April 09, 2014

SOLARbot - the 2-Axis Solar Tracking Robot

After a power blackout at home, and being ill-prepared for the resulting outage Jay Doscher has created a robotic device that uses some clever code to rotate a solar panel to track the sun through an entire day. This is possible by mounting the panel on a two-axis controller which allows for rotation and tilt, making the most out of the charging system. 

The position of the sun is calculated using data from a digital compass and GPS receiver, and lends itself to all sorts of solar-powered devices  - allowing maximum efficiency from expensive panels. 

For some interesting notes about the project and links to the required sketches, visit Jay's website. And for more, we're on facebookGoogle+, and twitter - so follow us for news and product updates as well.

 If you're looking into starting with Arduino and robotics, such as controlling a stepper motor (or DC motors) from your Arduino or compatible, check out our new HBRIDGE: DC/stepper motor shield. Based around the powerful Allegro A4954 H-bridge driver IC you can control two DC motors with complete ease, or one bipolar stepper motor. With connections for external power management, a complete beginners' guide and documentation - motor control couldn't be any easier. For more information and to order, visit the HBRIDGE: page

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