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Weather Station Hardware => The WxTech Dream Machine => Topic started by: wxtech on October 12, 2011, 11:50:34 AM

Title: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 12, 2011, 11:50:34 AM
Some new private weather stations from manufacturers are coming available soon.  The designers didn't ask our opinion first, so let's make a list of the features we need in a personal weather station.  We can compile the ideas into a realistic list of features.  Should options of cheap plastic console vs wood and glass cabinet be offered?
I'll start with the idea of 'make it modular', so we can pick the options we wish to pay for and add more features later.
It should be wireless communications from the outside sensors to the console or computer interface.
The outside sensors should be solar powered and the back up battery should be recharged by the solar panel.
The wind sensor anemometer and wind vane should be remote from the other outside sensors so that the winds can be measured higher on a mast.
The temperature and humidity sensors should normally be fan aspirated with the option of no fan.
The computer interface (datalogger) should be included in the base price with options of USB, serial, or Ethernet.
The communications protocol should be compatible with 1 of: VWS, Cumulus, Weather Display, Heavy Weather, or others (don't create something new).
The console or computer interface should be battery and AC powered.
An optional snow detector and snow depth sensor should be available.
Heaters should be optional for the rain gauge, anemometer, and direction vane.
The system should be capable of networking, i.e. connect more than one temp sensor, rain gauge, or several wind sensors, at more locations similar to the 1-wire concept.
Tell us about your dream wx machine.
Al
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: SlowModem on October 12, 2011, 12:00:39 PM
Tell us about your dream wx machine.

I agree with what you've started with.  I would add that maybe the sensors/transmitters be separate like the WMR968 to add flexibility in positioning.

I would also add that the unit needs quick frequent updating or polling of the sensors.

I would also add that the rain gauge needs to measure 0.01 inch increments.

The console needs to have a datalogger made into it.  Then you could order a serial or usb console and not have to pay extra for a datalogger.

I rarely look at the console, but some might like a color display.



Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 12, 2011, 12:13:04 PM
Quick polling definitely.  How often should the 'rapid fire' update?  2.5 seconds like VP2 or every second?
Polling the anemometer & vane needs to be fast.  The console should have separate wind speed and wind gust indications.  
I saw some new security system recently where the USB cable from a computer was used to program the device console.  Then the cable was disconnected and the console operated without all the buttons and controls.  There are buttons on the VP2 console that are rarely used.
I think the serial option can be dropped because new computer don't have the legacy serial port.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: xykotik on October 12, 2011, 12:19:33 PM
How about a programmable output interface with dry relay contacts for alarm events to control things like pipe-heaters, sprinklers, awning motors, skylights.

Software-wise, integrate camera and include sms or email notifications.  They'll sell a million units if there is an iPhone app/service directly fed from the station.  Don't forget a built-in template editor, designed for weathertags, etc.

Standalone (computerless) interface, configurable remotely through a browser.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 12, 2011, 12:28:23 PM
All excellent ideas! :grin: Make it easy to use.
Make it easily repairable.  Make the sensors with quick change modules so that anyone can change subassemblies for a quick and cheap repair.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: SLOweather on October 12, 2011, 06:02:12 PM
Weather Station Legos...

I started that in jest, but the more I think about it...
Totally modular sensors, displays/consoles, and interfaces. Kinda like one-wire, but without the hobby aspect. The problem will be making it simple enough for the newbie, but sophisticated enough for us hard-core users.

Oh, and open-source software and comms protocols.

What I really want is an affordable all-in-one home automation SCADA type system that includes weather and other sensors.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: Bushman on October 12, 2011, 06:56:08 PM
And I want a Ferrari and a date with a super model.  :)

Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: SlowModem on October 12, 2011, 07:29:28 PM
And I want a Ferrari and a date with a super model.  :)

Perhaps a Lamborghini like in Cannonball Run?

(http://i2.listal.com/image/1197699/500full.jpg)
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: miraculon on October 12, 2011, 07:42:53 PM
Since I am stubbornly (and frugally) clinging to my One-Wire setup, it is interesting to see the references to "one-wire like networking" capability.

I agree with the modular approach. You could start very basic (as I did with One-Wire) and add onto the system as time and budget allow.

Wireless is a real advantage for installations where wire runs are difficult. How about WiFi modules with wired Ethernet option that can be powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet)? For the solar powered wireless items, they need to be able to charge up in the Winter with overcast skies and short days. Each device could have an IP address, similar to how One-Wire has unique addresses. Could be MAC based or some kind of DHCP scheme.

