I am working on another Maker project for a buddy and thought I would share on CF. This might prove interesting for the technical folks to follow and also help keep me out of trouble! Questions are welcomed! We will be testing with the motor this coming week.
http://www.folgerforum.com/t/adding-wifi-to-powerdrive-trolling-motor/361
Mark Ingle
NauticStar 1810 Merc 90
Very cool! Hope you are keeping your “patent” or “idea” ducks in a row as this may prove to be a lucrative invention! You have a much more in-depth understanding in code and programming but I know enough to know that what you are doing here is impressive to say the least! Should end up being a really great tool! Can’t wait to see some more! Keep up the good work!
Fishing Nerd
“you win some, you lose some…but nothing beats getting some!”
Thank you! I knew there had to be another Fishing Nerd out there! 
Mark Ingle
NauticStar 1810 Merc 90
It can be tough trying to look at a phone screen on the water on sunny days. Ive always thought it would be great if someone would come up with an app or a remote that used voice recognition and eliminate the need to manually do anything to send commands to the TM.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
DF90 Suzuki
quote:
Originally posted by striperskiffIt can be tough trying to look at a phone screen on the water on sunny days. Ive always thought it would be great if someone would come up with an app or a remote that used voice recognition and eliminate the need to manually do anything to send commands to the TM.
Great idea! I will include this in my plans for the next version (version 2). The hardware and software architecture currently exists on all phones. Here is a link that is not too technical. Just read though the code and explanation like a book…good glimpse into my world I guess …lol
https://shapeshed.com/html5-speech-recognition-api/
I actually did some testing today. For some reason the VCC(+) and GND(-) leads coming from the TM would not power the microcontroller. The meter indicated 5V but the MCU would not power up.
Once I get the prototype working with a phone using manual control, I will design a power control board to support the control circuits and MCU. I think I can get three made for $30. It would be great to have some testers. There are no fishermen in the open source engineering online communities.
This project requires a Minn Kota Power Drive. The first release will have GPS navigation using an iPhone or Android. I don’t expect the accuracy
to be perfect and will depend on the quality of the sensors and magnetometer in the phone
Mark Ingle
NauticStar 1810 Merc 90
very cool
I’m gonna wait on you to come up with the one that reads minds
i don’t like noise or phones while fishing. i don’t like hearing myself talk either for that matter.
i hope you get rich.
quote:
Originally posted by PeaPodvery cool
I’m gonna wait on you to come up with the one that reads minds
i don’t like noise or phones while fishing. i don’t like hearing myself talk either for that matter.
i hope you get rich.
Lol…I don’t like my phone ringing either. Thats why cellular will be disabled with users permission at startup. There are to be no interruptions while fishing!!! Lol!!!
Get rich? That would be nice but I doubt it…I am sure engineers are working on smartphone integration. That is unless they have their head stuck in a hole…this technology is finding its way into all kinds of markets.
Mark Ingle
NauticStar 1810 Merc 90
Made some progress this week in getting my web app to control turning, speed and OnOff on my buddies Minn Kota. I still have some challenges to figure out though. Hopefully I will get some time over the holidays to concentrate on the design. I really need a 5.0 volt control system so there is a chance I may start over during the holidays.
Scroll to 11/18 to see a demo of the prototype.
http://www.folgerforum.com/t/adding-wifi-to-powerdrive-trolling-motor/361
Mark Ingle
NauticStar 1810 Merc 90
JumpiN, sounds like a fun project if you enjoy that sort of thing, but since all that is currently available with a wireless remote, what would be gained by having a phone app to do the same function?
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
DF90 Suzuki
quote:
Originally posted by striperskiffJumpiN, sounds like a fun project if you enjoy that sort of thing, but since all that is currently available with a wireless remote, what would be gained by having a phone app to do the same function?
Fair question…mainly the gain with this type of solution is providing additional ways of input for control. Now that I have a complete working prototype there is the IMU in phones that will allow for turning by tilting the phone. There is also voice control capability. In addition the GPS and magnetometer in a phone can also be used for navigation. Even with these input capabilities it’s still a solution looking problem but I mainly do for fun anyway.
Take a look at the latest Minn Kota models and you will see that remote RF connections now include Bluetooth and free apps for iPhone and Android. The proprietary remotes may soon be a thing of the past.
Mark Ingle
NauticStar 1810 Merc 90
I have started my printed circuit board design. This might be interesting for any EE out there…this is my first PCB design so I welcome any ■■■■■■■■. Several links are above…
Mark Ingle
NauticStar 1810 Merc 90