"Sub $600 Autopilot" Progress

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

The system averages about 1.5A but varies depending on what the boat is doing. Heavy/gusty winds or counter steering on large, high speed turn to the right (p-factor) will increase the power requirement. Out of trim motor vs. rudders in power with rudders down mode will also increase the power requirement.

I'm confused Vic, I have clearly had problems with high speed turns to the left and thought that this was the p-factor. I remember from my flying days that I had to push right rudder on take off for single engine airplanes. So that would back up what you say in this post but not what I've experienced with my beta unit. P-factor involves things like direction of rotation and that sort of thing so I'm certainly not saying that an airplane engine and A/P motor will have the same behavior. But the P-factor can only be one direction or another. So if my propensity to have trouble steering left at high speed is not P-factor, then there may be something else we have to look at.

I had a great cruise last weekend after the Everglades Challenge start. Here are some pics since you were trying to remember what the Sunshine Skyway looks like

https://picasaweb.google.com/1184325194 ... directlink

[Irafatsar]

Kickstarter campaign

[dlandersson]

Or the sun, even.

I had a great cruise last weekend after the Everglades Challenge start. Here are some pics since you were trying to remember what the Sunshine Skyway looks like

[vkmaynard]

I'm confused Vic, I have clearly had problems with high speed turns to the left...

Counter steer on a right turn is a left turn.

P-factor refers to the asymmetric loading of a propeller with causes asymmetric torque on the steering system.

Great pictures.

Victor

[vkmaynard]

In addition to cold we have some other issues.

Bill P tried testing a couple of days previous.

Jordan Lake flooded with lots of trees floating around and blocking the ramps.

Victor

Ranger with a Glock and a rake clearing the docks. He knows how to use both!

[vkmaynard]

The production remote PCB was sent in for manufacturing two days previous.

We tested a new improved-advantage pulley ratio yesterday that greatly reduced the current consumption. Bill P watched the watt meter and can correct me, but I believe at 8 MPH under power tracking a straight course with wind on the side we were seeing 0.1-1.2 A, mostly below 1 A. At 28 MPH with a hard turns we saw some spikes of 4.7 A then immediate drop. There were zero over current occurrences and no slippage issues. Big improvement.

The software needs to be re-tuned for higher speeds (18 MPH+) with the new ratio. Lower speed worked great.

The above improvements are an example of what has delayed the production. Worth the delay since we've had some minor issues that don't need to be overcome by throwing more power at the problem causing undue stress the electrical system.

The testing team generally agrees that we should not beat this project to death on extreme corner cases and get this in production then software upgrade at the end of the season.

No one should be making 180 degree turns at 25 MPH on an autopilot like we've been testing. Not safe.

Getting ready to start making parts trying to target no later than July 1.

Victor

[BOAT]

Sounds good Victor. If all the improvements are related to software then it seems to me that can always be upgraded in the field - seems that everyone else does it that way. I know that none of us here are going 28 MPH in our boats because they don't go that fast. Also, I know for myself the main purpose of the AP for me is for sailing over long distance so slow speeds and lower power consumption are indeed the best goals for my type of use.

I talked to Matt about his Ray Marine and he says it can't do high speed AND slow speed, so your already ahead on that one.

It sounds like the perfect device. I can't wait to try it.

[Obelix]

Great News, Victor

I hope to hold my spot in the upper regions of your waiting-list. PM me when you accept pre-payment.

Obelix

[fouz]

Sounds great!

Does it look like around $600 will still be the price?
Is July 1 your target to start making parts or selling them?

[TFlight]

The production remote PCB was sent in for manufacturing two days previous.
Victor

This is GREAT NEWS on production Vic

I know you and others have put a lot of your personal time into this project and you must be getting excited, because I am. I'm not sure what your mode of advertisement might be, at this point word of mouth might do, but I can't wait. You have all my # 's so let me know when the dinner bell rings. I bought on water last year and have a big Chesapeake out there calling my name.
Nice low current draw on the load, especially at sailing speeds.
I see your showing off the size of your Iron Jenny (28 MPH).... nice
Like any system there are limitations and although it looks like you have out done the competition it's nice to know you have tested it outside the normal intended use.

No one should be making 180 degree turns at 25 MPH on an autopilot like we've been testing. Not safe.

Sure there could be warning stickers all over my pedestal but there's no substitute for good common sense, mostly sailing speeds for me, but thanks for testing the limits.
Will the new pulley ratio require more room in the pedestal for example?
I'm guessing field software changes will be pretty easy via USB, Flash, or micro SD? Will it work with both PC & Mac?

TFlight D'Lea
P.S. I'm curious to see installation information on the 09 26M, but I know your busy

[Wayne nicol]

[vkmaynard]

The new pulleys do not affect the fit.

Victor

[DaveB]

Victor,
For me I would only want the unit to work well, below 7 knots.
High end speed for me is hands on the wheel.
Dave

The new pulleys do not affect the fit.

Victor

[Don T]

Wow Victor, that is great news and perfect timing for me.

Don T

[Ixneigh]

I'm only needing low speed, under sail mostly. In the rare event my overloaded actually gets on plane, it's only just to open the motor up for a few minutes. I hope it's easy to install. Great news on the low power usage.
Ix