Maki Kayak
Build your own GPS Autopilot kayak
Maki kayak is a kit that helps you build your own motorised kayak with auto-pilot or remote.
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With out kit-set, no experience in Electronics or electrical is needed.
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A fun DIY project with the families
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It can fit to almost all the kayaks but check out our easy-transport drop stitch kayak
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The core system can be used on other vessels than a kayak (more experience will be needed.)
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For more advanced user, Maki kayak kit set is using open source components which means you can further develop.
Application
Enhance the recreation activities
Learn more by doing a hands-on project
A vehicle to collect data cost-effectively
Simply just make a little easier
How does Maki kayak work?
Simple plug and play!
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Obviously, you still would need to be able to swim and paddle; at least you know the basics
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However, Maki-kayak has made the experience much more interesting. We have created an autopilot platform using the most advanced open-source equipment, tested in New Zealand along with our Maki's fins and motors.
The commercial autopilot system has been around for some time, but it is almost impossible to get if you don't have a boat that's big enough. The same is true for small vessel electric thrusters.
With the DIY spirit in New Zealand, it is extremely easy to install a Maki kayak on your small vessel, and it is even easier with an inflatable Maki kayak. As all the technical parts are designed, you can use Maki kayak according to your needs.
Why is this design based on open-source items? As Maki kayak is not a commercial product with a pure profit motive, its mission is to create a platform on which others can take the application to the next level. Maki-kayak offers a great starting point for modifying a fishing kayak, mapping a lake, or even developing an advanced water drone for other applications.
While the design is open-source, it is of a high level by professionals in the aerospace and other industries.
Get started with Maki kayak
Water travel can be used for many different purposes, from fishing to sight-seeing, family fun to scientific research to simply being able to spend time with nature.
Maki kayak does not detract from the enjoyable experience of kayaking, rather it enhances your kayak so you can do even more. The open-source nature of our initiative enables you to add your own unique features to the technology once you become familiar with it. You can count on Maki for assistance to the best of our ability.
Based on your application, we offer two kits.
Autopilot kit
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This kit is the most powerful kit.
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With this kit, Pixhawk 2.4.8 flight controllers are used along with Ardupilot platform. Qgroundcontrol will be used by Maki's controller as a ground station to control the system. In case you didn't know, you just converted your kayak into an unmanned water vessel to carry out the tasks. Depending on conditions, the range can reach up to 5km on water.
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Essentially, our kit is plug and play because all parameters are preconfigured. Our inflatable Maki kayak is highly recommended for use as its configuration has been specifically tailored for that design of kayak. All you need to do is position and tighten a few nuts.
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Regardless of whether your kayak has a rudder system or not, you can install this system into it, so there is no need to buy an expensive kayak.
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As a programmer, you can use the Pixhawk computer for other applications without having to create your own water thrusters control system.
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Kayak fisherman can use this kit to set your travel route, loitering at a specific spot and more. You can connect the control to other devices like a fish finder since it is based on an Android platform.
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This package is a great place to start if you are a young adult interested in robotics. There is a lot you will learn about robotics, like PID controls and what are the differences between actuators and servos? The difference between an analog and a digital signal is what? When it comes to signal transmissions, what factors are most important? During the learning process, you can change the parameters and run tests.
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Simple Steering kit
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The kit uses a single-handed 2.4G remote control with PWM output that is tuned to our motor system. It is, in essence, a turnkey product.
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As many of you are familiar with drone operation, YES you have just converted your kayak to an RC water vessel that can perform the tasks in a range of 300m, depending on the conditions.
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This allows you to control the kayak's movement and to turn it by using multiple channels.
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The only thing you need to do with our inflatable kayak is place it into position, tighten a few nuts, and you're ready to go.
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The remote, however, is not waterproof. Covering the remote with a plastic bag is recommended.
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This kit is ideal for kayak anglers since it allows them to control their kayaks seamlessly. Almost any kayak can be fitted with this device, as it isn't dependent upon the rudder for directional control.
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In the future, you can upgrade to the autopilot system without replacing everything.
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