Building a network-connected cloud sensor (MKI)

I’ve wanted to build a cloud sensor for years now, but never actually found the time to do it. So, after seeing IR sensors for something on the order of $5 a piece, I ordered a couple and thought that I’d give it a shot.
ORIGINAL POST
By mjmazur
components
Hardware Components
Arduino nano
X 1
W5500 ethernet module
X 1
MLX90614 thermopile sensors
X 2
details

IMG_20191217_123937.jpg Enabling Iot for Everyone4 Enabling Iot for Everyone3 Enabling Iot for Everyone_2 Enabling Iot for Everyone_0 Enabling Iot for Everyone_!

The theory

We could get in to the theory of blackbodies (maybe later), but it is sufficient to say that…

  1. Clouds are warmer than a clear sky.
  2. The infrared spectrum of an object can tells us something about its temperature.
  3. If you can measure the temperature of the sky, you should be able to say something about whether it’s cloud-free or not.

To measure the temperature we need some sort of contact-less thermometer that can be pointed at the sky (and ground, more on that later).

What you need

  • 2x MLX90614 thermopile sensors
  • 1x Arduino Nano
  • 1x W5500 ethernet adapter
  • a bunch of jumpers
  • waterproof enclosure (I printed one)
  • Some way to mount it over the ground

If you want to print out my housing, you’ll also need the following…

  • A 3D printer (obviously) and weather-resistant filament (I use CPE/PETG)
  • Silicone
  • 1/4-20 nut
  • tripod ball mount

 

Original link: http://orebits.ca/building-a-network-connected-cloud-sensor/

IMG_20191217_123937.jpg Enabling Iot for Everyone4 Enabling Iot for Everyone3 Enabling Iot for Everyone_2 Enabling Iot for Everyone_0 Enabling Iot for Everyone_!

The theory

We could get in to the theory of blackbodies (maybe later), but it is sufficient to say that…

  1. Clouds are warmer than a clear sky.
  2. The infrared spectrum of an object can tells us something about its temperature.
  3. If you can measure the temperature of the sky, you should be able to say something about whether it’s cloud-free or not.

To measure the temperature we need some sort of contact-less thermometer that can be pointed at the sky (and ground, more on that later).

What you need

  • 2x MLX90614 thermopile sensors
  • 1x Arduino Nano
  • 1x W5500 ethernet adapter
  • a bunch of jumpers
  • waterproof enclosure (I printed one)
  • Some way to mount it over the ground

If you want to print out my housing, you’ll also need the following…

  • A 3D printer (obviously) and weather-resistant filament (I use CPE/PETG)
  • Silicone
  • 1/4-20 nut
  • tripod ball mount

 

Original link: http://orebits.ca/building-a-network-connected-cloud-sensor/

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