1 RemoteWeatherStationUsingXBeeWirelessTransceivers

Remote Weather Station

Using XBee Wireless Transceivers
Christopher McCoy
CEN 4935
Dr. Janusz Zalewski
Florida Gulf Coast University
April 29, 2011

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Section 1: Introduction
Throughout the centuries, attempts have been made to produce forecasts based on
weather lore and personal observations (Earth Observatory).
People have always been fascinated with weather and its effect on their lives. This
fascination naturally led to a desire for prediction. With all the ways we are affected this
prediction would make life much easier. The NASA Earth Observatory claims Around 650
B.C., the Babylonians tried to predict short-term weather changes based on the appearance of
clouds and optical phenomena such as haloes. All throughout history there are examples of
people predicting the weather. The most basic of these predictions would temperature.
Benedetton Castelli wrote in 1638 about a device he had seen in Galileo's hands around
1603 (Middleton). Galileos design incorporated a container to hold water as well as a glass
tube. When the water temperature changes the water rises or falls accordingly. Over the next
few hundred years the design was refined and liquid changed to more accurately judge the
temperature. These refinements resulted in the thermometer we know today.
To truly predict the weather the barometer was invented.
Evangelista Torricelli invented the mercury barometer in 1643 and today's mercury barometers
are much like those of the 17th century (Palmer).
A barometer measures the air pressure. Low pressure tends to produce cloudy, rainy conditions
while higher pressure tends to have fewer clouds and results in a fair weather trend. Granted this
only gives us a few hours or at most a day or two but this was a giant step forward from what
was available previously.
Another term that is commonly associated with the weather is humidity. Humidity is the
measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. The higher the humidity, the heavier the air
feels. When the temperature is higher humidity actually make it feel hotter than it really is. To
measure humidity an instrument called a hygrometer is used.

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A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the moisture content or the humidity of
air or any gas (Bellis).There are numerous types ranging from ones that use hair (the hair extends
or contracts depending on the moisture content) to more complicated ones that use two
thermometers. One thermometer is exposed to the air while the other is submerged in water.
Based on the readings from each thermometer a table is then used to compute the humidity.

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Section 2: Problem Description
This project is a continuation of one started in fall of 2009 by Bradd Konert. He first
built a wireless weather station consisting of a Arduino weather microcontroller, XBee wireless
transceiver, LED display and a small solar panel to run the station and charge a series of AA
batteries.
My goal is to expand upon the work that he completed and gain a complete
understanding of the hardware used. In addition I will create a software based user interface to
display the incoming sensor data.
However, the weather station is not in working condition. Several of the connections
have been removed or disconnected. The batteries are currently dead. The documentation on the
way the station was constructed is available but the markings are somewhat unclear.
Numerous attempts to repair these problems failed completely. As a result, a new
Arduino 2560 Mega board and SHT15 Temperature and Humidity sensor were ordered. These
items have then been used to complete this project instead of the original components. As a
result of these unforeseeable failures the updated goal is to connect, program and verify the
wireless network using these new parts.

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Section 3: Design Solution
Section 3.1: Original Design Solution
The original solution is outlined below. The images show the weather station, weather
sensors, XBee transceiver mounted to Arduino 2560 Mega board, solar panel and rechargeable
battery pack.


Figure 3.1: Current state of the interior of the weather station.
As you can see from the above picture most of the wires are disconnected or not in their proper
location. Some of the soldering also looks to be bad and in need of repair.

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Figure 3.2: Exterior view of weather station. February 10, 2011
Inspecting the outside there doesnt appear to be any physical damage. However, until
the station is functioning there is really no way to know if the LED display and switches are in
working order. There are no cracks or scratches on the solar panel so it appears to be structurally
intact.
The system was also tested using a volt meter to ensure the solar panel was generating
enough electricity to power the system. Test results showed the power generated was more than
sufficient for our needs.

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Figure 3.3: Wiring diagram provided by Dr. Zalewski. Obtained originally
from Bradd Konert.

Above is the provided wiring diagram that I am in the process of trying to use to rewire the
weather station.

