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Build your own autonomous GPS buoys
How to build an autonomous GPS buoy?
What electronic components are needed for an autonomous GPS buoy?
The buoy is composed of components very similar to those found in a drone. We primarily selected M5Stack components for their modularity, rich functionality, and the quality of the software libraries used to control them. Autonomous GPS buoys come in two levels: Standard buoy, controlled by a joystick (long-range LoRa protocol) for one to eight buoys, with local operation on the body of water Advanced Buoy, controlled by a mobile phone application, requiring an internet conne
FRA222
Apr 122 min read
What electronic components are needed for a joystick?
Autonomous GPS buoys come in two levels: Standard buoy , controlled by a joystick (long-range LoRa protocol) for one to eight buoys, with local operation on the body of water Advanced Buoy , controlled by a mobile phone application, but also by a joystick to fine-tune positioning visually on the water. The joystick is similar for both standard and advanced buoys. The only difference is its communication protocol: LoRa in standard mode and ESP-Now in advanced mode. 🔗 M5Stack
FRA222
Apr 111 min read
News
DF95 & IOM Training — 15/20 knots at the SNOS in Saint-Nazaire | Autonomous buoy + GPS Test
On the agenda for this session: DF95s and IOMs on a course with 3 autonomous buoys in a good breeze — 15 to 20 knots of wind and a nice swell. 🎯 Session objective To validate the behavior of autonomous buoys in conditions of sustained wind and real swell. Do they stay in position? Do they respond correctly to the conditions? That's what we wanted to verify visually that day. 📡 Embedded technology A GPS was installed on two DF95s (one with an A rig and one with a B rig) to p
FRA222
Apr 231 min read
DF95 regatta with 6 autonomous GPS buoys in Choisy-le-Roi
During our regatta on April 12, 2026, we deployed a complete course consisting of 6 autonomous GPS buoys on the waters of Choisy-le-Roi. No more cumbersome logistics or safety boat trips to anchor or adjust the course: everything was controlled remotely, simply from a smartphone. During more than 6.5 hours of sailing, we were able to adjust the buoy positions according to wind variations, ensuring a well-oriented course for the race. At the end of the day, the buoys still had
FRA222
Apr 151 min read
🌊 Why we chose M5Stack products for our autonomous GPS buoys
A modular platform perfectly suited to marine projects Autonomous GPS buoys require robust, compact hardware capable of reliable operation in demanding environments. M5Stack modules emerged as the ideal solution thanks to their modular architecture, which allows for the rapid assembly of a complete system without complex soldering or fragile electronics. Key strengths: Compact and robust format , ideal for integration into a waterproof buoy. Stackable modules , allowing the a
FRA222
Apr 122 min read
A joystick for piloting the Autonomous GPS Buoys
We have just finalized a joystick for piloting and moving the buoys. Until now, the buoys and the Course were piloted exclusively with a mobile phone and an integrated dashboard. This is very comprehensive and practical, with advanced features such as one-click course setup and repositioning, and buoy visualization on a map. However, this dashboard requires all buoys to be connected to the internet. Therefore, we developed a joystick that can operate in two ways: In addition
FRA222
Apr 111 min read
Class M Regatta with Autonomous GPS Buoys in Choisy Le Roy
Find all the photos from the Class M regatta on 16/11/2025 at the CNCR, in Choisy Le Roy. We used three autonomous GPS buoys, two for the starting line and one as a leeward gate. They performed well, except for one whose computer shut down in the early afternoon, after several stable hours. Analysis of the problem to follow.
Philippe
Apr 101 min read
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