Hi

I hope you would be able to help!

I am working on a solar tracker and being a mechanical student I am really struggling with the electronics behind it, unfortunately!

All I am trying to do is run two DC motors (since it is a dual axis tracker) with 4 sensors (2 per motor).

I am trying to simulate the circuit (for single motor/2 sensors) on http://www.cdselectronics.com/Kits/SolarTracker.htm with NI Multisim till no avail. Dual OP-AMP (LM1485) is required in the circuit but I am not able to find this specific component on Multisim's database and hence used MC1458CG (Motorola equivalent). For LDR's and trimpots (rheostat) I have used variable resistors (Potentiometers in Multisim). Please advise me should I am wrong!

I am attaching a few screen shots. Please advise! Thanks.

PCB:- pic1.jpg
Schematic:- pic2.jpg
E-PCB (soldering purpose):- pic3.jpg
Bill of Material; Transistor:- pic4.jpg
Schematic on NI Multisim Software:- pic5.jpg

Any piece of advice would be highly appreciated!

 

If you want to simulate the current through the motor then add a resistor equivalent to the resistance of the motor in series to the multimeter.

If you dont have the resistance value you may assume some 20 ohms.

When motor changes direction the polarity of the current reverses.

 

Hi edgetrigger,

thanks for your reply but the problem was something else and that I have resolved myself. If you see closely the connections I have made on the potentiometer are incorrect.

regards

 

sorry guys can anyone tell me why those specific resistances are used in this case ?