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Section 3.2: Modified Design Solution
As a result of the problems found with the original hardware I was forced to order
replacement parts and modify the project. The revised solution implements a more basic version
of the original. The components consist of:
1. the Arduino 2560 Mega microcontroller board (Figure 3.2.1)
2. XBee shield mounted (Figure 3.2.2)
3. SHT15 Temperature/Humidity sensor (Figure 3.2.3)
4. XBee Pro transceiver mounted on a host development board (Figure 3.2.4)
The assembled components are shown in figure 3.2.5.


Figure 3.2.1: Arduino Mega 2560

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Firgure 3.2.2: XBee on shield



Figure 3.2.3: SHT15 Temperature and Humidity Sensor

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Figure 3.2.4: XBee Pro on development board

Figure 3.2.5: Assembled Components

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Section 4: Implementation
Section 4.1: Hardware Assembly Attaching Sensor and XBee Shield to Arduino
Connecting the sensor to the microcontroller is a simple and straightforward process (see figure
4.1.1).
1. Begin by connecting the VCC pin on the sensor board to the 5V pin on the Arduino
microcontroller. This provides power to the sensor. No soldering is required.
2. Next connect the GND on the sensor board to the GND port on the microcontroller, next
to the 5V pin.
3. Connect the DATA pin on the sensor to pin 9 on the microcontroller.
4. Connect the SCK (System Clock) pin to pin 8 on the microcontroller.
The actual sensor connected is shown in Figure 4.1.2 and the connected XBee is shown in Figure
4.1.3.

5. Figure 4.1.1: Wiring Diagram

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The XBee shield communicates with microcontroller through 6 pins in the center of the
microcontroller. Simply line up the pins and gently press the shield onto the microcontroller.
Due to the alignment of the ports and pins on both the shield and microcontroller there is only
one way for these to connect.
This is all that is required to interface the sensor and the Arduino microcontroller.

Figure 4.1.2: Sensor connected to microcontroller

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Figure 4.1.3: Sensor and XBee shield connected to microcontroller

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Section 4.2: Software Implementation
This implementation is written in C and uploaded to the Arduino microcontroller using
an IDE provided by Arduino. An explanation of loading this code is located in the testing
section. The operation of the software is illustrated in the flowchart shown in Figure 4.2.1.


Figure 4.2.1: software operating flowchart

Below is the software implementation that is loaded on the Arduino microcontroller.
int dataPin =9;
int sckPin =8;

void resetSHT()
{

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pinMode(dataPin,OUTPUT);
pinMode(sckPin,OUTPUT);

shiftOut(dataPin, sckPin, LSBFIRST, 255);
shiftOut(dataPin, sckPin, LSBFIRST, 255);

digitalWrite(dataPin,HIGH);
for(int i =0; i <15; i++){
digitalWrite(sckPin, LOW);
digitalWrite(sckPin, HIGH);
}
}

//Specific SHT start command
void startSHT()
{
pinMode(sckPin,OUTPUT);
pinMode(dataPin,OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(dataPin,HIGH);
digitalWrite(sckPin,HIGH);
digitalWrite(dataPin,LOW);
digitalWrite(sckPin,LOW);
digitalWrite(sckPin,HIGH);
digitalWrite(dataPin,HIGH);
digitalWrite(sckPin,LOW);
}

void writeByteSHT(byte data)
{
pinMode(sckPin,OUTPUT);
pinMode(dataPin,OUTPUT);

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// digitalWrite(dataPin,LOW);
shiftOut(dataPin,sckPin,MSBFIRST,data);

pinMode(dataPin,INPUT);

//Wait for SHT15 to acknowledge by pulling line low
while(digitalRead(dataPin) ==1);

digitalWrite(sckPin,HIGH);
digitalWrite(sckPin,LOW); //Falling edge of 9th clock

//wait for SHT to release line
while(digitalRead(dataPin) ==0 );

//wait for SHT to pull data line low to signal measurement completion
int i =0;
while(digitalRead(dataPin) ==1 )
{
i++;
if (i ==255) break;

delay(10);
}

}

//Read 16 bits from the SHT sensor
int readByte16SHT()
{
int cwt =0;

