[highlight=#ffffff] I’m hoping you can help me solve a problem, I have a remote controlled boat (6’ long) that I need to take distance measurements from, e.g. measure the distance from the boat to the bank. I am considering attaching a GoPro to the eye piece of a rangefinder and use the WiFi capabilities of the GoPro to see where the range finder pointing. Since my rangefinder has bluetooth I can remote trigger the instrument to get a distance reading. The problem is, I need a way control where the range finder is pointing. I am thinking a pan/tilt servo may be the answer but I am not familiar w/ this technology and am hoping you have a solution. Here are a couple things to keep in mind…[/highlight][highlight=#ffffff]1) The device will need to hold the range finder/GoPro combo. The range finder is a Laser Technology True Pulse 360R (5.2 x 2.1 x 4.5 in).[/highlight][highlight=#ffffff]2) Total weight of the range finder/camera is about 18.4 oz.[/highlight][highlight=#ffffff]3) I don’t want to raise the center of gravity any more than necessary so low profile is good[/highlight][highlight=#ffffff]4) The setup will mount on top of the boat and is likely to get wet but is not meant to be submerged[/highlight][highlight=#ffffff]5) Will need to operate the pan/tilt via a dc power source[/highlight][highlight=#ffffff]6) It needs to be wireless (range 0’-500’ approx). The controller I use for the RC boat is an Aurora 9. I’m not sure if we can use this same remote to control both the boat and the pan/tilt device. I might need a separate controller.[/highlight][highlight=#ffffff] [/highlight][highlight=#ffffff]Any help/advice you can provide will be appreciated.[/highlight]
What will the range be to the shore? Can you use a sonar range finder?
The R/C can control the tilt/pan R/C servo motors as well, if you have enough channels.
Maybe you can hack the 360R rangefinder to get a value? Then look for a data radio with the range needed.
Alan KM6VV
Alan,
The range will vary based on conditions but I’d say 2-40 ft is about right. I don’t think a sonar would work for this application, at least not for this go-round. The rangefinder has bluetooth so I am able to connect to the unit and force a measurement, the result is then relayed back to the laptop. I might even be able to utilize the existing controller for the boat to control the servo. Can you point me towards a pan/tilt servo that you think would work for this application?
Thanks,
Steve