Summary of GPS CIRCUIT BOATS COMPUTER PIC18F4550 MICROCONTROLLER
The GPS Boat Computer project utilizes a PIC18F4550 microcontroller and an EM 408 GPS module to display location, time, and compass data on a 2x16 LCD. The device features firmware reprogrammable via USB, allowing the same hardware to function as either a boat or car computer. Users can navigate multiple screens using UP/DOWN buttons and configure settings like time zones with a SET button.
Parts used in the GPS Boat Computer:
- PIC18F4550 Microcontroller
- EM 408 GPS Module
- 2x16 LCD Display
- USB Connection Interface
- UP Button
- DOWN Button
- SET Button
- GPS Car Computer Kit (Optional for building)
Generally known as PC Tools has prepared a project 🙂 but siliconship in the boat’s GPS system tracks the GPS module EM 408 and mikrodenetleric pic18f4550 usb connection to the circuit there also. 2X16… Electronics Projects, GPS Circuit Boats Computer PIC18F4550 Microcontroller “microchip projects, microcontroller projects, “
Generally known as PC Tools has prepared a project 🙂 but siliconship in the boat’s GPS system tracks the GPS module EM 408 and mikrodenetleric pic18f4550 usb connection to the circuit there also. 2X16 LCD Indicative date, etc. on the location of the clock compass. Viewing a lot of information. GPS circuit does not include the source code of the software given hex code but with PIC18F4550 circuit design, details can inspire people interested in programming this reason, I wanted to share
The hardware
This project illustrates a trend in modern electronics… the use of intelligent and general function devices that can be reprogrammed to suit a variety of purposes.
An extreme example of this are the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity. They have been reprogrammed many times to cope with the various conditions and terrain that they have met during their exploration of the red planet.
In a similar vein the GPS Boat Computer uses virtually the same hardware and circuitry as the GPS Car Computer described in January and February 2010. The major difference is in the firmware which completely changes the character of the device.
You do not need a PIC programmer for this change in personality; the new firmware can be loaded via USB from your computer and the Car Computer will become the GPS Boat Computer.
You could, if you wished, then load the Car Computer firmware (also via USB) and flip back to that personality. In fact, you could drive to the marina with your GPS Car Computer, load the new firmware (it only takes 20 seconds) and sail off with your GPS Boat Computer!
This also means that if you want to build this project from a kit you can simply buy and build the kit of parts for the GPS Car Computer (from Altronics) and upload the new firmware to turn it into a GPS Boat Computer.
The only thing that you might need to do is consider a different enclosure – and we will talk about that shortly.
Using the GPS Boat Computer
The GPS Boat Computer is quite easy to use. You have a number of screens that show useful information which you select by pressing the UP or DOWN buttons. These buttons will wrap around the available set of screens when you have reached the end. When you turn the GPS Boat Computer off it will remember the last screen and will automatically return to that when power is reapplied.
All screens have something that can be configured or changed. For example, when the clock screen is showing you can set the time zone. To change a setting you press the SET button and then use the UP/DOWN buttons to adjust the value. Pressing the SET button a second time will save the value and either take you to another option or return to the main display.
GPS CIRCIUT BOATS COMPUTER
Source: GPS CIRCUIT BOATS COMPUTER PIC18F4550 MICROCONTROLLER Source 2: http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_112144/article.html Boats Computer GPS Circiut pcb, schematic, soruce code files Alternative link: gps-boats-computer-pic18f4550-microcontroller.raralternative link2 alternative link3
- How can I change the device from a car computer to a boat computer?
You can load the new firmware via USB from your computer without needing a PIC programmer. - Can I switch back to the car computer firmware later?
Yes, you can load the original Car Computer firmware via USB to flip back to that personality. - How long does it take to upload the new firmware?
Loading the new firmware takes only 20 seconds. - What buttons are used to select different information screens?
The UP and DOWN buttons allow you to select various screens showing useful information. - Does the device remember my last screen after turning off?
Yes, when power is reapplied, it automatically returns to the last screen viewed. - How do I configure settings like the time zone?
Press the SET button while on the desired screen, use UP/DOWN to adjust, and press SET again to save. - Do I need to build the circuit from scratch if I have a kit?
No, you can buy and build the GPS Car Computer kit and upload the new firmware to convert it. - Is the source code provided for this project?
No, the article states the source code is not included, but hex code and circuit design details are shared.