I will reiterate the need for an affordable directional lightning detector that could be added to the dream system.

The snow gauge idea is intriguing, but since snow depths vary quite a bit over my yard I am not sure how this would work.

Staring at a stuck wind vane after freezing drizzle for days last winter has me supporting the heater concept, but I would settle for a design that didn't tend to get stuck in the first place (with minor icing). Heavy ice storms might still need the heater.

Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: Scalphunter on October 12, 2011, 09:46:49 PM
 Add  to the list that temperature sensor goes  below 40 below and not like most of the junk  that calls their selfs professional machines. 60 below  would be an resonable target range. Lot of lower 48  states can get down to 45 below or so and any of northern Canada, Europe and Alaska  can see the tempsI mention  above.


John
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: Skywatch on October 12, 2011, 11:31:26 PM
I've always found UV and solar radiation or light intensity to be of intrest. It's always fun to watch light changes from day to day.

And also lightning detectors. There are no consumer level lightning detectors on the market at an affordable price.
For lightning have a similar display to wind. Have the compass indicating the direction of the lightning and a number based on how close it was.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 12, 2011, 11:56:58 PM
Since I am stubbornly (and frugally) clinging to my One-Wire setup, it is interesting to see the references to "one-wire like networking" capability.
I agree with the modular approach. You could start very basic (as I did with One-Wire) and add onto the system as time and budget allow.
My early build-my-own was 1-wire based.  Then I traded that for other toys.  I'm eager to learn more about your system.

I'll let this topic run for a few days then compile a list of reasonable features.  Not try to accommodate the world and just work on a U.S. design.
0.01" rain increments; addressable relay driver output; make the modules inexpensive to repair and owner replaceable; the owner can return a module for NIST certified calibration as often as they wish.  
The snow depth sensor may need to have multiple sensors and averaged for an area snow depth report.
The lightning detector may need to be offered in 2 versions; a minimum count detector, and a deluxe model that indicates direction and distance.
Make it a group designed, open-architecture system so that it can be built from the design, or purchased as a kit of parts, or completely built and calibrated.
An afterthought:  Just because we are designing our own modular and DIY system doesn't mean that it will be cheap.  The low quantity production will cause higher cost.  Design will be free, but prototyping can get expensive.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: DanS on October 13, 2011, 04:49:04 AM
Some new private weather stations from manufacturers are coming available soon.  The designers didn't ask our opinion first, so let's make a list of the features we need in a personal weather station.  We can compile the ideas into a realistic list of features.  Should options of cheap plastic console vs wood and glass cabinet be offered?
I'll start with the idea of 'make it modular', so we can pick the options we wish to pay for and add more features later.
It should be wireless communications from the outside sensors to the console or computer interface.
The outside sensors should be solar powered and the back up battery should be recharged by the solar panel.
The wind sensor anemometer and wind vane should be remote from the other outside sensors so that the winds can be measured higher on a mast.
The temperature and humidity sensors should normally be fan aspirated with the option of no fan.
The computer interface (datalogger) should be included in the base price with options of USB, serial, or Ethernet.
The communications protocol should be compatible with 1 of: VWS, Cumulus, Weather Display, Heavy Weather, or others (don't create something new).
The console or computer interface should be battery and AC powered.
An optional snow detector and snow depth sensor should be available.
Heaters should be optional for the rain gauge, anemometer, and direction vane.
The system should be capable of networking, i.e. connect more than one temp sensor, rain gauge, or several wind sensors, at more locations similar to the 1-wire concept.
Tell us about your dream wx machine.
Al


