Tehnical support FAQ

Tehnical Support FAQ

1. The position of the panels does not appear to be perpendicular to the sun.

Have you done the H/V alignment after mounting the tracker? If not, please refer to the instructions manual for guidance. The next step is to set the reference for motors A and B. You may also want to sync the time with Helios Analytics once and then again after a day or two using the same computer. Allow the program to set RTC correction if prompted. If the issue persists, please contact us for further instructions.

No, it is not a problem, because the motor has an internal end-switch.

A and B motors are usually the same but that depends on the type of tracker. When the MC number on the label of the actuators is the same, they can be used indistinctively.

The OG+ tracker uses a CR1225, 3V battery.

We have LoRa communication protocol modules, not Wi-Fi. We have tested Wi-Fi, but the range of those high frequencies is too short to be usable for photovoltaics. Photovoltaics present a lot of shading effects to radio frequencies, necessitating longer-range communication protocols like LoRa.

We have USB to LoRa converter boards, so you can access the positioners from your PC. One converter is needed on a PC, and you can access up to 48 wireless positioners with it.

Yes, you can use the wireless LoRa module to set the panels. The only case in which you would need to connect the positioner directly to the laptop via USB is for upgrades of the positioner.

You can use our positioners with other actuators. In that case you should have their manufacturers information for the settings.

This seems to be a mechanical problem. Please contact us for assistance.

Here are some screenshots of the connection of the positioner.

CONNECTING/DISCONNECTING fo MICRO-F positioner:

As for the parameters, this is the information you need to enter. You can find more detailed information in the Helios Analytics User Manual (UM) and in the PDFs attached.

1. Connect the MICRO-F positioner as shown above.
2. Enter coordinates in Helios Analytics
3. Sync time and check that it is correct
4. Check Daylight saving time and time zone settings
5. Do Reference for motors A and B
6. Perform H/V alignment, following instructions in the UM, p.8
7. Bind SIGMA and/or LoRa. See SIGMA and/or LoRa instructions manual (pdf)
8. Wind sensor settings: determine the desired wind threshold and make sure the option IN USE is selected.

Under the “Advanced” tab in Helios Analytics, find the “Night position” for Motors A and B.
The values you need to enter are Motor A : 0° Motor B: 90°

After you enter the values, please press ENTER for the values to be saved.

After you enter the values, please press ENTER fort he values to be saved.

You can download the Helios Analytics software at this link:
https://solar-motors.com/tehnical-support/software-helios-analytics/?v=ce774d9cab3a

 

You can use Loctite glue 29053 50mL for fixing the thread against loosening.

We recommend Lubricant OMV SIGNUM AX1 400g (packed in a bag) or lubricant grease LUKOIL SIGNUM AX1 50kg DIN 51825 – KP 1 R-30 -30*C/+190*C water resistant, multipurpose.

Please refer to our Maintenance manual: Maintenance of liner motors SM4M3

i. By entering the destination manually, the tracker should reach the desired minimum position.
ii. Copy this position (from the Position window) to Settings > Advanced > Min range.
iii. Thus, the panels will not go below the manually determined position.

Our module uses LoRa spread spectrum modulation, with receive sensitivity as low as -141 dBm .

We have tested Wi-Fi, but the range of those high frequencies is too short to be usable for photovoltaics. Photovoltaics present a lot of shading effects to radio frequencies and therefore need a longer range communication protocol like LoRa.

If you place a LoRa module on the controllers of the trackers, they communicate wirelessly with the converter board, so you can access the positioners from your PC. One Converter is needed (connected via USB to the PC) and you can access up to 48 wireless positioners.

You can use the wireless LoRa module to set the panels. The only case in which you would need to connect the positioner directly to the laptop via USB is for upgrades of the positioner. The programme that we use is Helios Analytics, which you can download here:
Helios Analytics Software

In the Advanced tab, update the coordinate mode for Motor A from 3 to 5, and for Motor B, change the coordinate mode from 4 to 6.

In the Options tab, ensure ‘Heliostat use’ is selected with a precision of 0.1º.

Additionally, include the necessary targets and corresponding time periods for operation in the Advanced tab.

You can find further instructions for setting the target in the User Manual for Helios Analytics (p.13-15). Download it along with Helios Analytics here:
Helios Analytics Software

First, place the wireless modules on the positioners. Then, connect each positioner to the laptop with Helios Analytics installed to establish an ID for each positioner. When you connect the first positioner, go to the Advanced tab in Helios and insert the RS485 ID, for example, 1 (see image below). Repeat this for the second tracker, giving it a different ID, for example, 2. Always press ENTER to save your choice.

Now they are ready to work wirelessly.
You can find more information in the USER MANUAL that was downloaded together with the software bundle.

You are correct that calibration is very important. There are three main aspects to it:

The pole needs to be in an accurate vertical position. Check using a water level.
The Heliostat needs to be facing south. Since compasses are not always 100% accurate, we suggest you do the following:

a. Set the Heliostat to work as a tracker so that it follows the sun.
b. Ensure that the sun is shining perpendicularly on the mirrors. You can do this by placing a cylindrical object with a flat base on the mirror and checking that there is no shadow, indicating it is perpendicular. If there is a shadow, adjust the position of the Heliostat until it is correct.
c. Perform the H/V alignment as per the instructions in the manual, then return to Heliostat use.

You should operate the E-W buttons manually. For automatic tracking, you need our Helios Analytics program, which you can download from our website here: Helios Analytics Software.

Unzip and run helios_analytics.exe or create a shortcut to the desktop (do not copy the file). Connect with a USB-B cable and wait for Windows to install the drivers. Then press ‘Connect’ to get the data from the solar tracker.

Check if the 12V power is connected. Use a voltmeter to ensure the voltage is correct. If the voltage is too high or too low, it won’t work.

If you need support via remote desktop over teamviewer.com, let us know the time, ID, and password.

We are pleased to inform you that there is now a new Helios and Micro-F (version 8029) update on the website, which supports the function of using an external switch to send the tracker to wind mode. Here is the link: Helios Analytics Software.

The switch must be connected between the END_SW-HIGH_B input and 0V (GND).

This is for Micro-F only. The function must be selected in Helios.

When motor A is blocked, what you need to do is first press “Clear errors”, and then “Do reference A”. This should solve the issue.

It could be that the electronics are broken. But most of the time, it is that Windows is not updated with security and custom updates. So, connect the electronics to the PC via USB and run Windows security and custom updates. Then it should work.

Under the Advanced tab in Helios, change the value for RTC correction to 0 and press ENTER.
After that, sync time and wait for a couple of hours. Then sync time again and the system will have made the necessary corrections itself.

This is how the converters must be connected for wireless communication with a Micro-D positioner:

From left to right:
1. TIV36D Micro-D positioner
2. Wireless Slave converter, connected to the positioner through RS485
3. Wireless Master converter, connected to the computer through a USB cable.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.