STMAX: DUAL AXIS SOLAR TRACKER

This printed book is available by mail order. Ordering instructions below.

Book Cover: Build a Solar Tracker

Dual Axis Solar Tracker STMAX

Build a Solar Tracker: How to Build a Dual Axis Sun Tracking System

This book is a great way to get started learning about, and experimenting with, homebuilt solar trackers. The book "Build a Solar Tracker" describes the STMAX Project. The STMAX is a dual axis solar tracker design which uses linear actuators and a homebrew electronic controller. All aspects of the DIY project are covered: Mechanical, Electrical and Software. This tracker design uses an onboard microcontroller (Picaxe) with MEMS angle sensor technology. The project components are commercially available, per the detailed parts lists included in the book. The design includes a serial communication interface for remote monitoring and control. The basic mechanical platform (80/20) can be adapted to your payload: such as solar ovens, optical concentrators, solar electric panels, etc. The intelligent controller learns daily sun positions for fast aiming. The complete software source code for the Picaxe Microcontroller is included, which means you can adapt it for your purposes. This book explains how the various design aspects of the solar tracker work. This is an old fashioned "build it yourself" project book, offered by MTM Scientific, Inc.  We have over 20 years experience building and operating solar trackers. ISBN 978-0-9971958-0-4, 192 pages, 6"x9" paperback. 

Specifications: STMAX Two Axis Solar Tracker
Sun Tracking Motion Dual Axis (North/South & East/West)
Controller PICAXE-20X2, Programmable Instruction Controller
Payload Platform Structural Framing System (Aluminum 80/20)
Power Supply 12 VDC / 2 Amps
Maximum Payload Weight ~ 20 Pounds, Evenly Distributed
Tracking Motion Update Frequency Motion Adjustments Every 6 Minutes
Typical Tracking Accuracy +/- 10 Degrees
Motive Power Source Dual Linear Actuators, Limit Switch Protected



PRINTED BOOK: BUILD A SOLAR TRACKER (Catalog #STBOOK)
...
$14.95 with free shipping in U.S.A. Sorry: No International.

MAIL ORDERING INFORMATION 

We are a mail order company. Please send a check or money order for $14.95 to:

MTM Scientific, Inc  P.O. Box 522 Clinton, Michigan 49236

Direct any questions to [email protected]





 


Printed Circuit Board

Printed Circuit Board: PCB for "Build a Solar Tracker"

Here is the bare PCB for the project "Build a Solar Tracker". This PCB allows you to get a jump start on the dual axis solar tracker project. Although it is certainly possible to design your own PCB (using the circuit schematics and parts list in the book) this PCB lets you focus on the other parts of the project. This PCB fits nicely inside the weatherproof enclosure we suggest using in the book. Note that this PCB is designed to use regular-sized classic electronic components... There are no surface mount components. Prefer to purchase a complete kit? See the information below.

PRINTED CIRCUT BOARD (Catalog #PCB)... $19.95

ORDERING INFORMATION 

Please send a check or money order for $19.95 to:

MTM Scientific, Inc  P.O. Box 522 Clinton, Michigan 49236

Direct any questions to [email protected]




STMAX Controller Kit: Complete


STMAX Electronic Controller Kit, including PCB


Here is a kit to build the STMAX Electronic Dual Axis Solar Tracker Controller. This kit includes the electronic components (as shown) to assemble the tracker controller, including the printed circuit board. This kit is perfect for a quick start on the project in our book "Build a Solar Tracker" (See above). Our kit saves you the time and effort of finding and ordering the various project parts individually. In addition, the Picaxe microcontroller is provided pre-programmed with the solar tracker software. Please inquire by email for price and availability of this kit. Purchase and read our book to understand more about this kit! 

STMAX CONTROLLER KIT with PCB (Catalog #STMAX-KIT)... Please inquire by email




STMAX : EXAMPLE PAYLOADS

Solar Photovoltaic Panel Solar Stirling Engine PayloadSolar Cooker Oven Payload

The photos above show 3 examples of payloads for the STMAX: A Solar Panel, a Solar Stirling Engine and a Solar Oven. All of these payloads benefit from tracking the sun, and are suitable for the STMAX dual axis solar tracker.   Here is a link to a short (~10 sec) video of the Solar Stirling Engine in operation: Solar Stirling Engine Video



We are working on a new project at MTM to connect a GPS module to the STMAX dual axis solar tracker controller and platform. In this new project the GPS acquires the time, date and location... and the Picaxe-20X2 calculates the sun's position. Here is a link to the details: GPS Solar Tracker





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