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Arduino Barometer © CC BY-NC

(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)

Arduino Stepper Motor Barometer with additional displays for last 3 & 6 hour
pressure changes.

barometer (/projecthub/projects/tags/barometer)

motor (/projecthub/projects/tags/motor)
 temperature (/projecthub/projects/tags/temperature)

weather (/projecthub/projects/tags/weather)

1,635 VIEWS 3 COMMENTS 8 RESPECTS

COMPONENTS AND SUPPLIES 

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Arduino UNO & Genuino UNO

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ABOUT THIS PROJECT 

Using an Arduino UNO and Nano to display Air Pressure on a 12" (300m) analogue
display using 3 stepper motors.
There is a choice to 2 dial designs modern and classic.
Air Pressure in hPa (Hectopascal) is displayed on the large main dial and is updated every
10 minutes.
There are 2 secondary dials, one shows the last 6 hour pressure change and the other
shows the last 3 hour pressure change.
The 3 hour dial has an increased resolution of 0.5 hPa as this is used for weather
forecasting. There are LEDs to show when extended range is in use on all three displays
and also LEDs to indicate the weather forecast off the 3 hour display.
Inside the case two 20x4 LCD screens show info from each of the microprocessors.
The main air pressure display and 6 hour display are controlled by a RTC. This clock also
provides a 1 hour pulse for the 3 hour display.

Step 1: Comparison to a Conventional Analogue Barometer

Most analogue barometers pic. 2 just use the air pressure as an indication to predict the
weather and you have to remember to set the movable pointer and note the time it was
set to see air pressure change.
The weather is simply written around the dial and read off from the pointer. Forecasting
is a little bit more complicated that as you have to use the 2nd pointer and make note of
any change over a 3 hour period. You will have to memories the combinations of current
pressure and rising/falling pressure to get your forecast.
My Barometer continuously monitors the the pressure change over a 3 hour and 6 hour
period and displays these readings on 2 seperate dials.
pic.1 shows my barometer's range of weather predictions.
pic.3 shows a close up of the weathr prediction LEDs. The weather prediction is based on
the last 3 hour air pressure change.

Step 2: Barometer Demo Predicting a Storm

This time-lapse animation shows how the Barometer hands and forecast LEDs react to a
comming storm.

Step 3: Extended Range Dials

All three dial have extended ranges. This allows larger displayed resolution on the dials
for normal weather. In extreme weather conditions the dials switch to extended range.
The animation pic1. shows how the LEDs light when extended range is in operation. The
Red LED shows when the reading is +5 and above. You would then read the Red scale
lettering. The Green LED shows when the reading is -5 and below. You would then read
the Green scale lettering. If the reading goes beyond the extended range eg on this dial
above +9 or -9 both LEDs will light to show this- see next section.
Pressure readings Over Extended RangePic.2 If the pressure reading is over the
extended range + or - then both LEDs will light to warn you that extreme readings or
changes have taken place. The dials will actually still show the readings eg on the 3 hour
dial if the reading was -10 then the dial would point to 0 with both LEDs lit. If the 3 hour
reading was -11 then the dial would point to -1 with both LEDs lit. You just add 10 to the
reading.
In the animation below the 3 hour pressure difference is starts at 0 and the pressure
difference is going down. At -5 hPa the green LED lights to indicate negative extended
range is in use. The pressure change keeps dropping until it reaches -10hPa. This is now
over the extended range so the Red LED also lights. The pressure then drops again to
-11hPa and both LEDs remain lit. The pressure change starts decreasing to -10 hPa and
again this is still over the extended range so both LEDs remain lit. Once the pressure
change drops to below -10 the Red LED will go out showing extended range is again in
use.
I set the extended range into the dials after checking weather extreems in the UK and
while I expected the 3 hour and 6 hour extended ranges to be used I did not think the
extended range would ever be used on the main Barometer display.
Pic.3 While prototyping the barometer in Jan 2020 there was a record high reading of
1050hPa is the South of England my main barometer went into the extended range with
the pointer on the red 1050 and the red high range LED lit.

Step 4: LCD Information Displays

3 Hour
Pic.1 & 2 This display shows the 3 hour readings and information on the 3 hour dial. It
also shows the weather forecast based on the current and last 3 hour reading.
6 Hour
Pic. 3 & 4 This display shows the main barometer dial readings and also the 6 hour
readings.

Step 5: Predicting the Weather

The weather forecast on my barometer uses 8 LEDs.

