Hello,I'm extremely new to this but I've been looking for a new autopilot system for my sailboat and when I came across this I thought it might be a fun project but I'm confused on some items so I thought I'd write and try to clear some things up.First, I've searched the forum and seem to have found a few people trying to do the same things I am and it seems like I should only need to buy the following items.ArduPilot - Arduino Compatible UAV Controller w/ ATMega328FTDI Basic Breakout - 5V (I have a mini-usb - usb cable)EM406 GPSInterface Cable for EM406plus it looks as if I have to get the Arduino Duemilanove 2009 AVR ATmega328P-PU USB board to contact the PC (are there any other options for this?)If I read correctly, this would be what I would need to buy if I wanted to use a PC to plan my navigation. This would be ok but along with sailing, I'm also a pilot and have a couple extra GPS units laying around and from what I understand, I might be able to use one of these GPS units instead of the EM406. I understand my GPS is able to transmit a NMEA code which the ArduPilot can use. I guess what I'm getting at is would it be possible to program a waypoint in my gps and have the ArduPilot navigate to that waypoint without having to use the computer? I know the GPS is able to put out some kind of autopilot code (apb) through the NMEA port, so would this work?Also, the autopilot on my sailboat now uses a linear actuator that controls the tiller. The website shows that the ArduPilot is made to handle 5 - 15 volts and my sailboat uses a 12 volt car battery for power. I know the ArduPilot is mostly used for RC stuff so I guess what I'm asking is would the ArduPilot handle that kind of power supply or would I have to reduce the amperage?I'm sorry if these are dumb questions but I am really interested in this project and I just want to make sure I'm clear on what the device can do.
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Tony,
You may already know all of this but here goes anyway: I would have thought that a handheld GPS ($150) and a tiller pilot (maybe $400 for your boat) would be your best bet. A route can be programmed on yournlaptop, uploaded to the GPS which can be connected to the tiller pilot should you want autonomous navigation. But if it is to use purely to hold the tiller whilst you are in the cockpit or trimming the sails etc it would be fine without the GPS as it has a fluxgate compass and at the press of a button it will hold the present course. For long trips you can't beat a wind vane. And there is also the option to use a tiller pilot to drive your wind vane servo which gives a massive reduction in power consumption.
If you are looking for a project to satisfy your intellect then some of the ArduoPilot code will be helpful in getting you started but from personal experience at sea there is nothing like a reliable proprietary unit to put your mind at ease. And of course a backup system.....
Tony,
is it a yacht or motor boat and if a yacht is it tiller or wheel steering? What waters are you proposing to use it on - are they calm inland, inshore or offshore?
Before I answer your boat questions, can you help me understand where we're going wrong on the list of what you need? It's in the tabs above, on the ArduPilot home page and in the manual. How did you come up with your list, which is wrong? (in particular, the "Arduino Duemilanove 2009 AVR ATmega328P-PU USB", whatever that is!)
We've tried hard to make this as clear as possible, but we've obviously failed! Can you help us understand how to do a better job?
Replies
You may already know all of this but here goes anyway: I would have thought that a handheld GPS ($150) and a tiller pilot (maybe $400 for your boat) would be your best bet. A route can be programmed on yournlaptop, uploaded to the GPS which can be connected to the tiller pilot should you want autonomous navigation. But if it is to use purely to hold the tiller whilst you are in the cockpit or trimming the sails etc it would be fine without the GPS as it has a fluxgate compass and at the press of a button it will hold the present course. For long trips you can't beat a wind vane. And there is also the option to use a tiller pilot to drive your wind vane servo which gives a massive reduction in power consumption.
If you are looking for a project to satisfy your intellect then some of the ArduoPilot code will be helpful in getting you started but from personal experience at sea there is nothing like a reliable proprietary unit to put your mind at ease. And of course a backup system.....
is it a yacht or motor boat and if a yacht is it tiller or wheel steering? What waters are you proposing to use it on - are they calm inland, inshore or offshore?
Mike
Before I answer your boat questions, can you help me understand where we're going wrong on the list of what you need? It's in the tabs above, on the ArduPilot home page and in the manual. How did you come up with your list, which is wrong? (in particular, the "Arduino Duemilanove 2009 AVR ATmega328P-PU USB", whatever that is!)
We've tried hard to make this as clear as possible, but we've obviously failed! Can you help us understand how to do a better job?
Chris