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unsigned int bitmask =32768;
int temp;

pinMode(dataPin,INPUT);
pinMode(sckPin,OUTPUT);

digitalWrite(sckPin,LOW);

for(int i =0; i <17; i++) {
if(i !=8) {
digitalWrite(sckPin,HIGH);
temp =digitalRead(dataPin);
// Serial.print(temp,BIN);
cwt =cwt +bitmask * temp;
digitalWrite(sckPin,LOW);
bitmask=bitmask/2;
}
else {
pinMode(dataPin,OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(dataPin,LOW);
digitalWrite(sckPin,HIGH);
digitalWrite(sckPin,LOW);
pinMode(dataPin,INPUT);
}
}

//leave clock high??
digitalWrite(sckPin,HIGH);

return cwt;
}

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int getTempSHT()
{
startSHT();
writeByteSHT(B0000011);
return readByte16SHT();
}

int getHumidSHT()
{
startSHT();
writeByteSHT(B00000101);
return readByte16SHT();
}


void setup() {
pinMode(dataPin,OUTPUT);
pinMode(sckPin,OUTPUT);

// connect to the serial port, sends data to the XBee
Serial.begin(9600);

Serial.println("Resetting SHT...");
resetSHT();
}

void loop () {
delay(2000);
Serial.println("Starting Temperature/Humidity reading...");
int temp =getTempSHT()*0.018-40;

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Serial.print("Temprature(F):");
Serial.println(temp);

temp =-4.0 +0.0405 * getHumidSHT()+-0.0000028 * getHumidSHT()* getHumidSHT();
Serial.print("Humidity:");
Serial.print(temp);
Serial.println("%");
}

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Section 5: Testing
Section 5.1: XBee Configuration (***Optional***)
This section is only relevant if you are using older XBee transceivers. By default each
should communicate with no additional configuration.
1. With the sensor disconnected mount the XBee shield to the Arduino microcontroller.
2. The two transceivers should work with no configuration. If they do not continue on to
step 3.
The following steps were obtained from http://antipastohw.blogspot.com/2009/01/xbee-
shield-to-xbee-shield.html.
3. Download X-CTU from Digis website:
http://www.digi.com/support/productdetl.jsp?pid=3352&osvid=57&tp=4&s=316
4. Put both Arduinos in Reset.
5. Attach a USB cable from one arduino to Computer "A". Attach the other USB cable to
the other arduino and Computer "B". Open X-CTU.
6. Go to the "Modem Configuration" tab... set the Modem: XBEE to "XB24-B" AND set
the Function Set to "ZNET 2.5 ROUTER/END DEVICE AT"
7. Next is the Networking and Addressing Parameters...
8. PAN ID =1111 (Figure 5.1.1)

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Figure5.1.1:Step8

9. Destination Address High =13A200 (I found this out by typing "AT" commands into a
terminal program... first type in "+++" the xbee will return an "OK" you are now in
command mode... if you type "ATSH" then "" (enter), the xbee will give you it's own
high address (source address) ) (Figure 5.1.2)

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Figure5.1.2:Step9

10. Destination Address Low =403E2502 (I found this out by typing "AT" commands into a
terminal program) (Figure 5.1.3)

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Figure5.1.3:Step10

11. Click the "Write" button on the Modem Configuration tab and wait for the XBee to
program
12. If some funny error comes up... click the button on the xbee shield and try to program it
again
13. Go to the "Modem Configuration" tab on computer B... set the Modem: XBEE to "XB24-
B" AND set the Function Set to "ZNET 2.5 COORDINATOR AT (Figure 5.1.3)

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Figure5.1.3:Step13
14. Next is the Networking and Addressing Parameters for the other XBee.
15. PAN ID =1111
16. Scan Channels =15 (not sure if this is even needed)
17. Channel Verification =0
18. Destination Address High =13A200 (I found this out by typing "AT" commands into a
terminal program... first type in "+++" the xbee will return an "OK" you are now in
command mode... if you type "ATSH" then "" (enter), the xbee will give you it's own
high address (source address) )
19. Destination Address Low =404A4FC4 (I found this out by typing "AT" commands into a
terminal program)
20. Broadcast Radius =0

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21. Click the "Write" button on the Modem Configuration tab and wait for the XBee to
program
22. If some funny error comes up... click the button on the xbee shield and try to program it
again
23. Place code below into Arduino software:
voi d set up( )
{
Ser i al . begi n( 9600) ;
}

voi d l oop( )
{
Ser i al . pr i nt ( ' H' ) ;
del ay( 1000) ;
Ser i al . pr i nt ( ' L' ) ;
del ay( 1000) ;
}

24. Make sure the jumpers on the Arduino board are swapped to USB from XBee so the
sketch will load. Press the reset button on the Arduino board then the upload button on
the software to upload the sketch.
25. Once complete open the serial monitor in the software, ensure it is monitoring the correct
port and then watch for Hs and Ls to print.