Using the current air pressure and rate of change over the last 3 hours the weather is
predicted on the LEDs.
Animation 1 shows the various combination of forecast LED combinations.
I have visited a number of weather sites and have gathered the following info on
predicting the weather with a barometer.
Predicting the Weather With the Barometer
More specifically, a barometer with readings in hPa can be interpreted in this manner:
If the reading is over 1022 hPa
Rising or steady pressure means continued fair weather.Slowly falling pressure means
fair weather.Rapidly falling pressure means cloudy and warmer conditions.
If it falls between 1009–1022 hPa
Rising or steady pressure means present conditions will continue.Slowly falling pressure
means little change in the weather.Rapidly falling pressure means that rain is likely, or
snow if it is cold enough.
If the reading is under 1009 hPa
Rising or steady pressure indicates clearing and cooler weather.Slowly falling pressure
indicates rainRapidly falling pressure indicates a storm is coming.
Using the info above my barometer applies the following logic to predict the weather.
Logic is applied in the sequence below with the resulting LEDs lit.
Pic.2 Air pressure <1009 hPa
Rising or steady pressure indicates clearing and cooler weather
Air Pressure <1009.00 and 3 hour change >= 0
Pic.3 Air Pressure <1009 hPa
Slowly falling pressure indicates rain
Air Pressure <1009.00 and 3 hour change <0 and 3 hour change >= -1.5
Pic.4 Air Pressure <1009 hPa
Rapidly falling pressure indicates a storm is coming.
Air Pressure <1009.00 and 3 hour change < -1.5
Pic.5 Air Pressure is between 1009 and 1022 hPa
Rising or steady pressure means present conditions will continue.
Slowly falling pressure means little change in the weather.
Air Pressure >= 1009.00 and Air Pressure <= 1022.00 and 3 hour change >= -1.5 and 3
hour change <= 1.5
Pic.6 Air Pressure is between 1009 and 1022 hPa
Air Pressure rising rapidly means weather is clearing
Air Pressure >= 1009.00 and Air Pressure <= 1022.00 and 3 hour change > 1.5
Pic.7 Air Pressure is between 1009 and 1022 hPa
Rapidly falling pressure means that rain is likely, or snow if it is cold enough.
Air Pressure >= 1009.00 and Air Pressure <= 1022.00 and 3 hour change < -1.5
Pic.8 Air Pressure over 1022 hPa
Rising or steady pressure means dry weather.
Air Pressure > 1022.00 and 3 hour change >= 0
Pic.9 Air Pressure over 1022 hPa
Slowly falling pressure means fair weather.
Air Pressure > 1022.00 and 3 hour change < 0 and 3 hour change >= -1.5
Pic.10 Air Pressure over 1022 hPa
Rapidly falling pressure means change
Air Pressure > 1022.00 && 3 hour change < -1.5

Step 6: Barometer Startup

On initial power up an LED test is performed.
Once complete the hands will step to their initial settings ready to be calibrated.

Step 7: Initial Start-up Settings RTC

Pic.1 On initial power up the barometer will need to be setup using the controls on the
Vero Board.
RTC
Pic.2 The RTC will need to be set to the correct time.I set it to UTC and don't bother
changing to summer time. Before adjusting the time make note of the "Disp" value in
this case -5. This is the value of the 6 hour hand and will be needed later in the setup.
Slide the "Select Setting Enable" switch to the On position. The display will not change.
Pic.3 Slowly turn the "Select Setting" Knob clockwise and the 2nd row of the main LCD
display will change.
Stop when the display shows "RTC Hour Retard" If you want to retard the RTC hours
press the red "change setting" button. A single click will step the hours backwards.
Multiple clicks will step back the number of clicks pressed but will take a second to
update the RTC.
Pic.4 Turning the "Select Setting" Knob further will change the display to "RTC Hour
Advance"
If you want to advance the RTC hours press the red "change setting" button. A single
click will step the hours forwards. Multiple clicks will step forward the number of clicks
pressed but will take a second to update the RTC.
Pic.5 Turning the "Select Setting" Knob further will change the display to "RTC Min
Retard"
If you want to retard the RTC mins press the red "change setting" button. A single click
will step the mins backwards. Multiple clicks will step back the number of clicks pressed
but will take a second to update the RTC.
Pic.6 Turning the "Select Setting" Knob further will change the display to "RTC Min
Advance"
If you want to advance the RTC mins press the red "change setting" button. A single click
will step the mins forwards. Multiple clicks will step forwards the number of clicks
pressed but will take a second to update the RTC.
Pic.7 Once you have completed the RTC setting or any other setting return the "Select
Setting" Knob fully anti clockwise until the display shows "Off"
Slide the "Select Setting Enable" switch to the Off position.
Note. The seconds can be synchronized to 30 seconds at any time by pressing the black
"Reset to 30 seconds" button.The time will now be remembered on the RTC if the power
is turned off.

