Author Topic: Additional sensors  (Read 1488 times)

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Offline gillesroszak

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Additional sensors
« on: September 22, 2017, 09:52:57 AM »
Hi guys,
I bought yesterday 2 additionnal sensors :

Rain detector :
https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01D9JCK6K/ref ... 31_TE_item
soil humidity :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K67Z76O/re ... 31_TE_item

I would like to add them to the data i send to meteotemplate.
I have a raspberry Pi zéro W that already run WeeWx who grab the data from my PWS (Aercus Weather Ranger) and send them to meteotemplate API.
I think i need some transmitter and receiver, WIFI or radio, but wich one ...??
And CERTAINLY a few lines of coding

How can i do that ????
can some of you help me or tell me where I can find help ?

Offline dupreezd

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Re: Additional sensors
« Reply #1 on: September 22, 2017, 11:10:32 AM »
Have a look at the ESP8266.There are plenty of examples and code on the internet. I used a DHT11 connected to the ESP and programmed it with an Arduino. About 20 lines of code IIRC.  The DHT11 is cheap to experiment with. I just wanted to see if it can be done and what was involved.
A small PHP program on my webserver reads the values at specific intervals. Not the best way as the ESP does not go in low standby mode. It is not a concern as mine is not battery powered.

A better way will be push mode where the ESP sends the data, then 'sleep' for a certain time period. That is if you want to run on battery power.
Davis VP2 6163 | WiFi Logger
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Offline gillesroszak

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Re: Additional sensors
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2017, 01:27:30 PM »
Hi
Thanks a lot for your reply. I'll have a look to the ESP8266 and see what i can do with it.
when i come to the coding part i'll get back to you all.
thanks again

Offline gillesroszak

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Re: Additional sensors
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2017, 01:34:20 PM »
Hi guys,

What about this instead of ESP8266 what do you think ?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019FBLEYU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A29EZVB447EKA7&psc=1

Offline dupreezd

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Re: Additional sensors
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2017, 04:34:47 PM »
The NodeMCU is build around the ESP8266. The silver WiFi chip is the ESP.
The NodeMCU is a very good starter option as it come with USB interface and a 3.3V power regulator for the ESP. It also have multiple data I/O ports and function is configured via programming.

One thing I forgot to mention is the poor range. I only got about 30 feet before I lost connection. I rolled my own 2.4GHz external antenna and extended the range to over 100'

This is what the antennas look. Used the inner strand of TV cable and made the coil (7 turns) around the screw. These have not been cut to the right size.
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Davis VP2 6163 | WiFi Logger
CWOP - FW0717
Blitzortung 2100

Offline gillesroszak

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Re: Additional sensors
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2017, 05:44:38 PM »
OK Thanks I'll order one.
For the antennas where  should I insert them ?

Offline vreihen

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Re: Additional sensors
« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2017, 06:15:14 PM »
OK Thanks I'll order one.

Order two or more!  NodeMCU's have found their way into several things here, and I always keep a spare on hand just for testing stuff.....
WU Gold Stars for everyone! :lol: