February begins...

It's time to take a look at these famous weather beacons.

First of all, thank you

I see a real enthusiasm for the project. It's very encouraging to see so many people following me on this adventure.

The order for the series of the first 20 beacons was completed in less than a week. And I have just as many people on the waiting list. Please stop sending me checks 🙂

Some even asked me for several. Four for OneKite Grenoble! (which had to be put on a waiting list to leave a little to others). This confirms that we are moving towards a new type of use, with a beacon for each spot.

Faced with that, it's decided, I'm setting up a real club! I would have plenty of time to explain that to you later.

It captures!

Second good surprise: A priori, the Sigfox network seems up to scratch.

I had access to their hedging simulation tool. Theoretically, it's supposed to capture quite well for a good majority of spots. Not bad for a startup that's only 2 years old.

It's still theoretical, and we'll have to confirm it on the ground… Afterwards, we realized that we have a waiting list full to bursting, which secretly hopes that it doesn't pick up on you to get their beacon.

I still had to send back a few checks, for places where the network probably hasn't arrived yet. For those there, patience, it will come!

» list of commands and network coverage

Anemos, do you want some? here's.

I emptied the stock of anemos at Lacrosse. They are now quietly waiting at my house.

I also took the opportunity to order a few advance cups from them. It will inevitably break these things one day.

Another gift for the mom's living room

Non-contractual image

Initially I prototyped with the WSTX56IT anemo. But finally I ordered WSTX63IT.

It seemed to be pretty much the same. There is one which is supposed to be a spare part for the WS2800 station, and the other is for the WS2801 station, which is a little newer, a little cheaper.

Except that once the box was opened, it didn't look like the picture at all. In fact the mechanics are the same, but they have modified the case quite a bit to make it more waterproof and cheaper to produce.

On the one hand it suits me: more space inside and less complicated shape for the electronic card. But on the other hand, I'm going to have to totally redesign the Sigfox antenna, and that's a hassle.

New card

So I have to redraw a map with the new shape.

As usual, nothing like the good old electronic stove to begin hostilities.

Gourmets can add a little oil to improve heat conduction.

Once all the tin has melted and the components removed, a quick tap in the neighbor's scanner. At 2400 DPI, it's a great tool for taking measurements.

It works less well, suddenly

And then, play with the CNC milling machine. We test the shape in real life to be sure that the holes are in the right place and that the card fits well in the box.

Bzzzzzzzz Bzzz Bzzz Bzzzzzz

Modem, oh my beautiful modem

I had bought a tray of TD1208. The famous Sigfox modems.

But after 10 days and still nothing in the mailbox, I decided to call the sales representative. Who actually confirmed to me that the order had not been validated, that he needed a SIRET number, and blablabla.

Finally I found a friend who was kind enough to lend me his SIRET number, and I reordered. That said, I have the impression that this story is going to take a little longer 🙁

to be continued ...

This article tells you about the birth of Piou Piou, the first 100% autonomous and affordable sensor to measure the wind live, even where there is no electricity or internet.

Discover Pioupiou on his website: http://pioupiou.fr