A new DIY Digital Barograph has emerged, offering a modern approach to tracking atmospheric pressure trends. Developed by creator mircmk, this innovative device replaces traditional paper-based barographs with a digital solution that enhances user experience and functionality.
Historically, barographs have played a crucial role in weather prediction since their inception in the mid-1700s. These devices typically utilized an aneroid cell to create a trace on paper, providing valuable insights into changing weather conditions. However, they also presented several limitations, including the need for frequent maintenance and paper replacements once the graph was filled.
The DIY Digital Barograph introduces a significant upgrade by utilizing a 128×64 LCD display to showcase data from a BME280 pressure sensor. This modern device is powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, which enables it to check sensor readings upon startup. Users can easily navigate through real-time data as well as historical readings from the past hour or three hours with the help of external buttons.
One of the standout features of the BME280 sensor is its ability to measure not only atmospheric pressure but also temperature and humidity. This comprehensive data display allows users to gain a more complete understanding of their environmental conditions, surpassing the capabilities of traditional barographs that focus solely on pressure tracking.
For those interested in constructing their own version of this digital barograph, detailed instructions and the necessary code are available on the project’s Hackaday.io page. The project aims to inspire hobbyists and technology enthusiasts to explore the capabilities of modern sensor technology in weather monitoring.
As the popularity of DIY projects continues to grow, mircmk has set an example of how traditional tools can be reimagined using contemporary technology. The DIY Digital Barograph not only enhances weather observation but also encourages innovation within the maker community.
For further details and inspiration, visit the Hackaday.io page dedicated to this project and explore other exciting weather display initiatives. The evolution of barographs into digital formats opens up opportunities for enhanced data collection and analysis in personal and professional settings.