Loving the new rovers! Have you looked into possibly using ESP8266 modules for creating an access point for the rover to connect to? Might be easier than using a router!
Thanks for the question bro! But I have to warn you... this is a bit of a loaded question for me. ESP8266 modules were actually my first choice to use as a topside WiFi access point. In fact, the ESP8266 12E worked really well, and I was even able to set up a live feed from an arducam using the code found here: https://www.instructables.com/id/ArduCAM-Mini-ESP8266-Web-Camera/
It was a super helpful instructable, but in the end, I found a few problems with applying this as an ROV access point. The main issue (which probably has a software solution that I do not fully understand) is that the video feed had too much latency. Between a 0.5 to 1 second of latency was just too much to control one of our subs from an FPV setup. The other problem was that I couldn't find a simple or cost-effective way to connect an ethernet jack/protocol to an ESP8266 module.
After experimenting with alternate hardware, I was pretty surprised (but relieved) to find out that mini routers are a lot easier to set up and use, and only marginally more expensive than ESP8266 modules. Virtually all mini routers come pre-programed, and the chips we use (GL.iNet mini routers) even feature OpenCV, so anyone can change how their access point works.
However, I'm still very glad I spent time with ESP8266 modules, and even more glad that you brought this up. While they're not (yet) my first choice to use as access points, we do plan to use them in upcoming accessories. Because the Model C underwater drones have onboard wifi modules, it should be possible to build external payloads around ESP8266 to be controlled from the Model C's dive computer (a Raspberry Pi 3B). In fact, we made sure to make the subs' weight containers about the same size as an ESP8266, so that you'll be able to swap them out for any future instruments/experiments that feature an ESP8266.
The ESP8266 12E actually fits pretty comfortably inside the weight containers!
Thanks for the question bro! But I have to warn you... this is a bit of a loaded question for me. ESP8266 modules were actually my first choice to use as a topside WiFi access point. In fact, the ESP8266 12E worked really well, and I was even able to set up a live feed from an arducam using the code found here: https://www.instructables.com/id/ArduCAM-Mini-ESP8266-Web-Camera/
It was a super helpful instructable, but in the end, I found a few problems with applying this as an ROV access point. The main issue (which probably has a software solution that I do not fully understand) is that the video feed had too much latency. Between a 0.5 to 1 second of latency was just too much to control one of our subs from an FPV setup. The other problem was that I couldn't find a simple or cost-effective way to connect an ethernet jack/protocol to an ESP8266 module.
After experimenting with alternate hardware, I was pretty surprised (but relieved) to find out that mini routers are a lot easier to set up and use, and only marginally more expensive than ESP8266 modules. Virtually all mini routers come pre-programed, and the chips we use (GL.iNet mini routers) even feature OpenCV, so anyone can change how their access point works.
However, I'm still very glad I spent time with ESP8266 modules, and even more glad that you brought this up. While they're not (yet) my first choice to use as access points, we do plan to use them in upcoming accessories. Because the Model C underwater drones have onboard wifi modules, it should be possible to build external payloads around ESP8266 to be controlled from the Model C's dive computer (a Raspberry Pi 3B). In fact, we made sure to make the subs' weight containers about the same size as an ESP8266, so that you'll be able to swap them out for any future instruments/experiments that feature an ESP8266.