3 posts tagged with "podcontrol"

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 :)

Our new project PODControl will expand the functions of the CLIM Pro, adding the possibility to control bowthrusters and an eventual bow mounted Azipod like the one found on the EDDA FLORA.

It will give the full control of the Azipod like lowering, retracting, rotating, RPM. The controls are fully integrated with the CLIM Pro so you will achieve everything by using at least 5 channels.

The PODControl controller will be connected by wire with the CLIM Pro, giving the possibility to accomodate it wherever needed. Many parameters are customizable through the serial port.

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 :)