WEATHER SENSOR – A PREREQUISITE FOR ACCURATE WEATHER FORECASTING
We cannot discuss weather measurement and forecasting without the mention of weather sensors. Weather sensors as the name imply, are the sensing end of the weather station used to collect various weather-related data. They are a single measurement unit that constitutes a weather station. The weather station cannot obtain the main parameters and information of the climate without relying on the measurement of the sensor.
A sensor can measure one or several weather-related elements. They are like the front soldiers of climate monitoring, escorting the weather monitoring work. The combination of multiple weather sensors and a data collector as well as a monitoring platform will make a complete weather station.
CLASSIFICATION OF WEATHER SENSORS
Weather sensors can be classified into two (2);
Ground sensors: These are sensors that are stationed on the ground.
Balloon sensors: These sensors are attached to weather balloons and sent into the atmosphere.
WHAT IS THE NEED FOR WEATHER SENSOR?
Weather sensors are used to understand and measure climate and weather. Though they seem like small parts, they are the basis for the normal operation of the weather station. These sensors can vary between models but most measure temperature, relative humidity, dew point, barometric pressure, rainfall, evaporation, wind speed, wind direction, solar radiation. Other available sensors can measure soil moisture, noise, soil temperature, negative ions, and even leaf wetness.
HOW TO SETUP KANDAWEATHER SENSORS
The proper setup of weather sensor is pertinent to the collection of accurate weather data. Before setting-up the weather sensor, ensure to first create a Telos blockchain account (12 alphanumeric characters) if you don’t have one. This is very important in order to be rewarded with $TLOS coin, as Kandaweather incentivizes its balloon launchers.
“Wombat” is a recommended app. It is available on the Play and Apple Store.
The following steps are important in setting-up weather sensors;
Step 1: After successfully your Telos account…..
Make sure to fully charge the battery by plugging the Micro USB into a power source (Computer, USB power adapter etc.). When battery is fully charged, the blue backlight turns off.
Step 2:
Once the device has been completely charged, take it under a patio outdoors with your smartphone. Hold (press) the power button until the device is turned on and the logo appears.
Step 3:
Follow the directions on the screen. If your location is suitable (with good signal), you will get the message “LoRaWAN connected!” Continue trying other locations to get a good signal. A spot with higher elevation or a place with more access to the outdoors tends to receive a better signal.
Step 4:
Once you have received the “LoRaWAN connected!” message; proceed to the WiFi settings on your smartphone and look for Access Point “dClimatelot”. Weather123 will be the password to log on. Then go to the address bar of your browser and type in the device’s IP address.
N/B: You may need to add “https://” to the beginning so your browser can be aware that it’s a webpage.
Step 5:
Input the 12-character Telos account name into the webform and submit. Wait for the device to authenticate your Telos account name over the network. The process should take about 20 seconds or less. If you see “Auth window closed” instead, it means that the 3-minute window to register your device has finished. Hit the reset on the device to start the process again.
Step 6:
Ensure to check your Wombat wallet to confirm that you received a small amount of $TLOS. If you have not received any $TLOS you will need to go through the process again and endeavor to type in your Telos account name correctly.
Step 7:
To setup your sensor for outdoor use, you need to first position the device firmly into the stand with the antenna bent. Next, flip the stand upside down (with the device) and glide it through the 3 metal rods sticking out from the bottom of the enclosure. The enclosure should also be upside down when doing this.
Step 8:
Next, slide on the white bottom of the enclosure in a similar manner. The shape of the white bottom should look like a bowl when viewed from above. Twist three hex nuts (included in the bag) onto the ends of each of the three bars. Be sure the nuts are flat with the end of the rod.
Step 9:
Finally, flip the weather sensor over and twist the wing nuts Clockwise to tighten all the plates together (if necessary). This may not be needed, if glue has already been applied.
Place the weather sensor outdoors at a good elevation and begin collecting rewards (TLOS) as well as weather data to help with weather forecasting.