Instrument Platforms

Link 1 (www.usgs.gov/centers/pcmsc/news/deep-sea-instrument-tripod-passes-test-monterey-bay-california-next-stop-south) Link 2 (amyewest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/SeaTech-JUN-2015.pdf)
Helpful link: www.usgs.gov/centers/pcmsc/science/reef-hydrodynamics-and-sediment-processes?items_per_page=12&field_pub_type_target_id=All&field_release_date_value=&page=1

Camera Systems

Structure-From-Motion- Aerial Photogrammetry
United States Geological Survey
Designed and Fabricated by Peter Harkins (Electronics by Gerry Hatcher and Joshua Logan)
Aerial photogrammetry for Coastal Erosion Surveys
Design considerations: 
  • Lower surveying cost than traditional photogrammetry or LIDAR
  • Quick and lightweight setup for a Cessna 182R
  • Swappable Cargo door
  • Adjustable and Repeatable mounting systems
  • Camera position (avoiding lens flare, viewing angle)
  • GPS antenna position (centered in window)
  • Relationship rigidity between all components
  • Interior mounting only
  • No modifications to the plane except the replaceable door
Telescoping Macro Camera:
​Sediment Grain Size Analysis
United States Geological Survey
Designed and Fabricated
Colorado River/Grand Canyon Sediment grain size analysis  
Design considerations:​  
  • Low-cost build with bicycle brake system and monopod
  • Manual shutter release (Operator request)
  • Telescoping arm for easy Kayak use
  • Easy to clean
  • Lever mounting position with kayaker hand position
  • 316 Stainless and PVC 
Coral Reef Surveying
United States Geological Survey
Designed and Fabricated
Trail/Game Camera Housing with ZebraTech Hydro-Wiper
Design considerations:​  
  • Low-cost Trail/Game Camera
  • Self-cleaning to prevent growth
  • Single O-ring sealing
  • Delrin and Acrylic window  
Trolling Camera Cage with Laser System: Observation, Measurement and Surveying
United States Geological Survey
Designed and Fabricated 
Seafloor Ground-truth Surveys 
Design considerations:
  • Drop camera or slow trolling camera cage
  • Mounting provisions for shackle and line
  • Positional fin for extra adjustment
  • Two parallel lasers calibrated at a set distance
  • Accurate measurements recorded from video
  • 316 Stainless steel
Full Ocean Depth Camera with Flash Modifications
United States Geological Survey
Designed and Fabricated
Camera housing for full ocean depth use
Design considerations:
  • High pressures on the housing and O-ring tolerances
  • Window must accommodate fish eye lens
  • Stainless and aluminum corrosion considerations 
  • Tolerances for increased anodizing thickness (Type III) 
  • Modified off-camera flash cord- low profile
  • SubConn underwater battery and controller connectors
  • 6061 T6 housing, PVC handle and Acrylic Window
Wave Powered Camera System-
Sediment Grain Size Analysis
United States Geological Survey
Designed by Rob Wyland and fabricated by Peter Harkins
Wave powered Macro Camera System (Plymouth, UK)
Operation: 
  • Fin movement triggers ratcheting mechanism and arm lifts
  • Tilt sensor triggers the system to turn on
  • Ratcheting system releases and the camera hits the sand       
  • An accelerometer triggers the camera to take photos
  

Automotive Fabrication

​1975 Chevrolet K5 Blazer-Three Seat Desert Prerunner
​(In Progress)

Designed and Fabricated
Used to prerun offroad race courses before a race
Design considerations:
  • Limited OEM frame rail modifications - additional tubing ok 
  • 4130 Chromoly Cage- TIG Welded- No post-heat treatment requested 
  • Coilover and Bypass shock with hydraulic bump-stop at each corner
  • Front Suspension - Modified 4wd Twin Traction beams- OEM (Ford) suspension but with modifications requested  
  • Rear Suspension - 4 Link with sway bar. Mounting for upper links have adjustability for anti squat
  • Fuel cell with baffles
  • Easy interior cleaning- mainly smooth interior to minimize any sand build up near tubes
  • Accessible fuel cell and battery compartments