README.md
SolarSpinner

Solar powered Motor controller with circuit diagram, PCB and code.
This is based upon the ATTiny85, with code written and uploaded via the Arduino IDE.

This design is for a reporgrammable unit which can do different tasks, powered by a small solar PV cell and an ultra-capacitor.

The unit has an LED output, a Motor control output and a Piezo buzzer output.

Files Included:


PCB files (KiCAD required)
Software (Arduino IDE with ATTiny extension required)
Hardware (DXF files)
Instructions (for the final device!)


Pin out

ATTiny85 Arduino Pins:




  
IC Pin:
  
Arduino Ref:
  
Attached:




  
1
  
5/A0/RST
  



  
2
  
3/A3
  
Vsolar


  
3
  
4/A2
  
Vcap


  
4
  
GND
  



  
5
  
0 - PWM
  
Piezo


  
6
  
1 - PWM
  
Motor


  
7
  
2/A1
  
LED


  
8
  
+Supply
  





Software Modes

Note: There are only 3 sleep modes for the ATTiny25/45/85

These are: IDLE, ADC power down and Power-Down

If we want to use the PWM to give an output then we need to use IDLE.

See datasheet for more details: <![CDATA[]]>http://www.atmel.com/images/atmel-2586-avr-8-bit-microcontroller-attiny2...<![CDATA[]]>

Motor Control

This runs a motor using stored power in the capacitor.
When the Vcap voltage is above a certain amount the motor is run unit the voltage drops.

Control is as follows:


Wake up on Watch Dog Timer (every set time (0.5 or 1 second)
If Vcap > Vhigh start with PWM = 255 (fully on) & set motor = ON
If Vcap < Vhigh & motor is ON then reduce the PWM from 255 by 1 (down to a minimum speed)
If Vcap < Vlow then switch off the unit & set motor = OFF
Enter sleep


LED Nightlight

Automatically switches on an LED when the solar input is low. This will run until the capacitor voltage is too low.

Control is as follows:


Wake up on Watch Dog Timer (every set time (0.5 or 1 second)
If Vcap > Vhigh && Vpv < Von setpoint then LED = ON
If Vpv > V off set point then LED = OFF
If Vcap < Vlow then switch off LED = OFF
Enter sleep


Solar Cricket

'Chrips' a noise (using a piezo element attached to the motor connections) when there is sunlight. Rate and pitch of chirping depends upon solar input. Lower solar = lower pitch chirp and lower rate of chirp.
Control is as follows:


Wake up on Watch Dog Timer (every set time (0.5 or 1 second)
If Vcap > Vhigh start 'chirp'. 'chirp' frequency is set by Vpv

If Vcap < Vlow then switch off the unit & set motor = OFF
Enter sleep


Nighttime Cricket

'Chirps' a noise (using a piezo element attached to the motor connections) when the solar voltage is low (dark). Does this until the capacitor runs out.
Control is as follows:


Wake up on Watch Dog Timer (every set time (0.5 or 1 second)
If Vcap > Vhigh start with PWM = 255 (fully on) & set motor = ON
If Vcap < Vhigh & motor is ON then reduce the PWM from 255 by 1 (down to a minimum speed)
If Vcap < Vlow then switch off the unit & set motor = OFF
Enter sleep


Ultrasonic Bug Repeller

Some animals (cats, dogs, rats) and insects (mosquittos) respond to different ultrasonic frequencies of sound.
<![CDATA[]]>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_pest_control<![CDATA[]]>
Some people question the effectiveness of this, so this is here for a bit of a trial, really - see what you think!

Control is as follows:


Wake up on Watch Dog Timer (every set time (0.5 or 1 second)
If Vcap > Vhigh start repller = ON
If repeller = ON  then Set PWM = random time between 40-255
If Vcap < Vlow then switch off the unit & set motor = OFF
Enter sleep