We would like to welcome you to the OpenROV community, comprised of the OpenROV team and thousands of users just like yourself. You are about to embark on a fun and rewarding experience.

The assembly for OpenROV 2.8 is broken down into several discrete guides. At the beginning of every guide is a list of the tools needed and an estimation of the time that should be set aside for that step.

Don't hesitate to use the following resources if you run into trouble:

Clarifications or mistakes in the Dozuki build guide should be posted directly on that step's comments section.

Problems or issues with the hardware or software can be tackled on our forum. Our forum is the first line support and often the best repository for known issues and user-generated solutions.

If you have any other issues please contact us.

Registering your OpenROV ensures that your serial number is unique and associated with you and your adventures. Being part of this community is both enjoyable and valuable. We encourage you to reach out to other users in your area or that share similar interests.

Fill out the Form to Register.

OpenExplorer is a digital field journal connecting you to an entire community of like-minded explorers.

It's easy to follow along with different expeditions and stay up to speed on the latest preparations, sightings or reports. While following, you can comment and interact with the expedition team.

Join here!

The OpenROV build doesn't require that you have your own workshop but it does need a few specific tools. The tools you will need for each guide are listed at the beginning of the guide. A list of all the tools you will need for all parts of the build and afterwards is provided at the beginning of this guide.

You will need a computer (a laptop works better in the field) with a USB, Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi. It will need to run the latest version of Google Chrome. An internet connection is required to install Chrome and to update the OpenROV software and firmware, but not to operate the ROV in the field.

Some of the tools have their own pages with additional information. If you are having trouble sourcing them, you can post comments and sourcing solutions there. Here's an example for Acrylic Cement.

When you first unpack your OpenROV box, please check for the presence of each of the items intended to be there.

Follow the link to see a manifest of the parts included in the kit.

What's with the red hat?

The red OpenROV hat is an homage to great ocean explorers from the past and present. You can easily identify your fellow OpenROV'ers with this accessory. It's also a great way to keep your head warm.

The hat also means you are part of the club. OpenROV is trying to extend this to the next group of explorers. In the same way that Cousteau brought the sea to our living rooms, you and I and our community can now bring the sea to everyone's fingertips. To put it more simply: DIY Cousteau.

Take a picture of you on an awesome adventure wearing this hat and post it with #OpenROV on twitter, Instagram, or facebook.

Learn more about the history of the red hat.

Now is a good time to talk about batteries and chargers. OpenROV 2.8 is designed to use size 26650 (26.5mm × 65.4mm) Lithium batteries.

Our recommended batteries and chargers can be purchased from our webstore but the batteries are drop shipped and will arrive separately from your OpenROV kit.

Go ahead and start charging your batteries so they will be ready for you when the build is complete.

Continue your build by progressing to Guide 1.