Dual Axis Solar Control
Is help available here to write a program to track/follow the sun? I know what I want but, don't know the language. For starters:
I purchased an Arduino Uno board with Atmel-Amega328P Microprocessor-I think it will do what I want.
Six analog sensor inputs+1…the 1 is GPS Real Time Clock; the 6 are Infrared (IR) sensors.
A0-A5 inputs use “IF” HIGH, or LOW…”THEN” on output pins 2-7 HIGH, or LOW. For ease of keeping track: A2 in, Out2, A3 in, Out3, A4 in, Out4, A5 in, Out5, A1 in, Out6, A0 in, Out7. These outputs are timed at HIGH at 152 thousand’s (.0152) of a second, and LOW at 848 thousand’s (.0848) of a second, i.e. just a small amount of each second. This is repeated over, and over, repeatedly!
The outputs, Out6 and Out7 also, are timed at HIGH at 152 thousand’s (.0152) of a second, and LOW at 848 thousand’s (.0848) of a second, i.e. just a small amount of each second. This is repeated over, and over, repeatedly!
If any questions, just ask.
Jack
Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
Please read the first post in any forum entitled how to use this forum.
http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php/topic,148850.0.html
I know what I want but, don't know the language. For starters:
Do you want someone to write your code or do you want to learn to code?
Why 6 IR sensors?
What motors are you using to drive the two axis?
What are you using to power and control the two motors?
Is a RTC really necessary?
Can you tell us your electronics, programming, Arduino, hardware experience?
Thanks.. Tom... 
Tom, thank you for your response. I spent my adult life in Silicon Valley; and, I’m aware only and, too old, don’t want to learn the programming, just want to get the product to market.
It might be similar to projects 08 and, 09 in the Arduino book. (hourglass and motor control); the two axis control is for 24 volt DC, bidirectional motors, one for altitude and one for azimuth.
Several models will actually be needed but, I just want to get a ‘light duty’ model to market.
My invention can be installed anywhere in the world, that’s the reason for GPS. The IR sensors are to supplement control. This control can literally control by time alone but, if not, then the sensors come into play. Think of a clock face; 5 sensors, 1 each for 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock; the 5th sensor is what I call the face sensor, located in the center.
When a sunbeam enters through an orifice and travels over a void and is only on the center sensor, it is looking at the center of the sun and is on control. When the sun moves, the beam exits the orifice at an angle and, lands on a side sensor, that energizes its respectful motor to remove the light beam back to center.
I would very much enjoy working with you to perfect the program.
Warm regards,
Jack
As a starting point, try Google: "Arduino Solar Tracker". I got over 400,000 hits and I'm sure some of them will be very informative.
don't want to learn the programming, just want to get the product to market.
You can post in the "Gigs and Collaborations" section of the forum, and possibly hire a programmer.
Thanks to all; would you believe?
Bing: 14.3M hits; Google: 1.5M hits; what a start? >
I will be having lots of fun with this lead.
Re: “You can post in the "Gigs and Collaborations" section of the forum, and possibly hire a programmer.”
My funds are depleted, I cannot hire anybody! (Would this be double posting?)
Indiegogo and Arrow Electronics teamed up to help people like me. I am working with them to get my control “CERTIFIED”; if, and when that happens, I will try raising funds on Indiegogo, hopefully real soon.
Watch for it!