Autonomous Buoy Project

Overview

Setting buoys to define a racing course for sailing team practices is particularly challenging on lakes where there are significant changes in wind direction. To address this issue and enhance our ability to create intricate racing courses, I started designing a buoy equipped with a dynamic feature that would enable remote controlled motion from a ground station.

This buoy incorporated an Arduino-controlled system, enabling it to compute its position and drift velocity using GPS coordinates. The propulsion system afforded the buoy the flexibility to remain stationary or traverse to a specified new location. Its extended battery life contributed to prolonged operational periods, and its lowered center of mass ensures passive stability even in extreme conditions. The buoy's tall superstructure and top-mounted lights enhanced visibility over long distances.

The communication with the ground station relied on a 2.4 GHz RF transceiver that received instructions from another Arduino. This secondary Arduino processed data input from automated sensors, including a wind station and manual input. This integrated system allowed for precise control and adaptability, overcoming the challenges posed by changing wind patterns during sailing team practices.

Buoy Heading and Course Display

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