ArduPilot Boat Requirements

I'm going to be working on a boat that I'd like to have controlled by ArduPilot, and I have a few questions.

First of all, are these the major parts I need? (breakaway headers and small pieces, I have) I was reading about needing sensors, not needing sensors, blah blah blah, and wanted to verify that this is what I need for a boat.
ArduPilot - Arduino Compatible UAV Controller w/ ATMega328
FTDI Basic Breakout - 5V (I have a mini-usb - usb cable)
EM406 GPS
Interface Cable for EM406

Secondly, I saw that ArduPilot 2.1 is pretty much the same as ArduPilot 2.0 except it requires the Z sensor. Obviously, with a boat, I shouldn't need a Z sensor. But is it required for the software to run? I couldn't decide - it seems awfully silly, but it DID says *requires*.

Thirdly, when I first receive the equipment, and I'm about to do all the soldering of pieces here and there - do I follow the ArduPilot 1 instructions? 2? Is there a difference? Do I do the 1, and *then* the 2? I'm a bit confused- is the difference between ArduPilot 1 and 2 purely software? Help!

Lastly, a general GPS question. Does the EM406 model (or any gps module in general) allow you to input a longitude/latitude and go to it directly? I read elsewhere something about smart paths and blah blah. If I give it a lon/lat, is it going to find the shortest route on the nearest roads??


Thanks so much for all the help - I'm new to this, and I got VERY excited when I first read about ArduPilot. (I was about to go and purchase a Gumstix!)

Jim

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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on May 24, 2009 at 12:18pm
For a boat, you'll want ArduPilot 1.0, which doesn't have the stabilization functions (unnecessary for your purposes)
Permalink Reply by Jim Covert on May 26, 2009 at 10:30am
So in fact, I do not need to buy sensors (not even x-y?), and the differences between ArduPilots versions IS purely software?

Thanks Chris!

3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on May 26, 2009 at 11:32am
Correct. For a boat, you only need a GPS module (no sensors) and ArduPilot 1.0. The board is exactly the same for all software version, although you connect different things to it.
Permalink Reply by andrew hulme on January 15, 2010 at 7:27am
I have just paid for and am waiting for everything for my electric boat. I got a bit excited and ordered the airspeed shield kit as well in case I buy a plane in the future, may be able to use if for speed setting. I have the ArduPilot (From the UK) and am waiting for the GPS FTDi cable etc.. form the US. Once the water unfreezes I should be on the water.

Is it still best to use the 1.0 software or use the latest in walk around mode?

Andrew Hulme
Netherlands
Permalink Reply by andrew hulme on January 18, 2010 at 3:22am
Everything has arrived today. Great service and fast delivery thanks to Edna. Posted Friday, delved to the Netherlands by 10 am this morning.

Time to start playing tonight.
Permalink Reply by AndrewF on January 18, 2010 at 6:01am
Just to clarify on your questions about GPS, the GPS module (EM406 or other) will only provide the boats current location and velocity. The module itself knows nothing about roads, or about where you are trying to go, these features would have to be built into the controller (Arduipilot in this case (which doesn't have a road map in it)).
Permalink Reply by andrew hulme on January 18, 2010 at 8:57am
I will be on the water so all is good. The ijsselmeer in Holland is massive and right out side my apartment but currently looks like road as its frozen. I have the Arduipilot and just want this for putting in waypoints.

Thanks

Andy Hulme
Permalink Reply by Gunnar Forsgren mobimation.com on December 17, 2010 at 7:47pm

I began thinking ArduPilot might be a great starting point for use in a full size boat !

The gyro data could be used for controlling hydraulic trim planes individually for increased sideways stability.

 

For playing big it would need adding support for radar and sonar (obstacle avoidance) , certainly interesting thoughts.

Permalink Reply by dani maoz on October 23, 2011 at 12:48pm

Andrew

can u update?

Dan

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