OpenPlotter in Model Boat?

[Dòchas]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

I wasn't sure if I could use PyPilot to ensure that the boat would stay on track and away from land.  If this is possible, then I shall continue to look at the software.  If there is any way I can use this pre-built software and maps of the coast line then that will save me a lot of hassle trying to code my own.  

I have had a look at AdruPilot, but it seems that you need a basestation which monitors the device.  It also seems that it will only do waypoint navigation, and it will not take avoiding land into account.

pypilot doesn't specifically avoid land either, so either way you have to write your own land avoidance code.   As for the maps of the coastline, extracting the important details from vector charts is non-trivial.

Yes, I can understand it's going to be a tough job, which is why I was hoping that this software might already do that.  I was hoping that people in a full size boat would want their autopilot to keep away from land as well as hit waypoints.

Yes, I understand that the boat will be at the mercy of the wind and current for a lot of the time.  I'm hoping that it will be alive for enough time to stay away from land as much as possible.

Maybe you should use a solar-powered hydrogen zepplin instead?   This way it does not need to avoid land.

  It is starting to sound like a easier option, but I think that would hit a lot more red tape!

I did consider your points but since I will need to keep it topped up with solar power and will have to check in with location data, I can't make it fully submersible.  I was hoping to give it as low a profile as possible to keep the wind contact as low as possible.  I was also considering a micro wind generator to harness some of the wind power in addition to the solar power to assist with recharging.  

It is really difficult to make efficient wind generators as they decrease in size.   Using a wind generator to power a vessel directly works but generally is a fraction of the power of an actual sailing rig.

That is really interesting.  This is all new to me so I'm still gathering info.

I quite quickly dismissed sail power - I realise that this would be the most efficient propulsion system and would allow the boat to move with very little electrical output, but I honestly don't think I have enough money and expertise to implement an automated sailboat.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Dòchas

Ok, well if you are solar only, I think it could take a very very long time for a small boat to circumnavigate, think in terms of 3 or more years.

Sure, I'm not expecting it to come back in a hurry.  I'm just doing this for a hobby and to track it's progress and see where it goes.

I really appreciate your thoughts and feedback.  I hope I can eventually get something in the water!

Dòchas