HOBO Weather System
Yamily Veloz
CNT 4104 Computer Netwok Programming
Janusz Zalewski
Fall 2008
- Introduction
The device used in this project is a HOBO Weather Station [1]. This system collects data from sensors and transmits the results via a wireless link to the remote location. The hardware and software of this device are briefly described below.
1.1Hardware
The HOBO Weather System is composed of a Micro Station (called logger, for simplicity), a temperature and a pressure sensor, a Radio Modem Base Station (Base Station), and a Radio Modem (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Physical Diagram of System
The two smart sensors, temperature and pressure, are connected to the logger via an Ethernet connection. The logger stores the information retrieved by the sensors until the radio modem requests the data. The Radio Modem Base Station is connected to the computer or server. The Radio Modem is usually running in hibernated state until the Radio Modem Base Station requests a connection[2]. The physical properties of all devices are described below. The devices are presented in Figure 2 - 4.
1.1.1 Micro Station [1]
The parameters of a micro station are as follows:
- Operating Range: - 4○ F to 122○ F with alkaline batteries
- Sensor Inputs: Up to four smart sensors
- Communication: 3.5 mm serial port
- Memory: 512K nonvolatile flash data storage
- Memory Modes: Stop when full, wrap around when full
- Logging Interval: 1 second to 18 hours, user-specified
- Battery Life: 1 year typical use
- Data Communication: Current reading while logging, offload while logging, or offload when stopped
1.1.2 Sensors [1]
The sensors have the following features:
- Automatic detection. No Extensive programming, wiring, or calibrating is required to set up sensors
- Easy expansion. Because the logger is not preconfigured, up to four sensors of any type or combination can be added simply by plugging them in before logging begins
- Digital network. The connection between the smart sensors and the logger are digital, ensuring accurate, reliable data collection and storage
1.1.3 Radio Modem [1]
The Radio Modem has the following parameters:
- Radio Frequency: 902 to 928 MHz
- Modem Communications Rate: 19200 bps (max) throughput
- Battery Life: Varies with temperature, data logging rate (bytes/day) and frequency of connections
- Network Size: At least seven units per location supported
- Environmental Rating: Weatherproof
1.1.4 Radio Modem Base Station [1]
The Radio Modem Base Station has the following features:
- Radio Frequency: 902 to 928 MHz
- Modem communications Rate: 19200 bps (max) throughput
- Network Size: At least seven units per location supported
- Serial Communications Cable: Serial cable connects to computer serial port
- Environmental Rating: Indoor use only, non0condensing, non-fogging
Figure 2. Radio Modem, Logger, and Sensors
Figure 3. Radio Modem Base Station Connected to Computer
Figure 4. Complete HOBO Weather System
1.2Software
There are two independent software components that come with the system: the HOBOware and the Remote Site Manager.
The HOBOware displays the data retrieved from the logger in a graphical way (Figure 5 and 6). The files it creates can only be opened by HOBOware.
The Remote Site Manager creates text and XML files. The Remote Site Manager has an auto readout featured which can be configured to automate the data logging. I have not been able to make the Remote Site Manager work yet (Figure 7 and 8).
Figure 5. HOBOware Connected to Logger. First Reading
Figure 6. HOBOware Connected to Entire System. Second Reading
Figure 7. Remote Site Manager.
Connecting to radio modem.
Figure 8. Remote Site Manager Connected with Entire System.
2Problem Description
The purpose of this project is to create a website that anyone can access, and retrieve information gathered by the HOBO Weather System in a way where there is no direct interaction by the user with the hardware or software of the system.
3Solution
In order to reach the project’s goal, I will have to get the hardware going first, without it, there is no data to be displayed in the website, and so no website. The entire system will have to work with the Remote Site Manager most importantly. The HOBOware is also important, but this only provides the data in a graphical way. The Remote Site Manager has an auto-readout schedule which can be set up so the process of retrieving the data can be automated. I haven’t been able to experience this, since I have not had any luck with this software and the system. Also, this software generates text and XML files which can be stored in the computer or server, and from there, retrieve the information. Of course to retrieve the information from a server or computer a program will need to be implemented. I am not sure yet, but will probably use Java, since I have more experience with it than any other language. This program will have to take the data from one of these files, most probably the text file, and show it on the website. The website will have to be easy to navigate so that any user with or without experience can easily retrieve the data.
4Implementation
Still giving it some thought. Hardware needs to be working properly first.
5Conclusion
The HOBO Weather System still has much more to go to achieve its final purpose, displaying the data in the website.
References
[1] HOBO Micro Station User’s Guide. Onset Computer Corporation. Bourne, MA.
[2] Owen Yau. Onset’s HOBO Weather System. February 9, 2007.
HOBO Weather System1Yamily Veloz