ADS-WS1
From ArgentWiki
The ADS-WS1 is a low-cost weather station with direct APRS support (no external TNC required), serial data output (for connection to a PC or TNC), and voice synthesis capability.
Firmware for the WS1 is still in beta testing. Information provided here is preliminary and subject to change.
Latest firmware for offline use
Saved configuration for offline testing
Voice samples have been uploaded as of 5/4/2010. Most beta test units shipped without voice data loaded - voice.bin will need to be loaded through WxConfig for the voice function to work.
Contents |
Main Unit
The main unit is housed in a flange mount enclosure with a 14-position 3.5mm pitch terminal block (PCB v1.1, future versions will use 0.15" pitch), a 0.5" port (covered with stainless steel mesh) for sensor ventilation, and notches to accommodate the wind and rain sensor cables, connected internally.
Temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure sensors are contained within the main unit.
Terminal Block Connections
| Pin | Function |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ground |
| 2 | Receive audio (from radio) |
| 3 | Transmit audio (to radio) |
| 4 | Push to Talk output |
| 5 | COR / Squelch signal from radio |
| 6 | Ground |
| 7 | 1-Wire data bus |
| 8 | Serial port 1 TX |
| 9 | Serial port 1 RX |
| 10 | Serial port 2 TX |
| 11 | Serial port 2 RX |
| 12 | Ground |
| 13 | DC Out (radio power control, 5A max) |
| 14 | DC In (5 to 20 VDC, 50 mA) |
Serial Output
Currently port 1 outputs serial data at 2400 baud in Peet Bros data logger format.
Radio Interfacing
This section is a stub. See the OpenTracker+ manual for a description of the radio interface signals and jumper settings.
Status LED
The LED blinks once every two seconds to indicate normal operation. A green blink means the real-time clock is set, and a red blink means it's not. The LED will light solid red when transmitting.
Real-Time Clock
The WS1's internal clock is set when the configuration program exits. Because the v1.1 board does not include the battery backup option planned for the final hardware version, if power is lost the clock resets.
Wind and Rain Sensors
The wind and rain sensor assembly includes a 2-piece steel mast, cup anemometer, wind vane, rain gauge (0.011" resolution), cables, mounting arms, screws, cable ties, and clamps.
Installation
Avoid overhead power lines. Ensure the mast is properly grounded, and don't install the assembly on a chimney where it might be exposed to smoke and hot gasses.
Radiation Shield Construction
The ADS-WS1 base unit must be installed in a sheltered location. If no suitable location is available, you can build an enclosure to protect the electronics from rain and direct sun while still allowing the temperature and relative humidity sensors to work properly. Some links to do-it-yourself Stevenson screen and Gill shield projects are included below.
Bird house style Stevenson screen
Stevenson screen made from plastic bowls
Fan-aspirated housing made from PVC pipe
N5ZTW's PVC Sensor Grenade (Word document)
Fan-aspirated Stevenson screen
Fan-aspirated Stevenson screen from flower pot trays
Another flower pot tray shield
Yet another flower pot tray shield
And some scholarly discussion of the subject:
Low-cost Shielding to Minimize Radiation Errors of Temperature Sensors in the Field
Online Demos
N1VG-14 in Santa Maria, CA
Solar-powered station on the roof of the Argent Data Systems office.
