Most people who see the MarkSetBot or hear about it have one main question; how does it get to where it's going, and how does it remain there without an anchor? We hope that this helps to provide a general answer to that question. We get that some of you nerds out there want to learn more, so please reach out to info@marksetbot.com with more questions! We are happy to dig deeper if you would like to know!
Use these subheadings to work through how the Bots are getting around!
1. How does the Bot go forward, backwards, and sideways?
- The Bot is powered by a 50 or 100 ah battery, which sends current to a 12v Minn Kota trolling motor. This motor is akin to one you would find on a fishing boat. This electric motor is highly efficient and quiet. The motor itself is controlled by a ProNav unit, which, while integrated with the MarkSetBot app, is able to tell the Bot where to go. Typically, the Minn Kota would be paired with a foot pedal on a fishing boat that an angler could press to go left, right, and to control thrust. However, in the case of the Bot, the "pedals" are connected to the MarkSetBot app. So, when a user sets a waypoint via the app, the app commands the ProNav unit to navigate the Bot to the proper location.
2. How does the Bot stay in place?
- The Bot is programmed to remain within a 5 foot radius of its GPS location. This is, in most cases, smaller than the radius that a standard mark stays within and is programmed by sending the Bot to an imaginary "circle". The circle has a 10 foot diameter, and the Bot always remains as close to the center of the circle as possible. If a wave or wind gust sets the Bot back slightly, its GPS will sense this movement and engage the motor to take corrective action. This feedback loop is quick enough that the Bot rarely moves more than 1-2 feet from where it is programmed to be.