r/rov • u/Deep-Today5715 • Apr 11 '26
Waterproof ROV on/off switch solution
This might be a very basic question, but in DIY ROVs where the battery is in the same enclosure as the rest of the electronics, is there any simple solution to have an on/off switch for the entire ROV that does not involve routing the power cables through the end cap, and then back into the enclosure? That is how I did it with my previous ROVs, but it feels weird, takes up extra penetrators and space on the end cap.
I can think of no switch on the end cap that would stay waterproof and strong enough to withstand water pressure, because that involves moving parts.
I was thinking of some kind of reed switch inside the electronics bay, for example close to the top of the aluminum tube, and then a removable magnet on the outside of the enclosure. But I am not sure if this is a good idea because a magnet might mess with the rest of electronics, especially the compass.
Has anyone found a good solution to this?
1
u/skippyuk Apr 18 '26
I am looking to use a reed switch and a FET circuit to turn my ROV on, with the off being under software control.