I have been thinking of some alternatives for the data link system I am designing here for the roboboat project. I am including the directional control built into the two way data communication system. However, that directional control function is not something that has to be in the data link.

The data system can run with a conventional R/C (Radio Control) link. A lot of R/C devices tie the two systems (data and control) together.  An example is electronic gyroscopes are now common use in model helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. They plug directly between receiver servo outputs and the servo.  The variations and options for applications go on and on.

A high power R/C link on 53 MHz (I am a ham radio operator) is my fall back plan if the data link proves unreliable for control. Two way data would still rely upon the 2.4 GHz link.

The competition guys can use true speed feedback (from GPS) and various sensor inputs to fine tune their machines or power plants. Even auto tune when they become confident of their onboard computers. Our automobiles all run by computer these days.

The less sophisticated systems can just store, and then provide download the information for examination after a test run. With the XBee data communication system they can enjoy real time feedback and not wait to see (or react to) the data.

These control systems are all possible and fairly easy to build today, so the application of the technology is limitless. I would like to play with every variation but that is not reasonable. I’m going to be a pig in the mud pit and just thoroughly enjoy the experience that I receive from my applications.

I do the blogging to help you and others see what I can (or can’t) do and to encourage getting involved in the experience (the mud) and the experimentation. Perhaps doing all those things I can’t get to.

Buying a finished plastic model boat and running it around in figure eights on the pond gets real boring real quick. It’s a toy soon discarded. The real hobby interest in non-competitive (scale) boats is in their building and detailing. The running (in water) is an excuse to show off the construction art in a real marine environment.

This is much like model trains. Most scale trains are run for the look (art) of real operation. Realistic operation can be simulated and for many clubs this is the main reason trains are operated.

My desire is to expand the operation of model boats. Live steam in boats is one direction and also an interest for me. That goes off in another new direction I have lightly explored.

With the roboboat project I am exploring a reason for the operation of scale boats. The boat is the test platform for the control systems. It’s a reason to go out and run the boat. I have mentioned before the use of the on board computer could be to simulate realistic control response. Response to helm, distance to stop and scale speed and acceleration can all be areas of control. (I would include a panic override.)

Building a model boat and constantly experimenting with power plants, control systems and communications is both a learning experience and a hobby. This is certainly a niche avocation and not something in which everyone building scale boats will be interested. But it is also the road to a very rewarding career if desired.

I presently work for a controls company. The first thing all my peers asked me when I started to work (14+ years ago) was about the fact I build and fly radio controlled model aircraft. They sincerely thought that was wonderful. Yes, I had put that in my resume and it certainly had an influence since I wasn’t the one bringing up the subject.

Today the roboboat project is gaining peer interest with my new application of controls and technology. My paid job is the installation of already tested technology. (Our customers don’t like to be Beta sites.) The Roboboat project is my release into pure design and experimentation.  It’s a joy to be doing just what I like at home and at work. Pass me some of that mud please…