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Final project requirements

Final Project: Mini Catamaran for Caspian Sea Research

Project Description

My final project is called Mini Catamaran. The goal of this project is to develop a small research platform for the Caspian Sea.

In the future, the catamaran will be able to measure sea depth, collect environmental data, and create a graphical map of the seabed. It will also help monitor sea conditions and support scientific and environmental research.

What does it do?

Currently, the catamaran can move on water and is controlled manually using a FlySky remote controller.

In the future, it will:

  • measure sea depth;
  • create a graphical seabed map;
  • monitor environmental conditions;
  • collect scientific data;
  • navigate autonomously.

What did I design?

I designed:

  • the 3D catamaran body;
  • the electronic control system;
  • the wiring connections;
  • the integration of hardware components.

Materials and Components Used

  • ESP32 microcontroller
  • FlySky FS-A8S micro receiver
  • FlySky transmitter
  • Two DC motors
  • Battery
  • Motor drivers
  • 3D printed catamaran body
  • Connecting wires and electronic components

Where did the components come from?

The electronic components were purchased from local and online suppliers.

The body parts were manufactured using 3D printing in the Fab Lab.

Processes Used

This project incorporates several fabrication processes:

  • 2D design;
  • 3D design;
  • additive manufacturing (3D printing);
  • electronics integration;
  • embedded programming;
  • system integration.

What has been completed?

Completed tasks:

  • designed the catamaran structure;
  • printed the body;
  • installed the motors;
  • integrated ESP32;
  • connected the FlySky receiver;
  • programmed the control system;
  • tested movement on water.

What tasks remain?

Remaining tasks:

  • install depth sensors;
  • add GPS;
  • add environmental sensors;
  • implement autonomous navigation;
  • create a graphical mapping system.

What is working?

Currently working:

  • remote control system;
  • ESP32 communication;
  • motor control;
  • movement on water.

What is not working yet?

Not completed yet:

  • automatic navigation;
  • depth measurement;
  • data transmission;
  • seabed mapping.

Questions to be resolved

Several questions still need to be answered:

  • Which depth sensor should be used?
  • How will autonomous navigation be implemented?
  • How will data be stored and transmitted?
  • What is the best way to generate graphical maps?

Future Possibilities

Future developments include:

  • fully autonomous operation;
  • real-time data transmission;
  • GPS navigation;
  • environmental monitoring;
  • scientific research applications.

Dissemination Plan

The project results will be shared through:

  • project presentations;
  • Fab Academy documentation;
  • demonstration videos;
  • future research activities.

Timeline

Short-term:

  • improve stability;
  • add sensors.

Medium-term:

  • implement GPS;
  • develop mapping functions.

Long-term:

  • build a fully autonomous research platform.

Evaluation

The project was evaluated based on:

  • stability on water;
  • control performance;
  • motor operation;
  • system integration;
  • future scalability.

What have I learned?

During this project, I learned:

  • 2D and 3D design;
  • 3D printing;
  • electronics integration;
  • ESP32 programming;
  • system integration;
  • troubleshooting;
  • project planning.

Implications

This project can support scientific and environmental studies of the Caspian Sea. It has the potential to become a useful platform for marine research and environmental monitoring.

Although this is a large and ambitious project, I will continue improving it step by step.