Windspeed and direction sensor

thingiverse

Updated: 5 Feb 2018: Uploaded Version 2.0 beta, featuring a new-clip together part set and revised document file. I highly recommend using it over the original. Updated: 08 Feb 2018: Removed original files; please use V2 files instead. This is a collection of parts designed to create a wind direction and speed sensor suitable for hobby or club (sailing/flying) weather stations, used in conjunction with a controller and either local display or web-connect software. There are no mechanical switches in this design. Sensing is achieved through magnetic detection via Hall sensors, making the bearings (skateboard/fidget spinner type) the only parts subject to wear. Note that high-quality bearings are essential for achieving accuracy or linearity in wind speed readings! The wind direction sensor boasts very high accuracy/repeatability within a few degrees when well aligned. A few additional electronic components and bearings are required to complete this project. Parts can be built on small 3D printers, and the unit is highly modular. The necessary additional parts include: 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, skateboard/fidget spinner bearings, grommets, lead fishing weights (for the vane counterweight), some 40mm PVC pressure pipe as the body, screws and cable. If you can't obtain 40mm Cat 12 PVC pipe, a hollow cylinder equivalent can be 3D printed. The full parts list is in the documentation file (DOCX) along with circuit and code for an Arduino hookup to test and calibrate the unit.