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I built an ROV to solve missing person cases (suanto.com)

1183 points by craydandy · 795 days ago · 162 comments on HN

Article summary

The author built a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to help solve missing person cases, inspired by a story about a man who solved a case in Death Valley. The author and their brother used the ROV to find two missing persons' cars underwater, which had been unsolved for 9 and 15 years. The story is told in a series of blog posts, which include technical details and photos of the ROV. The author's project was a personal endeavor, driven by a desire to make a difference in missing person cases.

Main themes

  • Missing person cases
  • ROV technology
  • DIY projects
  • Search and Rescue
  • Technical innovation
  • Personal stories

What commenters say

  • The article's length and multi-part format can be daunting, but the story is engaging and worth reading.
  • Building a custom ROV can be a cost-effective alternative to buying a commercial one, but it requires significant labor and technical expertise.
  • Automating an ROV to map a body of water's floor is a complex task due to factors like currents and sensor limitations.
  • Some commenters appreciate the technical details and DIY aspect of the project, while others find it overly long-winded or prefer commercial solutions.
  • Lakes can have currents and tides, which can affect ROV navigation and require careful consideration.
  • The project's success is an inspiration to some, who appreciate the combination of technical skill and personal dedication to solving missing person cases.
  • The article's writing style and narrative are engaging and reminiscent of other notable stories in the Search and Rescue genre.
  • Some readers are interested in pursuing Search and Rescue work themselves, and appreciate the information shared about training and fitness requirements.