Mechanical Anemometer

thingiverse

4/26/15 - Uploaded c_cup.stl and qtr_weight.stl. These are large cups with shorter arms that provide more RPMs in lighter winds plus governor weights accepting US quarter coins to compensate for greater cup weight. An experiment to test whether a purely mechanical anemometer is possible, also a fun Christmas gift for my uncle, a retired NOAA meteorologist who loves the outdoors. It works effectively, though wind speed indications on the scale are still estimates based on previous experience with similar projects. Instructions Print without supports using ABS or PLA plastic. The rod consists of 1/8-inch brazing material and is 23mm long; the top pivot features a bearing made by inserting a BB into the print before printing the cone section, this will give you better stability and movement of the parts. To assemble: * Print plate1.stl and plate2.stl or individual parts: strut.stl (4), weight.stl (2), top.stl (1), cup.stl (3), hub.stl (1), plunger.stl (1), scale.stl (1), washer.stl (2), pointer.stl (1) pin.stl (9), pivot.stl (1 or lock.stl, mount.stl (1) * Ensure all parts move smoothly and are well lubricated for better performance. This may require sanding and cleaning out small holes. I printed the pieces using HIPS plastic but case hardened some parts by applying a clear coat and allowing it to dry - similar technique could be used with ABS to produce stronger, longer-lasting components. Attach one US penny each on the fly weights of the governor section for proper functioning. For the end of the pointer arm, you can use 3 coins to help adjust your settings accurately. Assemble the parts by passing a pin.stl through the pivot points on the governor section as illustrated in anemometer.png. This gives a good balance and prevents over-loosening which could affect accuracy during operation. You should connect plunger.stl and pointer.stl at one point with a rotating motion to secure them firmly, followed by linking scale.stl to pointer.stl through the center with pin.stl using a simple yet robust method. Finally, follow anemometer.png for the last assembly. This includes fitting pivot.stl if you wish to use the mechanism of letting it weathercock easily while maintaining precision or else simply connect all parts together for increased reliability in adverse weather conditions and easier calibration by simply switching lock.stl depending on user needs - be sure also to tighten these bolts accordingly during processions for accuracy, as seen here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:16193.