Windspeed and direction sensor

thingiverse

Updated: 5 Feb 2018: Uploaded the beta of Version 2.0, with a new-clip together part set and revised document file. I recommend it over the original. Updated: 08 Feb 2018: removed original files, please use the V2 files. This is a set of parts to create a wind direction and speed sensor suitable for use as a hobby or club (sailing/flying) weather station in conjunction with a controller and either local display or web-connect software. There are no mechanical switches in the design. Sensing is done by magnetic detection via Hall sensors, so the bearings (skateboard/fidget spinner type) are the only parts subject to wear. Note that the quality of the bearings is paramount if you want to achieve any sort of accuracy or linearity in the wind speed readings! The wind direction sensor is capable of very high accuracy/repeatability within a few degrees if well aligned. A handful of additional electronic parts and the bearings are required to complete the project. Parts may be built on a small 3D printer, and the unit is very modular. The additional parts required are: A length (10cm) of 7mm fibreglass pole - scrap from a tent pole will do or an arrow. Two Hall sensors, a couple of tiny magnets (available on eBay), 5mm stainless steel bolts, some skateboard/fidget spinner bearings, grommets, lead fishing weights (for the vane counterweight), a bit of 40mm PVC pressure pipe as the body, screws and some cable. If you can't get 40mm Cat 12 PVC pipe, you can always 3D print an equivalent hollow cylinder, of course. The full parts list is in the documentation file (DOCX) along with the circuit and code for an Arduino hookup to test and calibrate the unit.