Tracker control
Here is the tracker control system in its deployment configuration – the card is the same size as an Arduino Uno . Socket at left holds the Arduino Pro Mini clone (ATmega328 5V 16Mhz). Socket at right holds the A4988 Stepper Motor Driver Carrier. Single 2-pole screw terminal block, right front, connects to the HOME sensor switch. The pair of 2-pole screw terminal blocks, right rear, connect to the four leads of the stepper motor.
The 6-pin right-angle header on the nearside of the Arduino Pro Mini clone can be connected to a USB-to-Serial converter, but is only used to download programs from a PC onto the Arduino.
Note the 9 VDC battery cap. I intend to power this system from an external power tank, because I plan to add a current hungry, FET-driven, anti-dew heater controller to the empty real estate on the board. However, for the time being, what with the stepper motor being powered at a 0.8% duty cycle, I actually think I can run the tracker for several hours on a standard 9V battery.
Tracker control
Here is the tracker control system in its deployment configuration – the card is the same size as an Arduino Uno . Socket at left holds the Arduino Pro Mini clone (ATmega328 5V 16Mhz). Socket at right holds the A4988 Stepper Motor Driver Carrier. Single 2-pole screw terminal block, right front, connects to the HOME sensor switch. The pair of 2-pole screw terminal blocks, right rear, connect to the four leads of the stepper motor.
The 6-pin right-angle header on the nearside of the Arduino Pro Mini clone can be connected to a USB-to-Serial converter, but is only used to download programs from a PC onto the Arduino.
Note the 9 VDC battery cap. I intend to power this system from an external power tank, because I plan to add a current hungry, FET-driven, anti-dew heater controller to the empty real estate on the board. However, for the time being, what with the stepper motor being powered at a 0.8% duty cycle, I actually think I can run the tracker for several hours on a standard 9V battery.