I just made another investment in the hardware for the Remote Conning System (RCS). I sent a big order to Parallax for more computer goodies. Here is the list:

You can look it all up if you want to know the cost but for me the lowest cost is NOT a determining factor. I am looking for function. I am also single sourcing (Parallax) as much as possible to keep parts acquisition as KISS as possible. If I was building for production I would do more homework in this area.

Items

I selected the joystick for testing as an initial human interface for speed forward and reverse and for rudder control. Eventually I will be driving the dual motors and dual rudders separately. Just because I can. That will provide the most flexibility in programming and in boat operation.

The keypad is another human interface for the RCS. Keypad entry will provide an unlimited number of input commands to the system. Type in course or speed for example. *** could be emergency all stop. #01 could be turn on running lights. Like I said, unlimited input control.

The compass can be used for autonomous navigation or a direction feedback to the display on the shore unit.

The second servo is so I can have a separate servo for each rudder. I think they will usually be slaved together but I may want to experiment with individual rudder control. It also supplies redundancy in rudder control.

The 4x20 LCD text display can be used on the shore unit to display system information. I envision the shore unit not attached to a PC computer. I will consider possible PC tethering by Bluetooth or WiFi link.

The PMB-648 is a GPS unit. There is a lot of uses for this device. True speed and direction reporting, autonomous navigation, repeat previous course, return to start, and hundreds of other direction control ideas. It is the heart of the RCS.

The C3 Propeller is a new credit card size version of the computer system. No, it's not a propeller on the end of the motor drive shaft. Ha! It contains some I/O on board and is the right size for the RoboBoat on-board computer. I won't be using some of the I/O like video on the boat but that is of no consequence. I will be using it for development or system debugging.

The peripherals are some extras I am treating myself to, while I figure out how to use the Propeller. It provides a case (probably not suitable for use in the boat but good protection for bench testing), a small video screen and a mouse and small keyboard. I have keyboards and mice but they were low cost with the kit.

So that does it for now. I need to be working out any layout problems with the electronics before I get the boat hull too far closed up for required modifications. I am concerned about interaction between the GPS receiver and the transmitted signal from wireless modems. They may need to be isolated as much as possible. There may also be noise problems from the motors and speed controllers or even the Propeller GPU itself.(I haven't seen that in my initial tests.)

Lots of what ifs to consider but this is the fun I enjoy on this kind of project. A perfectly operational boat out on the pond is a goal. But the fun I get is in the journey to that goal.