AI designed Ballast System

[redboat219]

Tried ChatGPT while I was doing laundry.

Designing a pump-based vented ballast tank system for an RC submarine

Here’s a conceptual diagram of the system:

Components:

1. Ballast Tank (BT)
2. Water Fill Pump (WFP)
3. Water Empty Pump (WEP)
4. Air Vent Valve (AVV)
5. Non-Return Valves (NRV)
6. Flexible Tubing (FT)
7. Control System (CS)
8. Power Supply (PS)

Conceptual Diagram:

Explanation:

1. Ballast Tank (BT):
   • The central component that holds water to adjust buoyancy.
2. Water Fill Pump (WFP):
   • Pumps water into the ballast tank to increase weight and submerge the submarine.
3. Water Empty Pump (WEP):
   • Pumps water out of the ballast tank to decrease weight and make the submarine rise.
4. Air Vent Valve (AVV):
   • Allows air to escape when the ballast tank is filling with water and lets air into the tank when emptying.
5. Non-Return Valves (NRV):
   • Prevent backflow of water and ensure proper flow direction in the tubing.
6. Flexible Tubing (FT):
   • Connects the pumps, valves, and ballast tank.
7. Control System (CS):
   • Manages the operation of the pumps and valves based on remote commands.
8. Power Supply (PS):
   • Provides power to the pumps and control system.

System Operation:

1. Filling the Tank:
   • The air vent valve (AVV) is opened to let air out of the ballast tank.
   • The water fill pump (WFP) activates to fill the tank with water.
   • Non-return valves (NRV) ensure water flows in the right direction.
2. Emptying the Tank:
   • The air vent valve (AVV) is closed to trap air inside the tank.
   • The water empty pump (WEP) activates to pump water out of the tank.
   • Non-return valves (NRV) ensure proper water flow.

This design allows precise control over the submarine's buoyancy and depth. Adjustments to the components and control system may be needed based on specific requirements and testing.

[redboat219]

ChatGPT designed ballast tank using wind shield washer pump:
Using a windshield washer pump for an RC submarine ballast tank system is a practical and cost-effective solution. Windshield washer pumps are compact, relatively powerful, and waterproof, making them suitable for this application. Here’s a detailed guide on how to design and implement a ballast tank system using windshield washer pumps.

Components Needed:
Windshield Washer Pumps:

Two pumps (one for filling and one for emptying the ballast tank).
Ballast Tank:

A watertight container that can be filled and emptied of water.
Valves:

Non-return valves to prevent backflow of water.
Tubing:

Flexible tubing to connect the pumps to the ballast tank and the external environment.
Control System:

Remote control unit.
Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) to manage the pump operations.
Power Supply:

Batteries compatible with the power requirements of the pumps and control system.
Steps to Design and Build the System:
Ballast Tank Construction:

Ensure the ballast tank is watertight and has proper inlets and outlets for water flow.
Secure the ballast tank inside the submarine hull.
Pump Installation:

Install the windshield washer pumps inside the hull.
Connect one pump to fill the ballast tank and the other pump to empty it.
Valve Integration:

Install non-return valves in the tubing to prevent backflow.
Ensure the valves are oriented correctly to allow water to flow in the desired direction.
Tubing Setup:

Connect the inlet of the fill pump to the external water source and the outlet to the ballast tank.
Connect the inlet of the empty pump to the ballast tank and the outlet to the external environment.
Control System Setup:

Connect the pumps to a microcontroller.
Program the microcontroller to control the pumps based on signals from the remote control unit.
Power Supply Configuration:

Connect the pumps and control system to a suitable battery pack.
Ensure all electrical connections are secure and waterproof.
Testing and Calibration:

Test the system in a controlled environment, like a pool.
Calibrate the pumps to ensure the submarine can achieve neutral buoyancy and control depth accurately.
Final Assembly:

Once tested and calibrated, assemble the submarine fully.
Ensure all components are secure and watertight.
Operational Testing:

