So, the schematic diagram in post #42, which shows the 4-way voltage divider being powered by Arduino 5V, is wrong?
Good luck with the project.
So, the schematic diagram in post #42, which shows the 4-way voltage divider being powered by Arduino 5V, is wrong?
Good luck with the project.
YES
The 6V I mentioned before came from the Servo power supply ( sorry, made mistake)
I changed it to the Arduino power supply which is 4.95V 2A , This is now as per diagram I posted before
The current readings now for are in bright sunlight at 1600 hrs NZ
lefttop-Yellow-A2 = 771 3.8V
righttop-Orange-A1 = 794 3.8V
leftdown-Green-A3 = 813 3.8V
rightdown-Blue-A0 = 792 3.5V
What are the readings if you point the sensor array about 5 degrees East of the sun?
That's pretty hard to do, the thing has a mind of it's own, It keeps pointing at the sun
Turn servo power OFF, physically point sensor directly at the sun and take readings, point sensor about 5 to 10 degrees away from sun, take another reading. What is the difference in readings?
So, it's working correctly now?
The sun is setting quite rapidly, and best to do this at noon, tomorrow, but I'll have to disassemble all. -->Is there a point to this?
Better idea?: While the tracker is pointing directly at the sun, disable the servo power and record the sensor readings. Wait 20 minutes (the sun will have moved 5 degrees), take new readings and compare to first (assuming no interference from clouds).
Object is to determine sensitivity, I still think resistors are too low.
Just disconnect 6V supply from servos.
You can learn a bit about troubleshooting this way.
The problem with the current code is that on re-powering, the servos, near instantly go to the 'start' position and than face the sun.
This rapid movement will put a large load on the servos, possibly strip some teeth or burn out, not to mention what happens to the solar panels and their mountings.
Is there a way to restrict the maximum movement to a gentler motion?
Try searching
slow motion servo arduino
Maybe take a reading first and make a servo movement function (output) that keeps accelerations low, saves motion states and works with those. Smarter code....
A BIG thanks you to all who replied with ideas and solutions.
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