Kipp & Zonen SOLYS Gear Drive, Instruction Manual

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9.2 FAQ
Q: The SOLYS does not follow the sun properly, what can be wrong?
A: - Sun sensor connected but not adjusted?
- Check bubble level if the bubble is still in the ring.
- Is alignment target (from pyrheliometer or mounting clamps) correctly pointing at the sun?
Q: I have a problem with the aligning the SOLYS
A: Proper placement of the SOLYS is important when installing it, as it requires a specific amount of free space to operate.
Make sure the tripod is placed on a solid base. Keep in mind that final alignment is only possible when the sun is shining. The
following 8 steps are required to align the SOLYS. In the previous paragraphs additional information is available for each step.
1. Position the tripod with the K&Z logo pointing East.
2. Put the SOLYS on the tripod with the E-marking on the bottom flange pointing East.
3. Put the M8 bolts in by hand but do not tighten them yet.
4. Level the SOLYS by adjusting the tripod feet and checking the bubble level.
5. Connect power to the SOLYS and let it move to its home position.
6. Wait until the green status light is on to indicate the correct GPS position is received.
The SOLYS will now rotate to the sun position.
7. Rotate the SOLYS on its tripod (adjust azimuth) until the alignment target from the pyrheliometer (or pyrheliometer bracket)
points exactly at the sun.
8. Fasten the 3 x M8 bolts on the tripod
9. The side mounting plate is adjusted in the factory and need no adjustment.
10. If the side mounting plates have been loosened or removed adjust the zenith position as well when the alignment target points
at the sun and fasten the screws in the side mounting plates.
Q: Can the SOLYS Gear Drive be moved by hand?
A: Moving the SOLYS Gear Drive by hand, powered or un-powered is not possible. The gear drive inside does not allow this. When
the SOLYS has to be moved, azimuth or zenith, this can only be done when power is on. During initialisation (after power on) it
will make a full turn both in azimuth (East - West) and in Zenith (up - down) direction for testing the correct cable lengths. If you
need the SOLYS to stop at a particular position, just disconnect power on the desired spot.
Q: How to guide the cables and what is the advised cable length.
A: At initial start-up, the SOLYS will make a 540 degree rotation lap. This is checking if the cable length is sufficient.
Section 3.24 has a drawing which indicates how to guide the cable.
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