Sensors Board Module for Dual or Single Axis Solar Panel Sun Tracker Controller Board for DIY Projects

1. Introduction

Sensors Module Features

1. Support Dual or Single Controller Board.

2. ADD ON as a plug in for BONLAF sun tracking controllers either new or existing projects

3. Small form factor to ease installation

4. Protects the controller PCB/PCBA and its components from direct sun ultraviolet or infrared longevity impact

5. Compatible with BONLAF controller boards, but can support any other linear controllers

6. Can be used with microcontrollers, e.g. Arduino

7. Small form factor to fit to a smaller box/case/jar 33mm x 33mm , 1.3in x 1.3in

8. Easy Installation, just solder wires to the controller board instead of the on board LEDs follow on PCBA instructions

8. Compatible with DIY linear controller boards

The Sensors Board Module (SBM) is an input from actual field feedback from variety of solar panel sun tracking projects

The module was design as a stand alone module that can be added easily to new or existing projects. It help to reduces the need for large dome box/case (i.e. harder to find, expensive price or no availability) for the controller board. Instead use the SBM that has a very small form factor which has the advantage of its tiny size so it fits to relatively very small box/jar and provide cheap protection from the outdoor elements. The SBM was tested with up to 2.4meters (~8 feet) shielded cable with 8 wires. The shield of the cable is connected to the ground (Power (-)) in one end and to the jar metal cover at the second end for optimal performance, see wiring diagram picture drawing. In the attached picture one can see an installation example using a small honey glass jar that can be found in any household or any grocery shops

Solar Panel Sunlight Tracker Controller advance technology, SMD low profile components, small size, with double heat sink, solid state high power MOSFETs. Required for hobbies, DIY projects, sunlight tracking, high quality etc... I'm using one from my own design at my garden, see pictures and movie clip.

I designed and fabricated this Sun tracking controller as a lesson learnt from my Solar Panel DIY project. I used controller for dual axis that I purchased on line, two of them actually stopped operating after several months mainly due to overheating causing the leads to "melt". I selected a comparator chip for extended temperature and made the PCB covered with white solder mask that should reduce a little bit the internal heat due to direct sunlight. I'm offering the controller with relatively comfortable price to the benefit of DIY hobbyists like me.

The design has two flavors, single axis or dual axis, i.e. one board with single sun tracking to control East/West or North/South and one with double axis to control West/East and North/South.

The sun tracker controller is supporting the most common application of 12VDC +/-20% from a battery, or any other power supply source.

The controller uses H-Bridge that drives the motor in either direction, i.e. clockwise/anticlockwise, left/right or up/down according to the sun location.  The controller does not repositions for the morning automatically at night, it uses the LED's field of view so that in the morning the east sensor will drive the motor and reposition to point of the morning sun as long as the sun is visible to the controller. The design can work with only one LED, I put two LEDs for each compass direction to allow more flexible field of view since these LEDs have narrow angle field of view. Using the LEDs one can catch more field of view, i.e. skew lightly the LEDs such that each LED will cover more angle, this will ensure smoother operation.

Please visit my YouTube Channel to see it working, URL: https://youtu.be/RAvhrnqHW3M

You may like my other listing:

DIY Tiny Metal Detector 1"/25mm x 1"/25mm: https://www.ebay.com/itm/332836214831

DIY Proto Breadboard PCB White or Yellow: https://www.ebay.com/itm/333234608146 

DIY Proto Breadboard PCB with Proto Build of H-Bridge Project: https://youtu.be/YdZrKbVN09c

2. SBM Parameter

3. Application

The applications for the controller are a matter of how wild or creative you are J

4. Instructions

Please follow up wiring pinout attached in the pictures list for safe installation

5. Power Source

The Sun Tracking Controller is powered by using DC 12V +/-20%. The voltage source can be for example a car battery, Power Supply, an array of batteries etc

6. What in the Box

1.   Kit of Sensors Board Module not assembled

2. The Kit Bag includes

* Single Axis: 4x LEDs, 2x Headers Connector, 1x PCB

* Dual Axis: 8x LEDs, 4x Headers Connector, 1x PCB

 3. The Kit does not include the honey glass jar

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