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Sun Tracking Machine

I designed and built this machine so I could try out my sun tracking program and be sure it worked, which it did.

I created it in Sketchup first and then brought it into the real world with my CNC. I've uploaded it to Sketchup's 3D warehouse, so you can take a closer look at how it's put together if you want. You can find it by searching the 3D warehouse for "sun tracking machine".

Note: The Sketchup model looks slightly different from the picture because I changed the design some after I took it.   

Making Your Own

I have the CAMBAM files available for download here if you have a CNC and want to make your own sun tracking machine.

I'm not sure why someone would actually want to build one for themselves seeing as how this is just a test platform, but I figured I would upload the CAMBAM files anyway just in case.

I don't have any instructions for putting it together, so you'll have to figure out where everything goes by looking at the Sketchup model.

I don't have a parts list either, but I think it should be easy enough to figure out what you need from both the pictures of and the 3D model. Because you can't see them in the pictures, I will point out that I used skateboard bearings on both the altitude axis and the azimuth axis. You can see where they go by taking apart the Sketchup model.

Improvements

The stepper motors aren't really attached in the best way. This was just a temporary set up, so I simply hooked them up in the most direct way possible. If I had rigged up some lead screws, there wouldn't be any trouble with stalling.

The azimuth axis doesn't really have a problem, but the altitude axis needs a counter balance to keep from losing steps.

Hardware

I use the controller board from HobbyCNC.com for controlling the stepper motors and a HP printer power supply I got off of EBay for powering it.

The stepper motors are just some I had lying around. I think they have 90oz of holding torque, but I can't really remember for certain. 

Software

Like I said earlier, I built this machine to test a program I wrote for tracking the sun. Putting it simply, the program outputs the sun's position as G-code. That G-code is then loaded into EMC2 which sends signals via the parallel port to the controller board which in turn controls the stepper motors which in turn keeps the stepper motors oriented toward the sun. 

Alright that wasn't putting simply. That was putting it quickly. I have a tutorial on this page where I explain how to use my program for tracking the sun. Hopefully it clarifies things a bit.

Another Use

While building this machine, I thought of another use for it besides just testing out my program. It would be possible to attach a laser pointer and have it point out where the sun will be at any time or the year.

It would probably have to be done after dark, and it would need to be a decent laser pointer, but I think it would be a good way to see which trees need to be cut down for more sun and which don't. It's something I will have to try sometime in the future.

Sun Tracking Machine Pictures

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