Quote:Ideally it could be changed in the receiver software so no trips up on the roof are required, but short of that how can I adjust the azimuth with the current software?
The ideal is always doing the things in the right order, which is a thing that most of the times, none of us do.
Lets go ahead...
On the configurable settings of the TX software, the are some settings specific for the Inspeed e-vane:
Quote:// --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Inspeed Vane Calibration
// Calibration values for Inspeed E-Vane 2
// --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#define WDir_min 60
#define WDir_max 990
#define WDir_offs 0
If those settings could be equal to everyone, would certainly not be in the user configurable settings, but elsewhere on the software.
So, what the meaning of those values?
Even if every Inspeed e-vanes were perfectly equal, each installation is unique, different types of cables, different lengths, and mainly each Arduino ADC reference voltage is slightly different. So, after we have our Inspeed e-vane connected to the TX unit, before anything else, we need to determine the minimum and the maximum ADC read, we get from the vane.
The TX software already include all the tools needed for this task, however to make this task easier for you, I wrote a simple Arduino sketch that you should run in the Arduino of the TX unit where the wind vane is connected.
Upload the software, and open the serial monitor (baud 19200):
- You should start to see a series of values at each second.
- Now, manually, slowly rotate the vane (no matter in what direction), do several complete turns.
- Repeat until you see that the
Minimum reading and
Maximum reading values don't change.
- Take note of the last values shown on "Minimum reading:" and "Maximum reading:". Write them on a paper or where you find appropriate, you will gonna need them later.
Now, you have to correctly point your wind vane to true north. This little software will help you too.
Slowly rotate the vane, until the value shown on "Wind Dir:" is close or equal to 0 (zero) or 360, then block the wind vane, and install it in a way that the plastic part with metal on its end, be facing the true north. Tighten the mast where the vane is installed, and free the wind vane.
Calibration and correct positioning is done.
Now, load the TX software in Arduino IDE, go to user config settings, and insert the previously stored values here:
Quote:// --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Inspeed Vane Calibration
// Calibration values for Inspeed E-Vane 2
// --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#define WDir_min Minimum reading
#define WDir_max Maximum reading
#define WDir_offs 0
Revise all the other settings, compile and upload.
Its done. There is no need to insert offsets in CumulusMX, or anywhere else. Your wind vane is perfectly calibrated.
I hope this has been helpful.
A final note to everybody. I know that the method to get the min and max raw reading from the wind vane, can, or could be, implemented to be done automatically, but doing it manually, also ensures that you end up having the right position of the wind vane facing the true north.
The calibration procedure is intended to be performed before having the wind vane installed in its definitive position.
Everybody knows that the WeatherDuino isn't a plug and play system, if it was, what's the fun?
