Description en français
This Pypilot computer by Navitop, ready to use, is equipped with a watertight enclosure and a high-performance compass using a modern 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor. It comes with an 8-button radio remote control and a second waterproof 4-button remote control.
When used as an autopilot computer, its location on the boat must be carefully chosen to avoid interference from moving magnetic fields and ensure a good Wi-Fi connection. It can only be used as an external repeater if its location prevents any moving metallic or magnetic objects from passing or being placed nearby.
It can be controlled via Wi-Fi using a computer, tablet, phone, or even one or more Pypilot computers configured in "remote mode." Pypilot then disables the IMU, the UART connection to the controller, and any radio receiver on these computers, insensitive to magnetic interference. However, once "remote mode" is disabled, this computer can be used as a spare to replace the autopilot computer.
Combined with a Pypilot motor controller, this computer provides a high-performance boat autopilot that offers excellent course stability while consuming less power than most other autopilots. Several Pypilot motor controller models are available to adapt Pypilot to all existing drives. Note that the 12-24V 30A model with clutch control is compatible with all drives, while the 12V 7A model, without clutch control, is only suitable for tiller drive.
Pypilot motor controllers accurately measure the current drawn by the motor, enabling effective stroke limitation with most drives when power consumption reaches a defined threshold. This eliminates the need for a tiller angle sensor, although it is possible to use one, as well as limit switches.
In addition to Compass mode, Pypilot can operate in apparent wind, true wind, or GPS modes if it receives data from the wind vane and GPS. This data can be provided via Wi-Fi.
As an option, the computer can exchange NMEA data via NMEA0183 (CN option) and/or USB (CU option). USB is the simplest solution to configure and the most versatile, allowing the use of USB-NMEA0183, USB-NMEA2000 converters, and even a USB-NMEA0183-SEATALK multiplexer (converters not supplied).
In addition to being controllable via Wi-Fi, Pypilot broadcasts all its data to other applications via Wi-Fi, including data received via USB and NMEA0183.
Connections are made via cable glands or waterproof connectors. The component side of the printed circuit board is marinized with tropicalized acrylic varnish. The IMU's TDK ICM20948 integrated circuit is included in this circuit board, as is the remote-control receiving antenna.
The accelerometers and magnetometers of the computer's IMU are pre-calibrated. This allows for direct installation of the computer, whose compass will be operational after a simple, slow rotation of the boat. The remote controls are configured in the computer, but you can add more or modify the functions of the buttons.
The computer is powered by 5V DC via a cable of approximately 45cm which can be powered by Navitop 10, 15 or 30A motor controller.
If you wish to position the computer further from the Pypilot motor controller using a single cable between them, you have the following options: C6P3M (3m cable), C6P5M (5m cable), or C6P9M (9m cable). Although designed for 30A controllers, we can equip these cables with connectors suitable for 10A and 15A controllers.
The case, Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, and pre-programmed microSD card are included, along with two remote controls.
The motor controller is not included.
Upon request, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W can be replaced at no extra cost with a Pi Zero to halve power consumption, at the cost of a longer Wi-Fi and Pypilot web server startup time.
Electronic schematic
Manual (en)
Manuel (fr)
