JamesB0T/Windsensor_WiFi_1000

The Windsensor WiFi 1000 is an OpenSource project to build a wind transducer for sailboats using 3D printer parts and an ESP8266 microcontroller

My wind transducer got damaged in winter 2017/2018 by a big storm in Netherlands. I needed a new transducer for my small sailboat. It is a Dehlya 22. At the same time I was looking for an interesting and useful project for my new 3D printer. At first I tried to build the hemispheric parts and the rotor. After successful 3D printing I was amazed about the good quality and mechanical precision. My printer is a low cost Chinese model JGAurora in prusa design. At this point I started my project with the windsensor and I designed all parts in 3D for my printer.

For designing I use the online CAD program Onshape. It is easy, powerfull and innovative. You just need a PC and a web browser with 3D function (Web GL). You find my project under the term "windsensor". Copy it to your own workplace so you can view and modify the 3D model.

This windsensor is based on a patent from Peet Bros Inc. The patent has expired and everyone can use it. The function is very simple using two reed magnet sensors to detect wind speed and wind direction.

I modified the circuit and used two hall sensors instead. An ESP8266-E12 microcontroller processes readings from both sensors and calculates wind speed and wind direction. The operating principle is amazingly simple and smart. It is a perfect combination of simplicity and effectiveness and poses an attractive task for the ESP8266 microcontroller.

If you like to help or consider this project useful, please donate. Thanks for your support!

For a first impression see the videos:

Live Windsensor

Display data in OpenPlotter

I published and discussed this project in the German sailing forum www.segeln-forum.de and found many interested people. Half a year later, all mechanical components and electrical schematics were completed and I successfully launched the first windsensor on my sailboat.

These were the initial requirements for the new windsensor:

Measuring wind speed and wind direction
Robust mechanics
Weight < 200g
Small enough for a 22 feet sailboat
Weatherproof and UV stable
Visible by night
No cabling for sensor signals
Digital signal transmission with WiFi only
12V power supply utilizing top light power cable
Using a ESP8266 for WiFi and data handling
Update rate approx. 1...2 samples per second
No onboard instrument required
Visualisation in OpenPlotter via laptop, mobile fone or tablett
No extra software required (display is the browser)
Supporting NMEA 0183 protocol
Price < 250 Euro

How can I use it?

I use the windsensor in combination with OpenPlotter on a Raspberry Pi 3B. OpenPlotter serves as access point for WiFi devices. The windsensor connects to OpenPlotter via WiFi and transmits the NMEA0183 data telegrams every second. The windsensor sends 4 types of telegrams. 3 standard telegrams (MWV, VWR, VPW) and one custom telegram (INF). Check here link for more information on NMEA0183.

Network devices can be connected to OpenPlotter. A simple browser displays all data from the wind transducer. I use a 7" Android tablet as display for my windsensor.

(2018-11-02) Now also available as Android App. It is is a WebApp connecting directly to the windsensor to display all data.

(2018-04-28) Now also a diagnostic tool is available for the correct setting of the aperture and the magnets. On Youtube is a short video located in german language which describes the functions of the diagnostic tool.

(2019-06-24) Now is a French assembling instruction available. Thanks to Doninique Martin!

What is the current status?

I have completed many tasks but still not everything is perfect so far.

Questions?

For questions or suggestions please get in contact via email at norbert-walter(at)web.de.

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