Step 8: Initial Start-up Settings 6 Hour Hand

Setting the 6 hour hand

Pic.1 Once the RTC is set the barometer and 6 hour air pressure hands need to be set.
Slide the "Select Setting Enable" switch to the On position. The display will not change.
Slowly turn the "Select Setting" Knob clockwise until "6Hr Baro Inch Retard" is displayed.
On very first power up the 6 hour hand will need calibrating to the nearest digit.
If the nearest digit is behind the hand press the red "change setting" button. A single
click will inch the hand backwards step by step. Holding the button will inch the hand
backward repeatedly. Once the hand is exactly on a digit release the button.
Pic.2 If the nearest digit in front of the hand or if you have inch retarded the hand using
the above too much turn the "Select Setting" Knob clockwise until "6Hr Baro Inch Advn"
is displayed.
Press the red "change setting" button. A single click will inch the hand forwards step by
step. Holding the button will inch the hand forward repeatedly. Once the hand is exactly
on a digit release the button.
Pic.3 Once the 6 hour hand has been set exactly on a digit the hour hand need to be set
to the correct value.
Before adjusting the RTC you made a note of this number -5.
Pic.4 If the 6 hour display hand is too advanced.
Turn the "Select Setting" Knob clockwise until "6Hr Baro Retard" is displayed. Press and
release the red "change setting" button. This sill step the 6 hour hand backward 1 whole
unit. Stop when the 6 hour hand reaches your noted number.
Pic.5 If the 6 hour display hand is retarded.
Turn the "Select Setting" Knob clockwise until "6Hr Baro Advance" is displayed. Press and
release the red "change setting" button. This sill step the 6 hour hand forward 1 whole
unit. Stop when the 6 hour hand reaches your noted number.
Pic.6 Note the 6 hour display will take 8 hours to display correctly as it will need to store
readings in memory over that period of time.
You can always add the previous air pressure readings into the code before loading is you
require the 6 hour display to function from startup.
The code converts the hours to a H number as displayed above H = 6.In the code line 128
H6 will mean put the current hour reading under hour6 the previous reading in hour7 the
reading before that in hour0 etc
int hour0 = 1015;
int hour1 = 1016
;int hour2 = 1015;
int hour3 = 1016;
int hour4 = 1016
;int hour5 = 1016;
int hour6 = 1012;
int hour7 = 1013;
You should be able to get your local readings off the internet.
I setup a page from my weather station so I could check this while constructing the
barometer.
Click this link to see the hourly changes in Kenley Surrey UK.
(https://www.meteoplug.com/cgi-bin/meteochart.cgi?
draw=a3aeaaa1acbdf9f1fcfed4fedbc2c094c0d6d6d1d2c5edcebbfee9ffeff1fbf9)

Step 9: Initial Start-up Settings Main Barometer Hand

Setting the main barometer hand

Pic.1 Now the 6 hour display is correct the main barometer hand will need to be set to
the rounded sea level pressure on the 3rd row down on the main LCD.
On very first power up the main barometer hand will need calibrating to the nearest
digit. Turn the "Select Setting" Knob clockwise until "Baro Inch Retard" is displayed.
If the nearest digit is behind the hand press the red "change setting" button. A single
click will inch the hand backwards step by step. Holding the button will inch the hand
backward repeatedly. Once the hand is exactly on a digit release the button.
Pic.2 If the nearest digit in front of the hand or if you have inch retarded the hand using
the above too much turn the "Select Setting" Knob clockwise until "Baro Inch Advn" is
displayed.
Press the red "change setting" button.
A single click will inch the hand forwards step by step. Holding the button will inch the
hand forward repeatedly.Once the hand is exactly on a digit release the button.
Pic.3 If the main barometer hand is too advanced.
Turn the "Select Setting" Knob clockwise until "Barometer Retard" is displayed.
Press and release the red "change setting" button.
This will step the main barometer hand backward 1 whole unit. Stop when the hour hand
reaches your indicated rounded sea level pressure.
Pic.4 If the main barometer hand is retarded compared to the your indicated rounded
sea level pressure.
Turn the "Select Setting" Knob clockwise until "Barometer Advance" is displayed.
Press and release the red "change setting" button.
This will step the main barometer hand forward 1 whole unit. Stop when the hand
reaches your indicated rounded sea level pressure.

Step 10: Initial Start-up Settings 3 Hour Hand

Setting the 3 hour hand.

