Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A portable weather station is a facility, either on land or sea, with instruments and
equipment for measuring atmospheric conditions to provide information for weather
forecasts and to study the weather and climate. The measurements taken
include temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, wind speed, wind direction,
and precipitation amounts. Wind measurements are taken with as few as other obstructions as
possible, while temperature and humidity measurements are kept free from direct solar radiation,
or insolation. Manual observations are taken at least once daily, while automated measurements
are taken at least once an hour. Weather conditions out at sea are taken by ships and buoys, which
measure slightly different meteorological quantities such as sea surface temperature, wave
height, and wave period. Drifting weather buoys outnumber their moored versions by a
significant amount.

BACKGROUND/RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

Records of daily weather conditions have been kept for 200 years and more, of course,
but traditionally have always required a diligent and dedicated human observer to record
readings from manual instruments at a fixed time, without fail, every single day. And to analyse
the daily data collected over months and years, more painstaking paperwork was called for.
But fortunately were now in an era where continuous automatic collection of weather
data is feasible. And whats really made a difference in the last few years is that the technology to
make accurate automated measurements has become much more affordable and more
straightforward to use. Weve now reached the point where it is well within the budget and
capability of many individuals, clubs and businesses to run their own automatic weather station
(AWS) .
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The key benefits of automated measurements include:

All current weather readings can be seen from indoors, at a glance and at any time;

Routine daily maintenance chores (eg emptying the rain gauge) are done automatically;

AWS stations can automatically record maximum and minimum values for a range of
weather parameters through each day and keep track, for example, of total monthly and yearly
rainfall;

Readings can be easily taken direct from the console display;

A data logger and PC can be readily linked to the station so that all weather data is
automatically logged. This means that;
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Automated systems can run for weeks and months without attention whilst
continuously recording all details of the weather;

Much greater within-day detail is available eg the complete pattern of wind speed
& direction through the day can be logged;

Comprehensive statistics can be automatically calculated and analysed;

Impressive visual graphics can be displayed;

Detailed weather conditions may be viewed at any distance from the station itself,
for example over the Internet;

The component parts of an Automatic Weather Station

In overall terms, an AWS system as pictured above right typically consists of:

A set of sensors mounted outdoors to measure the various weather parameters;

A console unit, usually located indoors, to collate and display the weather readings;
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Optionally, a data logger to link the system to a PC;

The number and type of outside sensors will obviously vary with the purpose and

sophistication of the AWS system, but sensors for some or all of the following weather readings
may be fitted:

Anemometer for wind speed and direction;

Air Temperature;

Rainfall gauge;

Humidity;

Barometric pressure (usually measured by a sensor indoors);

The temperature and humidity sensors are typically housed within a white louvred radiation

shield (to prevent direct sunshine heating up the sensor elements and leading to errors) see the
lower left of picture, which also shows a black conical rain gauge; and anemometer at top right.
A more advanced station might also be able to measure:

Sunshine and UV intensity levels;

Additional temperature and humidity levels;

Parameters of interest in agriculture such as soil moisture and leaf wetness;

The outside sensors will be connected back to the console (normally located indoors) in one of
two ways: via cables or via a short-range wireless link.
Considerations when choosing and setting up an AWS
Budget will obviously be one important factor, but three other key considerations to help
get your deliberations started are:
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Which sensors?
The first step is to decide which sensors you would like to see in a station, remembering
that typically the fascination with weather monitoring grows and the value of the readings is
increasingly appreciated after a new station is installed. So whatever sensor specification you
choose initially, it may be sensible to choose a station model that offers the option of adding
more sensors later.
All Davis stations offer measurements of at least wind speed and direction plus air
temperature. The Vantage Vue and standard VP2 stations add rainfall, humidity and pressure
readings to these basic three measurements. The Vue offers exceptional value for money for a
wireless station with its pedigree and features, provided youre happy with all the sensors being
mounted in one unit, while the wireless VP2 models are especially flexible in being able to
accept a wide variety of additional sensors.
Some users may have a requirement for further special sensors on their station. For
example, you may wish to monitor sunshine and/or UV intensity, or temperature and/or humidity
values in additional locations. If youre involved in gardening or agriculture you may wish to
make measurements of soil moisture or leaf wetness. Again, for maximum expandability the
wireless VP2 stations will be of most interest.
Do you wish to add a data logger for linking the weather station to a PC? This is now a
commonly-requested accessory because of how much power and flexibility it adds to ways in
which all your weather data can be stored, analysed and presented, while still being relatively
simple to use. Do you have any special data handling requirements, for example to run a live
weather reporting website on the Internet, for the benefit of your local community, for members
of an outdoor sports or activity club, or for particular business reasons? Do you need to be able
to view and analyse the weather data at some distance (maybe 100 yards, maybe many miles)
from the station location? Adding a data logger link to a PC is the key to enabling all of these
data-based features.

