Marine ROV Subsystem Emulator / Test Rig – Damian Skolyszewski

Marine ROV Subsystem Emulator / Test Rig

Embedded Systems | Marine Electronics | Diagnostics

Designed & built by Damian Skolyszewski (contact)

Project Overview

The Marine ROV Subsystem Emulator/Test Rig is a portable electronics platform that simulates and tests key ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) subsystems at the bench. It allows for advanced diagnostics, fault injection, and ROV protocol simulation without requiring a live subsea vehicle. This project demonstrates hands-on integration, embedded control, and real-world troubleshooting aligned with offshore technology standards.

Main Features

  • Microcontroller Core: STM32/ESP32/Arduino/RPi Pico for modular subsystem emulation
  • Thruster ESC Simulator: PWM/analog outputs for Electronic Speed Controller bench testing, with load emulation
  • Sensor Interface Emulator: Simulates digital/analog sensor signals (pressure, temperature, IMU, leak)
  • Telemetry Protocol Tester: UART, CAN-bus (NMEA2000), RS485 comms with error logging
  • Fault Injection Suite: Selectable open/short, signal loss, induced noise—safe, resettable
  • Rugged, Portable Design: Marine-grade connectors, robust enclosure, clear user interface
  • Data Logging: Built-in SD/USB logging for test results, error tracking, and performance analysis

Technical Implementation

  • Hardware: STM32 MCU, modular interface PCBs, rugged connectors (IP67)
  • Firmware: C++/Arduino or MicroPython
  • Protocols: PWM, UART, CAN (NMEA2000-compatible), analog 0-5V/4-20mA, digital inputs/outputs
  • User I/O: Pushbuttons, rotary encoder, 2.4" TFT display / web dashboard (optional)
  • Safety: Current limiting, reverse voltage protection, isolated outputs
ROV Emulator - Front Panel (prototype example) ROV Emulator – System Block Diagram

Sample Use Cases

  • Bench-testing third-party ROV thruster controllers and sensors
  • Simulating underwater leak events to verify detection/power cut
  • Serial/CAN communication debugging for marine equipment
  • Training and demonstration for ROV Pilot Tech interviews

Project Roadmap

  • Phase 1: Core hardware and code prototyping (done / in progress)
  • Phase 2: Modular subsystem expansion, improved enclosure (in progress)
  • Phase 3: Public release – CAD files, firmware, and test resources (coming soon)
Contact: damian.skolysz@proton.me  |  My website

This project is developed and documented as part of my marine/offshore electronics training portfolio (2025). All design, integration, and code assets are original unless credited. Please contact for collaboration, feedback, or hiring opportunities.