Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: eluminer on August 15, 2013, 03:02:20 PM

Title: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: eluminer on August 15, 2013, 03:02:20 PM
Hello everybody! I'm new here and I hope I'm not on the wrong forum.

I'm new to this, but I have experience in RC. I'm in the process of designing the pipe inspection robot for one particular metal pipe. Because of that, this shouldn't be very complicated. Pipe is 130m long (slightly angled), but I have to go in only about 100m. The robot will go only back and forward and will not have steering. It will use 3 (or maybe 6) motors which I have to be able to proportionally control over 100m long wire. Also, over that one cable, I have to send video from the camera and control pan and tilt servos for the camera.

I would like you to suggest a wired controlled system for that purpose that would not have problems sending signals over 100 m long wire. Also, what about video signal and controlling servos?

Thanks you!
Title: Re: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: jwatte on August 15, 2013, 03:05:55 PM
How about 100 meters of optical Ethernet?
It'll do all the video and control signals you'd ever want! (Won't do power, though, without adding copper, but batteries are probably good enough for power.)
Title: Re: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: eluminer on August 15, 2013, 03:52:08 PM
Thanks for the quick reply.

I don't need power. LiPo battery will do just fine. Well, I think that optics are a bit out of what I was looking for. I want to build this as simply as possible. This is because I'm 100% sure that there won't be any need for any additional stuff on there. Just pan&tilt camera and motors. Also, cable has to be strong enough (enforced) to be able to pull the robot out if it gets stuck or something.

But what I was hoping to hear is some generic controller that could be used for this application on that long cable.
Title: Re: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: jkerns on August 15, 2013, 06:39:43 PM
. Also, cable has to be strong enough (enforced) to be able to pull the robot out if it gets stuck or something.

Run your wire inside a hollow braid rope - protects the expensive stuff from abrasion and provides the pull strength if you need it.
Title: Re: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: jwatte on August 15, 2013, 11:02:25 PM
Then make your own cable of twisted pair for serial control, plus coax for video, plus a steel wire for the fishing-out part.

Or rent an existing inspection pig from some pipe management company :-)
Title: Re: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: Tommy on August 16, 2013, 03:26:40 AM
attach your strong cable for removal if stuck, but use wifi for video and control.


Tommy
Title: Re: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: eluminer on August 17, 2013, 03:37:22 PM
I initially intended to use wireless for control and video, however I don't think this would work. This is completely metal grounded tube and it is not straight. It has slight bend in it. So, I don't think that I would have signal all the way (100 m). That's why I'm searching for wired solution.

Coax and twisted pair should work. But what kind of control should I use. Could you direct me to some controllers which are easy to build/make or simply buy (Arduino?).
Title: Re: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: waltr on August 17, 2013, 11:51:53 PM
Could you possibly use the ID of the tube as a wave guide?
If so then it will propagate the RF very nicely.
Title: Re: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: eluminer on August 18, 2013, 12:59:06 AM
Well, diameter is 200 mm (0.2 m) on 95% of the tube. There are some variations on some places. So, this would mean that I have to use around 1.5 GHz for this? Even if this works, I would need one frequency for control, and other for video?
Title: Re: Pipe inspection robot - control over 100m long wire
Post by: Tommy on August 18, 2013, 05:46:19 AM
Quote
Could you possibly use the ID of the tube as a wave guide?
I agree with waltr, the pipe would seem to be a great way to propagate a Signal.

I can see using the steal safety cable as an antenna if needed, but doubt it would be needed.   

http://www.engeniustech.com/component/content/article/158-business/296-80211g-high-power-250mw-long-range-wireless-g-usb-adapter-with-detachable-antenna-and-superg-108mbps (http://www.engeniustech.com/component/content/article/158-business/296-80211g-high-power-250mw-long-range-wireless-g-usb-adapter-with-detachable-antenna-and-superg-108mbps)


http://www.dension.com/product/dension-wirc-wifi-rc-receiver (http://www.dension.com/product/dension-wirc-wifi-rc-receiver)

Tommy