> it occurs to me that your system only requires an occasional movement rather than a rapid movement for tracking purposes
Right, actually the system wakes up every 10 seconds to check if the angle needs to be adjusted. It often does not and waits for the next 10 seconds.
There is an opportunity to implement true "hibernation" while the system is waiting to save some more power, but it's not done yet.
> Secondly, the motion system appears to be single-ended and based upon a rope and a stepper motor. It would perhaps be useful to consider conversion to a more rigid system.
Actually there are two geared motors, allowing to control both angles.
Yes, I use simple ropes, the system is stable enough thanks to the counterweight (all ropes are always under tension, making the whole system stable).
> In short, if you have knowledge of your own geometry, have known orientation relative that fixed point, and can before activation determine the TOF distance to your target, and have a GPS fix thus solar inclination at that moment is calculable, then it should be possible to track the target without the need for visual feedback.
My project takes the opposite approach: using a low-cost camera board to avoid having to measure all the geometric aspects precisely.
> In terms of temperature sensing, you can obtain remote temperatures using infra-red linear systems which should be effective.
Good idea, I haven't implemented temperature sensing yet, but I'll look into infrared sensors.
> In terms of safety, laser TOF ensuring no change in distance would ensure the subject is still within the programmed range and an intermediate object hasn't been introduced for combustion.
It may be too late, the intermediate object/person is already heating up by the time we detect it.
> In terms of gathering interest, not sure where you are based in France but I could suggest structuring the system as a public sculpture and holding events including eating food cooked by the system which could involve the additional sponsorship of local wineries, cider, etc. to garner social support.
Yes I'm in France, it would be nice to present the system at such events. For the moment I'd much rather get to work on the technical side.
> Smiles from Sydney. I applaud your work toward the application of technology to social and environmental concern, we need more of this.
Thank you