Scuffy and the Compass

[John.RedearthParticipant @john-redearth]

The issue about writing code is that once it is done, it can be shared. This is what I have done. Happy to share the code for a boat that holds a course. Part of this was adjusting the PID algorithm (don’t I sound clever) to suit the boat, which ‘should’ work with other model boats, and adjusting the arc which the rudder is allowed to turn in to get it to work as a scale boat should. This sketch can be shared, downloaded into another chip ‘oila’ as they say in Paris. Also the circuit diagrams can be shared which show what wire goes to what pin etc etc.

I think before that a person should try this it is in their interest to acquaint themselves with what it is all about. The code itself has notes next to it to help describe what each bit does.

I would imagine that most of the programming work for yachts is already done, as are the circuit diagrams. Once one person has nutted out a code and a system for one boat it can be easily replicated. I would be writing to robosail and getting stuff from them. After all you are not a student!

Maybe we can have a spot to share code and circuit diagrams?

Cheers

[Gareth JonesParticipant @garethjones79649]

One point I meant to add in the previous post, but I ran out of time in my lunch break. Just to be clear and avoid upsetting anyone, I am not trying to say building the proposed system will be as easy as connecting together a collection of Action Electronics bits, or that Action Electronics components are difficult to connect together. Its just that the principle of assembling a collection of building blocks which exist or can readily be adapted is the same and is what many model boat builders do.

I am definitely not a student, in the normally accepted sense.  The last bit of software I wrote was a model of a Pegasus vectored thrust engine to be run as a simulation in an aircraft avionic development rig.  I can't even remember the language I used but I think it might have been Coral and about 30 years ago

Bob,

In vane sailing, the sails on the yacht are pre-set to the optimum position for the course to be sailed, relative to the wind direction. I am not planning to try and adjust the sails with this experimental system, well, not till I start the Mk 2 anyway.

Gareth

Edited By Gareth Jones on 08/12/2015 21:18:56

[Andy CParticipant @andyc56856]

So, Paul, your design and drawing service. Do you think you could design and draw me a boat. Maybe one with a motor, brushless or brushed, not fussed. Would be good if it could go backwards though. Maybe with a pointy front end and a bit squarer at the back. Or is that fore and aft, not sure. Oh by the way is this a free service.

Andy.

Ps, Paul, I couldn't resist. That makes it four now I think.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Andy

Concept sketches are free and I hope this meets with your approval.

My charges are available for everyone to see they are listed on a piece of paper, in a locked safe down a well which is in cave on a remote island.

Paul

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