Photo Essay: Power Cable Drive

The principle of cable positioning is simple: both solar arrays are literally tied together using a cable, so that both turn in perfect tandem. A counterweight is mounted on one side of the cell.

The cable is positioned using a computer-driven battery-powered screwdriver, by winding it up and letting it out.

Disassembled battery powered screwdriver on the bench

Wiring up a controller circuit for the battery powered screwdriver

Detail: soldering leads to the controller board

Calibrating signals and voltages between controller and screwdriver

Leads attached to the screwdriver motor

The motor returns to its housing, leads attached

Top view of controller board, with leads attached