BeanieBots
Moderator
I couldn't agree more Tom2000 but the project is non starter without each aspect fully covered.
While the fibreglass for the hull is curing, the auto pilot can be tested on a buggy in the carpark without the need to worry about salt water probelms or 3D compasses. Those can then be added in once the fundamental control mechanism has been determined. Maybe it IS possible to control with ONLY GPS data. A test would prove that one way or the other irrespective of anything said in theory.
"Controlled" sea conditions (I'm refering to pitch & roll) could be done on the bench to see if the control system can cope. IMHO, all this needs to be done early on to determine what sensors are required and then how they will be fitted & powered and that would then determine many of the hull requirements which would then present which of the previously discussed issues need to be resolved regarding through hull fitments etc.
Power weight ratio for example will be just as much a hull dimension criteria as any of the other topics covered. No point having a hull too small to hold a battery large enough to power one LED for 10 seconds and no point having one so large that it requires batteries that are cost prohibative.
Talking of which, we still don't have a figure for budget.
Maybe the budget could stretch to a fishing trawler complete with deisel engine for power?
At the moment, it's all just speculation.
Probably beyond the 08, I agree. Maybe a uFPU or two.
While the fibreglass for the hull is curing, the auto pilot can be tested on a buggy in the carpark without the need to worry about salt water probelms or 3D compasses. Those can then be added in once the fundamental control mechanism has been determined. Maybe it IS possible to control with ONLY GPS data. A test would prove that one way or the other irrespective of anything said in theory.
"Controlled" sea conditions (I'm refering to pitch & roll) could be done on the bench to see if the control system can cope. IMHO, all this needs to be done early on to determine what sensors are required and then how they will be fitted & powered and that would then determine many of the hull requirements which would then present which of the previously discussed issues need to be resolved regarding through hull fitments etc.
Power weight ratio for example will be just as much a hull dimension criteria as any of the other topics covered. No point having a hull too small to hold a battery large enough to power one LED for 10 seconds and no point having one so large that it requires batteries that are cost prohibative.
Talking of which, we still don't have a figure for budget.
Maybe the budget could stretch to a fishing trawler complete with deisel engine for power?
At the moment, it's all just speculation.
Probably beyond the 08, I agree. Maybe a uFPU or two.