Oic.1 Adjustment of the 3 hour hand is by the four buttons Green, White, Blue and Yellow
on the Vero board.
On initial power up the the 3 hour hand will need to be calibrated to the nearest unit or
half unit.
Pic.2 If the 3 hour hand nearest unit value is in advance of the 3 hour hand press the
Yellow "Slow Bwd" button to inch the hand backwards. Keeping the button pressed will
repeatedly inch the hand backwards.
If the 3 hour hand nearest unit value is behind the 3 hour hand press the Blue "Slow
Fwd" button to inch the hand forwards. Keeping the button pressed will repeatedly inch
the hand forwards.
Once the 3 hour hand is exactly on a unit/half unit the hand can be set to the value "D"
on the 3 hour LCD display.
If in the hand is in advance of the value "D" press the White "3Hr Step Bwd" button to
step the 3 hour hand in half units backwards.
If in the hand is in less than the value "D" press the Green "3Hr Step Fwd" button to step
the 3 hour hand in half units forwards.
Note the 3 hour display will take 4 hours to display correctly as it will need to store
readings in memory over that period of time.
You can always add the previous air pressure readings into the code before loading is you
require the forecast and 3 hour display to function from startup.
3 hour display code at line 124
float hour0 is current hour
float hour1 is previous hour etc etc
float hour0 = 1036.00;
float hour1 = 1036.00;
float hour2 = 1036.00;
float hour3 = 1036.00;
float hour4 = 1036.00;
You should be able to get your local readings off the internet.

Step 11: Modules/Components

Modules
Where possible this project uses prebuilt modules to save construction and design time.
Microprocessors
This project uses 2 microprocessors an Atmega 328(UNO) pic.1 and an Arduino Nano
pic.2. I have used this combination as I had already had a 328 built from another project
and due to limited space on the Vero Board added the Nano as well.
Power
The Barometer uses around 65mA and this will increase a little as each motor steps for a
fraction of a second every 10mins to and hour
AMS117 pic.3
The module on this project is 3.3v and is used to power the BMP180 module.
The The AMS1117 series of adjustable and fixed voltage regulators are designed to provide
up to1A output current and to operatedown to 1V input-to-output differential. The
dropout voltage of the device is guaranteed maximum 1.3V, decreasing at lower load
currents.On-chip trimming adjusts the reference voltage to 1.5%. Current limit is set to
minimize the stress under overload conditions on both the regulator and power source
circuitry. The module on this project is 3.3v and is used to power the BMP180 module.
LM2596 Buck DC to DC Converter 3.0-40V to 1.5-35V pic.4This module converts the 12v
input to 5v
BMP180 Pressure Sensor Module 2 off pic.5The BMP180 Breakout is a barometric
pressure sensor with an I2C ("Wire") interface.Barometric pressure sensors measure the
absolute pressure of the air around them. This pressure varies with both the weather and
altitude. Depending on how you interpret the data, you can monitor changes in the
weather, measure altitude, or any other tasks that require an accurate pressure reading.
Connect the +, -, CL, and DA pins to your Arduino.
CL goes to SCL and DA goes to SDA.
IMPORTANT: Connect the power pins (+ and -) ONLY to a 3.3V supply. Larger voltages
will permanently damage the part.Note that because I2C uses open drain drivers, it is
safe to connect the I2C pins (DA and CL) to an I2C port on a 5V microprocessor.
RTC real time clock pic.6
This brometer uses a DS3231 AT24C32 I2C Precision Real Time Clock Module.
This module is used mainly for timing but also supplies time stamps on the LCD display.
Time is set to UTC and is not changed for summertime.The module comes supplied with
a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery see diagram above. I use a non rechargeable battery
so have removed resistor R5 from the module see RTC Modification section for details.
Stepper Motors 3 offThe barometer uses 3 Nema 17 Stepper Motors 1A, 13N.cm Holding
Torque, 4-Lead, 1.8° I used 1.8° motors as the steps fit exactly into 360° 200 times. You
can use Nema 8 motors if you wish but don't use 28BYJ-48-5V motors as they don't have
the required 1.8° step angle.
The 1.8° step angle is required as it divides exactly in 360° for my barometer dials.
LCD Displays 2 off
I have used 2 20x4 LCD displays one for the Barometer, clock and 6 hour display and the
other for the 3 hour display and forecast.

