EcoRenovator  

Go Back   EcoRenovator > Improvements > Solar Power
Advanced Search
 


Blog 60+ Home Energy Saving Tips Recent Posts Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-22-13, 05:22 PM   #11
Robaroni
Journeyman EcoRenovator
 
Robaroni's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Delhi, NY
Posts: 332
Thanks: 20
Thanked 53 Times in 40 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vern2 View Post
Rob,

My thought would be to stay with 5 panel rows. Build a single square 3" x 14' x .180"w tubing, with panel mounting hardware, between two tripods, rotating tubing on center axes, 4 times a year. I would end up building 10 of these, for 50 panels. Basically would set just where they are now.

I'll build several spindle end mounts for rotating square tubing. My new tool helps out with building all this weird stuff. Tool build.

Video Link
Vern,
Boy that looks nice!
I've been thinking about building a plasma table but there's a long list of projects that come first! I have a small CNC lathe from Sherline That I use to drill PCB's (printed circuit boards). I designed and built the stepper drivers and all it will take is to switch the connectors over to a plasma machine as I already have Mach 3 running on my computer.
I cut the plates for the adjustable module mounts with the plasma cutter but I made templates to do it since I don't have a CNC plasma table.

What's the max size that table will do?

Rob

Robaroni is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-13, 12:51 PM   #12
Xringer
Lex Parsimoniae
 
Xringer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Woburn, MA
Posts: 4,918
Thanks: 114
Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts
Default A-Frame support for a block and tackle?

Less manpower using a winch or a block & tackle.
Kinda like the green unit, but without the extra leg. Just two pipe supports, with a cable between the feet.
If you could make this light weight, but strong, it could be moved between
arrays, hooked up, tension taken, then loosen up supports and lower or raise the array, tie-off and re-tighten the supports.

The Bi-Pod would be leaned against the north side of the array.
The upper edge of the array would slide against the pipes.






I used a jury-rig block&tackle to install my 4 panel array..
Used it to push the center support arm upwards, I'm too old to lift heavy stuff.
__________________
My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits
EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..
Xringer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-13, 02:06 PM   #13
Vern2
Apprentice EcoRenovator
 
Vern2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Arizona
Posts: 145
Thanks: 0
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Smile

Rob,

I,m not cutting yet and I'm ready to start down draft blower build. Will push table outside to cut for now. Bought Hypertherm. powermax45 plasma cutter for table. Have a Powermax30 for shop.

Best plasma table made for home shop. PlasmaCAM software not cheap, bit the bullet, software easy to use. You can use CorelDraw and other programs to cut with plasma table as is, not easy. I bought mine here. Gotorch

The software cost are in line with other CNC makers. I have ability to go to 5' x 10' table. I would need to buy size software, $1000 and 10' rails - $300, 5' gantry - $1200. Motors, software, controller box will all move to new table.

What do you think about this? Build spindle with 1" bearings. Rotating 14" x 3" x 1/4" wall, square tubing only needs to moves 90 degrees, might even think about using bushings. Will use aluminum mounting frame for holding panels. Will use square u brackets to hold mounting rails. Will cut Round circles that mount on inside end of each spindle. This will have holes cut for degrees. Just rotate panels and insert pins at each end to keep stable.

Rob contact me at vwbakerDotcox.net

__________________
Vern
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Last edited by Vern2; 08-23-13 at 02:32 PM..
Vern2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:34 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Ad Management by RedTyger
Inactive Reminders By Icora Web Design