Controlling multi-directional motors

[FoxLee]

Hey
I'm fairly new to all this, but I've had an ROV project in the works for a while and I dug it out a few days ago
What I really need is help wiring the control box, I have 3 electric motors (no idea what kind, but they run off 7.2v battery) and they're housed and ready to use, but I need to run them forward and reverse, which is where I get stuck. I'm far from being an expert electrician, but I know how to run the motors either direction, I just can't get it to work with two different switches attached, and I'm really desperate for help I can't afford to buy more motors, so I really need to get this wiring right, if anyone can help in any way it'd be very much appreciated
Much love <3

[AHarris]

Ok, runnning it forward and reverse is simple. You can reverse the current so instead of + - you can go - + and this shall change the direction.
This can be done using something called a DPDT switch, it is spring loaded and simple does exactly what I have just described.
In terms of your tether, over long distances you shall want DPDT relays.

To better explain this, take a look at Steves website (the owner of this website and forum):

http://homebuiltrovs.com/howtoswitch.html
This tells you how to do a simple forward and reverse without relays.

http://homebuiltrovs.com/howtorelaywiringdpdt.html
This tells you how to do it with relays (shall compensate for voltage drop over long and thin tethers such as Cat5 and allows for onboard batteries). It should be noted this method is considered the best option all round as it has a very thin tether.