this post was submitted on 04 Jul 2023
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Today I Learned (TIL)

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Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSV_Alvin

Sounds like it was (shocker) really well designed. It even sank once when a cable snapped on support boat


crew escaped, and it was recovered and retrofit. And if things go sideways, the cabin/titanium sphere could detach, floating freely up to the surface.

After hearing about OceanGate, deep sea subs sounded terrifying


but reading about this is somehow very comforting.

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[–] db2@lemmy.one 14 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Deep sea subs designed by people whose only actual attribute as a person is having money are terrifying.

[–] gooddaytodayhere@vlemmy.net 5 points 2 years ago

Totally agree. That thing sounded horrendous. This one is oddly reassuring

[–] FarceMultiplier@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 years ago

The one thing I've learned in my 35 years of corporate work is that rich people are absolutely not smarter, and definitely not wiser, than the average worker.

[–] HewlettHackard@lemmy.ca 7 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

To be fair, it’s a Ship of Theseus - none of the current sub is from the 1960s:

The current Alvin is the same as the original vessel in name and general design only. All components of the vessel, including the frame and personnel sphere, have been replaced at least once.

[–] qjkxbmwvz 5 points 2 years ago

Good point! I think this makes it even neater in a way: it was a solid, modular design that allowed for upgrades.

[–] vithigar@lemmy.ca 6 points 2 years ago

Alvin is an incredible little vessel. I was fascinated by it as a kid. My grandfather had a book about the exploration of the Titanic, which featured Alvin (and the Jason Jr ROV) very prominently.

[–] ashtrix@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 years ago (2 children)

But what fun would it be without a game controller

[–] CanadianCorhen@lemmy.ca 6 points 2 years ago

i'm still fine with using a game controller for a project like this. game controllers are designed to be sturdy, ok with abuse, replaceable and adaptable.

That said, a 15 year old, $30 controller might not have been the best idea.

[–] Revan343@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 years ago

Honestly the game controller was probably the most reliable part of the Titan

[–] Today@lemmy.world 3 points 2 years ago

Super interesting. Thanks for sharing!

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