Adding the Weather link data logger to a standard Davis station is straightforward. But
for more complex installations, for example involving measurement of additional environmental
parameters and/or transfer of the data over longer ranges, the technical details of data transfer
and of where sensors are placed can involve more detailed discussions. Fortunately, our
extensive knowledge of linking weather stations to PCs is usually enough to find an answer to
most queries and we have also found that the majority of our customers are able to find out
everything they need to know via emails or phone calls a site visit is usually unnecessary,
saving you time and money. So whether your interest is in a standard station or something more
demanding, please do contact us to discuss your project and take advantage of our expert advice.

Which make?
Once youve decided on an outline specification for the system, the next step is to choose
the best make and model for your needs. Visitors to this site are typically looking for a station
providing good accuracy and reliability, but at a price that wont break the bank. Davis stations
have a proven track record for quality and accuracy and are the market leaders worldwide in this
sector. The Davis stations are made in California by a specialist weather-based company offering
solid after-sales support, and are not to be confused with cheap gadgets mass-produced in an
anonymous Far East factory and sold with minimal support.
Siting the outside sensors
The last general point to consider is how and where the outside sensors will be installed. To
obtain accurate weather readings it is vital that the outside sensors are mounted with good
exposure to the weather parameters being measured. This important topic is covered in detail in
its own section, but here is a brief summary of the main recommendations:

The anemometer (for measuring wind speed and direction) needs to be mounted high in
the air to catch the maximum wind speeds. Typically, it should be mounted on a pole and
projecting 2-3m above the apex of a roof for best results;

Air temperature can vary with height above the ground under certain weather conditions
and therefore a standard height for measuring air temperature has been set at 4 feet above the
ground. The air temperature sensor should be mounted in an open space to allow good air
circulation and over natural ground (ie not concrete or asphalt). If a protective radiation shield
is not available, the temperature sensor must be mounted in the shade for accurate results;

The rain gauge similarly needs to have an open exposure, with no nearby trees or
buildings that might limit the amount of rain that can fall freely into the gauge. The rain gauge
is better sited close to ground level (eg at the same 4 feet height as for temperature).
Mounting this gauge high in the air can cause significant errors due to wind effects;

For this project, we will be using:

- RF 433 transmitter/receiver module cost: ~2.00 USD

- DHT11 Humidity and temperature sensor cost: ~5.00 USD
- Two Arduino boards
- 16x2 LCD display HD44780 equivalent cost: ~2.00 USD
- 10k linear potentiometer cost: ~1.00 USD
- Jumper wires

- Two breadboards
About the RX433.
This module can make an open air connection up to 500m, depending on the voltage you
power it with (operating voltage range: 3.5-12V) and the length of the antenna you provide.
Here, 5V are used from the Arduino board to power the RF433. For an antenna, you can solder a
simple single-strand wire, like the one you see on the various pictures, which is about 17.2cm
long. Depending on the frequency of your model, you should find out the appropriate length for
the antenna.
You can calculate it on a website like this: http://www.qsl.net /kd4sai/antencal.html. But
if you use a 433MHz transmitter, 17.2cm is the correct antenna length.

Hardware connections

In general, the connections are very simple. Follow the instructions and images above, and you
should have no problems.
Transmitter Side:

Connecting DHT11
Connect:

- the VCC pin on Arduinos 5V output

- the GND pin to Arduinos GND and
- the DATA pin to Arduinos digital pin 4
Connecting RF433 transmitter
Connect:
- the VCC pin on Arduinos 5V output
- the GND pin to Arduinos GND and
- the DATA pin to Arduinos digital pin 12
Receiver Side:
Connecting RF433 receiver
Connect:
- the VCC pin to 5V on Arduino
- the GND pin to Arduinos GND and
- the DATA pin to Arduinos digital pin 11
Note: one of the pins will not be connected anywhere.
Connecting the LCD display
To properly connect the LCD display, you will need to connect the following:
- LCD VCC pin to 5V pin
- LCD GND pin to GND pin
- LCD RS pin to digital pin 7
- LCD Enable pin to digital pin 6
- LCD D4 pin to digital pin 5
- LCD D5 pin to digital pin 4
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- LCD D6 pin to digital pin 3

