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How to Make an Anemometer Using a Multimeter

Weather prediction is normally based upon a number of key measurements taken across the country. The measurements taken include pressure, temperature and wind speed. Barometers measure pressure; thermometers measure temperature; and anemometers measure wind speed. There are a number of different anemometer types, but they typically consist of a number of blades/cubs and a main shaft. A simple anemometer can be built using some simple electrical tools, such as a multimeter and DC electrical motor.

Things You'll Need

Multimeter
DC electrical motor
Metallic shaft, up to 5 meters
Windmill blades
Blade holder
Screws
Wire
Clamp
Wire strippers
Insulation tape
Banana leads
Alligator clips
Spade.

Instructions

- 1
  Mount the DC electrical motor on the top of the metallic shaft. Use a suitably sized clamp to hold the DC motor in position at the top of the metallic shaft.
- 2
  Mount the windmill blades onto the blade holder. Use screws to the fix the blades in place at approximately 120 degrees apart.
- 3
  Mount the blade holder onto the DC electrical motor. DC electrical motors often only have short wires. Strip the end of the wires and add an additional length (4 to 5 meters) of wire to the DC motor wire ends.
- 4
  Dig a hole in the place where the anemometer is to be mounted. Dig the hole to a depth of approximately 0.5 meters. Ensure that the lateral dimensions of the hole match that of the metallic shaft. Place the metallic shaft into the hole, and cover over any remaining parts of the hole. Ensure that the shaft is sturdy.
- 5
  Plug the banana leads into the multimeter positive and negative terminals. Place the alligator clips on the ends of the banana leads, and connect them to the leads going to the DC motor. Switch on the multimeter and select the DC voltage function. The anemometer is now ready for testing. When wind blows in the area, the windmill blades will turn, leading to work being done on the electrical motor. As the electrical motor turns, it generates a voltage which is proportional to the speed at which the blades are turning. The simple anemometer is complete.

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