Step 12: Modules/Components A4988 Stepper Motor Driver

Setting the Current Limit on Pololu Stepper Motor Driver Carriers

A4988 microstepping bipolar stepper motor driver 3 off
Important read this section carefully
My Barometer is set to 1/16th step rotation and the code is adjusted accordingly.
A4988 microstepping bipolar stepper motor driver pic.1 with and pic.2 without heatsink
This breakout board for Allegro’s A4988 microstepping bipolar stepper motor driver
features adjustable current limiting, over-current and over-temperature protection, and
five different microstep resolutions (down to 1/16-step).
It operates from 8 V to 35 V and can deliver up to approximately 1 A per phase without a
heat sink or forced air flow (it is rated for 2 A per coil with sufficient additional cooling).
Here are some of the driver’s key features:Simple step and direction control interface
Five different step resolutions: full-step, half-step, quarter-step, eighth-step, and
sixteenth-step Adjustable current control lets you set the maximum current output with
a potentiometer, which lets you use voltages above your stepper motor’s rated voltage
to achieve higher step rates Intelligent chopping control that automatically selects the
correct current decay mode (fast decay or slow decay) Over-temperature thermal
shutdown, under-voltage lockout, and crossover-current protection Short-to-ground
and shorted-load protection
Power connectionsThe driver requires a logic supply voltage (3 – 5.5 V) to be connected
across the VDD and GND pins and a motor supply voltage (8 – 35 V) to be connected
across VMOT and GND. These supplies should have appropriate decoupling capacitors
close to the board, and they should be capable of delivering the expected currents (peaks
up to 4 A for the motor supply).
Warning: This carrier board uses low-ESR ceramic capacitors, which makes it susceptible
to destructive LC voltage spikes, especially when using power leads longer than a few
inches. Under the right conditions, these spikes can exceed the 35 V maximum voltage
rating for the A4988 and permanently damage the board, even when the motor supply
voltage is as low as 12 V. One way to protect the driver from such spikes is to put a
large (at least 47 µF) electrolytic capacitor across motor power (VMOT) and ground
somewhere close to the board.
Motor connections
Four, six, and eight-wire stepper motors can be driven by the A4988 if they are properly
connected. Warning: Connecting or disconnecting a stepper motor while the driver is
powered can destroy the driver. (More generally, rewiring anything while it is powered
is asking for trouble.)
Step (and microstep) size
see table pic. 3Stepper motors typically have a step size specification (e.g. 1.8° or 200
steps per revolution), which applies to full steps. A microstepping driver such as the
A4988 allows higher resolutions by allowing intermediate step locations, which are
achieved by energizing the coils with intermediate current levels. For instance, driving a
motor in quarter-step mode will give the 200-step-per-revolution motor 800
microsteps per revolution by using four different current levels.
The resolution (step size) selector inputs (MS1, MS2, and MS3) enable selection from the
five step resolutions according to the table below. MS1 and MS3 have internal 100kΩ
pull-down resistors and MS2 has an internal 50kΩ pull-down resistor, so leaving these
three microstep selection pins disconnected results in full-step mode. For the microstep
modes to function correctly, the current limit must be set low enough (see below) so
that current limiting gets engaged. Otherwise, the intermediate current levels will not
be correctly maintained, and the motor will skip microsteps.
Control inputs
pics 4 & 5Each pulse to the STEP input corresponds to one microstep of the stepper
motor in the direction selected by the DIR pin. Note that the STEP and DIR pins are not
pulled to any particular voltage internally, so you should not leave either of these pins
floating in your application.
If you just want rotation in a single direction, you can tie DIR directly to VCC or GND. The
chip has three different inputs for controlling its many power states: RST, SLP, and EN.
For details about these power states, see the datasheet.
Please note that the RST pin is floating; if you are not using the pin, you can connect it
to the adjacent SLP pin on the PCB to bring it high and enable the board.
Current LImitingBefore connecting the motor we should adjust the current limiting of
the driver so that we are sure that the current is within the current limits of the motor.
We can do that by adjusting the reference voltage using the potentiometer on the
module to set the VRef.
See details on the video link pic. 6
Manufacturers Drawing sheet pic.7

Step 13: Construction Prototyping

The circuit was prototyped using a hardboard dial with holes drilled for the motor
spindles and LEDs.
Various dial designs were then printed on normal paper and Sellotaped over the top. The
LED wiring loom was made with the LEDs in position on the temporary dial.
If you are using the round dial design this will allow you to check if the board etc will be
mounted on the dial or in the back box.

Step 14: Construction RTC Modification

The module comes supplied with a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery see diagram pic. 2.
I use a non rechargeable battery (I am not happy with the circuit design with a lithium-
iron battery and associated fire risk) of the so have removed resistor R5 from the module
as below. This stops any charge current to the battery.
Pic.3 shows the module without the resistor (just break it off) and pic.4 the modified
circuit.

