The motor is a flyweight job. I think it is like 1.5 horsepower. I was wanting to sit in the middle of the 17.5 foot canoe. The motor would be at the rear.
I'm GUESSING that one linear actuator with a 8 inch movement could be used for steering. Since this process is normally done by my left arm, I'm guessing we're looking at no more than 15-20 pounds of thrust.
As for the throttle, this engine doesn't have a twist grip throttle like some outboards. Instead there is a lever. I'm GUESSING a two to four inch movement linear actuator could do that. I'd guess 10 pounds of thrust would be plenty.
If I'm reading you correctly - I could simply use the left or right poles of the joystick to run a relay. Left would turn ON the relay and move the actuator in one direction. Right would turn off that Relay. But would turn ON another relay that would move the actuator in the opposite direction.
As for the throttle - forward would turn ON a relay to advance the actuator to move the throttle. Back would turn on a relay to reduce the throttle.
Hmmm. The actuator movement would have to stop at the end of the motor's maximum allowable rotation. If it went too far it could damage the mounting mechanism. That would be tricky. Same issue for the throttle.
Since center position on the joystick is not connecting any of the relays. I'm guessing one wouldn't need to have their hand on the joystick at all times.
What's involved in feedback control for a hairbrained project like this?
BO