the Otherpower.com Discussion Board || Comments Tracker on the cheap, part 2.

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Tracker on the cheap, part 2. | 15 comments (15 topical, editorial)

Followup (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by Volvo farmer on Sun Jul 9th, 2006 at 07:23:36 PM MST
(User Info)

Well, I cured my problem today. After reading more closely about this tracker circuit, it appears it works from anywhere from 10-44 volts. I needed more oomph to get the motor to move when it was near the limits. Well, I just re-wired from 12V to 24V with a couple small SLA batteries I had laying around and it works like a charm now, plenty of power to move the motor. Hehe, it's about an hour before dark, the clouds have gone away, and I'm still getting over 300W out of my panels. Those two Harbor Freight 1.5W panels I bought last month are going to come in handy for keeping these batteries topped off.

Volvo Farmer

May you always have success in your quest to irritate those who you despise. -Ben Goode

Re: Followup (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by iFred (ifred2006@yahoo.com) on Sun Jul 9th, 2006 at 10:05:51 PM MST
(User Info)

I agree, there is nothing like watching it get close to 7 or 8 pm the sun goin down and still pumping a couple hunderd watts out of panels.. pretty cool! I run full load all day and charge my batts at the same time. Each afternoon, my batts are fully charged to 14vdc. Nice! what kind of batts are you charging volvo farmer?
I have 8xL16
>> all energy used to produce this comment or post came from solar and wind energy! It works!
[ Parent ]

Re: Followup (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by ghurd on Tue Jul 11th, 2006 at 12:26:43 AM MST
(User Info)

Seal up the 1.5W HF PVs. They die quick in the weather. 2 to 12 months.
We moved the most recent pair inside against the window!
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Followup (3.00 / 0) (#12)
by Volvo farmer on Tue Jul 11th, 2006 at 06:29:53 AM MST
(User Info)

Thanks, The paper in the box also said to seal them up for outside use. Clear silicone already applied.

Volvo Farmer

May you always have success in your quest to irritate those who you despise. -Ben Goode
[ Parent ]

Tracker on the cheap, part 2. | 15 comments (15 topical, 0 editorial)

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