Solar_engine.jpg (1381640Bytes)
I am currently building a solar roller using a miller style solar engine. If I let the capacitor charge then attach the motor to the circiut everything works fine. But if the motor is attached it does not work. I was wondering if I had connected something wrong or if I have to disconnect the motor to let it charge? I hope this makes sense. Thank you for your help.
Lilbit
Your question has major issues.
You tell us that you are having issues, but, without being able to see what you have, we can’t really help much.
http://www.beam-online.com/Robots/Circuits/1381.html seems to show a very common version of the circuit you say you are working with. If that is the case, it doesn’t look too difficult to assemble. Once again, without some clear ideas of what you have, I doubt anyone here can help you out properly.
beam solar engine
Below is a list of the parts that I used. I attached a picture of it to my original message. If I set the solar panel in the sun then attach the motor as shown in the picture it runs fine. The issue I am having is I have to disconnect one of the motor leads to let it charge again then attach it again to make it run. If I Leave the motor attached to it while it charges nothing happens. My understanding of how it is supposed to work is once that capacitor reaches a certain level the 1381 voltage trigger releases the energy in the capacitor and the motor turns and it is supposed to continue that process without me having to detach one of the motor wires. Sorry if I am not using all the proper terms this is the first robot I am trying to build.
I hope this helps clarify my question. Thank you.
1x 37 x 33mm Solarbotics Solar Cell
1x 0.35F 2.5V Capacitor
1x 6.8µF Electrolytic Capacitor
1x 3904 Transistor
1x 1381 Voltage Trigger
1x Signal Diode
I will admit to a lack of knowledge.
I am guessing that maybe your 1381 voltage trigger is not doing its job.
PS still no pics.
Diode…the side with the
Diode…the side with the band goes to minus (black) of the solar panel!
