STMAX Dual Axis Solar

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.

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: 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 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

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