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Welcome to the first Explorer Autonomous Systems post on the website, its not exactly exciting looking right now I'm sure, but I hope it can still be informative. This post will go over the introduction of the EAS Marine Vehicle Diagnostics System™, as well as the general outline for all the data connections on EXPL.

 

EAS Marine Vehicle Diagnostics System™

This is a new system introduced by Explorer Autonomous Systems hoping to make what is currently an unstandardized field, standardized. In doing so Explorer Autonomous Systems is placing the framework, including the code, hardware and general standards completely openly for free to benefit all. And not only that, we believe that the best way to prove a product is to use it. All EAS boats, from EXPL and into the future will use the EAS-MVDS™. This is our way at EAS to give back to other projects.

 

EXPL Updated Data Connections

This is less of an update and more like an informative post that will probably become reference material later down the road for the project. 

The above image shows the general (and confusing!) outline of the data system onboard the EXPL boats. Let me break down what everything does.

Cellular/Backup radio: this is what communicates back to the shore, and probably the most important part of the boat.

Router: this allows all the ethernet connections to the cellular/backup radio.

Desktop computer: this is literally the brains of the boat, everything connects here and this is how everything meshes together. We chose a desktop computer as it has the proper processing power we need, seeing as power draw isn't a problem for us.

Capture/DVR: These systems allow the boat to see everything around itself as well as record every event, allowing for a constant recording of anything that may occur.

Diagnostics/EAS-MVDS™: These systems allow for the diagnosis of the boat, this has already been talked about so theres no point in being a broken record.

Siren: This unit is not only the siren but horn and PA system, this allows for first responders to clear the way in crowded areas or speak to victims remotely.
Navigation: As the name implies this handles the navigation, which is pretty important for boat that drives itself. This feature is the key feature in making the self driving boat, well, drive by itself.
Emergency: This system controls the lights and other emergency specific functions, this is important for making sure the boat is seen onscene.
Generator controller: This system allows for the complete control of the onboard generator, which when the solar panels aren't providing enough power can kick on and recharge the batteries and provide a surplus under heavy load.
DC charger/solar panel controller: This system as the name implies handles the onboard DC to DC charger and the solar panel charging. 

 

This update page will be kept up to date with more updates when they come.