[engolling]

"Finally it is time to introduce the snow height measurement system officially."

Congrats on some hard thinking and a very workable solution to the problem!

Have you looked at the new generation of laser distance measuring devices with BlueTooth 4.0 and smartphone apps? The Bluetooth connection would eliminate the need to open/modify the measuring device and the on board smarts can probably do the math returning just the actual snow height in response to an inquiry. Power can be supplied by building dummy batteries from plastic tubing with leads to the outside supply. The devices range in price from $30 to $260 USD on Amazon.The big question is if the manufacturer will willingly give up the Bluetooth command set or if sniffing would be required. Probably the Chinese manufacturer's would be most willing to do it if one can breech the language divide.

My only concern with using any of the laser measuring devices is they seem to be rated for use above 0 degrees Celsius... What happens below zero?

Here is an Amazon search result:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_...DH4Q990CCG

Regards,
George

Hello wizardgmb,

thanks for sharing your thoughts.
On one hand a wireless transmission is a charming system, on the other hand it raises some new problems.
First thing is the receiving microcontroller needs a Bluetooth module, then you need the commands (which might be not a big deal).
Second, new challenges rise after a power loss (or automatic turn off) - how start and reconnect the system again and so on.
This means you will probably need some wires and modification again to emulate the "power button".

So that are my main concerns, I do not think you might get a problem with low temperatures.

Regards,
engolling