Topic: Steer by wire (BOAT)

[Perch Jerker]

My son and I recently converted my stick steering 17'9" war eagle boat to steer by wire. The dealer could not solve HARD to steer problems,neither the steering system or the boat mfg helped. We designed the system with off the shelf components and it works like a dream, with one finger on a joystick.Maybe someone else may benifit from the attached pictures and video link.
   

www.youtube.com/watch?v=srPM7klau_Q

[Roddy]

That is the coolest! Wonderful! Please post a parts list. This is the coolest. Roddy

[LocDown]

I wish I could see the controller

[Perch Jerker]

Here are a couple of more pictures.

[sonar2000]

absolutely incredible....way to go.. .
Chuck

[LocDown]

Is that steering only or does it do throttle also?

[Perch Jerker]

It is steering only, I don't have any problem with throttle control.

[George]

Perch Jerker

You and your son rock, talk about being innovative! 

The only concern I might have is if you lost power to your steering system, is the throttle right next to you? 

I would expect others to build your system and they will need to keep safety in mind when they build it.  Any tips in this area?

GREAT JOB

George

[Perch Jerker]

Hi George, We kept safety first. The throttle is in your right hand almost constantly, you have a killswitch lanyard attached to you, and if you take your hand off the joystick the boat returns to straight ahead.we also have a rate circuit set up with a switch beside the joystick to limit the motor to about 5 degrees turning when switched to hi speed positon. switched to low speed you have full turning radius on motor.This is a servo system so you have infinite control.

[Perch Jerker]

Thought I would update the mods on my boat steering system. It has operated for over a year without any problems, well I did have to replace the velcro strap I use to attach the joystick enclosure to my left thigh while driving.Also I wanted to post a list of components 1. Pololu's JRK USB Controller. 2. Servo City 450ftlb Linear Actuator and. 3. A 6x6 enclosure containing Joystick and dual rate circuity.If anyone needs more info please PM me . thanks" Ray"