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Inspect the pivot bolt area of the Axle-Gimbal junction for wear. Signs of excessive
movement may indicate that the bolt has worn down. Another indication of wear is that
the bolt, even when tightened properly, repeatedly comes loose. If this is the case,
replace the bolt.
PROPER MAINTENANCE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER!
HIGH WINDS:
Trackers should be tied in horizontal position if high-wind events are
anticipated. The Storm Collar can be used in conjunction with tie-down straps.
EXTREME COLD:
In cold weather the fluid in the shocks thickens and can increase wake-up
times. In very cold temperatures (< -10F°), trackers may cease to track. In these conditions
we recommend tying the tracker in a fixed due-south position at the steepest tilt angle.
F-Series Tracker Troubleshooting
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TRACKER SITS LEVEL, LEANS TO ONE SIDE, OR DOES NOT MOVE
1. Manually move tracker through its entire range of motion. Check for any mechanical
interference, for example: wiring, tree branches, protruding bolts, etc. and correct if
necessary.
2. Check Shadow Plates for proper installation. The tracker
will not
work without them.
3. Be sure the Track Rack™ is pointing south (in the Northern Hemisphere) and the
copper transfer tube is mounted on the south (lower) end of the frame, and is not
crimped in any way.
4. Check for any wiring that may stop the Track Rack™ from turning freely. Also check if
wiring and junction boxes, etc. are balanced about center axle.
5. A shock absorber might be sticking. On a calm sunny day remove the shocks at the
Truss Tube. If it tracks without shocks, call Zomeworks. The shock may be defective.
6. The Track Rack™ moves when sunlight warms one canister which then forces liquid
into the other canister. You may simulate the sunlight's effect by warming the lower
canister with a hair dryer or carefully with a hand torch (alternately, the upper canister
can be cooled with wet towels or water spray). Within 10 minutes the tracker should
begin to rotate toward the cooler canister. If the tracker does not move, and you have
checked the assembly for free movement, the Canisters may have lost their charge.
Call Zomeworks tech support.
•
TRACKER IS SLOW TO WAKE UP
1. Check that your tracker is getting full, early morning sun shining underneath the
framework. The wake-up fin (under the west-side canister) must see the sun.
2. Check that modules and electrical components are balanced over the center axle.
3. Check that bearings are lubricated and move easily.
NOTE:
If the Track Rack™ is
installed in a corrosive climate, check the axle and bearings frequently for rust /
corrosion.
4. The shock absorbers may be sticking when collapsed or extended. Remove the shock
bolt at the Truss Tube and check the shock motion for “stick”. If the tracker wakes-up