In addition to the power sources, batteries to be standard "off the shelf", commonly available, types. No shrink wrapped multiple cell packs with a special plug fitted types. Also in the console/computer interface use rechargeable type (NiMh?). When the AC power drops, you don't and they keep topped up from the wall wart as opposed to regular Alkalines where you have to keep a closer eye on their condition.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: xykotik on October 13, 2011, 09:57:01 AM
Since this is a "dream" system and cost is no longer an object, let's spec a self-plumbing telescoping 10m mast using gyros, piezos and servo motors for guy-wireless stability at any location.  Also an (optional) invisibility cloak, to hide it from thieves, vandals and HOAs.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 13, 2011, 06:27:45 PM
The wish list is interesting, thanks for the ideas.  The Ferrari and Lamborghini didn't make the list and the gyro mast is last on the list.
We already have a design and parts list for a high quality solar detector.  Hobby boards has a no frills $33 lightning detector.  I want to adapt a R M Young 05103 wind monitor for this system.  The console can be a digital picture frame, color of course.  A universal IR remote can be used to select what data to display.
Each sensor can be detached from its transceiver for troubleshooting.  Its getting more like those Legos, eh?
Post your ideas now before the design gets closed.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: Bushman on October 13, 2011, 06:31:12 PM
Add 4-20 and 3-5v inputs - for sensors of MY choosing (like water depth).  And for the love of all that is good, how about some SMALL remote temp/hum sensors.  These days you can get a radio control plane receiver that weights a  few grams, transmits full  aircraft telemetry back  to the pilot (tx) and is the size of a postage stamp.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: xykotik on October 13, 2011, 07:54:09 PM
Is it going too far to spec a spider/ant zapper integrated around the perimeter?  (Just below the gyro gimbel)  I've been buying those tennis-racket zappers for about $3 when on sale at Harbor Freight Tools (they make great summer party gifts).
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: LFWX on October 15, 2011, 12:48:34 AM
Of the items listed, a heater for the anemometer tops my list! (time to consider some experimenting before winter arrives again)

Cloud cover/height detection would be great.
Mist/drizzle detection would be great. (i.e. http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?board=108.0)
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 15, 2011, 08:16:43 AM
OK, lets get to work!
Are you ready for some task assignments?  This can be a group effort if WxForum members will pick a favorite topic and research or design.
If you'll work on it, it'll happen.  If the group doesn't work, it'll remain only a fantasy weather instrument.  If anyone doesn't agree with my effort; change it.
These topics need research for design & prototyping later:
Send me your research or ideas to my email address listed in my profile.  Do not copy or reverse engineer equipment designs without the owners permission.  Do not plagiarize documents.  You will receive credit/acknowledgement for your work.
Note: If you don't agree with my scheme, do it better.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: DanS on October 15, 2011, 08:36:24 AM
OK, lets get to work!
Are you ready for some task assignments?  This can be a group effort if WxForum members will pick a favorite topic and research or design.
If you'll work on it, it'll happen.  If the group doesn't work, it'll remain only a fantasy weather instrument.  If anyone doesn't agree with my effort; change it.
These topics need research for design & prototyping later:
  • 1 Cloud height detector
  • 2 Lightning detector
  • 3 Snow depth, snowfall detector
  • 4 Mist detector (time of rain begin & end)  Can we use Hydreon RG-11?
  • 5 Universal small transceiver for sensor modules (or module communication scheme)
  • 6 System communications protocol (console to PC/Internet)
  • 7 Anemometer anti-icing or heater
  • 8 Add your suggestion here
Send me your research or ideas to my email address listed in my profile.  Do not copy or reverse engineer equipment designs without the owners permission.  Do not plagiarize documents.  You will receive credit/acknowledgement for your work.
Note: If you don't agree with my scheme, do it better.

Firmware in the console to process all the sensors input.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 15, 2011, 09:14:06 AM
These topics need research for design & prototyping later:
I created a page on Facebook for those so inclined to use that communications:
The Weather Machine
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Weather-Machine/208403395895938#!/pages/The-Weather-Machine/208403395895938 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Weather-Machine/208403395895938#!/pages/The-Weather-Machine/208403395895938)
I will monitor WxForum and FB.  FB page is easier, faster and will be a better way to share photos.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: chief-david on October 15, 2011, 02:13:10 PM
and make a decent cup of coffee   :grin:

WXtech-when you talk about what you try, can do and what you have done- I am amazed.
most of it goes over my head.   What a cool life.

Hopefully my students and kids have some of those opportunities.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 15, 2011, 02:42:14 PM
and make a decent cup of coffee   :grin:

WXtech-when you talk about what you try, can do and what you have done- I am amazed.
most of it goes over my head.   What a cool life.

Hopefully my students and kids have some of those opportunities.

United States Air Force
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: linuxfreak on October 15, 2011, 05:11:22 PM
I think the serial option can be dropped because new computer don't have the legacy serial port.

Al, if the end user is going to use a low power Atom motherboard to make up the computer end of the system, leave the option of a serial port, the last couple of Atom motherboards I looked at had either 1 or 2 com ports, one back panel and if available onboard as a DIL header for the second port.

