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Weather Station Hardware => Davis Instruments Weather Stations => Topic started by: wxtech on July 05, 2015, 08:27:39 PM
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I have designed and produced one prototype of the Anemometer and Vane Tester. This will be a DIY project. You can build your own anemometer and vane tester. The 1st prototype is 2.5 inches by 3.8 inches. I'm reducing the board size to 1.9" x 2.5" to reduce cost. I estimate the total parts cost to be less than $30.00.
I have tested it with the reed switch version of anemometer. I will make this compatible with the Hall sensor version of anemometer.
This tester has 3 functions. 1 It has the wind cable tester circuit that Davis provides. 2 It has an Ohmmeter breakout for measuring the potentiometer and switch closure using your Ohmmeter. 3 It has a circular pattern of LEDS that indicate rotation of the direction vane and a LED that flashes as the cups rotate.
It is self powered by two AA batteries. It has a cable that plugs into the Davis ISS SIM board wind socket. It has two connectors that the anemometer/vane plugs into. You can test your anemometer from the ground where your ISS is located. You can test an anemometer on your work bench.
I will publish the schematic, parts list and circuit board pattern if you wish to build everything. I will offer a kit of parts and instructions. Enjoy, Al
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What a great idea for a project..........I'm interested, love tinkering with electronics, one hobby that gives great satisfaction from seeing a pile of electronics parts transformed (pardon the pun) into something that works and actually has a use.
Nick. DW7240.com
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I'm excited that George Wetzel, our Peachtree City, Ga. NWS Observation Program Leader visited my wx station today. I was able to show off the a/v tester and its flashing LEDS. He was here when UPS delivered the new Davis anemometer. It'll be in pieces by the weekend. I'll take o'scope signal pictures before I destroy the new anemometer.
I plan to check compatibility with the Hall sensor wind speed circuit before I release the a/v tester schematic. Pictures and data should be ready by the weekend of 11-12 July.
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Very cool project :) It can function as a rough wind direction sensor too :)
I'm eager to see what the new anemometer holds inside!
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Success and delay. I modified the tester to apply 1.25 volts to the anemometer and vane under test. This tester is compatible with the anemometer and vane that uses a reed switch. This tester is compatible with the anemometer and vane that uses a Hall sensor. As we knew, an Ohmmeter can't measure the Hall sensor signal. However your multimeter set to measure AC millivolts will detect the Hall sensor output. I'm presenting the device design to an electronics supplier for them to kit the parts including my plans and images. I'll publish the schematic, parts list, and pictures here next week. You can then buy the kit or do it all yourself.
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A forum member asked for instructions to build your own wind test/diagnostics cable. Here is my version. It uses a 20K Ohm linear potentiometer instead of the two 10K matched resistors in other designs. The Davis test cable will produce an S reading on the console. With this pot, you can crank and watch the console respond with N to E to S to W to N. Repeatedly pressing the push button gives wind speeds up to about 20 mph. Attached is the schematic and 3 pictures showing the front and back wiring.
Parts: 4 conductor telephone type cable
crimp on connector 6P4C or RJ-14 type (a crimping tool is needed for this connector)
20K linear potentiometer
spst momentary push button switch
The anemometer and vane tester described July 5 - 10 is in the second prototype stage. Dale is working on this project also.
Al
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I have designed and produced one prototype of the Anemometer and Vane Tester. I asked Dale Reid to partner with me on this project. This will be a DIY project. You can build your own anemometer and vane tester. The 1st prototype is 2.5 inches by 3.8 inches. I'm reducing the board size to 1.9" x 2.5" to reduce cost. I estimate the total parts cost to be less than $30.00.
I have tested it with the reed switch version of anemometer. I will make this compatible with the Hall sensor version of anemometer.