Test the submarine in open water to ensure it functions correctly.
Make adjustments as necessary for optimal performance.
Example Code for Arduino (Basic):
cpp
Copy code
#define FILL_PUMP_PIN 9
#define EMPTY_PUMP_PIN 10

void setup() {
pinMode(FILL_PUMP_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(EMPTY_PUMP_PIN, OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
if (Serial.available() > 0) {
char command = Serial.read();
if (command == 'f') {
// Fill ballast tank
digitalWrite(FILL_PUMP_PIN, HIGH); // Turn on fill pump
delay(10000); // Adjust time as needed to fill the tank
digitalWrite(FILL_PUMP_PIN, LOW); // Turn off fill pump
} else if (command == 'e') {
// Empty ballast tank
digitalWrite(EMPTY_PUMP_PIN, HIGH); // Turn on empty pump
delay(10000); // Adjust time as needed to empty the tank
digitalWrite(EMPTY_PUMP_PIN, LOW); // Turn off empty pump
} else {
// Stop all pumps
digitalWrite(FILL_PUMP_PIN, LOW);
digitalWrite(EMPTY_PUMP_PIN, LOW);
}
}
}
This code provides basic control over the fill and empty pumps via serial commands. Adjust the delay durations based on the actual time required to fill and empty the ballast tank.

Additional Tips:
Waterproofing: Ensure all electrical connections and the microcontroller are properly waterproofed to avoid damage.
Balancing: Position the ballast tank centrally and adjust the submarine's internal components to maintain balance.
Remote Control Integration: Depending on your remote control setup, you might need additional circuitry or code modifications to integrate with the microcontroller.
By following these steps and carefully testing the system, you can create an effective ballast system for your RC submarine using windshield washer pumps.

[redboat219]

Chatgpt designed pump based ballast system for RC submarine:

Designing a pump-based ballast system for an RC submarine involves a few key components and steps to ensure proper functionality and control. Here's a basic outline to help you get started:

Components Needed:
Submarine Hull:

Design or obtain a hull suitable for your RC submarine.
Ballast Tanks:

At least two ballast tanks (fore and aft) for balanced buoyancy control.
Watertight and durable materials.
Water Pumps:

Small, submersible pumps to fill and empty the ballast tanks.
Typically, one pump per tank.
Control System:

Remote control unit to operate the pumps.
Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) to manage pump operations.
Valves:

Non-return valves to prevent water from flowing back into the pump.
Power Supply:

Batteries compatible with the power requirements of the pumps and control system.
Pressure Sensors (Optional):

To monitor and control the water level in the ballast tanks accurately.
Steps to Design the System:
Hull Design:

Ensure the hull is watertight and has space for the internal components.
Consider using a modular design for easy maintenance and component replacement.
Ballast Tank Placement:

Install ballast tanks at the fore and aft ends of the submarine to maintain balance.
Secure tanks firmly within the hull.
Pump Installation:

Install submersible pumps inside the hull, with inlets and outlets connected to the ballast tanks.
Ensure pumps are properly sealed and waterproof.
Control System Setup:

Connect the pumps to a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino).
Program the microcontroller to control the pumps based on signals from the remote control unit.
Valve Integration:

Install non-return valves in the water lines to prevent backflow.
Ensure valves are oriented correctly to allow water to flow in the desired direction only.
Power Supply Configuration:

Connect the pumps and control system to a suitable battery pack.
Ensure all electrical connections are secure and waterproof.
Optional: Pressure Sensor Integration:

Install pressure sensors in the ballast tanks to monitor water levels.
Program the microcontroller to use sensor data for precise ballast control.
Testing and Calibration:

Test the system in a controlled environment, like a pool.
Calibrate the pumps and control system to ensure the submarine can achieve neutral buoyancy and control depth accurately.
Final Assembly:

Once tested and calibrated, assemble the submarine fully.
Ensure all components are secure and watertight.
Operational Testing:

Test the submarine in open water to ensure it functions correctly.
Make adjustments as necessary for optimal performance.
Example Code for Arduino (Basic):
cpp
Copy code
#include <Servo.h>

Servo pump1;
Servo pump2;

int pump1Pin = 9;
int pump2Pin = 10;

void setup() {
pump1.attach(pump1Pin);
pump2.attach(pump2Pin);
Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
if (Serial.available() > 0) {
char command = Serial.read();
if (command == 'f') {
// Fill ballast tanks
pump1.write(180);
pump2.write(180);
} else if (command == 'e') {
// Empty ballast tanks
pump1.write(0);
pump2.write(0);
} else {
// Stop pumps
pump1.write(90);
pump2.write(90);
}
}
}
This is a simplified example to get you started. Depending on your exact requirements and components, you may need to expand and modify the code accordingly.

Designing an RC submarine with a pump-based ballast system can be complex, but with careful planning and testing, you can achieve a functional and controllable model.

