I like this idea, I have been off grid on solar for 12 years in south west Texas. I am also just getting into small board computers. will be looking for other videos on your ideas in these areas. Keep up the good work.

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+Ronald Nelson Thanks, Thanks for watching.

Pretty cool! We're thinking of making something similar to this on our School Bus to Tiny Home On Wheels conversion. Thanks for the inspiration! - Brian + Erin

I really like the way you made linear actuator. Nice job bro !

@briankuhn7396

3 жыл бұрын

Drill motors are the simplest, and most reliable, way to create a screw drive linear actuator.. IMO. I’ve also used a stepper motor from an old 3D printer simply because I had everything needed to control it with an Arduino. I ended up replacing the stepper motor about once a month...

Thanks for sharing Aceman - been reinventing the wheel till I saw your video. Hope you don't mind it I make use of your ideas for my own tracker. Be really glad of a copy of the Arduino sketch too. Best regards from the other side of the Atlantic.Peter.

Show!!!! Muito bom!!!! parabéns excelente trabalho!!!!!!

lovely demonstration. Thasnks. It is a good effort.

This tracker from your old project answered a lot of my questions and inspired my to buy a stick welder to fabricate parts like your swivels and privets! Now this upgrade is awesome, I too just started Arduino so once again brother I'm inspired!!! Thanks for sharing!!👍👍

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. I am glad you liked the project.

@shonalex

6 жыл бұрын

I'm inspired too. I'm definitely getting into this Arduino thing. Could a raspberry pi do the same thing easily?

Your scheme of moving the panel through the day on a timed system, rather than tracking the sun with photo sensors, is a much better idea :) Well done

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks. It has been working great for the past 3 years.

@ghostrider7752

7 жыл бұрын

how is this a better than using sensors?

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

Its easier to setup than a sensor system. You have to program delays in to your sensors to keep it from hunting for the sun every time a cloud goes by. And depending on how cloudy a day the tracker has to hunt the sun when the sun does appear. With a timer the panel will already be in the exact position when a cloud passes. Also less things to go wrong sensors can go bad or get dirty. For me using a timer has been working with no problems for 3 years.

@zenzen9131

7 жыл бұрын

In my mind the simpler something is then the more I like it. The sun is directly south at noon more or less wherever you are so if you arrange for your timer to have the panels in that position at 12 then the job is done :) The declination angle can be fixed depending on your latitude with say 3 major manual settings: winter, spring/fall, and summer.

@nicolasjanvier8374

7 жыл бұрын

maya calendar already know where sun is !

Clever idea with the reset. That has always been a problem with trackers at the end of the day. Good job!

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Have you had a chance to play with Arduino's? They can do so much and use so little power.

@CedarworkshopNet

8 жыл бұрын

No, not yet. Do you need a PC to program/scripts? I'm running a Mac.

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

Its all open source. There should be a version for using Mac.

@mikenonya1955

6 жыл бұрын

there is a mac version, I run it

Very nice project. I'll probably be doing the same.

I like how you designed your system. I will need to find the code that you use but I'm sure I can figure it out. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

Nice build

Beautiful; the spacers are brilliant. You got me a bit lost on the numbers. Probably lack of experience with the Arduino on my side .

I admire your work and way of thinking

@Aceman307

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

successful projects. congratulations.

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+everything your life Thanks

Nice and weldone job Sir

Thank you. Good ideas.

Fantastic. Amazing,

Nice job

Hi Aceman, i like the tracker you made, good job. mechanical is not the problem for me but electric is. i am a absolute nono in that part. are you willing to share a scheme of the electric building and parts that you used in this project. you'd make me (and i think other guys too) very happy. thanks in advance, joep - the hague the netherlands.

I finally see a bit more on the setup just need your mod for the Arduino if you dont mind, this if a fantastic project!!!! Great job!!!!

