Finally was able to get the project back into the water after a 2 month hiatus. I have been trying out different props. One is the standard manufacturers issue and the other has more torque. I launched during a flood tide with winds out of the East at 10 to 15 mph. Max speed was around 7mph with the tide (the wind probably wasn't much of a factor since the boat has practically no profile). The higher torque prop requires more Amps in the midrange, but gives a higher speed and also has more bite against the tide.
After launch I will begin to receive telemetry via satellite. Does anyone know of any non-profit organizations that would be interested in the data? Just post it to twitter?
- Location
- Apparent wind speed
- Wind direction
- Air Temp
- Bar pressure
- Water temp
- Water PH
Last time I posted an update someone asked for a video, here it is in action.
Comments
Great project. I wonder what sonar instrument can be fitted in a boat like this one for seabed/ river bed mapping.
I walk past my boat a zillion times a day! I'm on a bit of a build crusade at the moment as I'm tired of having things in boxes for months so hopefuly soon.
Thanks, Grant.
I was looking over the short list you posted of collectible data. Is water current possible? That might be useful. I've been following this with interest, can't wait to see it go.
@Grant - It is narrow and counter weighted as I built it with the understanding that it will be flipped and capsized more then a few times on its journey in the Pacific Ocean. I built is a tough as I could - there is not a lot space for water to collect inside - electronics and motor controller are in separate watertight enclosures and mounted on anti-vibration mounts. The rudder servo is waterproofed.
As an aside, I read with great interest your comments on Tony Holts' post in the arduboat forum. I wrestled with the "cyclic rudder syndrome" or CRS as I called it for a while as well.
I be looking for your catamaran's launch. Is it coming soon?
@bigkahuna - Thanks for the links! I have an email into NOAA.
A very sleek design. Am I right in thinking its for relatively flat/calm water as it looks like the bow would go under any significant waves? I know nothing about boat design :-)
Thanks, Grant.
One other idea (especially if you are just collecting Wx data) is to perhaps join the VOS program? http://www.vos.noaa.gov/
This thread may be helpful: https://forum.openrov.com/t/place-to-share-bathymetric-oceanographi...
And here are a few other ideas: https://openexplorer.com/home
and here: http://maps.repository66.org/
I've also been collecting data (rather sporadically) but haven't found a really good place to assemble it. If you find such a site, please post and let us know! :)