Making vented ballast tank for rc sub:

Creating a vented ballast tank for an RC submarine involves designing a system where the tank can be flooded with water to increase the submarine's weight (and thus its depth) and then vented to release the water and decrease the weight to rise back up. Here’s how you can design and build such a system:

Components Needed:
Ballast Tank:

Watertight container that can be filled and emptied of water.
Typically made of durable plastic or metal.
Water Pumps:

Small submersible pumps to fill and empty the ballast tanks.
Typically, one pump per tank.
Air Pump:

Small pump to vent air out of the ballast tank.
Valves:

Non-return valves to prevent water from flowing back into the pump.
Air vent valves to allow air to escape when the tank is being flooded and to let air in when the tank is being emptied.
Control System:

Remote control unit to operate the pumps and valves.
Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) to manage pump and valve operations.
Pressure Sensors (Optional):

To monitor and control the water level in the ballast tanks accurately.
Power Supply:

Batteries compatible with the power requirements of the pumps and control system.
Steps to Design the System:
Ballast Tank Construction:

Ensure the ballast tank is watertight.
Install water inlets and outlets, as well as air vent openings.
Place the tank inside the submarine hull, ensuring it's securely mounted.
Pump Installation:

Install water pumps inside the hull with inlets connected to the ballast tank and outlets connected to the outside of the hull.
Install the air pump with its inlet connected to the air vent opening of the ballast tank.
Valve Integration:

Install non-return valves in the water lines to prevent backflow.
Install air vent valves to control the release and intake of air.
Control System Setup:

Connect the pumps and valves to a microcontroller.
Program the microcontroller to control the pumps and valves based on signals from the remote control unit.
Power Supply Configuration:

Connect the pumps and control system to a suitable battery pack.
Ensure all electrical connections are secure and waterproof.
Optional: Pressure Sensor Integration:

Install pressure sensors in the ballast tanks to monitor water levels.
Program the microcontroller to use sensor data for precise ballast control.
Testing and Calibration:

Test the system in a controlled environment, like a pool.
Calibrate the pumps and control system to ensure the submarine can achieve neutral buoyancy and control depth accurately.
Final Assembly:

Once tested and calibrated, assemble the submarine fully.
Ensure all components are secure and watertight.
Operational Testing:

Test the submarine in open water to ensure it functions correctly.
Make adjustments as necessary for optimal performance.
Example Code for Arduino (Basic):
cpp
Copy code
#include <Servo.h>

Servo waterPumpFill;
Servo waterPumpEmpty;
Servo airPump;
Servo airVentValve;

int waterPumpFillPin = 9;
int waterPumpEmptyPin = 10;
int airPumpPin = 11;
int airVentValvePin = 12;

void setup() {
waterPumpFill.attach(waterPumpFillPin);
waterPumpEmpty.attach(waterPumpEmptyPin);
airPump.attach(airPumpPin);
airVentValve.attach(airVentValvePin);
Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
if (Serial.available() > 0) {
char command = Serial.read();
if (command == 'f') {
// Fill ballast tanks
airVentValve.write(180); // Open air vent valve
waterPumpFill.write(180); // Start filling with water
delay(10000); // Adjust time as needed
waterPumpFill.write(90); // Stop water pump
airVentValve.write(90); // Close air vent valve
} else if (command == 'e') {
// Empty ballast tanks
airPump.write(180); // Start air pump
waterPumpEmpty.write(180); // Start emptying water
delay(10000); // Adjust time as needed
waterPumpEmpty.write(90); // Stop water pump
airPump.write(90); // Stop air pump
} else {
// Stop all pumps and valves
waterPumpFill.write(90);
waterPumpEmpty.write(90);
airPump.write(90);
airVentValve.write(90);
}
}
}
This code provides a basic control scheme for filling and emptying the ballast tank using water and air pumps and valves. Depending on your exact requirements and components, you may need to expand and modify the code accordingly.

By carefully designing and testing your vented ballast system, you can achieve precise control over the buoyancy and depth of your RC submarine.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Remember what became of the Bellerophon party...

[JHapprich]

Use your own brain. Skip Skynet's fellow.

Make a practical design. This is overkill.

[redboat219]

Use your own brain. Skip Skynet's fellow.

Make a practical design. This is overkill.

just wanted to it out after I saw this

https://youtu.be/kyrEdqApg9w?si=vAmWEoSMDFfRHKTs

[bwi 971]

According AI this is the laundry o/b a WWII sub.

I think this would have done the job to get my boiler suit clean after cleaning the scavenging of the ME.