May 27th Long Pond Test

Today we took our 4th time field test in the long pond.

In the test, the actuators (winches and rudders) were working perfectly.
RC mode are well performed.
In the autonomous aspect, the boat responsed, but still needs to be implemented.
The hull is totally dry inside after the test. The boat is perfectly sealed.


Need to be done:

The jib winch need to be investigated, the motor perform weird after the boat is back.

Cheers,
MUN Sailbot.

May 13th Long Pond Test

First water test succeed!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are so excited to launch our 2012 boat, F' Arctica.
Compared to the last year's boat, the performance of this boat is significantly improved. The boat is lighter, faster, and easier to control.

Top speed: 3.4 knots.

Shorts! and not because its summer.

So it's finally may in St. John's and to say hello it snowed all day.  Lovely slushy stuff. So no wearing shorts.

However, we have other shorts.  The electrical kind.  Luckily our power supply is smart and decides to not turn on when there is a dead short. So for future reference, all you board designers who think you are clever and add power and ground planes on the top and bottom of your boards.  Use nylon stand-offs or at least leave enough room that the aluminum doesn't cut through the solder mask and make your board think it should be summer time.