Concept Overview
The convoy mode enables multiple seasteads to travel together in a coordinated formation, maintaining precise relative positions while sharing sensor data, computational resources, and watch responsibilities. This creates a mobile community with enhanced safety, efficiency, and social connectivity.
Core Convoy Configuration: Seasteads arrange in a hexagonal or square grid pattern with 80-100 foot spacing (adjustable based on conditions). Each seastead maintains its position relative to others using precise RTK GPS and thruster control.
Convoyd Mode Operational Phases
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Formation Assignment
New seastead requests to join convoy. Central or distributed system assigns optimal grid position based on current formation, wind/current conditions, and existing traffic.
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Approach and Handoff
Seastead approaches assigned position from outside the formation. When within 0.5 grid spacing, "convoy mode activated" signal triggers autopilot takeover.
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Position Maintenance
Autopilot uses RTK GPS data (centimeter accuracy) and thrusters to maintain precise position. Each seastead shares its position and movement data with neighbors.
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Collective Sensing
All seasteads share AIS, radar, camera, and other sensor data to create a comprehensive situational awareness picture far beyond what any single vessel could achieve.
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Watch Coordination
Human "on watch" personnel across the convoy coordinate through the mesh network, with automated systems tracking their active participation.
Communications Mesh Network
A robust local mesh network connects all seasteads in the convoy, providing low-latency, high-reliability communication even when satellite connectivity is limited.
Recommended Hardware Configuration
5GHz WiFi 6/6E directional antennas with 30° beam width, mounted at corners of the triangular structure to maintain line-of-sight with neighbors.
Dual-band router running mesh firmware (OpenWRT, DD-WRT) with multiple Ethernet ports for connecting directional antennas.
5GHz omnidirectional antenna for communication with seasteads not in direct line-of-sight or during formation changes.
Optional for larger convoys or challenging conditions to extend mesh network range and reliability.
Network Performance Expectations
| Parameter | Expected Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Range between seasteads | 500m - 2km | Varies with antenna height, weather, and sea conditions |
| Data Rate | 200-800 Mbps | WiFi 6 theoretical max is 9.6 Gbps but real-world will be lower |
| Latency | < 10ms | For direct neighbor communication |
| Network Topology | Hybrid Mesh | Combination of point-to-point directional links and omnidirectional mesh |
| Total System Cost | $1,000 - $1,500 | Per seastead for complete communication setup |
Protocol Recommendation: Use a combination of standard 802.11ax (WiFi 6) for high-throughput data and LoRa (Long Range) for low-bandwidth critical command/control signals as a fallback system.
Collective Sensing & Surveillance
By combining sensor inputs from multiple seasteads at known positions, the convoy achieves capabilities similar to a phased array radar system.
Parallax Distance Calculation
When an object is sighted by cameras on multiple seasteads, the system calculates precise distance using triangulation:
- Pixel coordinates from each camera
- Precise GPS position of each seastead
- Camera orientation (pitch, roll, yaw)
- Camera lens specifications
- Distance: ±10m at 1km range
- Direction: ±1° with 3+ seasteads
- Speed: ±0.5 knots with tracking
- Real-time shared tracking database
- Historical movement patterns
- Threat assessment scoring
- Correlation with AIS data