Plans

Short-term plans as of December 20, 2000.

For the short term, we have decided to build about 20 wireless weather sensors. This includes about two camera pods, about two communication pods, and the remainder, "dumb" weather pods.

Weather pods are designed around the Dallas Semiconductor weather sensor evaluation boards, and will communicate with the communication pods via the Unilink radios. Some of them may have a BX-24 to manage power consumption. Things we haven't done before include getting one Unilink on the communication pod to speak to 10 different unilinks on the weather pods. Basic instruments on the weather pods are light, temperature, and moisture (LTM). Some of the pods may have wind sensors. Some of the pods may be solar powered.
Camera pods are designed around the Nikon Coolpix 880 camera and the I-PAQ/Linux computer. These will communicate with the communication pods via either 802.11 or Bluetooth. We have no experience with the I-PAQ, little with the USB serial bus, and look forward to learning more about 802.11 and Bluetooth.
Communication pods are designed around the PC-104, using Unilink to talk to the weather pods, 802.11 or Bluetooth to communicate with the camera pods, and 802.11 to communicate back with the base station.
Installation is foreseen in two areas: Manoa (including Waahila ridge and if possible Lyon Arboretum), and HVNP.

Challenges include purchasing all the equipment and making sure nothing falls through the cracks, as well as building the enclosures and making sure they are waterproof. Power management may not be an issue for now if we go with large batteries, but we will be happy if we can manage to cut the power consumption enough that we can use lightweight batteries and small containers.