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Anemometer Installation

Choosing a location​

Wind measurement quality depends heavily on where the sensor is installed.
To obtain reliable data, the anemometer should be placed where the wind is not funneled, blocked, or disturbed by nearby obstacles.

Ideally, it should be higher than surrounding objects and exposed to free airflow from all directions.

Typical home installation​

For a house installation, the best location is usually above the roof ridge, mounted on a pole extending about 1.5 meters above the roof surface. This helps reduce turbulence caused by the roof itself.

Garden or field installation​

For garden or open field installations:

  • Install the sensor at least 1.5 meters above ground in an open area.
  • Increase the height if there are nearby trees, fences, or buildings.
  • The more open and elevated the position, the more representative the measurements.

Practical considerations​

While an ideal location is always preferable, a less-than-perfect placement can still provide useful data:

  • It allows meaningful relative comparisons over time.
  • It can still provide accurate information about prevailing winds at your specific location.

Mast and pole options​

The lower part of the WindNerd anemometer can be printed in different sizes to fit over the top of a tube, pole, or mast between 10 mm and 48 mm in diameter.

Choosing the right support depends mainly on the desired height and on what materials are conveniently available to you. The main requirement is that the pole remains vertical and does not swing significantly during wind episodes.

Plastic pipe (PVC)​

PVC electrical conduit or plumbing pipe is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to work with. It is suitable for short installations, especially when mounted on top of an existing structure or along a wall using brackets. Recommended diameters: 35-40 mm up to 1.5 meters, 40-48 mm up to 2.5 meters.

Metal tubes​

Metal tubes offer greater stiffness.

10-15 mm plain steel tube (painted)​

  • Suitable for short offset arms
  • Can be bent to create a small horizontal extension away from a wall or mast

25-35 mm galvanized steel tube​

  • Suitable for vertical masts up to approximately 4 meters
  • Good compromise between rigidity and weight
  • Appropriate for most home installations

35-45 mm galvanized steel tube​

  • Suitable for heights up to approximately 6 meters (may require guy wires)
warning

For safety, metal masts and poles should be properly grounded according to local electrical regulations, particularly in regions exposed to lightning.

Others​

Beside raw materials, ready-made poles/mast or tubular structures can also be used or repurposed:

  • Windsurf mast - Lightweight.
  • Flag mast - Naturally well suited.
  • Small boat mast or spar - Strong and weather-resistant.
  • TV antenna mast - Ideal for home roof.
  • Scaffolding tube - Very rigid.

Mast installation​

  • Attach the WindNerd One to a mast and secure it using the provided zip tie.

  • Orient the base arrow toward the north using a compass.

  • Tight the zip ties to prevent rotation.

  • Alternatively or additionally, the mount can be secured with screw at its base.

    How to set anemometer direction with compass