Hi,

I am making a model sailing boat and i want to attach a wind direction sensor BUT the problem is as its only a model the sensors i have found are way to big to go on it.

I am wanting to find a small sensor to fit onto this model, and i would appreciate it if someone could point me in a direction to look at as i have ran out of ideas.

Thanks

 

Oooh, that's a tricky one.

The first thing that comes to mind that is really small enough to sit on a model sailboat is a hot wire anemometer.

One anemometer will measure air flow. I think it is doable using four such hot wire anemometers in order to determine direction of air flow. It might be tricky though, not for the faint of heart.

 

Perhaps a small wind-vane with optical encoder attached, read by photocell(s)?
On second thoughts, that might be affected too much by gravity as the boat heels over.

 

How about looking for a 360° continuous miniature pot? Bourns make some nice ones.
I assume you want to mount at mast head?
Making a light vane would be up to you!
Max.