Summary of Single-Axis PIC Controlled Solar Tracker DIY Kit
Summary: A simple single-axis solar/light tracker using stepper motors and a PIC controller is presented as a DIY science project. The author demonstrates the kit via videos and plans future software and algorithm updates. The design is modular and intended for learning and improvement; kits are available though the instructable provides ideas for independent upgrades.
Parts used in the Single-Axis PIC Controlled Solar Tracker DIY Kit:
- PIC microcontroller
- Stepper motor
- Stepper motor driver
- Light sensors (photodiodes or LDRs)
- Solar panel or light source mount
- Power supply (battery or DC source)
- Mechanical axis and mounting hardware
- PCB or prototyping board
- Connecting wires and connectors
- Enclosure or chassis
Hi All
I’m not going into as much depth with this instructable due to my current time constraints. That said, I fully plan on updating this instructable as time progresses with new algorithms and programs for optimization.
Intro:
I was messing around with some new stepper motors one day, and I decided to make a light tracker unit. It is very simple and works on only one axis. It is a neat science project. Below is a video that offers a small demonstration. The following pages will have videos on how to put it together. There is a lot of discussion about how this kit works in the videos, so if you are really interested, then pay careful attention to what I say in the videos. Below is video#1.
NOTE: While I do sell this as a kit, you can use the ideas and algorithms talked about in this instructable/video to improve upon this basic design. It was designed as a fun little science project. I will be adding software and improvements as time progresses so please be patient with me =)
For more detail: Single-Axis PIC Controlled Solar Tracker DIY Kit
- What is the project about?
It is a simple single-axis light or solar tracker using a PIC controller and a stepper motor demonstrated as a DIY kit. - Does the project use stepper motors?
Yes, the project uses stepper motors to move the tracker on one axis. - What controller is used in the kit?
The kit uses a PIC microcontroller. - Can I buy this as a kit?
Yes, the author sells this project as a kit. - Is there software or algorithms provided?
The author discusses algorithms in the videos and plans to add software and optimizations over time. - Is this project intended for learning and improvement?
Yes, it is designed as a fun science project that users can improve upon. - Does the instructable include videos?
Yes, the instructable includes videos demonstrating the tracker and how it works. - Can I modify the design?
Yes, the instructable encourages using the ideas and algorithms to improve the basic design.
