RC boat: which ardupilot for a boat

Hey guys,
I recently startet a new projekt in which I want to build my own self driving boat (3d printed catamaran) and wondered if some of you could help me with the flight controller selection since i’m new to this topic.

The goal for the projekt is to be as “round” as possible, so i’d like to be able to use all features regarding ardupilot boats and the price for the fc doesn’t nessecerily be the lowest. But it should be easy to get without a long shipping time because of external factors and other deadlines.

So far I tried to get my hands on an H7 fc since I don’t need to worry about restrictions on further code usage and modifications. Since I went for the enclosed versions the selection wasn’t that big. Unfortunately most of them won’t be here in time (Germany). An example would be the Holybro Pixhawk 6C Mini with the NEO 3 GPS.

Do you have any recommendations with similar capabilities (or are there other requirements)?

Thanks in advance!

I would get a h743 wing controller, its designed for servos so will make your wiring much simpler,

you can get a matek h743 in the uk.

Hallo Fabian
For example the Holybro Kakute H743 and the Matek H743 Wing are also on stock on some german online shops.

thank you very much.

I also considered it but wasn’t sure.

Could you maybe also help me in terms of peripherals?
Do I need more than a GPS system with compass since it already contains those: IMU ICM42688-P(V3)+ICM42605; Baro: Infineon DPS310 (I2C2)?

yes, you need a GPS with a compass.

sure, but is something else missing?

also do you have a GPS/compass system to recommend?

I thought about those four but which one is the best?:

Radiolink M8N TS100 GPS-compassmodul
Radiolink M8N GPS SE100
CUAV NEO 3
Holybro M9N GPS

Holybro M9N GPS is good enough.

The CUAV NEO has the same GPS but a better compass, with a boat you’re generally going to be clear of any metal objects that can give interference.

If your planning on using it in an urban area with lots of metal around you should look at RTK moving baseline GPS yaw rather than a compass. As large amounts of steel like a steel enforced concrete pond can cause magnetic interference vs something like a natural lake that is fine with a compass.

avoid Radiolink, they have issues with compatibility.

The place of use will be natural waters so I dont think there will be much interference.

Should I also buy the stand or print my own? (Holybro fester Aluminium + Carbon GPS Mast - 29mm Version 31047 | Flight Controller & Zubehör | Fernsteuerung & Elektronik | Zubehör | Premium-Modellbau)

Di I miss anything I additionally need?

I would print the top and bottom of the mount and join them with some carbon tube. check thingverse or yeggi there is probably a mount for the GPS that you can modify.

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I actually couldn’t find the right files.
I think im gonna go with the stand since I won’t have to worry about the different parts.
(I could make it myself buts it’s not cheaper or faster)

But please tell me if I need anything else or if i’m good to go with the Matek H743 Wing and the Holybro M9N GPS?

have you got a telemetry radio?

not yet…
I didn’t completely understand for what they are used

Thanks for the link.
The package contains all the nedded connection cables, right?

Be prepared to make your own cables.

i thought it is only connected to the fc and the pc with you.
Or are the selfmade cables needed to connect to the fc?

To peripheral devices.

sure. I only meant the connection between the fc and the telemetry radio

The telemetry radio is a peripheral device. It connects to a Serial Port which could be a connector, pins or solder pads. You have a soldering iron right?

the Matek Wlite uses all Dupont 2.54mm connectors like a servo for all the ports apart from CAN and I2C2 so buy one of these kits and add the connectors to the telemetry and GPS wires.

there are lots of youtube videos that show how to crimp servo wires.

of course. i was more worried about the side of the cable to the telemetry radio

I can’t really get one in time or at an reasonable price. for what do I have to look out for when searching for one?