SkyWeather2 and WeatherSense Buyers and Configuration Guide

November 22, 2021 433MHz, SkyWeather2, Solar Power, SolarMAX2, SwitchDoc Products, Tutorials, WeatherSense

SkyWeather2 and WeatherSense Buyers and Configuration Guide

SkyWeather2WeatherSense

SkyWeather2 is a Raspberry Pi based extendable, open source WeatherStation written primarily in Python3.  All of the SkyWeather2 software and the software for the WeatherSense Instruments are all open source and available for you to modify and add your own functions and hardware.  The main modules available are:

While you can buy 3D Prints for all of these devices from us, we include the STL print files for you to print your own.

SkyWeather2

What do I need to design and build my system?

You will need to choose a Raspberry Pi.  We would suggest starting with a Raspberry Pi 4B and as a second choice, the new Raspberry Pi ZeroW2.

In terms of choosing what to buy, the decision is where you want to put your SkyWeather2 base system (which contains your Raspberry Pi!).   If you want to mount it outside and use the camera connected to the Pi for your visual weather station, then follow Option A below and select the instruments you want.   If you want to keep your SkyWeather2 Raspberry Pi inside, the follow Option B.  That’s about it!

These are the two questions:

Option A: Do you want the SkyWeather2 Raspberry Pi Mounted Outside?

Optional Devices:

Option B: Do you want the SkyWeather2 Raspberry Pi Mounted Inside?

Optional Devices:

What about the Air Quality Sensor for SkyWeather2?

There are two options for the Air Quality Sensor.  You can buy a Laser Dust Sensor and connect it directly to the SkyWeather2 unit or you can buy a Solar Powered Air QualitySensor  and mount it outside away from SkyWeather2.  SkyWeather2 will record both sensors (one could be an inside air quality sensor and the other an outside air quality sensor).

 

What about Solar Power?

For the SkyWeather2 base unit (especially if you use a Raspberry Pi 4B or a PiZeroW2) we recommend you use the SolarMAX2SolarMAX2 system that will really support the high startup currents and power consumption of the Raspberry Pi based system.

Read more about Solar Power and the Raspberry Pi here.

Here’s an article about adding more solar panels to WeatherSense kits in cloudy areas.

How about 3D Printed Parts?

3D Printed PartsAll of the SkyWeather2 and WeatherSense kits come with all STL files needed (and the Fusion 360 design files too!) for you to print your own 3D assemblies.  If you don’t have access to a 3D Printer, you can order the cases here:

SkyWeather2 3D Printed Case

Solar SkyCam WeatherSense 3D Printed Case

Solar Air Quality, Lightning Detector, AfterShock 3D Printed case

How about Assembly Hardware?

While all of the parts required to assemble these kits are readily available in bulk, we have packed up some of the parts that are difficult to buy in low quantities:

SkyWeather2 and Solar SkyCam Hardware Assembly Kit

AQI, Lightning and AfterShock Hardware Assembly Kit

Conclusion

We hope this buying guide helps you sort through the options for building your SkyWeather2 Weather Station.

Lots more information and help on forum.switchdoc.com.

 

 

 

 

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