Open Weather Station

Open Weather Station (OWS): Your Affordable, Stable, and DIY Weather Station Solution

The Open Weather Station (OWS) is an innovative, open-source weather station solution designed to provide users with an affordable, stable, and straightforward way to monitor environmental conditions. Whether you're a hobbyist, researcher, or simply someone interested in tracking weather patterns, the OWS offers a comprehensive platform for building and managing your own weather station. Built on principles of accessibility and reliability, this project has evolved over several years, starting from initial prototypes in late 2012. For more detailed information about the hardware and software involved, visit the official website at openweatherstation.com.

The OWS app serves as the companion application for managing your weather station. Its primary purpose is to connect to the Arduino-based OWS module, which must be constructed according to the instructions provided on the official site. This ensures compatibility and functionality across all modules. Once connected, the app allows users to view real-time data, store samples for up to 60 days, and generate graphs for analysis. Additionally, users can access historical data through specific date and time filters, making it easier to track trends and anomalies.

One of the standout features of the OWS app is its flexibility in handling data uploads. Users can configure up to two servers to automatically transmit weather data to platforms like WindGuru, Wunderground, Thingspeak, and OpenWeatherMap. These preconfigured servers simplify the process of sharing data while maintaining control over custom API settings. Another useful feature is the ability to export stored data into JSON files, which can then be shared via email or used for further analysis outside the app.

The app also includes robust connectivity options, ensuring reliable data transmission even in challenging network environments. If Wi-Fi becomes unavailable due to lack of internet access, the app can automatically switch to cellular data to maintain uninterrupted data flow. Additionally, users can enable "Prevent LieFi," a setting that disables Wi-Fi when cellular data is active, preventing mixed network connections that could compromise data integrity.

For advanced users, the app offers additional customization options. Inspecting incoming data packets via the data monitor provides insights into the communication between the OWS module and the app. Furthermore, users can configure various settings such as enabling/disabling Wi-Fi and cellular data, adjusting upload frequencies, and managing server preferences—all of which are intuitive and straightforward.

In scenarios where the OWS is deployed for long-term monitoring, rooting the Android device and installing supplementary apps like Remote Reboot can enhance system stability. The Remote Reboot app, available on the Google Play Store, acts as a watchdog to automatically restart the device if it encounters issues, ensuring continuous operation without manual intervention.

Overall, the Open Weather Station app represents a powerful tool for anyone looking to create their own weather station. By combining affordability, ease of use, and advanced features, the OWS empowers users to gather accurate environmental data efficiently. Whether you're tracking local weather patterns or contributing to broader research efforts, the OWS app and module offer a seamless experience tailored to meet diverse needs.