This tester has 3 functions. 1 It has the wind cable tester circuit that Davis provides. 2 It has an Ohmmeter breakout for measuring the potentiometer and switch closure using your Ohmmeter. 3 It has a circular pattern of LEDS that indicate rotation of the direction vane and a LED that flashes as the cups rotate.
It is self powered by two AA batteries. It has a cable that plugs into the Davis ISS SIM board wind socket. It has two connectors that the anemometer/vane plugs into. You can test your anemometer from the ground where your ISS is located. You can test an anemometer on your work bench.
I will publish the schematic, parts list and circuit board pattern if you wish to build everything. Maybe Dale or I will offer a kit of parts and instructions. Enjoy, Al
Old topic, but still interresting.
Is there still a schematic, parts list and/or circuit board pattern available?
I would like to build this A/V tester and especially the Hall sensor version.
Thanks,
Remie
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Nobody has this schematic and/or board layout?
I am still interested in this piece of test tooling.
Thanks,
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I am as well.
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I have two anemometers that DO NOT WORK. Would be willing to donate to the cause.
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I have versions of this project and today I'm clearing my workbench to finish this project. I'll have the board design with ExpressPCB, parts source, a parts kit, or a completed 3-part anemometer tester.
Al
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Hello Al,
thanks for you reply and your work.
looking forward to see the results.
Remie
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+1
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PROGRESS REPORT: This is an update on the anemometer vane tester project. You should allow me time to build this board design and test it before you invest your time and money on these ideas.
I revisited this project and have completed a better design. I will start a new topic to be less confusing.
I am posting the schematic and an image of the circuit board attached here. The circuit board contains two testers to save on cost. The 'cut here' comment on the circuit board means to use your fine saw and cut the board into 2 identical pieces. Each piece is a complete av tester. (av means anemometer vane).
If you prefer, you can copy the schematic into ExpressPCB design application and purchase your own boards from them. I assume no responsibility for errors or damage caused to anything from using this information. I will provide a multipage instructions document for building and using the anemometer and vane tester. This device works on the original reed switch and the newer Hall sensor version of the wind speed circuits.
Good luck building the project. Al
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Al,
Thanks for all your hard work on this, it will make a nice project for me to do.
All the best for 2018
Ian
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Al, thanks for your work.
Also, all the best for 2018.
Remie
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Hello Al,
how is progress with the BOM of the anemometer and vane tester project?
Or is it possible to order a kit with pcb and parts to build one from you?
Thanks,
Remie
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Funnily enough I was was playing with this earlier today, I did get all the parts a few months ago, but had a tidy and and now can't find anything :-)
I've changed the display to be a bargraph as its easier for me to make on a single sided PCB, the image attached is the provisional design, not yet tested and drawn in Visio.
Ian
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Not yet, just got a couple of things to find then I'll make the board, I'll post up a picture when done.
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Hello Al,
how is progress with the BOM of the anemometer and vane tester project?
Or is it possible to order a kit with pcb and parts to build one from you?
Thanks,
Remie
I'm assembling a board today. One connector is on the wrong side. If this board works, I'll let someone try assembly of a board. I know the design works.
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I'd be happy to buy a board and make one up. I have soldering skills. I've made the Blitz lighting boards when they were self build.
I also have a "spare" anemometer I could use. I just replaced mine as the bushings were shot. So it reads about half wind speed, but right direction.
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I would also buy a board when you have finished testing.
Soldering is no problem for me.
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I'm sorry that I took so long getting the project available. I'll stuff a board and test it tonight. I know the circuit works.
Al
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Interested in project l
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any idea how Davis overcomes the 5vdc latching voltage for the new Hall sensor models? The IWS appears to not produce enough voltage.
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Are in market 3v Hall sensors. You say that new vp2 vanes use 5v sensors and ISS use 3v because must be ISS down versions compatible?
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I'd like to buy one as well please.
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I need some help beta testing part 3 of this project.
