Build a portable wind speed and direction sensor

Other Hardware Sensors
1

I want to build a portable wind speed and direction sensor that I can install on a boat. I also want to measure GPS location and compass direction. I want to record the data and time on an SD card. My goal is to record the wind speed and direction as a function of position and time.

I would like to purchase appropriate sensors.

Thanks for any help.

2

What kind of boat and are you looking for temporary install, like with a spring clamp or "C" clamp? Will the sensors be exposed to water, fresh or salt?
What power will you use?
Paul

3

The system will be mounted to an RC model tug boat and be battery operated. The data will be collected on Spreckels Lake in SF Golden Gate park. We sail RC sail boats on the lake and I think the data will be useful for us sailors. The wind can change rather dramatically. The data will not be used real time but I think it can help us understand the way in which the changes as function of time and location.

4

The water is fresh and I think I can protect the devices from the water.

5

How will you know the wind direction when the boat is moving?
Paul

6

I just upgraded my weather station with a Sparkfun Weather station thingy.

My weather station is solar/battery powered. I could see where my weather station could be made portable. Search the internet for "arduino weather station kit" for a few ideas.

You might be interested in a hot wire anemometer, instead of a cup type wind speed measuring device.

7

I also want to measure the compass heading of the boat. Or, I was thinking of placing a compass sensor on the weather vane.

8

Thanks Idahowalke for the anemometer idea.

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9

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