Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Make a Wind Measuring Device

Making a device to measure wind is easy. Called an "anemometer," these devices can be made from materials as simple as paper cups and push pins, as well as from higher end materials. The anemometer is set in various locations to measure wind velocity and direction. Building an anemometer that accurately records the speed of the wind using somewhat more advanced parts can still be done relatively easily.

Things You'll Need

Plastic easter eggs
Drill
1/4-inch plastic sheet
Lathe or hole saw
Small metal rods
Ruler or measuring tape
Brushless DC motor with bearings
Digital bicycle speedometer with cables
2-foot piece of PVC for mast
Epoxy
Needlenose pliers
Wirecutters

Instructions

- 1
  Split the plastic Easter egg cups open horizontally. Drill precise holes through both sides of three egg halves and set aside the fourth half. Insert one of the small metal rods so the egg hangs perfectly straight on the rod. The rods will be inserted into the hub so that the eggs act as pinwheels.
- 2
  Cut the 1/4-inch plastic sheet into a 3-inch circle for the hub using the lathe or hole saw, then drill another center hole so that the hub will fit perfectly on the motor. Measure your motor before you drill -- the hub will fit over it like a cap.
- 3
  Drill holes for the Easter eggs on the edge of the plastic hub, each exactly 120 degrees apart. This balance is critical for the hub to spin smoothly and get an accurate reading. Rough up the edges of the metal rods, put a bit of epoxy on each and insert into the hub, making sure they are even and the hub is balanced.
- 4
  Cover the inside hole of the hub with epoxy and press it onto the motor. Glue the fourth half egg onto the top of the hub with epoxy to protect it from weather.
- 5
  Attach the data cable to the motor and thread the cable through the PVC pipe. Install the motor and hub on top of the PVC pipe so that the hub will spin freely. If necessary, cut the flange off the PVC pipe.
- 6
  Attach the bike speedometer magnet to one of the Easter eggs. Attach the receiver end of the bike speedometer to the PVC pipe, close enough so it can read the signal. Now the bike speedometer will read the wind speed.

Science