Auto Pilot


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Thread: Auto Pilot

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
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    43

    Default Auto Pilot

    Hi, due to disabilities, I’m am having a custom pontoon built. What I would like to do is build an auto pilot system that works like this:

    the pontoon is manually driven from point a to point b
    While this is happening, a GPS must be recording and storing the points
    Now, when I want to get back to point A from B, the GPS must be read and sent to my steering system(can be designed to work with whatever I come up with here or another forum)
    While moving back to point A, the GPS must be monitored to make sure the boat is in correct path.

    What Microchip parts would I need?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
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    Default Re: Auto Pilot

    Most 'normal' GPS receivers won't have the positional accuracy to do as you wish. You would need 'centimetric' GPS which costs $1,000's.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Gilroy, CA
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    Default Re: Auto Pilot

    But if you are using your pontoon at a lake, it might work out ok. A GPS with WAAS has accuracy within 10 feet in the USA.
    http://www.scalerobotics.com

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
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    Wellton, U.S.A.
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    Default Re: Auto Pilot

    You may want to look at this setup
    http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/cont...ith-GPS-Shield

    Accuracy
    Position 7 meters CEP (90%) horizontal, SA
    Explanation
    http://gpsinformation.net/main/errors.htm

    It will find the dock but will not park.
    Dave
    Always wear safety glasses while programming.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Auto Pilot

    The Amicus platform is very nice. For a gps, a shield might be overkill for just 3 or 4 connections. These are a bit smaller, have WAAS capability, don't require a separate antenna, and are cheaper. They are 3.6v. http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10702
    http://www.scalerobotics.com

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
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    Default Re: Auto Pilot

    WAAS not withstanding you're still looking at an 'error' greater than the width (or length) of the vessel - the difference between docking and missing altogether. GPS will get you in the general area but you would need to go 'manual' or use a more 'local' reference system to get the docking capability.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Auto Pilot

    An external antenna is nice for when the unit is inside a structure such as a cabin. Not sure about the cost difference either when one is a "raw" component and the other is ready to use. But it was just a suggestion.
    Dave
    Always wear safety glasses while programming.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Kent, UK
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    Default Re: Auto Pilot

    Given the complexity of driving steering servos, pid control filter setups and all the other tweaks required with the potential cost of an ooops moment... buy a marine autopilot that has a warranty / come back!
    Raymarine do a good system which can track a gps route from a standard nmea interface. Most gps systems (not all) have a breadcrumb trail to return you to the start.

    As a skipper, I can confirm that they do a very good job, providing you programme the gps correctly!

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