On Monday I tested the feasibility of re-programming the ESCs to change the startup melody to “Shipping Up To Boston”. I need to use the website esc-configurator.com because the official BLHeli software doesn’t allow for reprogramming the startup melodies for 8-bit ESCs (which the Blue Robotics ESCs are). I have so far been able to change the startup melody, but the re-programmed ESCs don’t function yet. I only worked on this on Monday, as the new Power Distribution Boards arrived on Tuesday.

“Image of esc-configurator.com”

I spent Tuesday soldering and debugging the 2.5V voltage reference for the ADC. It is by far the smallest component I’ve ever soldered and I ended up using the hot plate to solder it, as the hot air gun would blow the part away even on its lowest air setting.

“Image of the front of the new Power Distribution Board”

“Image of the back of the new Power Distribution Board”

On Wednesday I began soldering on the other components, and after school Shane and I discovered that the ADC has its own voltage reference and no VREF pin… So the voltage reference on the PCB is useless.

We also discovered that the ROV is broken. During the process of once more reducing voltage drop, something broke and I2C stopped working. I think that the problem is with the 9-axs IMU, but I am not 100% sure and need to do some additional debugging.