[Weather] [personal] Weather PCB dimensions

[Dave McGuire]

On Nov 19, 2006, at 12:24 PM, Jim Pace wrote:
> I replied to Matthew in a separate email regarding his request, but  
> this
> seems like a great subject for a group discussion.
> If we were to redesign the wind instrument, what would we do  
> differently?
> My first thought is that, like the originals, the KISS principal  
> should be
> adhered to.
> Micro power hall effect sensors are available, should the sometimes
> troublesome reeds be replaced?

   Absolutely.  I like reed switches, but a fully-solid-state  
implementation would have significant reliability advantages.

> Is there a better way to do wind direction, with finer resolution?

   I'd do it ultrasonically.  Transducers are cheap, microcontrollers  
are cheap, there are designs floating around (there was even one in  
Ciarcia's magazine recently), you get both wind speed and direction  
from the same sensor, and it eliminates moving parts.

> If an improved design will require external power, is that OK? It  
> is for me.

   Ok for me too.

> Shouldn't we dispense with surface mount devices on the board as  
> much as
> possible?

   Why?  Wider-pitch surface mount devices tend to be much easier to  
solder than through-hole parts (despite some widespread  
misconceptions) and are often cheaper.  I won't touch through-hole  
anymore unless I absolutely have to.

               -Dave

-- 
Dave McGuire
Cape Coral, FL