jlcro

Hey all. This is my first post.

I have been using an RC boat (electric) just for fun for a couple years.

I want to try an implement a GPS guidance system to it. I want the boat to follow a path on a lake.

Is this possible? i want to implement the system on my own.


If u guys have a tutorial on how to implement this, i will aprecciate this.

I was also thinking, that due to the error of GPS receivers is it possible to put some kind of sensors in the boat, to avoid collisions?

I aprecciate any help with this.

Thanks.

Umi_Ryuzuki

Here are some quick basics...
http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0570.html

http://gpsbots.com/tutorials/


http://www.pololu.com/
http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/240 [8D]

LtDoc

jlcro,
Several ways of going about that, none of them all that simple, easy, or cheap. One method is a complete 'on-board' set up. Another is a two way set up, an 'APRS' and remote control systems 'on-board', the interpreting and guidance system not on board (next to your on the shore, typically a computer). The 'APRS' sends positional data to the computer (has to have it's own receiver). The computer 'computes' the appropriate signal to send to the boat, and the R/C radio does that sending. With the typical R/C boat, that 'split' systems seems to be a better idea, not as much stuff in that boat taking up room. But then, considering the size of some of this gear, it's gonna have to be a sort of large boat to start with .
I've a little experience with the 'APRS' thingy (Automatic Position Reporting System), but none with the programming part. All I can say is Good Luck!
- 'Doc

jlcro

Hello erveryone.

Thx for the links and the answers.

I've run into this page. explaining an RC autopilot, called RCAP. It uses a GPS unit onboard the boat. And a microcontroller and an Autopilot module. It's pretty much what i was
looking for.

http://rcpilot.sourceforge.net/modules/rcap/index.php

I've seen this autopilot modules on planes. For controlling tilt and direction (correct me if i'm wrong please). Do you think a boat will need such thing???

Thanks everyone

Umi_Ryuzuki

Speed and direction is all a boat really needs.

If you want to get complex, then station keeping thrusters. [8D]

RobinLovelock

Yes, that's what we are doing, and you are welcome to use what we are.

www.gpss.co.uk/autop.htm

I found your posting while looking for mine, put up just now, that seems to have gone :-(

radiocontrolledboats

Has anyone actually had any luck doing this? I have tried and it got so involved I just gave it up.

barryfzr

We are currently building a gps guided Boat here at Aberystwyth University to compete in the Microtransat Atlantic challenge.......www.microtransat.org

Our boat is a sailboat with solarpanels, gps, compass, wind direction sensor, microcontroller, satalite tracking, and optional rc

There might be some ideas on our site for you + I think there are some videos there and on youtube.

Robin above is building the same type of thing

Umi_Ryuzuki

Robin's studies seem to be focused on the Channel.
Are these to be launched 'en mass, or when teams are ready?
How do they avoid getting plowed under by the traffic in the channel?
.
.
.
Ah, I see, close circuit courses.
No real transits yet.