117 replies to this topic

[(V) (`m`) (V) ︵ ┻━┻]

They don't always involve explosives!

Thanks, I'm trying to send emails to companies and people who know about the different parts I need. I'm really hoping I could get a gps company or something to sponsor this, but even if not, it shouldn't cost too much to build.

I find that hard to believe..

And good luck.

[(V) (`m`) (V) ︵ ┻━┻]

fixed that for ya

Thanks.
It's hard to type when you're in the fetal position rocking back and forth.

[LD50]

you adjust to it eventually >.>

[(V) (`m`) (V) ︵ ┻━┻]

you adjust to it eventually >.>

He said that about rectal invasion.

Never happened.

[LD50]

doing it wrong...


or was it right? i forget.

[Wolf]

and on them, put "Please return to nerdforum.org"

[SpleenBeGone]

Yeah, I was going to put some kind of weather proof message like that.

[SpleenBeGone]

Still working on this idea, but I'm having a hard time figuring out the proper GPS hardware to use. Any information that you guys could help me gather would be very appreciated.

[Wolf]

The cheapest!

[Calvary]

Seems to me you require a gps tracking unit, that's not something you'll be able to pick up cheap maybe £100 if you could scrounge a pre-used one? Not too sure, but you'll need a vessel as well, which in all fairness could be a jam jar or corked bottle.

[SpleenBeGone]

Price range for the ones I'm looking at new are about $140. I'd hope to find a used one though.
I'm not sure just a jar would work. I plan on building one myself to allow for it to have a small solar panel to keep the power up on the tracker, as well as maybe a small LED night running light, just because.

[Calvary]

A jar might work depending on the size of the equipment and whether or not you'll be going through shallow, potentially rocky waters. However you may need something sturdier. I was wondering what function the LED light might provide though? Perhaps something more worthy of a solar power generator's electricity supply might be some sort of simple morse code device broadcasting a message, I'm not sure what maritime laws and traffic directions are around the gulf of Mexico and surrounding area but is it something to take note of when putting a tracking device into the ocean? I mean, could it confuse ships that pick the signal up as an unidentified seafaring object? I don't know, I might just be making stuff up in my head here. =P

[SpleenBeGone]

Just a warning to small boats, if it happens to cross paths with any.

I don't think they work on the same level, but that is something I'll have to look into and make sure of. I'd hate to get arrested or something over this.

[Calvary]

Well I'm sure you'll be okay all the same, You'll have to give us the launch date so I can go and sit by the Thames every day with a fishing rod and a sleeping bag.

[SpleenBeGone]

[SpleenBeGone]

So I'm back on this thanks to the mars rover.

Looking through some power train parts, 24" is probably going to be the ideal length for this. which would actually give me a good bit of room to work with. I could get around 6w/h out of it decently easy so ideally the system would have to run around 3w/h so it can run at night as well.

I'm thinking this is going to get complicated. >.>

edit: the more efficient panels I could get around 15w/h, so 7 or so total usage.

[Calvary]

Yay, I forgot about this, I hope you do end up doing it.

In other, vaguely related news; you just gave me an idea for my next Gothic novelette. Well done, you.

[SpleenBeGone]

Woo for inspiration!

It's something I'd like to do very much.

[SpleenBeGone]

Another update. After some tinkering with hull designs, I'm thinking a catamaran style would be best, with a battery in each outrigger. Something like this 7ah one, paired with a solar panel similar to this: http://www.amazon.co...creative=399373

[Calvary]

Would it take just the one panel to operate all the required functions?