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks the Arduino are all off the self hardware you will need to make the other solenoid box to be able to change the direction of the electric actuator unless you are able to get a 12 volt ready to use actuator. Check out these 2 other videos kzread.info/dash/bejne/eaeCpdxyZ9PRndo.html and kzread.info/dash/bejne/lnypscODacnMaag.html

@wayneseymour1

8 жыл бұрын

Hi Aceman307: I have another question about your tracking project, the springs used what type were they and where did you source them. I leaning towards purchasing a linear actuator so what length do you recommend. Thanks for your help

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

I bought these springs at the hardware store. 1 inch wide and about 8 inches long.You could use something close it does not have to be exact.

Excellent.!

amazing project!!! By the way how much is the additional cost for this solar tracker and by how much is the efficiency of your solar power system has increased?

Smart, all the way around.

Hi, thank you for sharing your preciuous work. May I ask you why you have choosed to use two DPDT relays instead of one? The west one makes motor spin to the west then limit switch will cut off the power and then activates the second relay to spin the motor to the easst- initial position of solar panel? It would be very helpfull if you can explain. Thank you

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

When working with DC voltage You have to completely disconnect the positive and negative to be able to reverse them and operate the motor in the opposite direction. Thats why I used two separate relays. Both are off all the time only activating when needed.

halo! nice to see your videos! may i ask u some question? can u explain how can solar panel detect sunlight so that it can follow the direction of sunlight?

Nice -- love your projects - so how much less power are you using compared to the laptop? Thx for sharing. Cheers, Patrick

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+PATRICK MCKOWEN Well the Laptop was using about 40 watts 24/7. This Arduino uses about 2 watts 6 hours a day and for the other 18 hours it is turned off. You would have to include the two timers and I guess maybe a watt or two for each 24/7. Its not exactly apples to apples in comparison. The computer was running a few other things that I am not running now.

IT WAS VERY NICE TO SEE THE COMPLETE WORKING PROJECT. I AM VERY INSPIRED BY YOU. CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME THE ELECTRICAL SCHEME.

You guy are awesome!!

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

Спасибо!!

@user-es7pj8bk6h

7 жыл бұрын

Aceman307 ты говоришь по-русски?!

Nice build. I want to build a dual axis tracker based upon your build. Can you provide more detail on your single axis tracker? The link provided for the control box is for the laptop version, not the arduino version.

Thanks for all the sharing I've seen some of your videos great job. You seem to have used the arduino as a simple on/off timer 12 times a day is that correct? I was going to use a basic in house timer that can be timed to on down to 1 second, many times a day, this way I would find the appropriate timing. I want to get into using arduino and I might do so as I see thousands of uses (aquaponics automation) etc, and get used to it. How reliable has it been so far for you? Thanks again!

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. Yes I am using it as a timer I had used another software to run the system but the PC was using way to much power compared with the Arduino. To get the tracker to track more exact I have it turn the actuator on for 1 second about 12 separate times a day. It has been incredible reliable I think by accident I found the best way to run the Arduino. By turning it off every day and then back on there are no issues with power outages or the system getting out of sync by running 24/7. Everything resets and works for the next day.

Greetings. How do you call these springs? su protizavažove? where to buy? How is their length proposed? Thank you beautifully for your reply. Your project is perfect.

I'm impressed, I want to build one with my Basic Stamp Board. Anyway going to give it a try. Are there relays that power 120 volt motors ?

@ladyqonimvu8604

7 жыл бұрын

jerry yes there are .. check out www.watt-tracker.com/

Fantastic! When You modify your project, and run dual axis, to harness the other twenty to thirty percent of the available PV power, you will have matched, the genius of the the gazillion dollar solar industry standard, at that point, I and others alike will start design/Building, our own systems based on your , awesome DIY project. Thank you Aceman. Rock on!

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

@dmo7815

6 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/X5pqqNahobPdn8o.html ----Dual axis project

Ace, that was super! I have a question, have you consider a wind speed sensor, so that if it detects a preset wind speed, it will immediately lower the panel to a stationery flat position? and how would one do it, any thoughts?

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

The wind never gets that strong where I live but it would be pretty easy to program the Arduino to make that happen .Thanks for the comment.

