Sunscreen for outdoor temperature sensor.

*** update 190513 *** Added a mount for 1 inch pipes.

*** update 180626 *** Added a screen layer with integrated sensor mount.

If you need an accurate reading of the outdoor temperature, direct sunlight and downfall is a problem. On a chilly but sunny winter day the temperature reading might be 10-15 degrees too high because of direct sunlight warming the sensor.

The solution is shielding the sensor from the sun while not restricting airflow, since the air temperature is what we're interested in.

I couldn't find a sturdy design that was likely to survive a couple of years without replacing parts, so I drew up this. I hope you can make use of it. Feel free to comment on shortcomings, possible improvements or anything related to this design. I would also very much like to see your installation if you chose to try this one out.

Print as many shield rings as you need for your desired height. I settled for 5 rings (4+top). Use two pieces of M5 or M6 threaded rod to hold it together. Each ring adds 23 mm. 124 mm diameter.

I made this in PLA in the autumn of 2017 and so far there are no visible signs of it failing. We had an excavator doing work around our house which knocked it off the garage wall. I printed a new wall holder and it was up there again, still going strong in June 2021. So far it has seen temperatures between -20 and +35°C. Designed to use a cheap Dallas-Maxim DS18B20 temperature sensor in a weatherproof casing, such as one of these: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=ds18b20+waterproof&_sacat=0 You can of course use any sensor you like.

Sensor holder is included. Intended to be screwed, zip-tied or glued in.

Wall mount is designed to let water and snow out to prevent it breaking from freezing.

Sketchup design files are included.

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