- LCD D7 pin to digital pin 2
Connecting the potentiometer
Connect:
- one of the outer pins to Arduinos 5V output
- the opposite outer pin to Arduinos GND and
- the middle pin to LCDs VO
The potentiometer is used to control the LCDs contrast, so you should fiddle with the pot a bit,
when powered up, to find that sweet spot!
Once you have connected everything, it should look something like in the image.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The main concern of this project will be about its temperature and humidity. It is because
this project is more compact and smaller compared to existing wireless weather station. As for
that, it will gain more people interest in our product.
In addition to that, this project is simpler in its design thus making it more innovative.
Due to our wireless weather station for being small and compact, it will make it easier to carry
anywhere and lighter compared to normal wireless weather station. For example, travelling or to
any expeditions.
But the most unique thing about this wireless weather station is using Arduino Uno as
microcontroller. Existing wireless weather station only used PIC 16F873 and this microcontroller
is more complex and such an old fashion of microcontroller. This project also used other
ARDUINO tools as our hardware. Namely Hitachi HD 44780 and DHT11 Temperature and
Humidity Sensor. The program for Arduino is friendly user because it is less complex.

As for that, this project can also be used commercially for agriculture industry, research home
owners and government agencies. This will be advantages for this project.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Implement a general purpose mini weather system based on wireless sensors station using
some basic components like microcontroller Arduino Uno R3, DHT11, Zig Bee and other
components.
To create an attractive and friendly user wireless weather station.
To build a wireless weather station that has transmitter and receiver digital data system.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Arduino
is a hardware and software company, project, and user community that designs and
manufactures computer open-source hardware, open-source software, and microcontrollerbased kits for building digital devices and interactive objects that can sense and control
physical devices.
Humidity
is the amount of water vapor in the air. Water vapor is the gaseous state of water
and is invisible.[1] Humidity indicates the likelihood of precipitation, dew, or fog. Higher
humidity reduces the effectiveness of sweating in cooling the body by reducing the rate
ofevaporation of moisture from the skin
Temperature
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is an objective comparative measure of hot or cold. It is measured by

a thermometer, which may work through the bulk behavior of a thermometric material,
detection of thermal radiation, or particle kinetic energy.
Evaporation
is a type of vaporization of a liquid that occurs from the surface of a liquid into a
gaseous phase that is not saturated with the evaporating substance.

Weather
is the state of the atmosphere, to the degree that it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or
stormy, clear or cloudy.[1] Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, just below
the stratosphere. Weather refers to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity,
whereas climate is the term for the statistics of atmospheric conditions over longer periods
of time. When used without qualification, "weather" is generally understood to mean the
weather of Earth.
Weather Station
is a facility, either on land or sea, with instruments and equipment for
measuring atmospheric conditions to provide information for weather forecasts and to study
the weather and climate. The measurements taken include temperature, barometric
pressure, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation amounts.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Patterns and cycles in the atmospheric impact the oceans, the patterns and cycles of the
ocean affect the atmosphere, the larger scale features affect the smaller-scale features, and the
smaller-scale features can effect the large scale features. But ultimately you care about the
current conditions and the forecast for where you live. Not a state to the west, not a county to the
west, not a city to the west, but where you live. And thats why all weather is local. As a
meteorologist, you must think globally and forecast locally.
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A forecast for where you live is more likely to be accurate when we know the current conditions
where you live. As George Carlin said, I dont know anybody who lives at the airport. While
reliable instruments for measuring atmospheric conditions including the temperature are
often located at airports, the weather must also be understood away from airports. There are
several airports in the Tri-State, but there are hundreds of thousands of people in our area that
dont live within 5 miles of an airport (and weather conditions can be dramatically different over
a 5 mile span).
One of the most common ways to showcase local weather conditions is a temperature map. Rain
or shine, people always care about the temperature.

SCOPE/DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This project focused on the how to make this weather station to be wireless that anyone
or anywhere can check about temperature and humidity around us easily.
Firstly, find the step for built this project. Before start anything, firstly must decide which one
item that want to used. For example, many items can detect temperature and sensor such as LM
335but for this project is suitable withDHT11 Temperature and Humidity Sensor because it can
detect and read it perfectly. This is proved by this graph.

Function of this graphics to check DHT11 Temperature and Humidity Sensor is function or not.

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The first spike for the temperature is breathing onto the sensor. The gradual rise means it
can detect hot or high temperature because breathe is C2O. The sharp drop is when took it out to
reprogram it. Then the next rise is it being back in again. For the humidity, actually the straight
line is function or still reading. When the temperature is higher, the humidity is lower. When the
temperature is lower, the humidity becomes higher.
Secondly is learning and find components function in project and find any connection in all
hardware. In this session, are getting a very long time to find the items. For this project, it very
concerned about the quality, price and convenience to make program. Besides that, also need to
make a purchase by mail because the item is not in the market at Kuala Lumpur.

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