About
Veetr is an open-source sailing dashboard that brings professional-grade wind and navigation instrumentation to sailors who value portability, affordability, and independence. Built around an ESP32-WROOM-32U microcontroller with a BNO080 9-axis IMU and an RS485 ultrasonic wind sensor, it tracks apparent and true wind speed (0–40 knots, ±0.3 m/s accuracy), wind angle (±3°), speed over ground, GPS position, vessel heading, and heel angle — all updating every second. The system connects to phones, tablets, and laptops via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), supporting up to four simultaneous connections with a 10–50 metre range. The companion interface is a modern Progressive Web App (PWA) that installs without an app store, works offline, and runs on any OS. Over-the-air firmware updates ensure the device stays current with no subscription fees — ever. Veetr is purpose-built for dinghy sailors, daysailers, charterers, and offshore racers who need reliable instruments without depending on a vessel's electrical system. A typical DIY build costs roughly $250 in components; pre-assembled kits are available at $500 — far below the $1,000–$5,000 range of equivalent proprietary systems. The entire project — schematics, Gerber PCB files, 3D enclosure models, and firmware — is published under open-source licenses. Users can repair, modify, and contribute back to the community, making Veetr a compelling alternative to closed, vendor-locked marine electronics.
Key Features
- Precision Wind & Navigation Data: Tracks apparent and true wind speed (±0.3 m/s), wind angle (±3°), GPS position, speed over ground, vessel heading, and heel angle at 1-second update intervals.
- Progressive Web App Interface: Modern PWA works on any phone, tablet, or laptop without an app store download, supports offline use, and receives free over-the-air firmware updates.
- All-Day Battery Life: Draws only 200 mA typical, delivering 24+ hours of runtime from a standard 10 Ah USB power bank — no boat electrical system required.
- Ultrasonic Wind Sensor: No moving parts means zero maintenance and long-term reliability. Water-resistant design built to withstand marine environments.
- Fully Open Hardware: Complete schematics, PCB Gerber files, 3D enclosure models, and firmware are freely available under open-source licenses for full DIY builds and modifications.
Use Cases
- Dinghy and small-boat sailors who need professional wind instruments without onboard electrical systems
- Charterers and boat renters who want personal, portable instruments independent of the vessel
- Offshore and inshore racers requiring accurate, real-time wind and heading data across multi-day events
- Sailors needing a fully independent backup instrument system separate from fixed boat electronics
- Makers and hardware enthusiasts building a custom DIY sailing instrument as an open-source project
Pros
- Affordable vs. Proprietary Systems: DIY build costs ~$250 in components — a fraction of the $1,000–$5,000 typically charged for comparable proprietary marine instruments.
- Completely Portable & Independent: Self-contained with USB power bank support; works on charter boats, dinghies, and any vessel without needing to tap into onboard electrical systems.
- No Recurring Fees: Software, firmware updates, and the web app are permanently free with no subscription, licence, or hidden costs.
- Fully Repairable & Extensible: Open hardware means every component can be sourced, repaired, or upgraded independently — no voided warranties or vendor lock-in.
Cons
- DIY Assembly Required for Lowest Cost: Achieving the ~$250 price point requires soldering and assembling the PCB yourself; the pre-assembled kit costs $500.
- Technical Knowledge Needed for Customisation: Extending Veetr with additional sensors or modifying firmware requires embedded development skills, which may be a barrier for non-technical users.
- Niche Use Case: Purpose-built for sailing; not applicable outside marine or watersports contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Veetr cost?
You can build Veetr yourself for approximately $250 in components using the freely available PCB and schematic files. Pre-assembled kits are also available for $500, which also supports ongoing development.
Does Veetr need to be connected to the boat's electrical system?
No. Veetr is fully self-contained and powered by a standard USB power bank. A 10 Ah bank provides 24+ hours of runtime, making it ideal for boats without onboard electronics.
What devices can display Veetr data?
Any device with a modern web browser and Bluetooth Low Energy support — including iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and laptops. The PWA can be installed to the home screen and works offline.
How accurate is the wind measurement?
The ultrasonic wind sensor measures wind speed with ±0.3 m/s accuracy over a 0–40 knot range, and wind angle to ±3°. Data updates every second with real-time sensor fusion.
Is the hardware truly open source?
Yes. All schematics, PCB Gerber files, 3D enclosure models, and firmware source code are published under open-source licences on GitHub. You are free to build, modify, and redistribute.
