Author: iwoox

This project uses Arduino open-source hardware to quickly create a weather station with unlimited data transmission capabilities. I previously created a weather station project with data logging functionality, and this is an upgraded and improved version.

Step 1: Concept

First, we need to add wireless data transmission functionality from the weather station to the indoor receiver, removing the SD card module and replacing it with an Arduino Uno interface expansion board.

The main reason for this is to save space, as the interface expansion board is fully compatible with Arduino Uno, so there is no need for wires to connect.The weather station bracket has also been redesigned.The previous bracket was too low and unstable, so I made a new one (taller and more stable). For the enclosure directly installed on the weather station bracket, I also added a new bracket. Additionally, a solar panel for power supply has been added.

Step 2: Materials

Hardware List:

• Weather station kit (includes anemometer/wind vane/rain gauge)

• Arduino Uno development board

• DFRduino Nano 3.0 (compatible with Arduino Nano)

• RF 433 MHz module for Arduino (receiver and transmitter)

• Double-sided perforated board 58mmx78mm

• SD card

• Solar power management module (5V 1A)

• Half-flexible monocrystalline solar panel (5V 1A) x2

• Interface expansion board (supports IIC, SPI, TLC, SD card)

• Some nylon ties

• Installation tools

• IIC/TWI LCD2004 liquid crystal module (Arduino compatible)

• Breadboard

• Lithium-ion battery (I used a Sanyo 3.7V 2250mAh battery)

• Waterproof plastic junction box

• Some wires

For making the weather station bracket, you will need:

• About 3.4 meters long steel pipe (or steel plate).

• Steel wire (about 4 meters)

• Steel wire clamps (8x)

• Stainless steel screws (2x)

• fi10 steel rods (about 50 cm)

• Steel lifting ring nuts (4x)

You will also need the following tools:

• Soldering iron

• Screwdriver

• Pliers

• Drill

• Welding machine

• Angle grinder

• Steel brush

Step 3: Summary

As mentioned earlier, this tutorial is an upgrade of the previous weather station tutorial.

If you want to know how to assemble the weather station kit, please watch the assembly video:

Step 4: Weather Station Installation Plan

Another question is how to install a weather station bracket that can withstand outdoor conditions.

Regarding the type and design of the weather station bracket, I did some research. In the end, I decided to use a3-meter-long steel pipe to make the bracket. It is generally recommended to install the anemometer at the highest point (about 10 meters (33 feet)), but since I am using an integrated weather station kit, I chose the height recommended by the kit – about 3 meters (10 feet).

The main issue I considered was that this bracket must be modular and easy to disassemble, so it can be easily moved to other locations.

Assembly:

1. Start with the fi18 3.4m (11.15ft) long steel pipe. Apply a layer of acidic rust remover to the steel pipe for rust treatment.

2. After 2 to 3 hours, the rust removal is complete, then weld the steel pipe together. First, weld the lifting ring nuts to both ends of the steel pipe, then place the steel pipe at a height of 2 meters from the ground. Of course, it can be placed at a higher position, but not lower, otherwise the upper part will become unstable.

3. Then, you need to make an “anchor” on each side. For this, I used two fi12 50cm (1.64ft) steel rods. Weld a lifting ring nut and a small steel plate at the top of each steel rod, so that it can be stepped on or hammered into the ground.

As shown:

4. Then, use steel wire to connect the lifting rings on the “anchors” to both ends of the bracket. Take two 1.7 m (5.57ft) long steel wires, one end fixed directly to the lifting ring nut with a wire clamp, and the other end fixed to the stainless steel screw buckle. The stainless steel screw buckle is used to tighten the steel wire.

5. Then, use a 3D printed bracket to install the plastic junction box on the bracket. For more details, see Step 5.

6. Finally, apply two coats of primer to each steel part. On this basis, you can paint any color you like.

Step 5: 3D Printed Parts

To make the installation bracket easy to disassemble, some 3D printed parts need to be made. Each part was designed by me personally and printed using PLA plastic.

Plastic Junction Box Bracket

In the previous tutorial, I made a bracket using steel plates, but it wasn’t particularly practical. So I decided to make another one using 3D printed parts. There are a total of five 3D printed parts, and damaged parts can be quickly replaced.

With this bracket, the plastic junction box can be directly installed on the steel pipe. The installation height can also be flexibly adjusted.

Temperature and Humidity Sensor Enclosure

I need to design an enclosure for the temperature and humidity sensor. After referring to online materials, I finalized the shape of this enclosure. I designed a Stevenson screen with a bracket so that all components can be installed on the steel pipe.

It includes 10 parts. The main base consists of two parts, with the top being a “lid” to achieve sealing and prevent water ingress. Each part is printed using PLA material.

Step 6: Indoor Data Receiver

The main upgrade of this project is the addition of wireless data transmission functionality. So we also need to add an indoor data receiver.

For this, I used a 430 MHz receiver suitable for Arduino, and then upgraded it with a 17 cm (6.7-inch) antenna. Next, we need to test the communication distance of this module. The first test is conducted indoors to determine the impact of walls on the signal range and whether it will cause signal interruption. The second test is conducted outdoors. The results show that the communication distance of this module is over 10 meters (33 feet), far exceeding the requirements of the indoor receiver.

Parts Required for Receiver:

• Arduino Nano

• Arduino 430 MHz receiver module

• RTC module

• LCD display

• Some connectors

As shown, this receiver can display outdoor temperature and humidity, date, and time.

Step 7: Testing

Before assembling the various components, some tests must be conducted.

First, test the Arduino’s transmitting and receiving modules. First, find the appropriate code and modify it to meet project requirements. I started with the simplest example, sending one word from the transmitter to the receiver, and after successful testing, I sent more data.

Then, it is necessary to test the range of these two modules. First, remove the antenna, and the test shows that the communication distance is very short, about 4 meters (13 feet). Then, add the antenna for testing. Through related research and analysis, I believe the best antenna length is 17 cm (6.7 inches). After that, tests were conducted indoors and outdoors to determine the impact of the environment on the signal.

Finally, place the transmitter outdoors and the receiver indoors for testing to determine if good indoor reception can be achieved. Initially, there were some signal interruption issues because the received data was inconsistent with the transmitted data. Later, I solved this problem by switching to a 433 MHz module antenna purchased from eBay.

This module is overall good because it is very cheap and easy to use, but due to signal interruption issues, the usage distance will be somewhat limited.

Conclusion

This project has been a fun and challenging journey from the initial idea to the final product. You need to spend time thinking about different options. Therefore, to successfully complete the entire project, you need to invest a lot of time and energy to make it truly what you want it to be.

However, similar projects also provide excellent opportunities for you to continuously expand and upgrade your knowledge in design and circuitry. In addition, the project includes many other technical fields, such as 3D modeling, 3D printing, welding, etc. So, it not only allows you to understand a particular technical field but, more importantly, lets you understand how different technical fields interact to achieve a complete project.

The project is designed to be simple, and as long as you have basic skills in circuits, welding, grinding, design, etc., anyone can complete it. The most critical factor is still time.

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