Step 15: Construction Mounting Modules & Boards

Step 15: Construction Mounting Modules & Boards

On the modern square dial design all the modules and boards are mounted on the dial.
The classic round dial desgn will need some parts mounted in the back box as there is
less space on the dial.
Motors are hot melt glued to wooden mounting blocks pic.1&2. The wooded blocks are
cut fron a sheet of plywood pic.3. The mounting blocks depths are set to allow the
correct protrusion of the spindles through the dial. I have hot melt glued the blocls to
the dial.
The Vero Boards and LCD displays are also screwed to wooden blocks which have been
glued to the dial using impact adhesive.
Pic.4 shows the front view with a transparent dial showing mounting locations.
Pic. 5 shows the same but the rear view.
Pic.6 shows the wooden mounting blocks locations and layout.
Pic.7 shows the modules and motors mounted on the blocks.

Step 16: Construction LED Fixing

The 3mm LEDs are mounted so they just show above the surface of the dial pic.1.
3mm holes are drilled and hot melt glue holds them in place.
To get a uniform depth I made a jig using a washer and piece of card glued to it
pic.2.When fixing the LEDs the jig is pressed against the dial with the depth of the
washer setting the protrusion of the LED through the dial.

Step 17: Construction Classic Style English Dial Clock Case

The classic 12" Dial Clock case can be purchased from Ebay as "case only" pic.1.
Various styles are available this one is oak and has a dial surround that hinges away from
the back box pic.2.
This makes for a very easy build as all the hard work has been done. The dial is mounted
by 3 small wood screws hidden behind the brass dial bezel.
This dial surround has been stripped and bleached to bring out the original light colour of
the wood pic.3.The dial was removed as it had a winding hole off center.
A new dial was cut from a sheet of alluminium pic.4.
Pic.5 side view of the Barometer showing the back box.
Pic.6 shows my regulator clock case with original curved back box, hinged dial bezel and
pegged dial surround.
Many of these clock cases were held in place by four wooden pegs. If your case is
constructed like this add a pair of hinges to one side and use the remaining two pegs to
lock the dial surround in place.

Step 18: Construction Modern Case

Picture Frame Version

I have used two identical picture frames mounted back to back. These frames are 30cm x
30cm approx. 12"x12" pic.1.
pic.2 Frames are joined back to back.
pic.3 This gives a double depth frame.
pic.4 Rear side view showing wired boards and modules.
pic.5 The dial viewed through the rear frame.
pic.6 Rear half of the frame with all wiring in place.
pic.7 The front of the dial now shows through the front half of the frame. Wooden bevels
hide the space behind the front half of the frame.

Step 19: Construction Modern Case Backbox

Back Box
Pic.1 The barometer is housed in a back box that is smaller than the dial frame on all side
apart from the top. The fram overlap helps hide the back box and adds a shadow effect
to the case on the wall.
Pic.2 The back box is 50mm deep and is simply constructed of glued and screwed wood.
Pic.3 Rear view of back box in position behind rear dial frame showing the frame overlap.
Pic.4 The screw holes are filled then a coat of matt black is applied to the back box.
Pic.5 Back box with rear picture frame in place this holds the dial.Note the rear frame is
placed upside down.
Pic.6 A spacer is cut the same size and depth as the recess of the picture frame.
Pic.7 The spacer is set under the dial.
Pic.8 This will raise the dial level with the top edge of the rear frame.
Pic.9 Back box with front picture frame in place on top of the rear frame.This frame
holds the glass.

Step 20: Construction Modern Case Wall Mounting

Mounting the Barometer

Pic.1 To allow access to the rear of the Barometer I have mounted it on a pair of GTV
270° inset hinges. The hinges are mounted on a block of wood fixed to the wall and
allow the barometer to be swung out for access. The hinges also have a quick release
function if the Barometer needs to be taken down for maintenance at any time. The
hinge pivot is set back which also allows the top of the case to clear the wall when
hinged out.
Pic.2 The hinges are mounted on wooden blocks screwed to the wall.
Pic.3 I have screwed and glued an extra piece of timber to the left hand side where the
hinges will mount.This will add strength as all the weight of the clock will be on this side
when the clock case is open. Two aluminium plates will cover the hinge holes.
Pic.4 Hinge blocks in place. Note these are bolted through the case rather than screwed.
Pic.5 Back Box mounted on the wall. The fixing screws also hold the hinge to the wooden
mounting blocks The wooden baton on the right is also fixed to the wall and supports
the top right hand corner of the back box. It also serves as a fixing point for the wall
mount locking pins that holds the back box shut against the wall.
Pic.6 The back box is shown open with the wooden mounting blocks and batons fixed to
the wall. The hole in the front edge of the baton aligns with a hole in the side of the back
box. A steel pin is inserted here to lock the barometer shut against the wall.
Pic.7 Back box open allowing access to the LCD displays and setting switches.
Pic.8 Steel Locking Pin This is a small cabinet knob with a length of treaded bar screwed
into the thread.
Pic.9 & 10 The locking pin when pushed fully in lock the barometer against the wall.
When pulled out the barometer is able to swing out to allow access to the control
switched and LCD displays.
Pic.11 Detail of Locking Pin and location of right side dial fixing bolt. I have glued a
washer in place over the hole as an escutcheon plate.

