Anemometer

Build your own electronic anemometer that measures wind speed using sensors connected to the micro:bit! Learn the basics of programming, electronics, and working with sensors in a fun way - ideal for teaching physics, natural sciences, or for home weather observation and experimentation.
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Description

Anemometer is a clever project that turns a simple measuring tool into an interactive device for monitoring wind speed. It uses a sensor to detect rotor speed and convert it into air flow speed - it can display values on the display, start an animation or light up an LED when a certain limit is exceeded.

This kit is ideal for school and home measurements and does not require any advanced knowledge. It will help children and adults practice programming, sensory skills and analytical thinking.

Components


BBC MICRO:BIT V2.2
mb2 photo front
Expansion board MB2

Infrared sensor

Dupont wire 20 cm
STL anemometer
Anemometer

Connection

The anemometer uses an infrared (IR) sensor with four pins: VCC (power), GND (ground), D0 (digital output) and A0 (analog output). Output D0 is used for speed measurement, which, together with the power supply, is connected to pin P0 on the expansion board with three Dupont wires - D0 to the yellow signal rail, VCC to the white power rail and GND to the black ground rail.

Expansion board MB2

Expansion board MB3

Recommendation

When you first start the anemometer, you need to set the sensitivity of the IR sensor. Start by inserting a Phillips screwdriver into the blue square on the sensor. By turning the screwdriver, you are able to set the switch point. This allows you to determine when you want the sensor to turn on.

Programme

The program measures the interval between individual pulses produced by the IR sensor when the anemometer blades rotate. Based on these time intervals, the rotation speed, and indirectly the wind speed, is then calculated. The value is converted into 3 units – m/s, km/h and also RPM, i.e. revolutions per minute, which measure the speed of the motor.

The wind speed is displayed on the micro:bit display. However, the display is quite small, so we recommend using either the TM1637 clock display , or the LCD display , or a universal fixture.

micro:bit display

Use the AB buttons to switch the displayed speed units.

Clock display TM1637

Connect the clock display to the MB2 expansion board as follows:

  • CLK: P1
  • GOD: P2
  • VCC: 3V3
  • GND:GND

Use the buttons to switch the displayed speed units.

LCD display / Universal fixture

Connect the LCD display to the MB2 expansion board according to the instructions for the universal fixture or LCD display.

Use the buttons to switch the displayed speed units.

Tasks

Task 1: Measuring wind in different conditions

Place the anemometer outside or near a fan and watch how the wind speed readings change depending on the environment. Try taking measurements outside a window, near a fan, or while blowing with your mouth and compare the readings.

Task 2: Visual indication of wind strength

Program the anemometer to display different icons on the micro:bit display depending on the wind speed. For example, light wind will display a dot, medium wind will display a line, and strong wind will display an exclamation mark. Use the conditions for different speed levels.

Task 3: High wind alarm

Create a program that sounds an alarm or lights an LED when the wind speed exceeds a certain threshold. This task is ideal for simulating a high wind warning system.

Task 4: Wireless data transfer

Use a second micro:bit with radio communication to send the measured wind speed data to a remote receiver. This is useful for transmitting data to a base station or mobile unit, for example.

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