The Autopilot for the DIYer.

[Cyric30]

Some Of you may have seen this, but i thought it was an interesting relatively low cost, low power use, DIY autopilot or autohelm.
And i must admit it really peaks my DIY bug, especially the windshield wiper motor model.
i belive it also has openCPN support.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=ZaLBRRelT-M

http://pypilot.org/

https://github.com/pypilot/pypilot/wiki/motor

Look, Discuss, Learn.
Regards
Cyric

[Godot]

I saw that awhile ago.

Better power consumption. Over the counter (cheap) parts. DIY=repairable. Seems like a good idea to me.

I already have a Raspberry pi that i'm experimenting with for navigation as an alternative to my power hungry laptop or old and unupdatable GPS.

If only i had some extra time maybe I'd play with setting up an autopilot, too. Self sufficiency is cool.

[Cyric30]

Hay Godot, good to see you
I wish i understood the Raspberry Pi stuff better,
Also i also hate to buy any new computer electronics when i already have half a dozen laptops and tablets.
but there relatively cheap so i guess it might be cool to play with.

As to the auto pilot, i have to think a good quality windshield wiper motor, probably has a better life cycle than the motor in a purpose built autopilot.