Sweet tracker dude. I made a small scale mockup of a tracker system myself and was wondering how well it performs in real life. Did you measure any power consumption and generation versus a stationary system? I'd be very curious to know the numbers. Cheers.

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I have not done any real testing on my system. Studies have been done showing an increase on trackers as much as 20 % more than stationary installations.

very nice build! please say more about the springs. why use them, how's the tension balanced at mid leveled point? any fancy math on panel moment and spring loads?

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

The springs help neutral out the weight of the panels as they track from one side to the other. The springs also help with wind vibration . No math just some springs that looked big enough at the hardware store. If you have more panels you would add more springs. If the actuator is not hooked up the springs just keep the panels from falling over to one side. I hope this helps Thanks for watching

In my idea use ldr to control the power for arduino not the manual timer , it automatically power the arduino when daytime

Nice wiring you have there but your software part needs some improvements these delays are not very efficient. You could use a ds3231 for keeping time of the motion and with this way you could use sleep functions for better power consumption.

Do you have the schematic circuit and the program for arduino uno to share? .I have to build it, I only need the circuit diagram of the relays and the photoresistors. Thanks a lot

pretty nifty

One thing I learned about recently was the use of libraries in Arduino programs. The code will say "include blanketyblank.h" and doesn't really tell you how to do that. Have you figured that out yet ? I did just recently.

Nice..

really well built solar tracker. can you please tell me what kind of motor did you use? and also how is power transmitted from motor to the shaft? thanks alot

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

In this video I show how to build everything. Thanks for watching. kzread.info/dash/bejne/eqKrttOxXay0ldY.html

@basitsh5065

7 жыл бұрын

thanks alot (y)

Very clear videos, Aceman307. One thing: Have you published a schematic for this latest update on the tracker using the Arduino? Jack K

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

Sorry I dont have a schematic. If you pause the video you can copy the sketch.

Awesome! Was told years ago that solar tracking is an area that needs a better mouse trap. Looks like you have done so. A believer in less is more and simplicity is awesome as well, could a loaded spring be use instead? Tracking the sun during the day via the DC solar power and "charging" the spring at the same time. Then at the end of the day the spring is released and the solar panel is sent back to the AM position. Then only solar power is consumed. Has anything like this been tried?

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the video. You could try the spring idea . The motor I use uses so little power from the solar panels I dont think its a problem. The only problem I had was the computer using too much power. Thanks for watching

+Aceman307 Thank you for sharing this amazing tracker. What solar algorythm are you using?

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+Fernando Romera Time

Could you make the arduino sketch available, please?

How this conection & where get all equipments in online

I have a project in mind but the first question is how much power does the Ardiuno and tracker use it self ? Then I can figure out how bit a panel i need to run my whol project.

@Aceman307

4 жыл бұрын

Very little the arduino digispark uses about 1mA at 5volts constant. And the motor uses 12volts at about 3amps for a total of about 26 seconds. Thats 1/2 second 12 times during the day and about 20 seconds to return to the east at night.

Sir is there some video which shows connections for SPD and inverter???

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

Yes kzread.info?o=U&video_id=dHuOaJ9ff9E and kzread.info?o=U&video_id=vXLIAEKDnPI

CAN WE USE SOLAR TRACKER WITHOUT SOLAR TRACKING ALGORITHM. CAN WE DO IT MECHANICALLY

Are you using brushless DC motors? If not, what motors (step, AC induction, etc.) are you using to power this? Thank you!

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

Check out this video it shows how I built everything. kzread.info/dash/bejne/eqKrttOxXay0ldY.html&feature=iv&src_vid=yDxCCJ1NwGs&annotation_id=video%3A2c5cfa10-66b6-452a-a264-69ce8e38aef3

Can you provide the arduino sketch, please?

Muito bom.

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+Luis Antonio Marrega Obrigado!

I see a lot of these that use timers.. what about using optical sensors that determine the best angle for the sun regardless of time?

