4 posts tagged with "climpro"

In August, we completed our preliminary tests of the CLIM PRO. This work encompassed not only software development but also optimizations of the electrical circuits on the EDDA FLORA test platform. Our efforts involved working on the power supply, replacing components, measuring magnetic fields, testing the integration of CLIM PRO with various autopilots, and conducting H24 tests. These trials took place in both closed and open water environments, under varying conditions of dirtiness and windiness.

S.BUS​

The CLIM PRO platform exclusively utilizes the S.BUS protocol for connectivity. This protocol enables a direct two-wire connection to the autopilot, providing 16 channels of communication. This fully digital configuration serves to prevent errors and streamline overall complexity. Please note that this setup necessitates an autopilot equipped with an ST H7 processor.

Ardupilot x CLIM PRO​

The CLIM PRO is recognized as a reference in the UAV and UAS market. In the case of the latter, our reference platform is Ardurover 4.4. The autopilot output adheres to the standard for surface vehicles, with our CLIM PRO handling all other aspects. Presently, we are capable of maintaining the EDDA FLORA vessel within a radius of approximately 1 meter, even in slightly windy conditions. However, it's important to note that performance may be influenced by cloud conditions and GPS reception.

Furthermore, the CLIM PRO effectively manages engine RPM and Bowthrusters, which can be activated as needed. The complete navigation and control of the VSP units can be accomplished through a single stick or can be configured differently based on requirements. Additionally, a fully manual mode is also available.

Testing​

We have also conducted successful tests of a fully automated navigation mode, during which the EDDA FLORA demonstrated excellent performance. Additionally, a 4-hour-long position-hold test yielded positive results. Currently, we are in the process of fine-tuning the control algorithms. These adjustments must be made with the boat under its full weight and with the superstructure completed.

What now​

Our aim is to be fully prepared by the month of October. It's important to note that, given the complexity of the system and its electrical components, the CLIM PRO will be exclusively available as a fully assembled kit, including the boat and autopilot from Bauer-Modelle, or upon special request. Additionally, we have plans to manufacture PWM and current distribution boards to simplify the wiring process for the boat.

CLIM Pro is coming: Unleashing Customization and Connectivity​

CLIM Pro is set to introduce a wide range of advanced functions, it is more than only a marketing term.

Users will have the ability to adjust nearly all parameters to their liking.

In addition, the enterprise market variants of CLIM Pro will include Bluetooth LE connectivity, enabling seamless wireless communication. Furthermore, inputs and outputs can be easily managed through a single wire SBUS connection. The standout feature of CLIM Pro is its capability to effortlessly control VSP propellers with basic directional inputs from any autopilot system. Currently, CLIM Pro is undergoing testing, and a video demonstration will be available shortly, providing a brief overview of its capabilities.

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 :)

This side-project of the original CLIM enables a more granular configuration of the limiter properties. It will also feature a complete remap of the VSP commands, allowing both propellers to be controlled by one single stick, leaving the other stick configurable for example to be used by the bowthrusters. The configuration will be done through the serial port. It will also be usable in combination with another module which will control rectractable Azipods.. we will publish detailed information here in the near future :)