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A project log for Sunchronizer S1 - Elevation Axis Solar Tracker

3D printable ESPHome based 400W Elevation Axis Solar Tracker

fabianFabian 04/22/2024 at 19:100 Comments

The current controller in the first Sunchronizer prototype is based on a prototyped schematic on a breadboard. 

Below you can see my first approach to bring this approach to a ore professional level which is supported by the guys at pcbway.com. Thanks to them I have the chance to bring my virtual design within a few days to a real working PCB.

The controller will be based on an ESP32 MCU which reads the acceleration signals from the BMI160 via I2C Bus. Additionally the GPS sensor can be connected via serial connection. 

With the PCB there is also the option to connect an OLED display, a compass module, a RTC, a SolSpot Sensor and an Anemosens wind sensor.

As motor driver a DRV8871 is used which will/must be replaced later by a bit more powerful one. This is needed because at the beginning of the lift movement the linear actuator pulls slightly more current than the max allowed 3A (of the DRV8871).

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