from the robotics people. Someone pointed me to this:
[link|http://www.digitalmarine.co.kr/prod_mif_e.htm|http://www.digitalma...kr/prod_mif_e.htm]
Unversal NMEA converters. That should make things like rudder angle/rate easier to read.
Other advice I've gotten
"By using an off the shelf PLC controller like a Siemens s7-200, or a
micro logics Allen Bradley, both available in 120V or 12VDC and other
voltages, could receive analog input via the NMEA universial converter
on desired compass heading from a remote navigation program, the PLC
controller utilizing Proportional Control (PID control build into these
small controllers) would send left or right digital outputs to an
electrical actuator (like those pictured at Nookindustries, but they are
also availble from Graingers in South Seattle off 4th Ave) An encoder
could be attached to the rudder that provided a 4-20 mA signal relative
to position, BCD or several other codes could be sent back to the PLC
for feed back. Both the Siemens and AB conrollers have small LCD touch
screen interfaces that are easy to configure and setup."
So I'll have to research this stuff some more.