Just my $0.02.  ;)

George
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 15, 2011, 07:19:15 PM
Here are detailed construction plans for a solar sensor: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/pubs/pubs/1084.htm (http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/pubs/pubs/1084.htm)

Does anyone have preferences for a specific wind speed and direction sensor?
I built a DIY anemometer using Davis parts and copper plumbing pipe.  I only built 1 because I couldn't find a source for the vertical shaft and bearing hub.
http://www.lexingtonwx.com/anemometer/diy/ (http://www.lexingtonwx.com/anemometer/diy/)
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: Bushman on October 15, 2011, 07:24:31 PM
If I was doing an anemometer from scratch I would use a CD ROm motor/casing
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: linuxfreak on October 16, 2011, 02:17:13 AM
There were plans out there back in the late 70's early 80's when I was in college from a British magazine, believe it was Wireless World, for a vane/anemometer using optical wheels for encoding, pretty high tech at the time, for sail boats. The design had a wheel that gave a lot more pulses per rev than just one or two, and was used as the system clock for determining the bearing for the vane by counting pulses from a fixed point till a pulse was detected from the vane, for example: anemometer disk - 360 pulses/rev, trigger pulse at the North point, count anemometer pulses until the vane disk hole causes a pulse, number of pulses is the direction in degrees from North.  ;) I fell in love with the accuracy and simplicity of the design, self clocking and no "special" potentiometer needed, all digital, no magnet and reed switch either.

Just wish I had photocopied the article at the time.  #-o ](*,) Maybe someone might be able to track that project down.

George

Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: DanS on October 16, 2011, 02:32:55 AM
Both of my LaCrosse anemometers (2310 & 2810) use optical disk encoding for the vane position indicator. Not set to read like you describe which sounds a lot more detail and precise. These read 16 different points around the dial and provide the position data to include with the speed data before sending it out to the ISS.

I found an old Heathkit online that uses optical disk encoding for both speed and direction.  http://books.google.com/books?id=zQWNinpbFx0C&pg=PA15&lpg=PA15&dq=optical+encoder+disk+anemometer&source=bl&ots=7TlI9olKHQ&sig=K34tn2ufMPeBw_BzOzir0Kwrscc&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: Skywatch on October 16, 2011, 05:24:15 AM
It would be cool if there was a station where the anemometer, rain gauge, thermo/hygro, and other sensors were seperate, but each sensor would transmitt to the thermo/hygro sort of like lacrosse stations but without the wires. The thermo/hygro would function as a repeater so the anemometer and rain gauge could be placed in a more ideal location.

  If each worked off of a 433Mhz like most cheaper units do, and each sensor had 330Ft range, The anemometer, rain gauge, or other sensor could be placed 660Ft the thermo/hygro in between. Easier and probably more reliable. And the repeater was capible of multi-sensor input. Not just additional temperature and humidity sensors, but additional wind, rain, and any other sensors like solar, UV, or light intensity.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 16, 2011, 06:12:56 AM
Good idea to use the sensor transceivers as repeaters.
Attached is an image of a 5 bit gray code disk optical shaft encoder.  This one gives only 32 positions.  For a 1º resolution, we'd need 360 positions and 9 bits.  I can do the pattern in a flat to be rolled into a drum shape.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 16, 2011, 06:25:48 AM
An optical disk pattern for a quatrature encoder.  The circuit can determine the direction the vane is rotating, then counts pulses as it rotates.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: xykotik on October 16, 2011, 11:43:02 AM
Looks like I wasn't too far off in this post (http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=12940.msg126711#msg126711).  Very Jungian.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: Skywatch on October 16, 2011, 12:07:27 PM
An optical disk pattern for a quatrature encoder.  The circuit can determine the direction the vane is rotating, then counts pulses as it rotates.
Looks like one of those eye teasers where you have to look at it in a certain way and creates an image.

