | | Chargers | Very commonly China-made | Example charger lists **Country of Origin: China**. citeturn14view1 | Company location context can matter for service/support even when COO differs per product. For example, Blue Robotics states its headquarters are in **Torrance, California**. citeturn10search0turn10search8 ## entity["country","Slovakia","central europe country"]: what you can source/build locally and how ### Slovak suppliers and resources found in public sources Electronics parts and procurement - **entity["company","SOS electronic s.r.o.","electronic components distributor | kosice, slovakia"]** is an electronics components distributor with a Slovak contact address in Košice. citeturn5search4turn5search16 Makerspaces and hands-on workshops (useful for prototyping brackets, mounts, fixtures) - **entity["local_business","MakerSpace Bratislava","makerspace | bratislava, slovakia"]** is a community workshop space in Bratislava. citeturn5search1turn5search9 - **entity["local_business","Lab.cafe","makerspace cafe | bratislava, slovakia"]** advertises makerspace activities and custom workshop production like 3D printing and engraving. citeturn5search21 Electronics manufacturing services in Slovakia (useful if you decide to make a small PCB, harness, or enclosure electronics panel) - **entity["company","ORAMAX s.r.o.","pcba and cable harnesses | slovakia"]** states it specializes in printed circuit board assembly and also electromechanical assemblies and cable harnesses. citeturn5search2 - **entity["company","AMSET s.r.o.","ems and pcb manufacturing | slovakia"]** advertises EMS (SMT/THT) and PCB fabrication capability. citeturn5search18 - **entity["company","Neways Slovakia","electronics manufacturing | slovakia"]** describes SMT/HMT PCBA processes including AOI/X-ray and IPC-610 acceptance framing. citeturn5search14 - **entity["company","Semecs","electronics manufacturing | vrable, slovakia"]** states it has production in Vráble, Slovakia. citeturn5search22 - **entity["company","CRT ELECTRONIC s.r.o.","pcba manufacturer | slovakia"]** presents itself as a PCB assembling services provider. citeturn5search6 - **entity["company","DELTA elektronika, s.r.o.","printed circuit boards assembling | slovakia"]** advertises printed circuit board assembling. citeturn5search10 Mechanical manufacturing / CNC and fabrication (useful for frames, thruster mounts, brackets, ballast plates) - **entity["company","TFM Slovakia","cnc machining | sucany, slovakia"]** markets CNC machining services, including CNC milling. citeturn27search2turn27search13 - **entity["company","Bizzcom s.r.o.","cnc milled parts | bucany, slovakia"]** states it can produce CNC milled parts from plastics, aluminum alloys and metals. citeturn27search3turn27search17 Composite and boat/hull-related capability (useful for USV hull work, covers, composite structures) - **entity["company","SHIPTECH s.r.o.","boat and pontoon builder | bratislava, slovakia"]** describes boat/houseboat/pontoon design and realization with a Bratislava office address. citeturn27search1turn27search9 - **entity["company","Kralovensky Composites s.r.o.","carbon fiber manufacturing | bratislava, slovakia"]** states it designs/develops and hand-builds carbon fiber products in-house (from their career page). citeturn27search4turn16search9 Universities (research support, labs, collaboration) - **entity["organization","Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava","public technical university | bratislava, slovakia"] lists research laboratories including robotics-related centers. citeturn16search12turn5search23 - **entity["organization","Technical University of Košice","public university | kosice, slovakia"] has published material related to maritime robotics events/activities. citeturn16search1turn16search5 ### What you can realistically build locally in Slovakia (DIY + local services) **Good candidates to build locally** - **Mounting hardware and brackets** (motor/ESC trays, ballast plates, sensor brackets): use local CNC or workshop services; machining providers explicitly advertise plastics/aluminum/metals. citeturn27search3turn27search13 - **Vehicle frame for a shallow-water ROV** (non-pressure-bearing): aluminum or plastic frames are realistic; buoyancy foam can be machined and shaped to trim (the buoyancy foam is explicitly machinable per product description). citeturn18search3 - **Wiring harnesses and internal layout panels**: Slovak EMS providers advertise cable harness and electromechanical assembly capabilities. citeturn5search2turn5search14 - **Simple PCBs (adapter boards, sensor breakouts)**: multiple Slovak firms advertise PCBA services; for small volumes, you can also do hand soldering locally, but for reliability in a watertight enclosure environment, PCBA services can reduce defects. citeturn5search18turn5search6 **Usually better to buy (rather than fabricate locally)** - **Pressure-rated enclosures, penetrators, and tether systems**: these are safety- and reliability-critical; a reputable ecosystem provides tested parts and explicit installation guidance (PRV, vacuum test methods, and specified torque). citeturn20view2turn19view0turn7search5 - **Underwater thrusters and subsea lights**: DIY waterproof motor sealing is a high-risk failure point; commercially available thrusters and lights publish depth ratings and materials. citeturn11view0turn24view0 - **Battery packs intended for marine robotics**: packs include published specifications, connectors, and (in the example) UN38.3 document references and shipping constraints; DIY pack building adds safety and logistics complexity. citeturn13view0turn13view1 - **Depth/pressure sensors**: depth-rated sensors come in penetrator form factors and include firmware support notes; the example Bar sensor also specifies drying requirements and I²C/electrical limits. citeturn28view0turn21search2 **A practical “Slovakia build” strategy** 1) Import the **marine-critical waterline components** (enclosure + penetrators + thrusters + ESCs + tether) from a marine robotics ecosystem with known depth ratings and leak-test procedure. citeturn20view2turn19view1turn11view0 2) Use Slovak services for **custom mechanical integration** (mounts, rails, payload brackets) and **harnessing**. citeturn27search3turn5search2 3) Do all **final sealing and vacuum leak testing** yourself (or with a trusted technician) because it’s a procedural discipline, not just a part purchase. citeturn20view2turn20view0 ## Immediate next purchases checklist If you want the fastest path to a working, repairable “water drone” (especially a tethered ROV), buy these first: - Pressure-rated enclosure + penetrators + PRV + vacuum test tool (so you can practice sealing/leak testing early). citeturn20view2turn20view0 - 2–4 thrusters + matching bidirectional ESCs (pick voltage strategy next). citeturn11view0turn8view2 - Control stack (Navigator + Raspberry Pi 4 if following that ecosystem, or a Pixhawk-class setup if you already know that toolchain). citeturn22view0turn21search2 - Tether + tether interface (for underwater work). citeturn19view1turn9search2 - Depth sensor + leak sensor. citeturn28view0turn29view0 - Battery + charger (matched chemistry/cell count). citeturn13view0turn14view1
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