SOLYS Gear Drive

The SOLYS Gear Drive is a high end sun tracker for all weather conditions and locations. It builds on the features of the SOLYS2 and has enhanced capabilities that make it suitable for use with heavy loads and in the harshest climates. It has the power to point accurately at the sun in very high winds, and to break the ice that can build up overnight when the tracker is 'sleeping'.

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Key features

Temperature range -50°C to +60°C
80 kg payload
60 NM torque

Standard Sun Sensor
No maintenance needed

The high precision gear drive system requires no maintenance and is much more powerful than the belt drive system of the SOLYS2. The maximum payload is increased to 80 kg and the torque is raised to 60 Nm, allowing SOLYS Gear Drive to carry multiple and/or heavy instruments and other loads. The integrated GPS receiver automatically configures location and very accurate time information upon installation.

The included user interface software allows remote monitoring and logging of the tracker status, sun zenith and azimuth angles, GPS time and date and more. The software can also be used to set the communication parameters such as fixed or manual IP address and baud rate. The integrated Web Interface can be used to visualise (get and set) operational parameters, download history log files or upload new firmware when available.

To build your solar radiation measurement station, the SOLYS Gear Drive is the base to hold an array of instruments to monitor solar and sky radiation. The shading assembly and other mounting accessories from the SOLYS2 can all be fitted. For operation in extremely cold regions an insulated cold weather cover is available that allows use in temperatures down to -50°C and with wind speeds up to 20m/s. For very hot climates a sun shield can be fitted, extending the upper temperature range to +60°C.

The SOLYS Gear Drive has the mountings for pyrheliometer already fitted and includes the sun sensor for active tracking. However, it does not include a tripod stand. It can be used with the cast aluminium SOLYS Tripod Floor Stand but, for use in extreme conditions and with high loads, the Heavy Duty Tripod Floor Stand is recommended. The SOLYS Gear Drive has been tested and protected against the highest levels of ESD, EMC and surge disturbances that might be experienced. The SOLYS Gear Drive sun tracker with high precision reduction gear combines the highest payload, the widest temperature range and most advanced communication with smart software for real-time status information.

Technical specification

Pointing accuracy	< 0.1° passive tracking / < 0.02° active tracking (with optional sun sensor)
Payload	80 Kg
Power supply	18 to 30 VDC and 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Operating temperature range, DC	-20°C to +55°C -with sun shield upper limit is +60 °C
Operating temperature range, AC	-50°C to +55°C - with cold cover up to 20 m/s wind speed,with sun shield upper limit is +60 °C
Mounting base	Flat base plate (2 types of tripods available)
Dimensions	50x34x38 cm / 23 kg
Communication interface	RS-485, Ethernet and web interface, Windows™ software supplied
Transmission type	High precision reduction gear
Power consumption	25 W (reduces to 13 W at night), 150 W (switches on below - 20°C on AC power)