Mods (modifications) - crestlinesoaring/ArduinoWeatherStation GitHub Wiki

We try to use as many off the shelf components, of which some need slight modifications.
Below is a list of those soft and hardware mods.

Software:
Mega:
The Mega bootloader needs to be changed so remote updates can be made.
The Bootloader change (Ariadne) is made via the ISP port. A USBasp with updated firmware (to allow >64K bootloaders) is plugged onto that ISP port to add Ariadne to the bootloader. The TCP settings need also to be stored in Mega's EEPROM.

USB AVR:
The Mega has another AVR (16u2) on board which takes care of the USB communications. However, we don't use USB at the weather station and the 16u2 consumes much power for a function which is unused (updates are made remotely).

Nico was kind enough to add a power down function for the 16U2 to his excellent Nico HoodLoader2
Now the 16U2 goes to sleep shortly after no USB connection is detected.
The 16U2 has it's own ISP port so updating it is as easy as the Mega AVR.

Mechanical
Strengthen the plastic shaft of the mechanical Anemometer.
Really simple, see below guide but we use an M3 screw
https://blogskyeweather.wordpress.com/2016/10/07/anemometer-improvement/

Use M3x12mm screw to strengthen the plastic shaft which holds the anemometer cups and mini-bearing (5x10x4mm)
Drill 2.3mm-ish hole and screw in the M3 screw.
Cut off the plastic blob at end of ballbearing shaft.
The M3's head will rests on the inner ring of the ballbearing.
Tighten M3 Nut on the other end, glue.
In operation since Sep 2017.