E/Xplorer AUV

The perfect project for building a real craft.

The perfect craft to have fun with.

Yellow E/Xplorer AUV on stands by the shore

Main Features

E/Xplorer AUV diagram labelling GPS, radio, sonar, and depth sensor

Top view of the E/Xplorer AUV labelling bow thruster, IMU, and stern thruster

Cutaway of the E/Xplorer AUV showing the sealed instrument compartment and battery holder

Stern of the E/Xplorer AUV with X-layout rudders and main propeller

E/Xplorer AUV diagram labelling downward camera, expansion mounts, and towing eyelet

3D-print it for free

Download and 3D print the complete hull, propellers, sensor mounts, and special parts. You can start today.

Stern STL files

Dolphin Control desktop app with telemetry, map, and craft controls

DOWNLOAD FROM PARTBASE

Control software and Dolphin Cloud

A complete control software package with no compromises. See our Builder's Membership.

Dolphin Control

Control your craft on site from your Mac, PC, or Linux notebook. Launch missions and adjust the craft's settings from a graphical interface.

SEE OUR SOFTWARE

Dolphin Cloud

Create and manage missions, then send them to your craft over Wi-Fi. Analyse and store images, videos, and survey data.

GO TO DOLPHIN CLOUD

How to build

Not sure where to start? We have everything you need to start building right away. Files, tutorials, documentation — it's all here:

Partbase page listing free STL files for the stern module

FREE STL FILES FOR EVERY PART

All files required to build the craft are available for free download in the Partbase section. This section serves as the primary source of information on every component of the project—extending far beyond just 3D-printed parts to include production tooling, electronics, and more. Simply register and log in to get started.

PARTBASE

Build Assistant task for 3D printing stern parts

OUR BUILD ASSISTANT

We have developed—and are continuously improving—our Build Assistant to help you keep every stage of the build under control. Inside the Assistant, you'll find each step of the process laid out clearly, so you can proceed with confidence and a full overview. Whenever you complete a step, simply tick the checkbox to track your progress. Each section has its own progress bar, and an overall progress bar visualises your journey from start to finish.

BUILD ASSISTANT

3D-printed waterproof three-pin connectors

VIDEO TUTORIALS

More complex components—such as connectors and servos—are supported by detailed YouTube video tutorials. These videos walk you through every DIY production technique we've developed, so you spend less time figuring things out and more time following proven, tested methods.

BLENDER REFERENCE FILES

Each major section of the project includes a dedicated Blender file so you can see how all the parts fit together. Download the free Blender software, open the file, and explore the section in detail.

PARTBASE

Components for underwater use

We've developed and tested every critical component this kind of craft needs. They're now available for home builders.

Underwater Connectors

3D-printed male and female waterproof circular connectors with wiring

Waterproof bulkhead cable gland with O-ring seals and three-core wiring

Electronics bulkhead with colour-coded waterproof connector ports and Raspberry Pi

For years, underwater connectivity meant compromise: bulky designs and exorbitant costs. Off-the-shelf alternatives? Fine for splashes, useless under pressure. So we built our own.

Our new 3D-printable mini connectors are engineered to perform reliably at depth—without the size or price penalty. Designed for this class of vehicle, they're versatile enough to be used far beyond it.

SEE PARTS IN PARTBASE SEE HOW IN BUILD ASSISTANT

Waterproof Servos

You can build them using our Build Assistant.

Waterproof 3D-printed servo housings with matching cable glands and wiring

Waterproof servo in a 3D-printed housing connected to a bulkhead cable gland

SEAL WITH BUILD ASSISTANT

Motors

We use one of the most common brushless motors on the planet. With our customisation, it can operate reliably underwater for years with exceptional performance. The motor is small and powerful, and it runs on a 2S battery.

Brushless motor thruster with ESC, wiring, and a waterproof connector

Sealed and prepared for salt water.

With ESC and a 3-pin underwater connector, ready to plug in.

SEAL WITH BUILD ASSISTANT

One PCB to interface it all

Less wiring mess. Straightforward to build.

Interface PCB diagram showing Raspberry Pi Zero connected to motors, servos, sensors, radio, and GPS

PCB interfaces

Interface	No. of pins	Purpose
PWM (MOTOR)	6x	Brushless motors (S pin only)
PWM (SERVO)	4x	Servos (S, 5V, GND)
SERIAL UART	4x	Sonar, IMU, compass, etc.
I2C	4x	Pressure sensor, voltage, etc.
Analog	4x	Leak sensor, light sensor, etc.
USB	1x	From the Raspberry Pi

FREE DOWNLOAD

You can download the Gerber file and order this PCB from any manufacturer.

Works best with Vector Dolphin software on board.

FREE DOWNLOAD FROM PARTBASE
ASSEMBLE WITH BUILD ASSISTANT

Complete energy management

Batteries, protection, charging, and switching.

Clear dry compartment tube with electronics, battery pack, and sealed end caps

Six 26650 cells in three rows produce 7.1 V 2S power

Our waterproof tactile switch for external control

ASSEMBLE WITH BUILD ASSISTANT

Sensors and electronics that are easy to find

We don't use expensive specialty parts — though what we do use is professional grade.

MS5803-14BA high-precision depth pressure sensor breakout board

Depth sensor

MS5803-14BA high-precision pressure sensor with temperature compensation.

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

WitMotion WT901 9-axis IMU and compass module

IMU/Compass

WitMotion WT901 9-Axis Inclinometer High-Accuracy Acc+Gyro+Angle.

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

Sonar sensor

HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Distance Measuring Module.

BUY FROM ALIEXPRESS

All other sensors and electronics are in our extensive Partbase.

Ready to build?

See you inside!