Looks like the basic electronics would be under $100 from Digikey but that
does not include the printed circuit, enclosure/switches, motor and drive
train. Source code seems to be well laid out and commented and the circuit
is pretty straight forward. Laying out and etching a PCB would be fairly
simple and anyone with a programmer and a PIC compliler can set the chip up
for you in a few minutes.

The main problem I see is that it can't drive motors with less than 2 ohms
resistance or about 6-8 amps at 12V. That is under 1/10th HP so the drive
will have to be very slow or low torque. Probably OK for up to about 30'
but not much larger. Also by using back EMF to track rudder position limits
the drive train to purely mechanical linkage. I think hydraulics would be
out.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Evan Gatehouse" wrote in message
...
Derek Weston wrote:
Details of an autopilot controller I've built for our yacht:
http://www.alphalink.com.au/%7Ederek.../autopilot.htm

It's a bit "techie" for most people, but some may be useful to some.

Not being a techie (but having a good friend who could probably build this
in his sleep) - about how much would the parts cost to build this?

Evan Gatehouse