| The instruments for Hextable Garden Weather are located
around our garden. They use a wireless radio link to contact the central console with the latest readings, on average every 2 to 3 minutes. If the link fails, the readings are retained until a successful transfer occurs. |
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This strange looking device measures air temperature and
humidity. The dome at the top contains the temperature sensor. Like all
of the instruments, the temperature/humidity device is powered by electricity
generated via a solar panel. Below the thermometer (not shown) is a further
thermomter measuring grass temperature. |
| With the dome being sensitive to heat it is necessary to
protect it from direct sunlight. However, as most cabinets designed to
house thermometers (eg Stevenson's Screens) would also prevent sunlight
reaching the solar panel, I have had to create a cover that allows the
free flow of air around the dome and sufficient light to the solar panel.
After 8 months with a temporary cover my permanent and rather more elegant solution
is now in place. |
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The rain gauge sits in its new home on top of the shed,
doing a very good impression of a chimney. Measuring rainfall in 0.3mm
units by means of a tilting bucket mechanism, the device is self emptying.
It only requires the occasional removal of leaves from the funnel. |
| Perched above the kitchen and bedroom roofs, are 2 further
devices. The lower of the 2 is the brightness detector. Measuring the
available light in Lux, it provides an automated means of measuring sunshine.
A reading above 20 kLux is considered to indicate sunshinee. However,
it has recorded more than this on a cloudy day so some interpretation
of the readings will be necessary. |
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The highest device contains 2 instruments; a wind vane and
an anemometer. The former points to the direction from which the wind
is coming and the latter the wind speed. They also give an indication
of the variation of the wind direction. |
