The FIDO weather network started in October 2015, to investigate John Sinclair’s observation that rainfall becoming more localised. The first station was established at Happy Valley with a subsequent station at Eurong in December 2016, followed by Cathedrals, and Orchid Beach in April 2019 and Kingfisher in September 2019 completing the current network.

The focus of the data collection is around rainfall, as it has the largest impact on K’gari’s ecosystem, the weather stations collect all the classic observations:

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Barometric Pressure
• Rainfall
• Rainfall Rate
• Windspeed
• Wind Direction

With the east coast network completed in April 2019, the data built up, eventually providing the evidence originally sought, showing that rainfall is currently very localised on K’gari with large storms focusing rainfall on smaller areas.

Most of the stations have used the Telstra NextG 3G network, which has worked well. But progress happens and the Telstra NextG (3G) ends on 31 August 2024. So, for the last 6 months, FIDO has been busy working to get things upgraded to use 4G or to leverage local internet connections.

Dealing with sensitive weather and electronic equipment and managing an IoT (Internet of Things) network takes a little effort in planning and execution, doing all that while the things are in a remote location adds to the complexity. Trips need to be planned and everything you might need, needs to be taken with you, a round trip to Bunnings or Jaycar is about 6 hours.

As of 28 July 2024, Eurong and Happy Valley are now operating on 4G, with Cathedrals and Orchid Beach using local internet. A new type of station has been deployed at Kingfisher using the local internet there.  Along with regular weather, this station includes solar radiation, UV, and lightning strike detection.  The data from this station will be integrated into the current website in August 2024.

During the remainder of 2024, FIDO will make updates to the Weather application on the FIDO website, including UV and lightning data, more rainfall history and incorporating open data from the Bureau of Meteorology (who now have live stations at Double Island Point). This will happen incrementally over the next 12 months unless anyone knows an early career developer who might like to get involved?

Looking forward, FIDO is interested in looking at Fire Weather monitoring and is putting a plan together to determine what it takes to make it happen, seeking funding through grants or donations.  Monitoring soil moisture will be a critical data addition to current capabilities, providing the additional data needed to provide a localised understanding of fire risk.

You can find FIDO Weather at https://fido.org.au/weather  or contact Keith Sinclair at keith@sinclair.org.au.

Article contributed by Keith Sinclair, FIDO