2 layers103 × 30.5 mm
2 layers38.5 × 60 mm
The Surface Level Vehicle (SLV) is an unmanned watercraft designed for surface operations. It features a lightweight aluminum extrusion frame for stability and modularity, is propelled by four BLDC motors, guided by GPS for autonomous navigation, and uses air-filled PVC pipes for buoyancy and balance.
- Size
- 38.5 × 60 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 9
- Nets
- 35
- Pads
- 69
- Tracks, vias
- 52, 0
- Pours
- 2
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 18 Jun 2025
- Updated
- 7 Jul 2025
Overview
SLV v1.0 is an open-source printed circuit board by VSSUT-Robotics-Society, from the VSSUT-Robotics-Society/Surface-Level-Vehicle repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 38.5 × 60 mm with 9 parts on 35 nets, routed with 52 tracks and 0 vias.
It belongs with the robots and motor control boards and the AVR (ATmega, ATtiny) boards of this library.
README
README.mdSurface Level Vehicle (SLV)
An autonomous surface water robot designed for environmental monitoring, research, and rescue operations.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Our Goals
- What We Currently Use
- How to Run the Project
- Problems Currently Being Faced
- Bill of Materials Required
- Future Applications/Features
- References
Overview
The Surface Level Vehicle (SLV) is an unmanned watercraft designed for surface-level operations. It incorporates a lightweight, durable aluminum extrusion frame for structural support, enhancing stability, modularity, and ease of assembly. Powered by four BLDC motors and equipped with GPS for autonomous navigation, the SLV is built for efficient and precise aquatic missions.
Our Goals
- Develop a cost-effective and modular surface vehicle.
- Enable autonomous water navigation using GPS.
- Support various environmental, research, and safety applications.
- Ensure stability, durability, and ease of customization.
What We Currently Use
Hardware
- Aluminum extrusion frame
- 4 × High-RPM BLDC motors with waterproof propellers
- 2 × Air-filled PVC pipes (floatation)
- GPS module
- Rechargeable battery pack
- Waterproof enclosures
Software
- Arduino IDE (for motor and GPS control)
- Mission planning software (e.g., QGroundControl or custom path planner)
Packages
- Easy navigation and motor control libraries (to be listed if available)
How to Run the Project
Installation
- Connect the GPS and motor controllers to the microcontroller.
- Upload the control code using Arduino IDE.
- Ensure all connections are waterproof and secured.
- Calibrate motors and GPS before deployment.
Problems Currently Being Faced
- Fine-tuning GPS accuracy for precise waypoint navigation.
- Ensuring reliable waterproofing in high humidity or splash zones.
- Battery life optimization during long missions.
Bill of Materials Required
| Item | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum extrusions | xN | Main structural frame |
| BLDC Motors (Waterproof) | 4 | Propulsion |
| Propellers | 4 | Attached to motors |
| PVC Pipes (Floatation) | 2 | Buoyancy and stability |
| GPS Module | 1 | Navigation |
| Rechargeable Battery | 1 | Power source |
| Waterproof Enclosure | N | Electronics protection |
Future Applications/Features
- Solar power integration using the flat frame surface
- Mounting of advanced sensors (LIDAR, sonar, turbidity, etc.)
- Hydrodynamic optimization of float structures
- Modular add-ons for different missions (sample collectors, probes)
References
- Internal project documentation
- Arduino & sensor datasheets
- Research on autonomous surface vehicles
Parts
9| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arduino_Nano_v3.x | Module:Arduino_Nano | A1 |
| 1 | ESC left | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x03_P2.54mm_Vertical | J3 |
| 1 | ESC right | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x03_P2.54mm_Vertical | J4 |
| 1 | GND Line | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x07_P2.54mm_Vertical | J6 |
| 1 | GPS and Compass | TerminalBlock:TerminalBlock_bornier-6_P5.08mm | J1 |
| 1 | LOGO | RS Branding:RS Logo (10mm) | G*** |
| 1 | SD Card Reader | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x06_P2.54mm_Vertical | J2 |
| 1 | SIG Line | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x07_P2.54mm_Vertical | J7 |
| 1 | VCC Line | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x07_P2.54mm_Vertical | J5 |
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Questions
How big is the SLV v1.0 PCB?
It measures 38.5 × 60 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the SLV v1.0 use?
9 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the SLV v1.0 KiCad files?
From the VSSUT-Robotics-Society/Surface-Level-Vehicle repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is PCB/SLV v1.0.kicad_pcb and its schematic PCB/SLV v1.0.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the SLV v1.0 design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask VSSUT-Robotics-Society before reusing the design.