Step 21: Construction Modern Case Dial Mounting

The dial and all the boards etc are removable for maintenance and is held to the backbox
by 2 bolts.
Mounting the Dial in the Back Box
The dial holds the combined weight of all the stepper motors, boards and modules and is
stiffened by impact gluing two strips of unequal aluminium angle to it's rear surface.Two
blocks of wood are then glued to these bars and small screws then hold these wooden
blocks through the side of the back box. A further thin strip of wood is glued to the dial
below the LCD mounting block. This is not screwed to the case but sits on the back box
to support the dial.
Pic.1 Strengthening bar of alluminium unequal angle.
Pic.2 Strengthening bar locations.
Pic.3 Glued wooden fixing/support blocks for dial fixing bolts left and right and glued dial
support lower.
Pic.4 Shows contact/fixing points between the back box and dial. Back box in black with
dial fixings/support in wood.
Pic.5 Rear view showing mounting block and bar locations.
Pic.6 Dial with Back Box Removed showing mounting blocks and strengthening bars
glued to the rear of the dial.
The dial spacer allows the dial to sit flush with the top of the rear picture frame.
Pic.7 Right side of clock showing dial fixing bolt location.
Pic.8 A mount is constructed from 4 thin strips of wood and is placed in the recess of the
front picture frame. This fills the gap between the picture frame and dial, holds the
Perspex sheet in place and also adds a photo mount effect to the dial.
Pic.9 Mount in place behind the front picture frame.

Step 22: Contruction Dial

Pic.1 The dial is made from 1.5mm thick alluminium sheet and comes covered with a
protective plastic film.
Pic.2 From your cad program print out the dial on A3 paper and include center marks for
all the LED and stepper motor shaft holes.This will be your drill template.Lay the paper
of the alluminium dial blank and tape the edges to stop it moving.Center punch all the
holes through the paper.
Pic.3 Remove the paper template and drill out the holes 3mm for the LEDs and 3 larger
holes for your stepper motor spindle.
Start with a small pilot hole and increase the drill size in 3 stages. If you are using a
round dial mark it out on the projective film with a market pen and cut it out at this
stage.
Pic.4 The protective plastic film can now be removed. Rub down the dial back and front
to remove any burrs and to provide a key for the paint.
Pic.5 Spray a coat of acrylic primer and then your choice of top coat - I have used
antique white.
I then give a final coat of matt clear acrylic. Leave to dry over night.
I have included a high res pic of the dial pic.6. Contact me if you need it in another
format. My CAD format is TurboCad.

Step 23: Construction Dial Decal

Apply the water slide decal transfer.

I use Water Slide Decal paper from BIGBITE Studio
(https://www.bigbitestudio.co.uk/product-category/water-decals/) They have some
good tutorials on their site. https://www.bigbitestudio.co.uk/tutorials/water-decal-
tutorials/ (https://www.bigbitestudio.co.uk/tutorials/water-decal-tutorials/)
Pic.1 Water slide decals are printed out on an inkjet printer soaked in water then slid into
place. They give a very detailed print and once given a coat of varnish are tough.
Don't forget to order transparent transfers so the dial colour can be seen through the
transfer.Follow the instructions with the pack as they do vary.
Pic.2 On my transfers I print out the dial on transfer paper let it dry and then cut it out
to just under the size of the dial. I then give it a coat of acrylic varnish.
I set my printer as follows: Plain Paper, Photo & High Speed Off This stops my printer
from over inking the paper When the varnish is dry the transfer is soaked in water until
the transparent transfer comes away from the white backing sheet.
Pic.3 Move the soaked transfer over the dial.
Pic.4 Slide the transfer into position.
Pic.5 Gently pull the white backing paper backward while holding the transfer down.
Make sure the crosses line up with the center of all the holes.
Pic.6 Get rid of any air bubbles.
Pic.7 Then leave it to dry before adding a coat of matt varnish.
After the coat of varnish break through the layer of transfer over the holes using the
back of a drill bit jus smaller than the holes. Then give a final coat of varnish to seal the
edges around the holes.

