Intended End-Users
The Maker Boat Advanced (MBA) is an autonomous surface vehicle that expands upon the Maker Boat Basic to provide a more robust and capable platform. Like the Maker Boat Basic, the MBA was developed with scientists, educators, and makers in mind. Intended uses include underwater photo/video surveys, shallow bathymetric mapping, water quality monitoring, and current measurements with ADCPs.
Design
A catamaran hull, which consists of two pontoons connected by a stainless steel frame, provides a stable measurement platform and a total buoyancy that exceeds 25 kg. Off-the-shelf components and custom-designed laser-cut and 3D-printed parts are combined to provide a modular platform. Commonly used materials with standard dimensions are used to ensure that any damaged parts can be easily replaced. The design results in an affordable, modular, and customizable vessel that can operate for extended periods of time with user-specific instruments.
Key Features of the Maker Boat Advanced
- Stable catamaran hull
- 1.2 m x 1 m (L x W)
- Assembled and deployed by one person
- Stainless steel frame and hardware
- >5 hour endurance (with 2 x 10000 mAh 4S LiPo batteries)
- Batteries can be hot-swapped
Customizable
The MBA can be configured to carry out custom missions. The version pictured here contains a downward-looking GoPro Hero5 Black on a Tarot 3-axis gimbal. Video and telemetry data are transmitted using the Herelink system.
Get the deets!
Read on to learn more about the Maker Boat Advanced!