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Section 5.2: Arduino, Sensor and XBee Testing
1. Assemble the components as shown in section 4.
2. Download Maxstream development board drivers from
http://www.digi.com/support/kbase/kbaseresultdetl.jsp?id=2138
3. IftheArduinoIDEisnotcurrentlyinstalled,downloadfromhttp://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
selectingthecorrectoperatingsystemfromthelist.
4. Once assembled go to the computer and open the Arduino software.
5. Create a new sketch (Figure 5.2.1)

Figure 5.2.1: New sketch creation

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6. Copy the code from section 4.2 to the sketch window.
7. Once the code is copied choose go Tools, Board and ensure that the Mega 2560 is
selected (Figure 5.2.2).


Figure 5.2.2: Proper board selection.

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8. Lastly press the reset button on the microcontroller and then the upload button on the
Arduino IDE (Figure 5.2.3).


Figure 5.2.3: Upload button.

9. Once the upload is complete a message will print in the black section at the bottom. If
there is a problem it will also be listed here.
10. Open the serial monitor (Figure 5.2.4) and you should see temperature and humidity data
being printed (Figure 5.2.5).

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Figure 5.2.4: Serial monitor button used to monitor results

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Figure 5.2.5: Correct results.

Section 5.3: Testing Comments
One thing to note in this testing. It appears that the XBee shield attached to the Arduino
microcontroller is failing. There are times where it is extremely difficult to get the transceivers
to interface or the transmission stops for no apparent reason. Bradd Konert stated in his
documentation that an overvoltage damaged the temperature sensor on the USB weather board in
his station. This is likely the cause of this problem. At this time I would continue to monitor this
situation and possibly obtain a new shield and transceiver before continuing this project.

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Section 6: Conclusion
This project has been eventful. I started off by attempting to reconstruct the original
weather station created by Bradd Konert and encountering all the hardware components that
ultimately were defective. I learned a great deal about connecting components using a
breadboard and in turn testing them using a voltage meter. It was disappointing that the weather
station was never restored to working order but in the same instance it was a great experience
attempting to repair it.
Once I ordered and received the replacement parts I was shocked at how powerful the
Arduino microcontroller was. In researching the hardware the sheer number of uses these boards
have is staggering. Connecting the sensor, programming the board and setting up the XBee
network were challenging yet rewarding once it was complete.
Arduino claims that the XBee adapters work with basically no setup. In my experience
this was not the case. In speaking with Arduino I was told that these units are an older model
and that it is the newer models that require little, if any, configuration.
Future contributions to this project would be the ability to monitor this hardware
configuration remotely through either a downloadable application or a dedicated webpage.
Integrating a graph to plot previous sensor reading would also be desirable so that the user could
use the past and present data to predict future developments.
I would also advise looking into upgrading the weather sensors to the SHT15 USB
Weather Board from Sparkfun (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9800). This board features
Absolute barometric pressure accurate within +/-150 Pascal, Relative humidity accurate within
+/-2%, Temperature accurate within +/-0.3 degrees C and an Ambient light sensor (analog
level). This would greatly increase the amount of data obtainable and give the user a much more
detailed representation of the current environment.

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Section 7: References
1. Earth Observatory. Weather Forecasting Through the Ages. NASA.
Visited: Feb 10, 2011. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WxForecasting/wx2.php
2. Albert Van Helden. The Thermometer.
Visited: Feb 10, 2011. http://cnx.org/content/m11978/latest/
3. Chad Palmer. How a Barometer Works. USA Today
Visited: Feb 10, 2011. http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wbaromtr.htm
4. Severino. XBee Shield to XBee Shield Communication.

Visited: April 5, 2011. http://antipastohw.blogspot.com/2009/01/xbee-shield-to-xbee-shield.html

5. Arduino. Arduino XBee Shield

Visited: April 5, 2011. http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/ArduinoXbeeShield