Class Update
We are confirmed at the Red Cross for 10/17 for the next class.
I'm going to try and get out the updates from the last two classes on the weather station with the instructions and code early next week.
The next step will be working on the wind weather vane and wind speed sensor and getting some boxes made for the final installation.
The rest of the time between then and the class I'll be working on the Python code for retrieving the data and displaying it.
Pending verification that the Red Cross is available the next class will be held on 10/17.
It appears that there have been some significant changes to the raspbian system since the last time I installed it, so I'm going to do some testing on configuring the wifi and remote access, then I'll get the instructions out to everyone so we can ge as much done ahead of time as we can.
I am also building the weather vane and anemometer and will have an idea of the costs next week and I'll get reservations for the parts needed. Right now it looks like it will be no more than $25 for the parts for both.
I am also going to put the code up both on the class site and on GitHub to make it easier for me to track the changes we are making and keep everything up to date.
Thanks!
I've been testing it and it seems to be working quite well. I'll be posting the files this weekend with the code and the instructions on the assembly of the weather station and the base unit.
While working with it I've decided that I am going to be building the console for the weather station using a Raspberry Pi instead of an arduino. This will make it much easier to display the weather information wherever I want to, and upload it to the various weather web sites that I'm a member of.
If there is enough interest we can do the build of the Raspberry Pi console as a part 2 for the weather station, and we can do that at the next class. This will give people who are interested in expanding what you can do with an arduino the ability to use another inexpensive controller board to expand your projects even more. Using the wireless module we've chosen and a Raspberry Pi potentially gives us an opportunity to even create a home automation system controlled by the Raspberry Pi and use Arduino nano boards to control and sense various things around the house.
We will discuss this at the class.
Thanks!
Sorry to do this but in doing the prototype I discovered that using a nano wasn't going to provide enough power for the station display so I switched to using another Uno.
The difference in the price is negligible, but the power from the Uno is enough to run the display without any external power work arounds.
I should have enough extra boards in case anyone has already purchased them and I'll exchange any nano's that people have bought with an Uno as an even swap.
Also if you haven't attended the prior classes and are just starting with this class these are the additional components from the prior classes that you'll need:
I've got the updated class posted in the events section.
In this class we will be building a basic weather station that will measure temperature, humidity, light intensity, uv intensity and pressure and then send this data wirelessly to a base unit that will display the information.
This will be the basis for a home weather station system that will allow you to mount the sensors outside in something like a tupperware container and then mount the sensors on the outside and seal them with silicone. You can either power it with batteries or a small solar cell and some rechargeable batteries that charge during the day, and discharge during the evening.
I have the list of everyone who will be attending currently, along with if I have your parts ordered. If you are getting your own parts I would recommend Amazon going forward. I've had too many issues with Banggood lately and I am going to stop using them because the hassle is not worth the small savings to me.
Here's the current attendance list and anyone who has a * next to their name I've got their parts.
If you'd like to participate please let me know and I can add you to the list, if you are either signed up or do want to participate and need a set of parts please let me know ASAP. Currently I have one or two extra sets, but I will order more if necessary. The price for the parts will be $33 for everything.
I'm currently working on the wireless connection between the two arduino's and once I have that completed I'll publish the code here so everyone can download it and be ready for the class.
I've updated the parts list with links to Amazon if you want to purchase the parts on your own.
We have the date and location for the next class, it'll be on Saturday 6/20 from 9 until 4 at the Red Cross building and we will be building the basic weather station.
I have the prototype built, and it will have a UV intensity sensor, light intensity sensor, temperature, humidity and soil moisture content sensors, and a rtc.
The base station will be an all in one with a Nokia 5110 display and some buttons for menus. We will discuss options for making it a remote system with wires, wireless communications and having a base unit that allows you to control it from within your house, and having the sensors connected to either an uno or nano.
I'm also working on an anemometer and direction system, that uses ultrasonic transducers (4) to measure both wind speed and direction with no moving parts.
All the parts have shipped and will be here in time for the class. Here's the list of people who have signed up for the class, an asterisk indicates you asked for the parts to be ordered or they are reserved. I have 10 sets of parts coming. I'll have the instructions and code out before the class.
Thanks
I checked the survey tonight and so far we've had 8 responses and here's the current standings for our next project:
Tied for first is the scanning SWR meter, and the Arduino weather station, second is the APRS module.
I'm going to let the survey run a bit longer as I still don't have a firm date for the next class, hopefully I should have a better idea by the end of the week when the next class will be held and what we will be planning for our next project.
Stay tuned!