Miller Circuits
- Solar Engine- Photopopper
- Turbot
- Related Links
Solar Engine
Photopopper
Turbot
The Miller Photopopper circuit can be adapted for a Turbot by using two solar cells with bypass diodes and replacing the C1 storage capacitor.
Arrange the two solar cells on the Turbot so that one is on the top and the other is on the bottom. This arrangement means that, during the range of motion, one solar cell will typically be shaded. Without the diodes, the total current will be limited by this shaded solar cell. The bypass diodes allow the current to bypass the shaded cell and increase the power available to the circuit.
The selection of the storage capacitor depends upon the desired behavior and the motors being used. The larger capacitor will be more energy efficient, but will be limited in behaviors (single firing equating to single tumble). Lower capacitor makes for a wider array of behaviors, however makes for more stress on the motor. The Turbot may even not tumble if the motor is a single geared motor, or not geared at all. The ideal motor for smaller capacitance is a worm-gear motor.