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+DillysADV From what I have experienced Optical sensors only work well when the sun is fully visible. They have problems with clouds. Some people add a delay to the optical sensor so not to jump around when ever a cloud goes by but If you are going to have to do that you might as well run the whole tracker by time. If you have it timed right when there are clouds and the sun peeks out for just a minute the tracker does not have to re set it is already in the correct position. Plus its easier. Thanks for the comment.

@CraigMansfield

5 жыл бұрын

Aceman307 I like the fact that you made it as practical as you could, not as fancy as you could. Well done

You can simplify your code a bit by using a "for loop". Good job!

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip.

Did you use a 5v motor?

Hi there. Would it be possible to build a kit for purchase, I am in thr U.K. And see the efficiency of time tracking to be far better than sensor based here in U.K.

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

I would not be able to build a kit to sell but I think you should be able to put one of these together. If not you could buy a ready made tracker and add the timer to it. If you had questions I would be glad to help.

can we use ds1307 instead of and timer

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

You can use anything that acts as a timer .

Ace an have you ever planed to make a replica tank? Great work though

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+TheRougeClone No just the one I am working on now. I have allot of ideas on future project different from the tank but even better. Thanks for watching

hi sir did u send me circuit digram and codes for Arduino board i relly like it

🏁awesome

@Aceman307

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@DaleBasye

7 жыл бұрын

making me many solar robots , i like what you did.

I need a project report and code

simplest is the best.

can you give me the electrical schéma

Have you seen Nighthawkinlight's solution to this problem? :D

so your method is passive - pre-predicting where the sun will be at various times and then using a program to to turn the panels bit by bit according to the times planted and only on one axes. So a single axes solar tracker. I was expecting you to do a more active method whereby you use something, like one of those soler meters and then use that to capture the most sunlight irrespective of time of day and on a dual axis framework rather than single so you do all four sides - north east south and west instead of just east and west or north and south.

CAN YOU PLZ SHERE THE ARDUINO CODE ?

where do i get the code for this?

sir we want program of solar tracker

Ecuator or tropics?

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+alaricy Tropics

CAN YOU PLZ SHERE THE ARDUINO CODE PLZ ?

How much power do you win by doing this ?? does it really worth it ?

@Aceman307

5 жыл бұрын

Yes tracking the sun can increase power power 20 percent.

arduino codigo??

Very analog. A simple 4 zone light intensity sensor could just manually advance throughout the day and it could all be a simple program in arduino

My tracker tracks the sun using ldr's to detect the position of the sun.

@badwet

8 жыл бұрын

+POVadventure Can u share your project and arduino codes.i want to make ldr controlled with arduino.thx.

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+Mert Gert Just pause the video and all the codes that I used for the Arduino are there to copy. Thanks for watching

@badwet

8 жыл бұрын

+Aceman307 i want to learn ldr controlled suntracker code @#POVadventure

@TomsBackyardWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

You can see the build on my channel. The code is pretty simple. You just need to compare the average values top to bottom and left to right and direct the motors to move in the correct direction. It was built as a team Sr project so I will have to check with my team if it OK to share the code. There are similar projects on instructables that share code that would help

@badwet

8 жыл бұрын

+POVadventure i want to make single axis(east-west) ldr controlled sun tracker like Aceman project i will use dc motor if you send arduino codes my e-mail;badwet@hotmail.com thanks.

awwww what about the tank?

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

+Zipping Basher I have started working on it. I was sure that most where tired of the updates and just wanted to see it run so thats why its been awhile on the video. Thanks for watching.

@Grady_OBS

8 жыл бұрын

Aceman307 No problem. Ive been watching mostly cause of the tank.

code pleeeeease

Code arduio pleys

timer????? you may use 'sleep' in arduino (or even check daytime IN SOFTWARE!!!)..you would save a device...

goog

Can you send code Arduino for solar tracker to me? A million thank

@Aceman307

8 жыл бұрын

The code is in the video pause the video and copy it.

How did the stand hold up in storms😑

This is not the Solar Time Tracker

first

Not simplist, instead: simplest

The solar tracker is great but your welding is terrible

@rjansandland4256

5 жыл бұрын

the only terrible here is your disrespect.