An Anemometer with no electronics (except an iPhone)

[lenseman]

Have you ever wondered how strong the wind is, exactly at the spot where you are? If you are a kitesurfer or windsurfer like us, then the answer is probably yes. But perhaps as a sailor, paraglider, model aircraft pilot, etc. etc. you would also like to get a precise reading of the wind, right on the spot? Then the Vaavud wind meter is just what you need!

The Vaavud wind meter enables you to take precise and reliable measurements of the wind anywhere, using your iOS or Android phone. And of course you can share your measurements online, and see live wind readings from other users on a map. So Vaavud can help you plan your trip, choose the right gear when you get to the spot, and alert others of the conditions before they go.

The Vaavud wind meter contains no electronics, but still connects wirelessly to your phone... Wait, what ??

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vaavud/a-wireless-wind-meter-containing-no-electronics



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[VicS]

Ventimeter works without the smart phone

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Useful-Ae...sGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item20d064870c

 

[Mistroma]

Neat idea but is it wireless?

First thing I thought of was: They've plugged it into a headset socket and the software is measuring the signal generated by rotating magnets. Probably not very tricky as little processing involved. Not wireless in that case, just very short wires.

Anyone else have other ideas about how it works?

 

[VicS]

They tell you how it works in link and in the video.

 

[Mistroma]

Ventimeter works without the smart phone

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Useful-Ae...sGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item20d064870c

Better battery life too (forever)


Oh, I looked at the first 50 seconds of the video and stopped about 2 seconds before they explained how it worked. It's just plugged in as a convenient way to prop it up and hold when it rotates, not a means of getting the signal into the phone.

Neat idea to use a varying magnetic field and monitor the effect on an existing internal sensor. That is a nice idea to use the internal magnetometer and blip the field with a small magnet.

 

[nigelmercier]

Am I missing something, or is this completely pointless? It's an interesting idea, but what advantage does it have over a hand-held unit? The design is compromised to fit an iPhone, and all it is doing is being is a tachometer.

Sorry to OP if you are involved.

 

[chrisbitz]

My guess is two advantages.

Size - you already have a smart phone, and dont want to carry another dedicated wind measuring device.
Price? I'm guessing a piece of plastic and some magnets is going to be a lot cheaper than a dedicated anemometer?

Of course there may be people that these advantages may not apply to or be relevant to, but that's far from saying its a useless idea..

 

[davidpbo]

I would be very concerned about the strain on the headphones socket. They are barely strong enough for there intended purpose.

 

[Gargleblaster]

I have a Davies Wind Speed Indicator that requires no batteries will take a complete dunking when a wave comes over and still work and doesn't need an Iphone to tell me the wind speed.

 

[nigelmercier]

Price? I'm guessing a piece of plastic and some magnets is going to be a lot cheaper than a dedicated anemometer?

You think: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B009MO86V0/dolcetto-21 I've got a similar unit and it is very handy.

I would be very concerned about the strain on the headphones socket. They are barely strong enough for there [sic] intended purpose.

I fully agree, and if the unit is all plastic it may snap off leaving the plug behind.

If you need a proof-reader at PBO, do let me know

 

[rgarside]

There are a lot of smartphone anemometer apps that use the noise from the microphone to assess the wind speed - no moving parts.

 

[nigelmercier]

There are a lot of smartphone anemometer apps that use the noise from the microphone to assess the wind speed - no moving parts.

There are, but if the type in the OP of this thread is considered a gimmick, I don't know where you would class them.

 

[oldbilbo]

If you need a proof-reader at PBO, do let me know

Tsk! They've got a proof reader at PBO. She comes in on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.... You'll just have to wait.

 

[Rossynant]

Ventimeter works without the smart phone

And will last a lifetime, got one to prove it
Or for much better precision - this is wireless too http://miningartifacts.homestead.com/files/pocket_anem1.jpg