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video Solar tracker testing
This is the my solar tracker made from recycled parts. Uses two opposing solar cells from solar lights to drive two BC547 transistors which activate the relays, moving the motor. It will find the sun on slightly overcast days as well
I was surprised to find it's sensitive enough to return itself to the morning sun. I had been anticipating having to build some reset device, but it seems to reset itself (further testing need to confirm this is reliable, it's only been used for a few days) It's accurate to around 20 degrees, not brilliant, but it's quite simple to build. The motor is a windscreen motor.
I'm going to re-design and re build all of the wooden parts, as they're not very sturdy.
The bottom bearing point is a hub from a bike wheel.
I was surprised to find it's sensitive enough to return itself to the morning sun. I had been anticipating having to build some reset device, but it seems to reset itself (further testing need to confirm this is reliable, it's only been used for a few days) It's accurate to around 20 degrees, not brilliant, but it's quite simple to build. The motor is a windscreen motor.
I'm going to re-design and re build all of the wooden parts, as they're not very sturdy.
The bottom bearing point is a hub from a bike wheel.
On overcast days the circuit won't draw any power and the panel stays still except for one movement in the morning.
When the panel is pointing at the sun it also draws nothing, as it becomes misaligned it draws gradually increasing amount up to 30ma, then the motor comes on draw 1A for about 1 second and back to 0. It moves about once every 30 mins.
I was think it's good only for big panels or a array... But if worth even with 1 panel I thing I will try something like you did. Thanks.