There are some problems in life that are more fun to solve with tools. raspberry pi. Today, a maker named Tommy Joad has created a clever project to share with sailing enthusiasts. Joad is a yacht captain and is familiar with the latest autopilot systems. However, he took the bold step of creating his own work. autopilot system We’re using none other than our favorite SBC, the Raspberry Pi.
According to Joad, there are some issues that need to be overcome to design a more efficient system. Joad explains that many autopilot systems are expensive, and if they fail, they can be costly to repair, often requiring a professional to fix them. Building your own autopilot system with a Raspberry Pi cuts the price a lot and, being the creator of the project, makes troubleshooting much easier.
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The main system behind this Raspberry Pi autopilot project is called Pypilot. This is an open source application designed by Sean d’Epagnier. Pypilot is part of the Open Plotter package and is a chart drawing system designed to run on ARM computers. In this case, it works fine on the Raspberry Pi, but is technically compatible with other ARM devices.
Joad chose to use a Raspberry Pi 4 for this project, but if all you have is a Raspberry Pi 3 B, you can use a Raspberry Pi 3 B as well. In addition to the Pi, Joad uses his Pypilot HAT which is designed specifically for integration with this kind of project. You’ll also need a motor controller to move the belt attached to the boat’s handle.
The software side relies on a custom OS image. Joad shows you how to set up an OpenPlotter using the Raspberry Pi imager. Once installed, you can set up Pypilot. You should also be familiar with Signal K. It is an open-source, open data format intended for marine use. Collectively, these systems allow you to plan your course or focus on other things while your boat safely navigates to your destination.
If you want to learn more about how this Raspberry Pi project works, check out the video Joad shared. YouTube and delve into him tutorial Let’s take a closer look at its structure.
