Operational Manual
Model: AS1-304
Read this manual before using the device!
Dear customer, thank you for choosing AS1-304, the innovative A-Sonne Portable Heliostat, designed to bring natural sunlight into your space with eco-friendly materials & technology. This guide provides everything you need to get started. We recommend that you read this manual and other accompanying documents carefully before using the product. Keep them for future reference. If you sell the product or give it away, please don’t forget to include/mention this manual.
Pay close attention to all the instructions and safety warnings provided and follow the guidelines accordingly. This manual applies specifically to the model listed on the cover.
Table of Contents
| Sr. | Section | Description | Go to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | Overview of the product | View |
| 2 | Safety Instructions | Important safety guidelines | View |
| 3 | Key Features | Highlighted product features | View |
| 4 | Product Specifications | Detailed technical specifications | View |
| 5 | Installation Instructions | Step-by-step setup guide | View |
| 6 | A-SONNE Language | Audio cues and instructions for operating A-Sonne | View |
| 7 | Operation Instructions | How to use the product | View |
| 8 | Maintenance & Care | Cleaning and care tips | View |
| 9 | Troubleshooting | Common problems and fixes | View |
| 10 | Warranty Information | Warranty details and coverage | View |
| 11 | Contact Information | How to reach support | View |
| 12 | Proper Disposal | Environment-friendly disposal instructions | View |
Getting Started with A-Sonne
This device, A-sonne is a Portable Heliostat (“Helios” meaning, SUN and “Stat” meaning STAY/STATIC). This innovative device is designed to reflect and redirect sunlight to optimize solar energy collection or provide natural light to a static point throughout the day regardless of the sun’s position in the sky for various applications. A-sonne automatically tracks the sun throughout the day and reflects the sunlight to the same spot, ensuring maximum light exposure and efficiency.
Package contents:
- Mirror holder with main body
- Foot
- USB-C cable
Safety Instructions
This section should clearly outline safety precautions and warnings that users should follow. Since this is an electronic product and it deals with Sunlight, reading safety instructions is essential.
Please read all instructions before setting up the device.
1. Do Not Look at Reflected Sunlight: Avoid looking directly at the reflected sunlight to prevent eye damage. Never look into the reflected sunbeam from the mirror; this can cause eye injury and blindness.
2. Position the reflected light to direct it onto the roof or ceiling of the room, ensuring that it is out of people’s direct line of sight. This minimizes the risk of accidental exposure to intense sunlight reflections.
3. Avoid Water Exposure: Keep the heliostat away from direct water and rain. Never immerse the device in water or any other liquid.
4. Use on Stable Surfaces: Place the heliostat on a stable surface to avoid tipping.
5. Children and pets Supervision: Keep children and pets away from the heliostat when it is operating, especially where the reflection is directed. This appliance may only be used by children or persons with disabilities that prevent safe use under supervision.
Note: Your device is intended exclusively for the redirection of sunlight, for private use, and for use in enclosed spaces and in the immediate vicinity of the house. This includes installation in a balcony flower box or on a windowsill.
6. Handle the device with care, as it contains a fragile mirror. Do not drop the device. Otherwise, the warranty will be void.
7. Improper handling may void the warranty: Do not use your device if it is not working properly, if it
has been damaged, or if cables, motors, covers, or mechanical parts are damaged.
8. For your own safety, do not open the device. Otherwise, the warranty will be void.
9. Avoid Fire and Heat Hazards: Do not reflect sunlight on Anything that will melt or catch fire. 
These include straw, certain cleaning agents, alcohols, and other flammable liquids.
10. If you are using more than one product, make sure that the reflection point is always different. Never direct the reflected sunbeams at the same point – risk of fire.
11. Avoid moving the mirror by hand. You can damage the motors and electronics.
Key Features
1. Green Machine: Made out of naturally occurring PLA (Poly-lactic acid) Plastic. Has a low carbon footprint and is Biodegradable than traditional plastic.
2. Automatic Solar Tracking: Automatically follows the sun throughout the day for optimized reflection.
3. Energy-Efficient Design: Operating under 1W of power, it saves more energy but providing natural sunlight inside your workspace/living area.
4. Durable and Weather-Resistant: Built with high-quality materials to withstand outdoor conditions.
5. Easy Setup: Simple installation process with adjustable settings for different locations.
6. Manual Override: Allows users to manually adjust the mirror position via joystick.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 31 cm x 31 cm x 16 cm |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Power Source | 5V DC, 1W |
| Mirror Size | 30 cm diameter |
| Material | PLA (Poly-lactic acid), reflective mirror |
| Tracking Range | 180° horizontal, 90° vertical |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 50°C |
Installation Instructions
Figure 0: Figure 1:
Screw the base and main body Plug in the cable.
Figure 2: Figure 3:
Press the start button & wait 5 seconds A-Sonne will look for SUN (~5 sec)
Figure 4: Figure 5:
1. Give A-sonne 10 seconds to stabilize, Mirror recalibrates the sun position after every 15 minutes
2. Then, adjust the redirected sunlight alignment with the joystick
3. Press the joystick button inwards to save the current position settings
A-SONNE Language
A-SONNE LANGUAGE – How to Interpret Beeps
1. Single Beep (1 beep)
- Happens when A-Sonne successfully finds the sun.
- Indicates the sun is located and the device is ready for manual targeting.
2. Joystick Movement
- Move the joystick to adjust the sunlight direction.
- Lets you aim sunlight at your desired spot.
