Tropical Cyclone Pressure Drop Monitor
Advanced Tropical Cyclone Monitoring System — Build a Real-Time Pressure Drop Alert Station with Arduino Uno R3
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Meteorology students, disaster management researchers, and weather station hobbyists now have a dedicated kit to monitor the barometric signature that precedes tropical cyclones — a rapid pressure drop. The BMP280 sensor logs pressure readings at high precision, the DS3231 RTC timestamps every sample onto a microSD card, and the SIM800L GSM module sends an instant SMS alert when the rate of fall exceeds the recognized tropical storm threshold. This is not a generic weather station; it is a focused instrument to detect early signs of cyclone formation, designed for hands-on understanding of environmental monitoring in coastal India.
What You'll Build
You will assemble and deploy a fully enclosed outdoor monitor that continuously measures atmospheric pressure, calculates the rate of change, and compares it against a critical value (typically 1.5 hPa per hour). When the pressure drop rate indicates a likely tropical cyclone, the system sends a text message to a predefined mobile number. The real-time pressure trend is displayed on the OLED, and all data is written to a microSD card for later analysis in spreadsheets or graphing tools.
What You'll Learn
- Calibrate a BMP280 barometric sensor for ±0.12 hPa accuracy and compensate for temperature drift
- Log time-stamped pressure readings to microSD using the DS3231 real-time clock, with CSV formatting
- Implement a moving-window pressure fall rate algorithm in Arduino code, tuned for cyclone early warning
- Configure the SIM800L GSM module for AT command–based SMS alerts without relying on Wi-Fi
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| BMP280 | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| SIM800L GSM | 1 |
| LM2596 Buck Converter | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 1000µF 25V Caps | 2 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| Waterproof Enclosure | 1 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| 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 advanced kit fits B.Tech ECE/EEE students working on Smart India Hackathon projects related to disaster early warning, M.Sc. meteorology aspirants building field instruments, and ATL Tinkering Lab mentors guiding advanced group projects. It is also directly relevant for IIT/NIT/VIT/BITS students preparing a functional prototype for coursework on environmental sensor networks.
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 kit box to open the AI companion, which knows this project’s wiring, code logic, and calibration steps. You can also send a WhatsApp message and get direct human help within a few hours.
Does this kit predict cyclone landfall?
It detects the rapid pressure drop characteristic of an approaching tropical cyclone, which is a widely used early indicator. It does not track wind speed or satellite imagery, so combine it with official IMD bulletins for full situational awareness.
Can I use it without the GSM module?
Yes, the system will still log pressure to microSD and display trends on the OLED. The GSM alert is an optional extension; you can also add a buzzer or LED indicator with minimal extra wiring.
What is the threshold for a tropical storm alert?
The default code sets an alert when the pressure falls by more than 1.5 hPa in one hour, a rate observed in many Bay of Bengal cyclones. You can easily adjust this threshold in the Arduino sketch to match your local meteorological study.
BMP280 logs rate of pressure fall. Alerts if fall rate exceeds tropical storm threshold.
What's in this kit
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