Step 24: Construction Hands

Hands are a very personnal choice and there are many diffent styles to choose from. The
hardest part is finding hands that match each other. I found a perfect set of small hands
but was unable to find a matching longhand for the main barometer. In the end I made
my own from 3 donor hands.
All my hands were quartz second hands so I hand to file the mounting spindle off the
back for mounting on the stepper motor spindle.
On some stepper motors the spindle can be drilled out to take the hand spindle but my
spindles were too hard to drill.
Pic.1 my completed hands.
Pic.2 The long barometer hand was constructed from 3 different hands
Pic.3 To get the lower spade balance part of the hand I used a spade hand.
Pic.4 First I cut off the top using sharp scissors.
Pic.5 The top was then trimmed by cutting the point off.
Pic.6 The remaining part was then filed away to match the shape of the 2 smaller hands.
Pic.7 The completed balance for the hand.
Pic.8 To make the front pointer and center I cut the end off one off my donor hands.
Pic.9 To make the rear balance shaft I cut a section out of the 3rd donor hand.
Pic.10 Left the 3 parts of the new hand. Middle shows the overlap of the balance shaft to
allow for bonding. Right pic shows the balance shaft bonded with impact adhesive to the
underside of the balance and center shaft.
To fix the hands to the stepper motor spindle I did not want to use impact adhesive as
the hands are fragile and would be damaged if I hand to remove them. In the end I went
for a tiny bit of Blu Tack on each hand. Blu Tack is putty like and is non setting but seems
to hold very well!

Step 25: Construction Schematic

The main shematic is shown in Pic. 1 with the power supply in Pic.2.
You will also need a regulated plug in 12v supply adaptor of around 1amp.
Note I have fitted switches on the LCD displays to turn the backlight LEDs On and Off.
This is optional but as the displays are not visible for 99.99% of the time it will save
power.
Note larger schematics can be found on my web site here
(http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Barometer/Arduino_Barometer.htm#schematic)

Step 26: Construction Vero Board

Vero Board Layouts

Pic.1 Vero Board with all modules removed.
Pic.2 Vero Board with modules in place.
Pic.3 Vero Board rear view (flipped down from top).
Pic.4 LED Vero Board
This board is used as a connection point for the dial LEDs. This allows the dial to be
disconnected from the main board if required for maintenance.
Pic.5 The LED Vero Board connects to the main board with Dupont sockets and male
Dupont cable
Pic.6 Vero Board wiring in progress.
Pic.7 Vero Boards and module location on the rear of the dial.

Step 27: Code

Code
There are 2 parts to the code 1 for the Main Barometer Code and 6 hour display and 1 for
the 3 hour display and weather forecast.

Step 28: Time-Lapse Video

Time-Lapse Video showing rain radar and the Barometer predicting rain and a storm.
This is a 4K video so you should be able to see full details of the dial and forecast LEDs.

CODE 

BarometerA4988... BarometerA4988_23.ino Arduino

  (/PROJECTHUB/CODE_FILES/442841/DOWNLOAD)
BarometerA4988...
Main file for Barometer and 6 hour display
 2
1 /* Example sketch to control a 28BYJ-48 stepper motor with ULN2
3 v4 moved step 6 hour pressure step from void getpressure
4 v5 remove unwamted step elements
5 v6 convert to diff display on 6 hr motor
6 v8 modified hour change formula 1486
7 v9 sleep
8 v10 chnged high/low for EN control
9 v11 chenge calc for hour change 1380
10 v12 added calcCurrentDisp (); to calc current time from line
11 v13 removed 30 sec sync
12 v14 air pressure extremes LEDs
13 v15 add hour diff hour calc etc to row 1 when not on settings
14 v16 adding 16th steps
15 v17 error
16 v18 change min pulse to hour pulse on the hour + 1min

SCHEMATICS 

S
c
h
e
m
a
t
i
DOWNLOAD (HTTPS://HACKSTERIO.S3.AMAZONAWS.COM/UPLOADS/ATTACHMENTS/1109124/SCHEMATIC04_PDB
c

COMMENTS 

Please log in (/projecthub/users/sign_in?

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AUTHOR

(/projecthub/brettoliver49)

Brett Oliver (/projecthub/brettoliver49)

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