SkyWeather2 and WeatherSense Buyers and Configuration Guide
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:
- SkyWeather2 (includes the WeatherRack2 – Wind, Rain, Temperature, Sunlight and UV)
- Solar Powered Lightning Detector WeatherSense
- Solar Powered SkyCam WeatherSense Remote Camera (up to 8 are supported on a single SkyWeather2 unit)
- Solar Powered Air Quality Index WeatherSense Sensor
- Solar Powered AfterShock WeatherSense Earthquake Detector
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.
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:
- Solar Powered Lightning Detector WeatherSense
- Solar Powered SkyCam WeatherSense Remote Camera (up to 8 are supported on a single SkyWeather2 unit)
- Solar Powered Air Quality Index WeatherSense Sensor
- Solar Powered AfterShock WeatherSense Earthquake Detector
Option B: Do you want the SkyWeather2 Raspberry Pi Mounted Inside?
- SkyWeather2 Base Kit with WeatherRack2
- Solar Powered SkyCam WeatherSense Remote Camera (up to 8 are supported on a single SkyWeather2 unit)
Optional Devices:
- Solar Powered Lightning Detector WeatherSense
- Solar Powered Air Quality Index WeatherSense Sensor
- Solar Powered AfterShock WeatherSense Earthquake Detector
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 
SolarMAX2 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?
All 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:
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.