  I had an old Acu-rite 00594w. After a storm took it out I salvaged what I could. I saw a disk with the same pattern as that first image and the circut board had the optical componets on it.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: kered on October 16, 2011, 04:20:15 PM
How about the basics, a decent fan in the console so you can put the light on without afecting the data like my pro2 does.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 16, 2011, 04:46:59 PM
How about no console?  If I do one, It'll be wood and glass with LEDS not LCD.  Another idea is to use a digital photo frame and programming with a universal IR remote control.
Today, I built a solar radiation shield from parts I already had.  I'll construct another one using common items.  This one has a 62mm 12 volt DC fan running on 5 volts.  It draws 45 ma.  Maybe during the day we can step it up to 12 volts and full speed.  The fan has a sense output that we can monitor and be notified when there is no aspiration.  I installed a DS18B20 digital temperature sensor in the air cavity.
I'll begin work on a solar panel and battery for the aspirator fan, the temperature and humidity sensors.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: xykotik on October 16, 2011, 11:30:48 PM
Quote
Another idea is to use a digital photo frame and programming with a universal IR remote control.

There is another thread about something similar, with RSS feeding a WiFi-capable Kodak frame.  Maybe build a jpeg or gif image from the base software output with ImageSalsa or ImageMagik that can be viewed on a digiframe like any ol' photo.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 17, 2011, 06:57:59 AM
Quoting from another thread: http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=12839.0
Read this really cool blog post about a guy who made his own Arduino Weather Shield.
http://www.zipfelmaus.com/blog/arduino-weather-shield-schematics-layout-code-everything-you-need/ (http://www.zipfelmaus.com/blog/arduino-weather-shield-schematics-layout-code-everything-you-need/)
The only thing he isn't measuring is rain fall rates.
Maybe we can use the Arduino & Xbee designs quoted above for our sensors and transceivers.  Does anyone have experience with Arduino and/or Xbee?
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: SLOweather on October 17, 2011, 05:24:23 PM
Got a link to an example image of one?

...a XXXX idea -- anybody here familiar with Psychrometric Charts and their use? I've pondered about a weather "display" via the Psychrometric Chart graph, with the outside temperature and humidity being displayed as an illuminated "spot" on conjunction of the respective TEMP (X-axis) and RH% (power "curve") on the Chart.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: Bushman on October 17, 2011, 05:29:37 PM
Pop the term into images.google.com and you can see them.  Confusing for most I suspect.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: SLOweather on October 17, 2011, 11:40:30 PM
Pop the term into images.google.com and you can see them.  Confusing for most I suspect.

Yeah, I did after posting, and I agree with you. The Psychrometric Chart appears to be a paper representation of several calculations that could better be expressed on a web page as calculated variables displayed in a table or by other means.

It might be interesting to use the Psychrometric Chart to show past history and predicted conditions, but most people would not get it.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: dch26 on October 20, 2011, 01:14:32 PM
i've recently fitted a ph probe (acid/alkali levels) in my fish tank.
desperately trying to think of a justification for needing it on the dream machine to test
for acid rain??

do i really need a detector to tell me if my garden gnome is about to melt?  :?

i'm just chucking in a suggestion or 2 because i am interested in being involved in this project :)

Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: jakejake on October 21, 2011, 01:45:41 AM
My dream machine:

Required:
Temperature: Current, daily hi/low, trend, and rate of trend.
Humidity: current, daily hi/low, trend, and rate of trend.
Barometric pressure, trend and rate of trend.
Accurate sensors.
Durable sensors.
Atomic clock.
Constant backlight (user selectable, or automatic depending on current time, motion sensor, photo sensor).
Console needs to display all the above without needing buttons, menus.
Easy to read display.

PC:
Connect wirelessly to PC.
Display on TV via media center software.
Show as screen saver.
Highly customizable software.
Open source.
Access to raw data feeds.
Log data for climate history.
Share weather information online (web page, Facebook).
Also like the idea of a customizable picture frame.


Optional:
Wind.  I can't use wind information since I'm surrounded by trees and buildings. 
Rain. 
Solar power.


Unnecessary:
No need to display indoor info (weather is outside, not inside).  My thermostat tells me everything.
Barometric graph.  I just need to know the trend.
Weather icon.  Not accurate enough to be displayed.  Know the pressure trend and the rate of the trend is all that is needed.

I'd also like to see better consoles.  Some from wood or all glass.  Perhaps even selling the display separate so people can customize their own console.  I enjoy weather enough to want my console to be a center piece to my home.  I'd like to have something nice.  Most consoles today look really cheap and disposable.