3. Joystick Press
- Press the joystick sensor after adjusting the target.
- Locks the target temporarily for fine alignment.
4. Double Beep (2 beeps)
- Confirms that sunlight is now directed to the locked target spot.
- Indicates the target is successfully locked and aligned.
5. Periodic Update Beeps (every 15 minutes)
- Occurs as A-Sonne adjusts for the sun’s movement due to Earth’s rotation.
- Sunlight is automatically realigned to the locked target.
Operation Instructions
- Power On: Press the power button to activate the heliostat; normal boot time is approx. 5 seconds.
- Automatic Mode: The heliostat will begin tracking the sun and adjusting the mirror automatically, as per previous saved settings. Normal tracking and redirecting time is 10 seconds.
- Manual Adjustment: If desired, switch to manual mode to adjust the mirror using the Joystick and adjust the position of redirected sunlight. Once you are satisfied with the redirected sunlight position, you can save the settings by pressing joystick inwards. (Saving is important, as for the next 15 min calibration cycle will use the new position for redirecting sunlight – if not saved, it will redirect back to the previous position.)
- Energy-Saving Mode: A-Sonne intelligently pauses operation during cloudy or low-light conditions. It will automatically stop functioning when the available sunlight is insufficient for optimal performance.
Maintenance & Care
Since the device is designed for continuous outdoor use near your home, it’s recommended to follow the cleaning instructions either weekly or monthly, depending on your specific environment and needs.
- Clean the Mirror: Use a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris from the mirror regularly.
- Check Motor Functionality: Periodically test the motor to ensure smooth mirror movement.
Troubleshooting
| Sr. | Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mirror not tracking the sun | Low sunlight exposure | Move the heliostat to a sunnier location |
| 2 | Motor not functioning | Power not properly connected | Check / Reconnect the power cable |
| 3 | Poor reflection efficiency | Mirror is dirty | Clean the mirror |
| 4 | Reflection Not Hitting the Target | Incorrect alignment during installation. |
Adjust the mirror alignment to ensure it reflects correctly onto the target. (Note 5-10% Tolerance in redirecting sunlight) |
| 5 | Device Stops Operating Midday | Insufficient sunlight due to clouds or shading. | Wait for sunlight to return or relocate the device to a sunnier location. |
| 6 | Heliostat Mirror Doesn’t Move | Power issue | Check the power connections |
| 7 | Device Makes Unusual Noises |
Loose parts or components. Debris trapped in moving parts. Motor issue. |
Inspect the device for any loose screws or parts and tighten them. Check for debris obstructing movement and remove any found. If the noise persists, contact support for motor inspection. |
| 8 | Mirror Wobbles in Wind |
Mirror or frame not tightly secured. Extreme weather conditions affecting stability. |
Ensure that all screws and mounting points are securely fastened. Relocate the heliostat to a more sheltered position. |
Warranty Information
Limited Warranty
Your A-Sonne Portable Heliostat is backed by a 2-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship under normal use and maintenance.
What is Covered?
- Defects in materials or craftsmanship.
- Faulty motor, sensors, or electronics.
- Malfunctions that occur under normal operating conditions.
What is Not Covered?
- Damage caused by misuse, improper installation, or accidental damage.
- Normal wear and tear of parts such as the mirror or mounting brackets.
- Issues resulting from unauthorized repairs or modifications.
- Damage caused by extreme weather conditions (e.g., rain, storms, floods, or lightning).
Warranty Claim Process
If your product is defective under the terms of this warranty, please contact our customer support team with proof of purchase and a description of the issue. Please record a video of the damage so our technical team can review and get back to you with possible solution.
If the claim is approved, we will repair or replace the product, or provide a refund, at our discretion.
How to Make a Warranty Claim
Contact our customer service team using the contact information below.
- Provide your purchase receipt, product serial number, and a detailed description of the issue.
- Ship the defective product to our service center, if requested (return shipping costs may apply).
- Warranty Limitations: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights, which vary from country to country or state to state.
Contact Information
For any questions, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please contact us at:
Website: www.a-sonne.com/support
Email: support@a-sonne.com
Phone: +91-9915293629 (Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM IST)
Mailing Address:
A-SONNE
BUNGA COLONY, 201-A
144005, JALANDHAR, PUNJAB
+91-9915293629
Proprietor: KARANVEER
Proper Disposal
Protect the environment
To minimize environmental impact and comply with local regulations, proper disposal of your A-Sonne Portable Heliostat is essential.
Electronic Components:
When it’s time to say goodbye, please recycle responsibly. A-Sonne is made with recyclable PLA plastic and electronic components, simply drop it at an electronics recycling center so it can be reborn into something new:
- Do not discard the product in household waste bins. Your device contains valuable, recyclable raw materials.
- Take the device to a designated electronics recycling facility or contact your local.
- waste management authority for proper disposal instructions.
- Many parts, such as the mirror, frame, electronics etc. can be recycled.
- As the A-Sonne Portable Heliostat is designed to operate without batteries, there are no harmful battery chemicals to dispose of.
However, all electronic components should be recycled responsibly
Why Responsible Disposal Matters:
- Environmental Protection: Proper disposal helps prevent harmful materials from entering the environment and contaminating water sources.
- Resource Conservation: Recycling allows materials like glass, electronics, and plastic to be reused, reducing the need for new resources.
For more information on how to properly dispose of or recycle your device, please contact your local environmental agency or visit www.a-sonne.com/recycling.