LCD problem, v.2

[Gennady]

You can use one of several control interfaces.

Program the wireless remote using
http://localhost:33333

Also run the web control enabling pypilot_web service

You can also use the pypilot opencpn plugin.

Finally,  run "pypilot_control" script.

Hi Sean!

Short replies are of course laconic and great, but for people who don't know the stuff more explanation is needed.

First, you write:

"Program the wireless remote using

http://localhost:33333"

It seems to me that same thing, in more detail, should be:

• Turn on the Raspberry Pi with Pypilot installed;
  
• Connect to Openplotter on the computer, with ethernet cable stuck in the Raspberry;
  
• Open VNC viewer on the computer and start the Openplotter;
  
• Open web browser in the Openplotter;
  
• Go to http://localhost:33333
  

Once there: what do "clear" and "default" buttons mean? These are the first to appear.
 
What is the difference between "auto" and "engage" buttons? Maybe "auto" engages the autopilot, but so does the "engage", it seems to me.

And there are many more buttons the meaning of which needs to be explained, such as "tack port" and "dodge port", etc. 

Probably, a separate chapter in a workbook should be devoted to explaining just this section: programming the remote to interact with the Pypilot. One needs to explain that "programming" means to associate certain buttons on the display with certain buttons on the remote, perhaps with video examples of the same. And of course the meaning of all buttons needs to be explained. I don't think this is asking for too much.

So, mode #1 is controlling the Pypilot through the remote.

Mode #2 seems to be controlling it through smartphone, as you write: "run the web control enabling pypilot_web service".

Again, if that is true, you should explain that Open VNC viewer needs to be installed on the phone, and how that can be done. 

I did this experiment and uploaded here: https://youtu.be/NwfWfDJEu4Y 

Mode #3 seems to be controlling the Pypilot through a notebook, as I do at home, as you write: "use the pypilot opencpn plugin".

Alternatively, one can add an LCD screen to the Raspberry Pi 4, and a keyboard, both controlled through Bluetooth. But a regular computer running Windows seems a better option, as one is more used to that system. And the LCD screen for Raspberry Pi that I have is certainly not waterproof.   

Mode #4 seems to be running Pypilot through a terminal on Raspberry Pi, as you write: "run "pypilot_control" script". Again, this boils to mode #3 above. Am I right?

So, the options for controlling the autopilot seem to be:

1) Use infrared remote,
2) Use a smart phone, or
3) Use a computer, or 
4) Raspberry Pi connected to a screen and a keyboard, and a mouse. 

Am I right? 

Another thing: if we're using the Raspberry Pi on board, one needs to power it from 12 volts. What is your advice on that? From my research, I am about to order this waterproof 12 to 5 volt power adapter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09DGD...61PQ&psc=1  

Is this a good choice? Other alternatives? Nothing has been said about that in the workbook.

Thanks for your replies,

Gennady