Math is all just vectors (which I can help you with), but the torque=20 will be uneven through its the travel, so what's the range of angles=20 this needs to travel through? However, I'm not seeing the benefit to this style of lifting. Some=20 quick alternate thoughts... - How about adding a small but heavy counterweight extend out the left=20 side of the panel? Any weight would help if not the full weight. - You can rotate the panel with a gear/pulley attached to the rotation=20 point, and a gear of smaller size at the motor to increase torque. This=20 can be timing belt or sprocket/chain. - Depending on how much tilt you need (and the speed you need), you=20 might consider a linear actuator pushing up on the panel... acme=20 threaded rod/bearing. Cheers, -Neil. On 9/2/2018 9:28 AM, David C Brown wrote: > I am attempting to design a solar panel positioning system for use on a > small canal boat. This will obviously use an alt-az positioner and the > azimuth is straight forward but the altitude is somewhat more difficult. > > The obvious solution of mounting the panel in bearings at its centre of > gravity and driving the axle would have the panel too far above deck when > stowed at zero altitude. > > So I cam up with the solution shown in the attached drawing. The panel = is > hinged at its lower edge and a motor behind the panel drives an arm which > bears against the back of the panel. > > My problem now is I can't for the life of me calculate the torque needed > from the motor. Could some kind soul point me in the right direction ple= ase > ? > [image: Capture.JPG] > __________________________________________ > David C Brown > 43 Bings Road > Whaley Bridge > High Peak Phone: 01663 733236 > Derbyshire eMail: dcb.home@gmail.com > SK23 7ND web: www.bings-knowle.co.uk/dcb > > > > > *Sent from my etch-a-sketch* > > > --=20 http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .