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Introduction

Note: This program has been replaced by the Sun Tracker program. Someone might still find it useful though, so I'm leaving it up.

This program is written in Ruby and is able to output the position of the sun every minute for the rest of the year as G-code. The G-code is then loaded into EMC2 and used to keep two stepper motors oriented toward the sun.  

It may sound complicated to the uninitiated, but it's totally doable. 
I'll go through it step by step so you can try it for yourself if you want.

Fair Warning

There is already a disclaimer included with the program when you download it which waves any responsibility on my part for damages. Make sure you read it. It's inside the .txt file named license.

I would like to add though that this program is only in it's beginning stages, and that I've only just started to learn computer programming and haven't a clue what I'm doing.

I won't guarantee that the program will work because I haven't had the chance to test it extensively. There is a slight possibility that it will calculate the position of the sun incorrectly in certain parts of the world or at certain times of the year or day.

Please don't use this with any sort of expensive equipment or with any dangerous device that could cause harm to humans without taking the proper precautions. This program is only meant for the adventurist hobbyist who is willing to put up with a few bugs.  

Technical Support (sort of)

If you have a problem with the program, you can tell me about it on the forum so I can try and fix it. It may take me awhile though because I might be busy. If you don't feel like signing up for the forums, you can also just leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Registration isn't necessary for doing so. 

Contribute

If you're into computer programming,  feel free to modify this program to suite your own needs. Also, if you make a modification and want to share, you can post it on the forums so others can benefit.

Sources

There were two books in particular that were very handy while writing this program: Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus and Practical Astronomy with your Calculator by Peter Duffett-Smith. Only two algorithms actually come from Duffett-Smith's book, but it has the advantage in that it is the easier of the two to understand.

I left comments in the program which give the book and page number that each algorithm comes from to make it easier to follow along. Here are the Amazon links so you can check the books out for yourself.

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