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pypilot Set-up newbie
#1
Hi Guys
I would have preferred to do this via private mail as the basic nature of my questions are a bit embarrassing. I have set-up my system using a RPi2 and a USB GPS and Pololu motor controller. As you can see in pic #1 the GPS works very well with Openplotter and OP has, also, detected the motor controller. However, when I go to Pypilot tab you can see (pic #2( that it does not list either the GPS or controller under serial items. How do I get the two to communicate. Many thanks for any help.

Capnkernel, I hope you manage to pick up me query 

Richard


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#2
you are using really old versions of OpenPlotter and pypilot which are no longer maintained.
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#3
(2021-02-18, 10:58 AM)richarddaneel Wrote: Capnkernel, I hope you manage to pick up me query 

Sorry, while I use PyPilot, I don't yet use OpenPlotter.
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#4
(2021-02-18, 11:10 AM)Sailoog Wrote: you are using really old versions of OpenPlotter and pypilot which are no longer maintained.

Hi Sailoog, many thanks for the reply. 
I have tried the new version (RPi 4) but keep getting the following (picture) errors. How do I enable a Signal K connection for Pypilot data and how do I assigned an alias for the GPS (/dev/ttyACM0).
Hope things are OK in glorious Spain


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#5
(2021-02-18, 10:58 AM)richarddaneel Wrote: Hi Guys
I would have preferred to do this via private mail as the basic nature of my questions are a bit embarrassing. 

Hey Richard, it's a basic human right to ask beginner's questions; many others will benefit from answers to questions you had the courage to ask!

I'd stick to the latest software on the rpi4 for now, and not worry about those warnings at this stage; there are a few more important things to start with.

From your description and first screendump ('imu=0') I would deduce you don't have an IMU yet. Without that piece of sensor hardware, that needs to plug into the raspberry gpio bus, pypilot will not function. You can buy one ready-made at pypilot.org or rig up one yourself if you are a bit confident with electronics.

Second, you say you have a pololu motor controller. But between that and the raspberry, there needs to sit an arduino with a specific piece of software running on it. It's a bit confusing at first, but in pypilot parlour that arduino is considered to be part of the motor controller. This combination, shall we call it 'pypilot motor controller', can also be bought at pypilot.org. Many on this forum are into electronics and build it themselves, but unless you have a background in this, I would not recommend to venture into it.

Hope this helps,

-
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#6
(2021-02-19, 02:30 AM)CapnKernel Wrote:
(2021-02-18, 10:58 AM)richarddaneel Wrote: Capnkernel, I hope you manage to pick up me query 

Sorry, while I use PyPilot, I don't yet use OpenPlotter.

Hi Capnkernel
If I went with the RPi3 and arduino route could you let me know how I get Tinypilot onto an SD card and where do I get motor.ino for the nano, many thanks
Richard
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#7
(2021-02-19, 09:16 AM)richarddaneel Wrote: If I went with the RPi3 and arduino route

The easiest way, as ironman has said, is to get your hardware from the PyPilot store:

  https://pypilot.org/store/

You'll get something that works, is good value for money, and it supports seandepagnier, who has worked so hard on PyPilot.

As an alternative, if you are good with electronics, or have a friend who knows electronics, PyPilot is open source, and the hardware design and software is published.  For example, the source code for the software is here:

  https://github.com/pypilot/pypilot/

And official schematics of the electronics are here:

  https://pypilot.org/schematics/

In particular, tinypilot.pdf and wp_controller.pdf.  (That schematic shows a motor controller which uses discrete MOSFETs to switch the power, but it's also possible to drive integrated chips such as the VNH5019).

(2021-02-19, 09:16 AM)richarddaneel Wrote: could you let me know how I get Tinypilot onto an SD card

Ready-to-run images of the Raspberry Pi software can be found here:

  https://pypilot.org/images/

There are many guides on the internet for copying images to SD cards.  Google for "xz sd image".  Examples:

  http://odroid.us/mediawiki/index.php?tit...dows_Users
  http://odroid.us/mediawiki/index.php?tit...Card_Setup

You should then be able to attach a keyboard and HDMI screen to your RPi, and verify that it boots.  Your phone and computer should also be able to see a new WiFi access point (provided by PyPilot).

Note, I don't know if these images work on an RPi 3.  I'm pretty sure they don't work on an RPi 4.  I think they're designed for an RPi Zero W, which is what I've used.

(2021-02-19, 09:16 AM)richarddaneel Wrote: where do I get motor.ino for the nano, many thanks

The actual Arduino sketch files can be found here:

  https://github.com/pypilot/pypilot/tree/...uino/motor

Assuming you have an Arduino nano, you should connect it to your computer via USB, then run the Arduino IDE and load up the motor.ino sketch.  Then you can use the IDE to send the sketch to the nano.  There are lots of guides for uploading with the Arduino IDE on the internet.

Once you have the RPi working, and software loaded onto the nano, you can connect them up.  Here's a minimal schematic for something that works (although there's no fault detection, and there are several other limitations).  The connection between the RPi and the nano is via USB:

  https://forum.openmarine.net/attachment.php?aid=1078

Here are some photos of such a unit (just a prototype, but it works):

  https://photos.app.goo.gl/KoAAsCE3YeayoaaPA
  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NPEYnRRws2yW81DT9

Again, getting your hardware from seandepagnier's store is the easiest way.
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#8
(2021-02-19, 12:13 PM)CapnKernel Wrote:
(2021-02-19, 09:16 AM)richarddaneel Wrote: If I went with the RPi3 and arduino route
Hi Capn Kernel
Thanks for all the info.
 Yes, I know getting the stuff from Sean would be the best but after Covid monies is few and I have to go solo. Being a bit old and stupid does not help but I would like to put a system together as I have an older tiller pilot which does not have a brain so would like to get it going. Where are you based ( it seems like you are in Oz) which means you are like 8-9 hours ahead and you see the sunrise before anybody. Any way will try and put the system together and see where it goes. if you are in the mood for travelling and serious wind let me know as I am in the Cape of Storms and would love to have you over for a beer (or two), cheers Richard
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#9
(2021-02-19, 07:08 PM)richarddaneel Wrote: after Covid monies is few and I have to go solo.

I can relate to that.  I haven't worked in over two years.  I live frugally on my savings.

(2021-02-19, 07:08 PM)richarddaneel Wrote: I have an older tiller pilot which does not have a brain so would like to get it going.

This post of ironman's tiller conversion may give you some ideas:

 https://forum.openmarine.net/showthread....64#pid9664

(2021-02-19, 07:08 PM)richarddaneel Wrote: Where are you based ( it seems like you are in Oz).  Would love to have you over for a beer

Yep.  If ever I find myself in the Agulhas current, I'll let you know.  I'm compatible with beer  Big Grin
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#10
I am considering producing pypilot motor controller kits for a cheaper price, say $40, but have not finalized the decision. I fear people will do bad soldering then blame me for it not working...
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