Jake
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 21, 2011, 10:10:23 AM
Jake,
Thanks for responding.  I agree with your requirements.  Since most of your interest seems to be user interface, console.  How about you taking responsibility for the console?  We can have several optional consoles.
We already have a software developer.
The Dream Machine will be non-Davis. 
Al
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 25, 2011, 06:50:19 PM
Attached, please find the block diagram of what I think is a beginning of the dream machine.  I also have an outline of the features and specifications.  The outline is too large to post as a reply.
All modules are RF linked.  All modules have a power section and an RF link (transceiver) section.  These are common parts that can be interchanged for failure testing.  All outside sensor modules can be located independently.  You have a choice of which modules to buy/build.  The system minimum would be the processor and 1 sensor module.  A console is optional.  The processor connects to a computer and/or the Ethernet.
Temperature, humidity, solar, and wind speed sensors can be returned to a calibration facility for NIST certification.
The intention of the block diagram is to keep the interest alive and inspire someone to start experimenting or producing the hardware.  I'm just trying to keep the idea alive and get new opinions of how to proceed.
This may seem to be a fantasy system but after all it's called, The Dream Machine.
Have fun with it.
Al
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 26, 2011, 11:34:11 PM
I'm going to build the NWS Coop console version with an Arduino Uno as the processor and the prototype will be a wired version.  The cat5 cables from the computer room to the outside sensors have been planted in PVC pipe for years.  I'll use a DS18B20 or a DS1620 for a temperature sensor.  I have a home built solar shield with a 62mm 5 volt DC fan.  I'll add a rain gauge sensor next.  Then I'll make the system wireless.
I've used the Maxim I2C 1-wire components with the Basic Stamp 2 but this is my first experience with the Arduino.  I ordered $90 of Arduino books today.  Who can advise me on the Arduino?
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: xykotik on October 26, 2011, 11:40:16 PM
If you subscribe or have access to MAKE: magazine, their spring 2011 issue was dedicated to Arduino and had many projects, resources and websites for beginners.  (I'm sub-beginner).
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: dch26 on October 27, 2011, 04:06:49 AM

my ramblings......apologies for the sequence - they just came out my head that way....


from the posted diagram - why 2 boxes inside the house? combine? whats your thought process?


if we are using separate modules (nodes) for each sensor.....what sort of topography
for our "network"?

all reporting to one master? or all capable of acting as relays/extenders? (ie, they retransmit what they hear if the
msg is not for/from them)

what range? 50m 100m 300m 4000m?  these are available radios in the 433mhz world. obviously they are all
"perfect clear line of site ratings" - so i guess we need to aim for the 300m one with the hope it will do half that??

the radios are available as receiver, transmitter or transceiver (can do both). the transceiver modules are a few
bucks more expensive - but make the network more flexible. plus i think that it will make life a hell of a lot easier
for network congestion - all radios might talk at once if they are not 2 way. we need them to talk only when
polled by id by the master?

i know some of you get scary cold temperatures.....what does it need to go down to?
the transmitter works within the range: -45C to 85C


i agree that the transceiver should be interchangeable - so they can easily be swapped out if necessary, or the sensor
changed.



heres the thing......how many people are going to be creating their weather station from the dream machine?
(i know you cant answer that) - but are they all going to be good at soldering? no. or loading code into
micro controllers? no.
do i want to do that for them? no. do you? i suspect not. - how are we gonna get these babies out to the people
who want to test them?
how much will people pay per node (excluding sensor?)
the cost adds up (even though individual components are quite cheap)
(pcb, battery, solar panel, atmega chip(not a full arduino - thats just for dev phase), radio, case, i/o connectors, capacitors,
resistors, diodes, leds (no doubt! bling!)

my current thinking is that personally i wont use a console. my inside master controller will be ethernet capable and will insert data onto
a database on a networked pc. on that pc will be a web server. i will access my data from a pc, smartphone or ipad.


lastly, you asked for arduino help. i can do that. i dont want to teach you to suck eggs like a total beginner,
unless thats what you (and the forum) would like? do you need specific help with code or circuits? or do we
want a 101 on what to buy, how to connect it - and then getting a temperature reading from a ds18b20, or a hih-4030
humidity sensor? let me know

sorry to add more questions to the project. feel free to ignore me if u feel they are the ramblings of an idiot


