The human powered submarine has a problem because we have to put electronics in the water! This is a general problem and design of a system that can handle the test is needed. The project here will be used to define the motion of the control surfaces on the submarine. This is not a project for folks who want a blank piece of paper, this is a project for the perfectionists who want to make an elegant unit that does everything right, and are willing to work to test, test and test until it is right.
This project will involve rigorous design and testing of a system that can be used to move the control surfaces given an servo actuator input. An example is shown in this sketch. The units will need to be built initially, tested and then we will try to find a way to produce replaceable units that are well suited to field replacement. The final test will be to operate a set of actuators in the water, remove the boat, switch over to manual control, demonstrate the operation of the surfaces using manual control, and then switch back to new actuators (two out of four) within a set period of time. You will need to test and practice and set up training for this replacement. You are the pit crew trainers (and the pit crew) if you so choose.
