Anyone know if any devices like this exist & work with Linux?

BillyGalbreath · 06-17-2008, 11:27 PM

I'm trying to find two particular types of devices. It would be sweet to find both features I want in a single device, but I don't expect any to exist seeing as I can't find anything on them at all.

First, a USB temperature reader (weather proof) to read the outside temperatures.

Second, a USB Compass to be able to display the results on screen (preferably with a little graphical compass on the screen as a widget).

Any help on where to find such devices (preferably for under $100 each) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

farslayer · 06-18-2008, 11:47 AM

Looks like most people are building their own sensors..(from the look of the pictures)

Serial Multi-sensor Temp monitoring system but interesting .. could always use a serial to USB converter..
http://www.hoppie.nl/tempsens/

USB Temp - Linux
http://www.raphnet.net/electronique/...i/index_en.php

Compass.. GPS units can detect direction. Possibly a USB connected GPS unit that is compatible with linux..

USB Compass
http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedPr...ompass/38594/0
http://www.oceanserver-store.com/osevkitsorus.html

OK so the compass, and Temp sensors are small.. you could easily mount them in a single enclosure..

You could skim through the USB IDS file for other Temp and Compass devices that may be supprted
http://www.linux-usb.org/usb.ids

for example

Code:

06c2  Phidgets Inc. (formerly GLAB)
	0030  PhidgetRFID
	0038  4-Motor PhidgetServo v3.0
	0039  1-Motor PhidgetServo v3.0
	003a  8-Motor PhidgetAvancedServo
	0040  PhidgetInterface Kit 0-0-4
	0044  PhidgetInterface Kit 0-16-16
	0045  PhidgetInterface Kit 8-8-8
	0048  PhidgetStepper (Under Development)
	0049  PhidgetTextLED Ver 1.0
	004a  PhidgetLED Ver 1.0
	004b  PhidgetEncoder Ver 1.0
	0051  PhidgetInterface Kit 0-5-7 (Custom)
	0052  PhidgetTextLCD
	0053  PhidgetInterfaceKit 0-8-8
	0058  PhidgetMotorControl Ver 1.0
	0070  PhidgetTemperatureSensor Ver 1.0
	0071  PhidgetAccelerometer Ver 1.0
	0072  PhidgetWeightSensor Ver 1.0
	0073  PhidgetHumiditySensor
	0074  PhidgetPHSensor
	0075  PhidgetGyroscope

http://www.phidgets.com/
http://www.phidgets.com/phpBB2/viewf...60a998692c5b11

Not sure your application but there are also full weather stations available..
http://www.wviewweather.com/

BillyGalbreath · 06-19-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farslayer

Looks like most people are building their own sensors..(from the look of the pictures)

Wicked. I'll have to look more into those links to see if i have the time+skill to make one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by farslayer

Compass.. GPS units can detect direction. Possibly a USB connected GPS unit that is compatible with linux..

I did not realize GPS receivers could do this if not in motion. I own a BU-353 GPS receiver. I'll look more into this as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by farslayer

Not sure your application but there are also full weather stations available..
http://www.wviewweather.com/

My application is far simpler than a full weather station

I'm simply building a carpc & I want to integrate a temperature/compass feature just like all modern vehicles have in their rear view mirror, but mine will be on screen as a widget or something.

Thanks for all the info!

AwesomeMachine · 06-19-2008, 09:28 AM

For the compass I would use a gps, such as the Garmin 18 usb. It's magnetic, so it sticks to metal. It's usb, and will work as a compass. It's about $70.00 online. This little thermometer would fit on the drivers side rear view mirror, making it available at a glance. http://www.tiptemp.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=745
I know this isn't what you asked for, so please forgive me for my assumption.

BillyGalbreath · 06-19-2008, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farslayer

Compass.. GPS units can detect direction. Possibly a USB connected GPS unit that is compatible with linux..

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeMachine

For the compass I would use a gps, such as the Garmin 18 usb. It's magnetic, so it sticks to metal. It's usb, and will work as a compass. It's about $70.00 online.

Looks as though I was right about GPS not being a viable solution for a compass. When not in motion, the readings are often too inaccurate for use, especially with my BU-353 receiver (which is also magnetic, so it sticks to metal too

) - http://www.usglobalsat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=693

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeMachineThis little thermometer would fit on the drivers side rear view mirror, making it available at a glance. [url

http://www.tiptemp.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=745[/url]
I know this isn't what you asked for, so please forgive me for my assumption.

That's a pretty neat little strip there. I've seen them before in aquariums, however it's too "ghetto" IMHO lol! Plus, i need to get accurate temperature readings of a few places (multiple sensors), which not all areas are viewable from the driver seat (outside, cab, and trunk). Good idea though. I like options

farslayer · 06-19-2008, 10:07 AM

You are right most GPS units require motion to provide a direction with the Compass feature. Some GPS unit incorporate a Magnetic compass so motion is not necessary. You would need to review the specs of the GPS to determine if this is the case or not. Either way I guess that would break your $100.00 budget for the item

http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/de...mpass_mns.html

Quote:

The TrueMagnetic Compass

The internal digital compass automatically adjusts for local declination and continues to show the true compass course during navigation. The compass function also works independently of the GPS function, allowing you to navigate without the assistance of satellites and update your position with the GPS only when needed.

This unique feature allows for amazing battery conservation; giving you weeks worth of battery power rather than hours. And unlike a regular GPS where you have to be moving to obtain a directional bearing, the Multi-Navigator can obtain a bearing while you’re standing still, an invaluable feature when motion is not an option.

Garmin also has this feature in the eTrex Vista and Summit products.

I do not know if these handheld units with the mag compass can be used in a similar fashion to the PC style receivers.. feeding info live to the laptop/pc

Please keep us up to date on your project. I'd be interested to know what you do for a final solution