Automated Ceilometer Cloud Base Estimator
Real-Time Cloud Base Estimator: Arduino Mega Automated Ceilometer Kit
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
This advanced kit lets you build a fully functional ceilometer that estimates cloud base height by measuring the round-trip time of a pulsed IR laser beam, corrected for air density with a BMP280. Ideal for meteorology enthusiasts, atmospheric science researchers, or anyone needing continuous cloud height logging — whether for solar irradiance forecasting, aviation safety studies, or agricultural microclimate tracking across Indian field stations.
What You'll Build
A laser-based ceilometer that fires 940 nm IR pulses vertically, captures the backscattered light with a BPW34 photodiode, and computes cloud base altitude up to several kilometres. Real-time readings appear on the OLED while temperature and humidity from the DHT22, together with barometric pressure from the BMP280, improve accuracy through air density corrections. All data is logged to a microSD card with precise timestamps from the DS3231 RTC, giving you a self-contained, long-term atmospheric profiling instrument.
What You'll Learn
- Time-of-flight measurement using pulsed infrared lasers and high-speed photodetection circuits
- Signal conditioning with LM358 op-amps to amplify weak return signals for reliable detection
- Integrating multi-sensor environmental data (BMP280, DHT22) for real-time density corrections
- Building robust data logging and timestamping routines for weeks of autonomous operation
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | 1 |
| IR LED 940nm High Power | 1 |
| IR Photodiode BPW34 | 1 |
| BMP280 | 1 |
| DHT22 | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| LM358 Op-Amp | 2 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 100Ω Resistors | 5 |
| 1kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 10kΩ Resistors | 10 |
| 100nF Capacitors | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 3 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is designed for advanced students and professionals: B.Tech ECE/EEE students working on atmospheric instrumentation projects, participants in Smart India Hackathon weather & disaster management challenges, and meteorology enthusiasts in research labs at IIT, NIT, VIT, or BITS Pilani. It's equally suited for independent researchers building long-term cloud monitoring stations for solar farms, airports, or climate observatories across India.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box to open the AI companion, which knows the exact wiring, code, and calibration steps for this ceilometer. You can also message us on WhatsApp — our team responds within hours, often in real time.
How accurate is the cloud base measurement?
With proper calibration and clear line-of-sight, the system can achieve ±5% accuracy up to 2 km. The BMP280 and DHT22 data continuously correct for air density changes, significantly improving consistency compared to uncorrected time-of-flight estimates.
Can this detect multiple cloud layers?
Yes, if you log the full return signal waveform at high speed, the photodiode and op-amp circuit can capture multiple backscatter peaks. The included code framework can be extended to identify and timestamp multiple layers, but this requires advanced signal processing beyond the default build.
Is it safe to run the IR laser continuously?
The kit's 940 nm IR LED is eye-safe at the power levels used (pulsed, low duty cycle). However, as with any optical instrument, avoid staring directly into the beam. The included build guide explains how to house the optics safely for outdoor deployment.
Pulsed IR laser and photodiode measure return time to estimate cloud base height. BMP280 corrects for air density.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Mega 2560
- IR LED 940nm High Power
- IR Photodiode BPW34
- BMP280
- DHT22
- DS3231 RTC
- MicroSD Module
- LM358 Op-Amp x2
- 0.96in OLED
- 100Ω Resistors x5
- 1kΩ Resistors x5
- 10kΩ Resistors x10
- 100nF Caps x10
- PCB Prototype Board x3
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items