Embedded Files
What to expect
We will build and program a tracker to follow the light source in this activity.
Connections
We will be angling a light source on the summer/winter solstice and the spring/fall equinox to learn how to operate the desktop tracker to follow the light source.
Materials
Light Tracker assembly kit
Servos
Screws
Screwdriver
Instructions
In this activity, we will design a desktop light tracker that moves and points to where the light is shining.
Part 1: Servo motor 2 (S2) installation
Figure 1. Baseboard Screws Installation
Lay out your wooden board that will be the base of your tracker with four screws that have a longer black end to them so the base of the desktop tracker can stand on it. Screw them onto the base of the desktop tracker, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 2. Three screws installed to support the circle board
2. Grab three screws that have a shorter black end and install them on the board with the nuts provided, as shown in Figure 2. These screws will support the circle board later.
Figure 3. Baseboard Servo Motor Orientation
3. Grab a servo and insert it in the hole from the bottom of the base. Make sure that the servo gear is facing the SUPERCHARGE logo. Label this servo as S2 so it will be easier to plug it into the driver controller board, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 4. Servo Motor Attached to the Baseboard using Two Screws
4. Screw in the servo with screws, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 5. Circle board on the Servo Motor
5. Next, place the circle board on the servo motor, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 6. Servo Arm Installation on the Circle Board
6. Install the servo arm on the circle board using two screws, as shown in Figure 6.
Part 2: Servo Motor 1 Installation
In this part, we will add the top portion of the tracker where the light sensors are placed.
Figure 7. Servo Motor (S1) Assembly
Put the servo motor in the wooden stand with the bigger hole and label it S1, as shown in Figure 7. Make sure that we are adding the servo motor with its gear and wires facing up.
Fix the servo motor using two screws.
Figure 8. Light Sensor Assembly Stands
3. Next, you will install the two wooden stands on the circle board. The first stand we will add will connect to the servo (S2), so this stand has a bigger hole, as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 9. Servo Arm Installation on the Stand
4. Insert the servo arm into the hole of the wooden stand and fix it using two screws.
Figure 10. Completed Stand Assembly
5. For the other side of the stand, you are going to screw in the stand to connect the bottom part of the stand using the nylon screw and nut provided, as shown in Figure 10. Make sure you do not screw in too tight, as this can interrupt the movement of the stand parts connection.
Part 3:
In this part, we will add the part of the board where the light sensors are installed.
Figure 11. Light Sensor Board
First, you will want to mark each part of this board and assign it to a specific part of the driver motor board. Please carefully locate the matching screw hole locations, two on top and one at the bottom, as shown in Figure 11.
P0: Top left (red)
P1: Top right (black)
P2: Bottom (White)
It is important to mark it in the assigned spots so you know where to put the wiring on the driver expansion board in the next activity (2.3.4).
Figure 12. Light Sensor Board Assembly
2. Next, install the board on the circle board, as shown in Figure 12.
Think about it
In this activity, we started to assemble our desktop light tracker.
How should it operate when the installation is done?
What is the purpose of the light tracker like this?
Can you think of the real-world application of these light trackers?
Was there anything about this activity that surprised you?
Next Time
In the next activity, we will finish assembling the desktop light tracker, coding the program, and using the tracker to find the sun's position.
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