PicoScope 7 Software
Available on Windows, Mac and Linux
High speed and high resolution. Breakthrough ADC technology switches from 8 to 16 bits in the same oscilloscope.
I tested all the tracking and data logging software routines before running the experiment outside with the real tracker hardware.I setup the equipment outside once the day began to warm. This was because I tried to setup before dawn and things began to gather dew. First I manually set the tracker to the "full East" position then, I turned on the automatic solar tracker software. There was little movement at first and the tracker locked on the sun. The whole experiment worked very well. Since I managed to find a clear day, one with very few clouds and wind, all went as expected. However, I do not know what might have happened under other conditions. There were no anomalies.
Results and answers
All photos taken by Jon Tower… Thanks Jon.
As indicated above, you will need students with electronic circuit and programming experience. It took me close to two months (part-time of course) to carry out the experiment. This is a GREAT project for a team to do. It is naturally divided up into three separate items. The first item is the electronics, the second is the mechanical panel interface, and the third item is the software. I was able to build up each item individually, then integrate all three together once each item was complete. Using LabVIEW and the DrDAQ, I was able to code much of the project without the overall project being complete.
I used a lot of simulation of hardware to test the software and its branching. Most of the items used for the experiment were donated by OASES, a local not-for-profit organization for the education enhancement of all. Please check with any local colleges or technical groups in your area to support you project as well. They are a great source of miscellaneous items and knowledge.
Open report file.<br />
Initialize RS232 port<br />
Wait 1 second
Wait_Quarter_Hour<br />
Wait for minutes to equal 00,15,30,45<br />
If minutes not equal to 00,15,30,45 then goto Wait_Quarter_Hour<br />
Else then goto Gather_Data
Gather_Data<br />
Output 00 to digital control (MOTOR = OFF,V=PANEL,CHARGE=ON 00)<br />
Wait 500 msec for relays to close.<br />
Read DrDAQ Panel Voltage multiply by 10 to scale back to proper value.<br />
Read DrDAQ External Temperature.<br />
Read DrDAQ Light. Save reading for later to determine if panel need to move<br />
Output 11 to digital control (MOTOR = OFF,V=LOAD,CHARGE=OFF 11)<br />
Wait 500 msec for relays to close.<br />
Read DrDAQ Load Voltage, multiply by 10 to scale back to proper value.
Write Data to report file.
Wait_Quarter_Hour_Over<br />
If minutes equal to 00,15,30,45 then goto Wait_Quarter_Hour_Over<br />
Else then goto Move_To_Light
Move_To_Light<br />
Output 01 to digital control MOTOR = ON,DIR= FOR,V=BATT,CHARGE=ON 01<br />
If light is less that 50, and Limit switch is OPEN then goto Move_To_Light<br />
If light is greater than 50 or Limit switch is shorted (closed) then Goto Motors_Off.
Motors_Off<br />
Output 11 to digital control MOTOR = OFF,V=LOAD,CHARGE=OFF 11
Routine_End_?<br />
If Limit switch is shorted, or Stop button is pressed, then goto End<br />
Else, goto Wait_Quarter_Hour
End.
I will email you the LabVIEW source code if you request.
Good luck and feel free to contact me for questions. robert.c.bowen@gte.net
Pico would like to thank Robert Bowen for submitting this experiment.