Wind Sensors

[ddelorme]

I have a Question I have a Davis 6410 wind sensor it is rated  for 5 volts I want to use ether a esp32 or esp8266 I have a SparkFun Logic Level Converter - Bi-Directional 5 to 3.3 volts It has spare channels that i am not using. Can i use this instead of a voltage divider for the wind direction pot. to the 3.3v analog pin. It would make the project smaller...

I would like to fit this device under my Anchor light the base is about 2.5 inches. It will have 3 sets of wire coming in. 12v to Anchor light out the top. 12 volt supply from wire up mast 2 pin connector and a 4 pin connector to Davis 6410 wind sensor.

I have plenty of pins to spare but i really don't need to know what the temperature or pressure is at the top of the mast. I could use it to add a running light and or a spot light, camera???

Pin 2 Vin 5V  possible 3.3

Pin 3 Wind direction to analog rated 0 to 5 volts shift/divided to 3.3 to 0 output

pin 4 Ground

Pin 5 Wind speed rated 5v esp digital level 3.3 v

voltage drop on 40ft wire @ 3.3 to around 3 volts at pin less circuit above.

voltage drop on 40ft wire 24awg wire about .21 volts

The wire to the 6410 will be in the range of 2 ft this will result in .01 drop in voltage.

I have a few options..
1. Try to power the 6410 circuit by 3.3 V off the chip. power into chip via 9 V off the buck converter to Vin
  Advantages: easy , less parts
  Disadvantage: it will not work ???? or will it. The cable will have to be short due to voltage drop on the wire.

2. power the esp and 6410 circuit by 5 V off the buck converter and use the Logic Level Converter for the analog  circuit.
  Advantages: easy, 1 more part will work for the digital pins  I have extra pins on Logic Level Converter
  Disadvantage: it will may not work. can i use the level converter on a analog circuit.

3. power the 6410 circuit by 5 V off the buck converter and use voltage divider for the analog.Use Level Converter for the digital pin.
  Advantages: easy,  more parts will work
  Disadvantage: More parts.

I currently am using a nano with a Rfn24. I feed it 12 volts and draw off the 5V pin to feed the 6410 and 3.3 volts for the radio. my radio is 5 volt logic tolerant not all are.
 Advantage: No power supply all gpio are 5 volt, very low power. fast enough when working.
 Disadvantage: Need radio on RPI and extra code. Radios are a pain in the butt to get set just right. 32 byte max packet size, big enough for NMEA wind.  
 On the subject of price for a Davis when each part is bought separately they cost about $50 each out of china are heavy and bulky specs are questionable...
Balancing the Direction so it wont point down on heal.

I would consider making one but my 3d design and printing skills are poor. A pot for the direction works fine less short term reaction to wind and shaking of the boat. A low friction device works nice when it is level and not getting shaken.
The switch seems fine. It wont read low wind speeds but Why do i need to know there is no wind or not enough wind.

Oh Ya check out signalK sensors..
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