Abstract: A solar cell regulator in a nanosatellite includes a pulse width modulated DC-DC boost converter and a peak power tracking controller for converting solar cell power to bus power for charging of system batteries and powering loads while the controller controls the pulse width modulation operation of the converter for sensing solar cell currents and voltages along a power characteristic curve of the solar cell for peak power tracking, for determining any power data point, including a peak power point, an open circuit voltage point, and a short circuit current point along the power characteristic curve of the solar cell, and for communicating the power data to a satellite processor for monitoring the performance of the solar cell during operational use of the satellite.

Abstract: The present invention is a light producing ball which produces a light in one or more areas of the ball depending upon the orientation of the ball with respect to gravity. A tone generator and speaker are included with the ball to provide unique audio tones for each orientation of the device. Switches and timers are provided to control the volume output and rate of generation of tones and light signals by movement of the ball through a predetermined series of positions, thereby obviating the need for external switches. Automatic turn-on and shut-off is provided to increase power source life.

Abstract: A sound producing device producing different notes when rotated. Three orthagonally mounted gravity switches produce signals corresponding to their orientation to a reference. A multiplexer or programmable counter coupled to the switches selects one output line for each combination of states of the switches. Each output is passed through different values of resistance so that unique frequencies result. The output of the multiplexer is coupled through an oscillator to a speaker and a tone corresponding to the frequency of the output selected is produced. Multivibrators are coupled to the switches and to the oscillator to shut off the production of sound when the device has been left at rest for a certain time period.