20 Questions

1. I ended up building a SD for Buster and using the README.MD to duplicate what was on the old card. Some of the info was either out of date or not clear. For example the link for installing MySQL is obsolete and there are references to configuring the rack that just say it is with the rack stuff on SwitchDoc but not where. I also encounter a number of errors “No module named MySQL” but I finally got the db created in phpadmin. No sure if I nailed this but really didn’t want to buy another SD card. The new card boots both my P4 and Zero

Yes, in Jessie the Raspberry Pi people started installing mariaDB.    However, the instructions for installing the database itself will still work.

We are releasing a new SDCard with a clean Buster install (and all this other stuff).   

2. It turns out not surprisingly that a lot of stuff on my buster card are much later versions than on the old card. I had to work through a number of errors like outdated versions of software and needing later version to work with. Now I am encountering errors and working through fixes for SkyWeather.py. These seem to relate to print function needing to be in () and expected indentation. I have been working on it a line at the time. Wondering if I am approaching this correctly and if there is way other than just running stuff to validate my build.

The problems you are running into is because of Python2 to Python3 differences.  Run python2 to eliminate those problems.   A new version fo SkyWeather will be released for Python3 first of the year.

3. Would be nice if you either had a link to an image of the buster card or a script to add SkyWeather to a card. Script would be better.

We aren't going to do a script because they are a nightmare to maintain.   Every single install changes something every version and breaks the scripts.    We are looking at putting a link for the SDCard up on our store, but we are currently stymied by the shopify store.

4. I noticed one of your photos has the camera in a clear dome and I assume on a directional mount. Where did the dome and mount come from and how practical is adding it to SW? I was thinking about night vision too.

plastic-domes-spheres.com/shop/10-clear-acrylic-sphere-with-hole-seamless

We used the same pan tilt that we sell on our store.  Controlled by a couple of servo motors.  Pretty easy to do.   We have a new servo motor and controller board (designed for MouseAir), but we haven't released it.



5. When I started working on implementing WXLINK, I unplugged most things from the Weather Board, a power saver and I2C expansion except the sun sensor. Can the sensor be moved to I2C bus on the Pi2Grove or on the WXLinks side? This would seem to mean I could eliminate the 3 boards mentioned from the project now that everything is on the WXL side. Could use a 4-5 static bag to repackage for future projects.

It can be moved to the Pi2Grover I2C but would require some Arduino software to add it to WXLink.   We could easily add one thing to WXLink and we are thinking the AQI and maybe the Sunlight sensor.  Can't move the camera.  Uses too much power and bandwidth.


6. Are there configuration for Rack and Grove I2C stuff that the doc seems to reference being somewhere else?

Not sure what you are talking about here.  More info please!


7. I have a 30W solar panel on order and my next order with you has a Max on it. Can I test Max with the solar that came with my kit?

Yes, but you will get squat out of them .   Hook them in series to generate 12V and it will work.

8. Do you have the Python for Dummies Book or is that strictly Amazon?

just up on Amazon.  Hmm maybe we should carry it!

9. Can you point me to some more information on yagi antenna. I am thinking instead of adding to my WXlink I am going to add it to my wireless router and add smaller antenna to my WXLink which may be duplicated by Max anyway. I was thinking about adding the mini antenna connector to the pad for wifi on Zero also. Not sure how all this fits together since there is a WXlink in the box too. Why LoRa vs built-in wifi,which every current Pi has? How do you handle two or more antenna connections in the same box?

It will go a long ways on the Yagi.  You only have one antenna connection.  You will see the little SMD connector on the LoRa board where the Yagi hooks up.

10. Next I was wondering if I should replace the SunAirPlus with a SunControl? One more part along with the 2 LoRa Radios and others to save for future projects. Don’t quite have my head around what gets replaced when I add Max.

The whole solar power controller gets replaced by SolarMAX.  If you get a SunControl make sure you buy a 5.6V Zener as on the page.

11. I am also adding the fan but I am concerned about the moisture in our wet and winter times. I assume that is why you added the temp/humidity sensors inside box to shut it down when too cold or wet but do I need to do some weathering proofing for wet and cold around fan?

If it is facing down, then no additional weatherproofing is needed.  Don't be surprised if you have to replace the fan at some point.

12. Bonus Question I just thought of, Is there a routine that would periodically send the Weather data to db on a bigger server and could the various dashboards reference that? It seems it would allow for saving more history and reduce need to access my zero w.

We are going to add a REST interface to SkyWeather that will allow you to easily do that.   Just like OurWeather.

13. Have an extensive order for Adafruit and Amazon for boxes and stuff. Not sure how y’all will handle my list but can’t wait for feedback before I put in your order.

Woohoo!  I got through the questions.


I’m sure I have a thousand more questions but only the next steps will tell. You can share this as appropriate on forum.

Thanks

Wallace

John


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