I wanted to share my recent project of building a simple weather station using an ESP8266 module. After relying on third-party services like Wunderground, which no longer offers free access, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
The setup includes a rain sensor, a Dallas temperature sensor, and some basic wiring. I connected everything via MQTT to my OpenHAB installation. Initially, I used a digital output from the rain sensor, but I found it cumbersome to adjust the sensitivity manually. Instead, I switched to reading the analog output from the sensor and set a threshold in OpenHAB. This approach proved much more reliable and easier to tweak.
While the project is still in its prototype phase, it has already provided some valuable insights. For instance, during fleeting rain showers, the system accurately detects rainfall and triggers my pool filtration and garden outlet rules. It’s a simple solution, but it works well for my needs.
I’d love to hear how others have approached similar projects. Have you built your own weather station? What tools or sensors did you find most useful? 