12V HP Tracker
This is a high power version of my regular 12V solar tracker. This functions exactly the same as my regular tracker, but will handle twice the current. I have tested these continuously at 10A with no issues at all. If you need even more than 10A from your tracker, you can always purchase my relay module, which will handle up to 30 amperes. This will easily run a high power actuator for your solar tracker. These boards have a user replaceable fuse, and provisions for use of the remote sensor I also sell. If you are running these near their power limit, you will need to insure proper airflow over the board.
This solar tracking controller will drive a motor to position anything you want to follow the sun on a single axis. It can be used to position solar cells, a reflector to heat water, or anything else. Most people use these for photo-voltaic arrays, but some customers also use them for thermal reflectors, or even solar ovens.
The controller is mounted on the object to be steered with the sensors positioned along the rotational axis. Using most any D.C. motor up to a maximum of 12 VDC @ 10 amps, it can easily cause a solar collector, reflector or array to follow the sun through a single axis. Motors suitable for this system can move quite large loads as long as proper gearing or lead screws are used. The controller uses a differential sensing approach and can drive the motor in either direction. This and all my trackers will track the sun within 5 degrees, and they do not chase clouds.
There is no "reposition for the morning" electronics, but I intentionally used sensors with a wide field of view. In the morning the "east" sensor will trip and the controller will position to point at the morning sun.
This controller will work with 12V motors, solar panels, and batteries. Actually, they will work with any voltage from about 8V to around 18V. You should not exceed 20V with these. You will need to mount this under glass or plastic to protect it from the weather. A glass or plastic jar upside down works pretty good. You can also purchase my remote sensors, and mount this board out of the weather as well.
Two of these can be connected to make a two axis tracker. For a two axis configuration, you will need two control boards, and if you want remote sensing, two remote sensors.
Wiring instructions, installation instructions, and troubleshooting instructions are included. You should use limit switches in your design unless what you are controlling is free to move in a full circle, or they are built into your actuators. Here is a good link on how to wire limit switches:
http://www.sbesolartech.com/limit_switch_wiring.jpg
The controller has enough hysteresis built-in to the design so that it does not oscillate and positions the device smoothly. This controller can also be used to steer any device along a single axis to follow a light source.
Note that this controller is tuned for sunlight, I use a 3 watt LED light to test it with. If you are planning on using this for something other than tracking the sun, please let me know and I can adjust the sensitivity of your board.
Solid state, no relays to wear out. Controller has indicator LED's to let your know when the sensors have tripped.
These can easily be wired for manual tracking with a couple of switches. I will include instructions on how to do this with your purchase.
Please note that I will soon have these that run on 24V and 36V.