The WindReader
Victor Fraenckel designed and
built the "WindReader", a device that measures the
wind's speed and direction. The instrument combines a
commercially available
theodolite telescope with custom electronics. The operator uses
the WindReader
to track a helium balloon as it ascends in the atmosphere to as
high as 15,000 feet.
The optical theodolite is
adapted to include two microprocessors, an electronic
compass and a two axis accelerometer. These devices continuously
measure the
azimuth and elevation angles to the balloon as it rises. The
accelerometers act as
a two axis tilt meter.
The electronics is built using
ExpressPCB circuit boards in combination with OEM
electronic modules and custom circuitry. The microprocessors used
are Basic
programmable BX24 stamps. The sensors are a ADXL202 two axis
accelerometer
and V2X Electronic Compass.
See the power supply
board layout
The photographs are courtesy of Victor
Fraenckel
Copyright © 2006 Victor Fraenckel
WindReader is a trademark of Victor Fraenckel
