Wind Speed Anemometer - Built using PC fan parts

thingiverse

I've been doing some thinking about Anemometers for measuring wind speed, and I have to say, it's not exactly groundbreaking technology. However, what caught my attention is how many people opt to print the entire Cup and Rotor assembly in one go. Now, I'm a fan of mixing materials - it adds an extra layer of complexity to the finished project. As for sourcing components, I've noticed that some folks prefer to order mechanical parts online. While that's definitely a viable option, I think there's something to be said for repurposing existing materials. It's more sustainable, and it often results in a unique build that stands out from the crowd. For this particular Anemometer project, I decided to get creative with my design. I used an old computer fan as the base component, but not in its original form, of course. The motor windings and metal core are designed to work with the rotor magnet, which requires a certain level of airflow to turn. So, I had to disassemble the fan and get down to the bare essentials. What you're left with is a sturdy bearing, possibly a bushing, a shaft, and a rotor hub - all perfect for building around. It's a great example of upcycling materials and creating something entirely new from discarded components.