EcoRenovator - View Single Post

Xringer · 02-21-10, 01:30 PM

I've studied the limit-switch problem for a week and I've decided that whatever I add on to the mount is going to be subject to failure, due to sun exposure and/or winter icing.

I think the best solution is to buy an actuator with built-in adjustable limit switches. Faster and easier too.

QARL-2418 HV-18 18" Stroke 24V Motech Heavy Duty Actuators

This one has a lot of power and should be able to do the job.
Found it for $109(shipped) on ebay.. Is there a similar unit around for less?

Edit:
Feb 22, pulled the trigger on this item. Ebay is going to ruin my retirement account!!

Edit:
Feb 23.. The Actuator is in the mail (UPS).

Edit:
March 4, replacement Actuator came today. With a little tweaking, the end-limit switches operate correctly, this one is a keeper.
It came with a UPS label to return the bad one. It's ready to go.

~~
I've been looking at racking for my Solar Tracker Project and I can see that
the width (~41") of the more powerful panels is going to be a problem.
So, I might try to start off with some lower power panels and use enough
to fill the racking foot print. Which I think is going to be about 8x10 feet.

Due to the short post, the center of mass is only about 6' off the ground.

02-21-10, 01:30 PM	#4
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	I've studied the limit-switch problem for a week and I've decided that whatever I add on to the mount is going to be subject to failure, due to sun exposure and/or winter icing. I think the best solution is to buy an actuator with built-in adjustable limit switches. Faster and easier too. QARL-2418 HV-18 18" Stroke 24V Motech Heavy Duty Actuators This one has a lot of power and should be able to do the job. Found it for $109(shipped) on ebay.. Is there a similar unit around for less? Edit: Feb 22, pulled the trigger on this item. Ebay is going to ruin my retirement account!! Edit: Feb 23.. The Actuator is in the mail (UPS). Edit: March 4, replacement Actuator came today. With a little tweaking, the end-limit switches operate correctly, this one is a keeper. It came with a UPS label to return the bad one. It's ready to go. ~~ I've been looking at racking for my Solar Tracker Project and I can see that the width (~41") of the more powerful panels is going to be a problem. So, I might try to start off with some lower power panels and use enough to fill the racking foot print. Which I think is going to be about 8x10 feet. Due to the short post, the center of mass is only about 6' off the ground. Last edited by Xringer; 03-04-10 at 03:31 PM..