SparkFun Forums

[mshiznitzh]

The last week or so I have been planning a final project for my micro-controller class. This is my last college class, so I am going for epic.

My idea is a weather station, original I know. But wait I want to improve what you will find when you do a google search for DIY weather stations. I want a two device (base and remote station) system that has to ability to update to underground weather.com via RapidFire Updates without the need for a computer.
http://wiki.wunderground.com/index.php/ ... d_Protocol

RapidFire Updates allow you to update weather station conditions at a frequency up to once observation every 2.5 seconds. Web site visitors will see these observations change in real-time on the wunderground.com site.

For the Base station I want to use one of the MSP430 EasyWEB3 and add a TI CC2500, 2.4 Low Cost, Low-Power 2.4 GHz RF Transceiver Designed for Low-Power Wireless, to it for communications to the remote sensors. The Transceivers will be using the SimpliciTI protocol.

Outside I am looking to develop my own PCB for the sensors with the following components on it:
BQ2057 Lithium-Polymer linear charge-management IC
TPS780330220 Single Channel LDO
MSP430F2410
CC2500
BMP085 Pressure and Temp sensor
Humidity sensor
TLC555
Weather Meters
I am still looking at which battery and solar collector I am going to use.

This is going to be the first PCB that I have designed and my first time to work with surface mount devices. I will be doing all my soldering via Toaster Oven Reflow Soldering. By the end of the weekend I should have a schematic done in eagle and will post it here. If you have any experience with anyone of the parts I have listed or a project of this nature please post up.

[theatrus]

Any particular reason to go with Lithium? I'd suggest NiMh and solar, which would give you "infinite" lifetime.

And by all means, if you're up for sharing, post your PCB + Schematic and we can give positive feedback .

[waltr]

I'd suggest the Lithium battery for outdoor use as NiMh capacity drops with low temperatures, Li doesn't. The technology is mature enough to have good low cost chargers.

[theatrus]

I'd suggest the Lithium battery for outdoor use as NiMh capacity drops with low temperatures, Li doesn't.

Sure it does, just not at the same rate. If you're worried about -40C operation, primary lithium is where you want to be. Forget the rechargeable.

[mshiznitzh]

Any particular reason to go with Lithium? I'd suggest NiMh and solar, which would give you "infinite" lifetime.

And by all means, if you're up for sharing, post your PCB + Schematic and we can give positive feedback .

No, I didn't have a reason to go with the Lithium but i have already ordered the Charger (BQ2057).

Thanks for the input.