dch
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on October 27, 2011, 08:52:17 AM
from the posted diagram - why 2 boxes inside the house? combine? whats your thought process?
dch
I’ve seen lots of complaints that the backlighting on the Davis console warms the inside temperature sensor.  OK, put the temperature sensor at the end of a long wire plugged into the processor or console cabinet.
if we are using separate modules (nodes) for each sensor.....what sort of topography
for our "network"?dch
I'm starting with a wired network to be converted to wireless later.  The RF links aren't designed yet.  I was hoping that this would be a group effort.
I'll do the Arduino development myself.  I have a few other projects that I may convert from Basic Stamp 2.  Coding doesn't bother me. 
how are we gonna get these babies out to the people who want to test them?dch
Some special parts can be made available to the DIY hobbyist.
Al
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on November 01, 2011, 05:58:03 PM
The Arduino books arrived today.  I haven't given up on the system.  It'll happen.  I'll order some parts in a few days. 
I'll start a system with only the DS18B20 temperature sensor and a Waterlog H-340 rain gauge.  I have the solar shield with an aspiration fan.
I'll build a display that will log temperatures from 7AM to 7AM.  It will display the current temperature, the 24 hour maximum and minimum temperatures, and the 24 hour precipitation.  This will be an NWS Coop display.  We NWS Coop Observers log daily data from 7 to 7.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on November 16, 2011, 08:28:12 AM
I'm working on the dream machine.  I don't recommend the 'Practical Arduino' book.  It spends too much time explaining basic electricity using water pump analogy.  It spends pages explaining smoothing capacitor and no time about how to decode a digital pulse train.  It has an entire chapter 'weather station receiver' that I assumed could be built.  The parts described are too old to buy in the US.  Internet errata describes parts that are not available in the US.  I made a start with an alternative inexpensive system.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on November 16, 2011, 08:05:47 PM
Xbee series 2, 2mw data transceivers are on order.  Each has a 40 meter range.  A more powerful 50mw 1 mile range is available.
They are addressed network devices to be set up as coordinators, routers, or end devices.  The network can be self healing if a radio is missing from the net.
The sensors can be independently sited and will communicate to a router.  The inside coordinator device will connect to the Arduino processor-logger-display.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: Skywatch on November 18, 2011, 12:48:24 PM
What I'd like in a weather station,

Wind speed & direction
Temperature
Humidity
Air pressure
Rainfall
Solar radiation

Other things
Leaf wetness
Soil moisture
Soil temperature
UV index

Other features
PC interface
Touch screen controls
Data logger

Those other items arn't really nessisary so you don't have to worry about those. What would be cool is to have the console/display and have several sensor ports. And in the console the user selects the sensor used on that specific channel port and the console detects the signal from that sensor plugged in. That way the user can build the station anyway he/she wants with what sensors parameters meet the requirements.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on November 18, 2011, 01:34:53 PM
The 3 XBee radios arrived!  So I'm working on 2 different designs.  The XBee radios will be used to bring in data from individual sensors or I2C networks. 
My other design uses off-the-shelf wireless sensors, a modern version of http://www.practicalarduino.com/news/id/711 (http://www.practicalarduino.com/news/id/711)
Both uses the Arduino Uno for processing-logging-display-connecting with the PC through a USB connection.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: linuxfreak on November 24, 2011, 12:18:14 PM
Al,
Check out this guy's designs, if they might be useful to add:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Wind-Chill-Machine/

Looks like a multi-part story of him creating a weather station using the Arduino platform. ;)

George
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on November 24, 2011, 12:39:01 PM
I'm building version I which is a much simpler and more modern version of this one:
http://www.practicalarduino.com/projects/weather-station-receiver (http://www.practicalarduino.com/projects/weather-station-receiver)
Mine has fewer parts.
I'll start version II someday.
Title: Re: The Dream Machine - Design Our Own PWS
Post by: wxtech on December 27, 2011, 09:49:04 AM
It looks like no one is working on a weather dream machine.  I've shifted to higher priorities and haven't done anything weather related lately.  My wx eqpt and sites are all broken. 
FYI, Revolution Education has a more versatile version of the Arduino.  This one is programmed in basic.  http://www.picaxe.com/docs/axe401.pdf (http://www.picaxe.com/docs/axe401.pdf)
U.S. Distributor of the axe401 shield:  http://www.phanderson.com/picaxe/ (http://www.phanderson.com/picaxe/)
The Arduino is for non-technical folks and the books mostly begin with 'what's a wire'? 
I haven't been active on wxforum.  I'll leave these project ideas for someone else.  Anyone can build the dream machine.  I'm the only one who can finish the book that I started several years ago.