Axetracka Single Axis Wind Parking LED Solar Sensors

This info below applies to Unboxed versions. Another page will be linked from here for the boxed versions set up info when finished.
NOTE; Page is as yet incomplete.
AxeTracka Home Page     Email dave@axetracka.com
 Boxed version, link will be here when done
Unboxed dual axis wind parking sensor page link will be here when done
How to program a picaxe LINK will be here when page done

Single Axis wind-parking sensors in kit form
There will be a couple versions available; with the Vortex cup Anemometer & one with a digital on-off switch to activate the parking manually

This page is for the Anemometer triggered sensor single axis.

what does a wind parking solar sensor do?

The Sensor has the same program as normal east west sensors, however it does not park to full east at night. With wind sensors it now parks at the midday position, or either side of midday position, depending where you set the tilt sensors for it to park in high wind.
As most of you know, and experience, we usually have one direction from which the high wind is most likely to come from, so set your tilt sensors so it parks the tracker facing that direction on a slight angle. The idea being to make wind go over the panels, not under them where the wind can gather force and lift the panels.. This will then be where it parks at night, until sunrise the next morning. This way if wind comes up at night the tracker is already in the wind position. It will then return to east around 15-20 minutes after sunrise to resume tracking again.

At what speed does auto-park kick in..?

I will be setting the trigger at aprox 40KPH,
it will take around 4 seconds of constant 40k wind to trigger the sensor into parking mode; this should stop the odd gust forcing a park when not really needed.
Once parked the sensor will fall into a 30minute sleep cycle, after which it will first check to see if the wind has dropped below 40kPH before starting to track again. If the wind is still at or above 40K it will resume another 30 minute sleep cycle. and so on, until wind has gone below 40kph.

Programming the Picaxe

Can you alter the trigger speed..?
YES; but only via programming the chip. The sensor uses a Pulse from the Vortex Anemometer to read wind speed, at a rate of 1 pulse per second equals 2.5mph, so ten pulses per second would = 25mph.
The sensor has programming pins fitted for direct on-board downloading if desired, or the chip can be removed for downloading via a 14pin picaxe pcb or even on a breadboard.
The picaxe programming editor is a free download from picaxe . .
Once you have downloaded the editor from Picaxe, you will find it comes with 3 very comprehensive help files in PDF form. read in the first file called "file #1 getting started" about how to make a serial download cable and it even has a diagram on setting up the download pcb or breadboard for downloading to the 14M.
To understand the use of PortC on the 14m read Appendix C page 79. This will save you tormenting me as much.

The chip used for the east west wind parking solar sensor is the 14M. An amazing little 14pin PIC which allows us to change some of its output pins into input pins by using the portC pin# command on 3 output pins. in all I have used 9 pins for input and only two as outputs. One input pin is spare, for the adventurous.
A schematic will be made available on this page in coming days.
The program with comments will be made available to buyers of the windpark sensor upon request.
if you want a spare 14m just in case, just ask and for a few dollars one can be included. or, go to microzed the official Australian distributor for picaxe, and get a spare 14m and you may also need the usb or serial port download cable. MicroZed

The Vortex Anemometer

Those of you in the usa might save a few dollars if you buy the sensor kit without the vortex anemometer, then order the anemometer from inspeed.com. this is the link to the page at Inspeed
Last time I checked they were around the $55.00 USD plus post. but they seem a well made device . Even if it wears out they sell repair kits with new bushes for just $6.00 USD.

What's in the kit



NOTE; there are two versions of this kit. Kit #1 has the Vortex Anemometer included. Kit #2 has no Anemometer. Read all notes please.

Setting up the Single Axis windparking solar sensor controller



Due to international airmail regulations I am not permitted to send the Mercury tilt sensors via airmail
Therefore all international buyers will receive tin/ball sensors only. but if you can get Mercury switches locally, a spare tilt pcb will be included.
Mercury switches are much more reliable then tin, and I would recommend you find some. Most electronics component outlets would have them for a couple dollars each.
I will be adding to this page daily as I think of what needs to be here, including schematic with better connecting diagrams etc, and on setting the tilt sensors for parking position. But be patient ok. it all takes time people. Dual axis wind parking sensor "LINK" will be here when I make the page
Boxed wind parking sensor "LINK" will be here when I make that page
Make a DIY wind trigger.
Setting the tilt sensors
This page still being built. Sensors both kit as above and boxed should be available to buy about Dec 24 /09
Also coming in mid to late January 2010, I am having sensors made up in KIT form.
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