Automating Odd Mechanisms

Hello

I have a question about solar tracking mechanisms.

There are basically two types of solar trackers. The first type has some sort of sensor that detects the sun, and follows it.

The second type is programmed to follow a mathematically determined path, and does not use a sensor.

The first type does not require precision motion control, the motors just respond to the commands from the sensors.

The second type does require precision motion control.

So when designing the mechanism, it occurred to me that the rotational motion of the axes needs to be proportional the the rotation of the motors.This is not necessarily the case with the first type.

I was hoping you would look at the unit in the link below, and tell me how he could be achieving precision motion control with the hinging linear actuator that he's using. Would that require an encoder on the pivot point?

www.solartronenergy.com/solarbeam/galler...concentrator-photos/

Thanks.
John

it's all to do with following the azimuth satellite path , and in the offset arc inherant in the mounting , they usualy rely on the signal strength to check alignment and an internal counter in the program
at time of setting up , and do nothing more than count pulses

andypugh wrote:

that solar concentrator would be relatively easy.

I understand. Thanks for the reply.