Part 1 is called simple because you can purchase your own parts and use the instructions: http://www.lexingtonwx.com/anemometer/simple.pdf
Part 2 is a method to test your anemometer using a multimeter and these instructions:
http://www.lexingtonwx.com/anemometer/resistance.pdf
Part 3 is a construction using my circuit board. I have built and test previous versions which work. I wish that someone will build and evaluate the instructions and the circuit operation before many people try it.
The part 3 instructions: http://www.lexingtonwx.com/anemometer/tester.pdf for beta testing only. Wait for an evaluation before you invest money and time. If the design is approved, all design information will be turned over to the forum.
Will this forum group select one to beta test this project? I will mail (free to a US address) the circuit board to the one that this forum selects. IC, LEDS, resistors, connectors, battery, cable probably cost $20.
Happy experimenting,
Al
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I have selected two forum members to beta test parts 3 & 4 of this project. I have only 2 pc boards available for the beta test. If the beta results are OK, then I'll post the circuit and board layout so that anyone can have their boards produced by ExpressPCB.
It's in the beta cycle because I've already tested & re-designed and the items work OK for me. I need someone else's opinion.
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I have selected two forum members to beta test parts 3 & 4 of this project. I have only 2 pc boards available for the beta test. If the beta results are OK, then I'll post the circuit and board layout so that anyone can have their boards produced by ExpressPCB.
It's in the beta cycle because I've already tested & re-designed and the items work OK for me. I need someone else's opinion.
How is the status of the beta testers to test the above mentioned parts 3 & 4?
I'm curious about the results. When everything is working I would like to order a set of parts, so I can build this beautiful test-tool :grin:
Thanks!
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wxtech decided to make a board change. Once that is completed, we'll be assembling the new board and testing it.
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Sorry that it's taking so long. I was trying to incorporate too many options. Attached is a picture of today's version (av20180620). I'm trying to find a subminature on-off slide power switch. This board pattern can use 2 AA batteries or a CR123. The final will be powered by a CR123.
The anemometer can be plugged into this and tested; or this will simulate an anemometer when it is plugged into the outside Integrated Sensor Suite.
I asked the Beta Testers to hold off assembling their kit until I provided them with a new circuit board.
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Hi Al,
No problem at all.When you got the final version, wil there be the possibility for buying a pcb, so we can build our own Anometer&Vane Tester? Or would you made a diy kit, with the pcb and all the parts? Or a pre-assembled tester?
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I intend to freely share everything; the schematic, the board design; board purchase info from ExpressPCB; parts list and sources; step-by-step construction of the break-out, the test plug, & the full tester.
The two Beta Testers will be experienced with this device, so they may offer completed testers or kits for sale.
Al
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The latest on the anemometer and vane tester and the anemometer and vane simulator is version 9 being produced. The schematic is included here with a photo of a completed board and a blank board. Two forum members, Old Tele Man and 92 Merc, have agreed to build and beta test the next version when I provide the parts to them.
Others who are interested, I will provide the board design, parts list, and instructions to anyone who wishes to build one. I'll also offer a completed device.
Wxtech
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Hi Al,
Maybe there is any progress to tell about the Anemomete & Vane Tester?
I'm curious :grin:
Thanks,
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I am a tester. I plan on building the new version tomorrow while three wife is out of town.
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I am a tester. I plan on building the new version tomorrow while three wife is out of town.
:-" UU :-$ 8-[
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Oops. 'The' wife. I couldn't afford three. :grin:
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Haha :grin:
Thats good news! Like to hear the results when you finished the tester.
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...any progress?? :roll:
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I will order the final version of the board and parts today. I'll have 3 boards ready to build.
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Hi Al, thanks for the update.
I like to hear when everything is working and passed the tests, and also the possibilities for ordering a tester.
grtz Remie
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It has been working through many iterations. Just couldn't decide on which variation to produce in quantity. Can you solder/construct a board? How do I mail a box to you?
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Soldering is no problem for me...
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