Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: david48 on November 17, 2015, 02:32:52 pm

Title: Has this a use in model boat control
Post by: david48 on November 17, 2015, 02:32:52 pm
RS keep sending me emails and this turned up today , I saw the GPS function and wondered if it would be any good for boat control . Bearing in mind it will take me a very long time to work out how to set it all up if it will work .
Title: Re: Has this a use in model boat control
Post by: Brian60 on November 18, 2015, 06:56:18 am
I'm currently collecting info on gps for my next build, it seems to be the way to go in some places in europe. At events they plot a course via the gps and let the ship operated itself out on the lake. There are other and cheaper modules to be had if you check the Arduino/electronic/robotic sites.looks like the upcoming next big thing for r/c.
Title: Re: Has this a use in model boat control
Post by: Plastic - RIP on November 18, 2015, 08:19:31 am
Invention is the motherhood of necessity?

It's very clever - I'd like to think of a use for it so I can play with one - but for a model boats, what's the point?

If you want to have your boat sailing around the pond on its own, why bother going with it?
Isn't the whole point to be your own captain rather being than being someone watching on the side?

The Lindberg Blue Devil has a cam mechanism that makes it sail on its own in circles, squares or a figure 8 - no-one keeps that feature when they rc them - it's the first thing ripped out.
Title: Re: Has this a use in model boat control
Post by: Bob K on November 18, 2015, 10:10:08 am
It may be a useful alternative to the aircraft style Fail Safe fitted to almost all transmitters.
ie: on loss of signal transmitters abandon the boat out on the lake, unless you can get someone to push it in with a rescue tug.  Personally I would much prefer to have a facility where on loss of signal the boat automatically returns to its start point using GPS. 
Title: Re: Has this a use in model boat control
Post by: JimG on November 18, 2015, 10:33:58 am
There are several autopilots intended for aircraft that could be used in a boat, these generally have a return to home function as a failsafe. The only problem is that the GPS is only accurate to around +/- 2 metres. Ok for a plane or a quadcopter which will orbit the take off point or land on an open runway but could lead to a boat ramming the side of the pond.

Jim
Title: Re: Has this a use in model boat control
Post by: Plastic - RIP on November 18, 2015, 10:48:58 am
Quote from: JimG on November 18, 2015, 10:33:58 am
There are several autopilots intended for aircraft that could be used in a boat, these generally have a return to home function as a failsafe. The only problem is that the GPS is only accurate to around +/- 2 metres. Ok for a plane or a quadcopter which will orbit the take off point or land on an open runway but could lead to a boat ramming the side of the pond.

Jim

Or stopping itself just out of reach.