Heavy GIF image in this article.
While doing preliminary research and prototyping for the VECTOR project, we are also constantly working on our CLIM PRO + PODControl combo.
These will allow a much more integrated and flawless control over projects that include Bowthrusters and/or Azipods aside VSP propellers. The two modules are networked togheter and can be placed in different locations inside your project. They will make a complete control of the vessel possible using only 6 channels.
Because most of the time during development we don't have access to the actual hardware where the controllers will be built in, inhouse made simulators and debuggers come handy.
Thanks to the modular architecture of the CLIM project, we are able to network multiple modules without too many board related changes.
In particular, the modules are connected togheter with a inter-integrated circuit network (I²C). It needs two wires for the signal and one for the commond ground. Thanks to the sleek protocol and low bitrates, longer wires between the modules are also possible.
A big focus is also put on the open I²C slave interface of the PODControl, which will give the planned VECTOR module and other controllers the possibility to communicate with this extension module.
We plan to release a companion application for Windows, similiar to the one we use for testing, in order to simplify the configuration of the CLIM PRO + PODControl combo.
The CLIM PRO will feature a UART communication connector which will allow to fine tune some parameters using a windows application or a simple serial terminal. It also gives the possibility to display the current servo output on the computer screen so it's possible to double check your VSP configuration and see changes in real time.
In the next posts we want to dive a bit more in the detail of these modules and also show how the configuration will happen :)