I’m looking for advice as to the steps to take to get to my next project’s ultimate goal of an autonomous sailboat. I’ve been programming industrial automation systems for over 40 years, so I understand control systems and program structure. I have both a rover vehicle and a boat I can use, from what I’ve read it’s basically the same hardware/software for a rover or boat. I’m good with modifying and fabricating hardware needed. After reading so much online I’m not sure of the best control system to use.
Typically when I have a new project I build one section at a time then add each new section on until the systems is complete. I’ve just completed a couple of Arduino UNO projects. Do I go to an Arduino Mega, get LCD display/keyboard, GPS tracking, SD card data storage, wireless communication working (and understanding each) put that all together. Are Ardupilot Megas still available, should I use of of those? Or do I jump right up to a Pixhawk and figure all that out. Obviously it’s a long way from a couple of Arduino projects to a fully autonomous system and I expect it to be, but how should I get there from here.
Thanks in advance
John
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