Announcements & Updates

Please note: From early November 2019 to Feburary 2020 there will be no support for the PiConsole. I will be working in Antarctica with no access to the internet. Hopefully the console will continue to work, but I can’t promise there won’t be any changes to the WeatherFlow API (@dsj?), or the Python modules required to run the console. Sorry!

New release (v2.15) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. Changes include:

  • Fixed lightning strike distance bug (@clevenger7778)
  • Removed extra Restart clause in .service file (@seth)

@clevenger7778 there was a bug in the lightning strike distance formatting that was stopping your wind speed/direction showing. That should now be fixed.

@seth I am almost 100% the reason my initial changes to the .service file didn’t work was because of the second restart=no. That was a typo and should have been removed. I have kept the StartLimitInterval and StartLimitBurst as they were originally. Let me know if you need to change these again, as if so I will add them to the next update.

2 Likes

New release (v2.16) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. Changes include:

  • Fixed a bug that stopped the console from blanking on a Raspberry Pi 4

Due to a screw up I made in the install/update script, this update needs to be applied using the complete install command:

curl -sSL https://peted-davis.github.io/wfpiconsole | bash

rather than just the wfpiconsole update command. Follow the installation through (it should skip a lot of steps), and it will update you to Version 2.16

@wxkeith This should solve your screen blanking issue on the Raspberry Pi 4. Just a few things to note that I found during testing:

  1. The DPMS settings are reset if you restart your pi
  2. If you wake the screen using a VNC connection, the screen will not always register that it has powered on, and therefore will not always power off again as expected. Touching the screen fixes this.

Could try xset dpms 10 10 10 and confirm that the screen is turning off every 10 seconds as expected? It is working well on my Pi4, but would be good to get confirmation from you as well.

1 Like

I am pleased to announce that Version 3 of the PiConsole is available for download. This is a major new release, and changes include:

  • Fully customisable display
  • Compatible with Tempest module
  • New measure of lightning strike frequency
  • Indoor Air module can be used to display indoor temperature
  • Display is updated immediately when units are changed
  • Indoor temperature can be hidden if required

To upgrade to Version 3, please run wfpiconsole update followed by wfpiconsole start or wfpiconsole autostart-enable.

When Version 3 starts for the first time, a number of questions will be asked to update your configuration file. You may also be required to re-enter you Outdoor AIR module ID.

The fully customisable display allows you to arrange the different panels in any layout. Changes to the layout can be made in the settings screen. The display can show 6 Primary Panels at a time, and each Primary Panel can have a Secondary Panel behind it (if required) that can be switched to at the touch of a button. The only restriction is that the clock is attached to the Rainfall panel and this cannot be changed. More panels will be added in the future, including a Status panel to show battery voltage etc.

Tempest compatibility is based on the current un-documented Websocket implementation. This may change at any time, so be aware that the console may stop working without notice, and I will have to update the console to reflect any changes.

NOTE: If you want to switch from displaying Air/Sky data to Tempest data, and the Tempest module is attached to a different station, you will need to delete your existing .ini file and create a new one using you Tempest station ID. Otherwise the console will complain that the Tempest ID is not valid.

Version 3 has been tested by myself and @eric (thanks!!), so hopefully it is reasonably bug free. As usual though, if you spot any issues please let me know and I will fix them ASAP. Also, feel free to post any questions and I will help out where I can.

PiConsole

5 Likes

New release (v3.1) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. Changes include:

  • Fixed a bug downloading DarkSky forecasts
  • Fixed a bug in the lightning distance bins (thanks @hankster)
  • Removed the DarkSky forecast for new users (see: https://blog.darksky.net/. Thanks @eric )

The update can be installed with wfpiconsole update

Now that Apple have taken the grim decision of restriction access to DarkSky data to Apple users only :sob: :scream:, I will start the search for a new weather API (suggestions welcome). I have removed DarkSky forecasts from the console for new users (as they can no longer get an API key), but it will continue to work for existing users until I find a replacement service (or until the end of 2021, which ever comes first!)

4 Likes

New release (v3.2) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. Changes include:

  • Fixed a bug that caused the console to freeze (thanks @padieter)
  • Implemented threading to make the console more responsive
  • Added mouse support for Raspberry Pi 3 (@hankster)
  • Lots of bug fixes and improvements

Update using wfpiconsole update

The mouse support is limited, but should be sufficient to navigate the console when running on a non-touchscreen. Note the mouse must be connected to the Pi before you start the console.

1 Like

New release (v3.3) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. Changes include:

  • New solar/UV panel
  • Updated lightning distance display for Tempest
  • API calls are now repeated if Websocket connection is lost
  • Lots of bug fixes and performance improvements

For those new to using the console, first stop the current console with wfpiconsole stop. Then update using wfpiconsole update

This version introduces a new solar/UV panel. There is a new day/night/dawn/dusk bar that graphically represents the length of each period of the day, as well as the progress of the sun through the day. It also introduces a new metric: Peak Sun Hours. This is a measure of how effective solar panels will be given the observed solar radiation.

Capture

@kbeast this version should fix the rain/lightning discrepancies you were seeing

6 Likes

New release (v3.4) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. Changes include:

  • Bug fixes and performance improvements

For those new to using the console, first stop the console with wfpiconsole stop . Then update using wfpiconsole update

PLEASE NOTE: any local changes you may have made to the code will be overwritten by the update command. I suggest you backup your changes before updating (@stevecody, @marcow46)

3 Likes

New release (v3.5) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. Changes include:

  • New Main Menu and status panel
  • Buttons to exit console, reboot, and shutdown
  • Improved error logging for debugging
  • Bug fixes and performance improvements

For those new to using the console, first stop the console with wfpiconsole stop . Then update using wfpiconsole update

PLEASE NOTE: any local changes you may have made to the code will be overwritten by the update command. I suggest you backup your changes before updating

New release (v3.6) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. Changes include:

  • New weather forecast powered by WeatherFlow
  • Bug fixes and performance improvements

For those new to using the console, first stop the console with wfpiconsole stop . Then update using wfpiconsole update.

This update contains the new weather forecast provided by WeatherFlow. It means the console no longer requires API keys from the UK MetOffice, DarkSky, or Geonames. They will be automatically removed from your .ini file the first time you run the console after the update.

PLEASE NOTE: any local changes you may have made to the code will be overwritten by the update command. Please backup your changes before updating

3 Likes

New release (v3.7) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. Changes include:

  • Replaced WeatherFlow API key with Personal Access Tokens
  • Added 12hr clock display for Sager/Forecast times
  • Check for “Type” in Websocket messages
  • Verify API keys entered into config file
  • Fixed bug when forecast is empty
  • Station/module IDs shown in settings

To update first stop the console with wfpiconsole stop. Then update using wfpiconsole update.

When you update you will be prompted to enter a WeatherFlow Personal Access Token. This token allows the PiConsole to access the data from your station, and they can be generated, viewed, and deleted here: Tempest Settings (you may need to login). Click on Create token, give it a name, and then copy/paste it into the terminal.

PLEASE NOTE: any local changes you may have made to the code will be overwritten by the update command. Please backup your changes before updating

2 Likes

New release (v3.8) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole. This is a small bug fix release so there will be no noticeable change. Changes include:

  • Fixed bug when “type” is missing in Websocket messages
  • Fixed bug when API call returns None

To update first stop the console with wfpiconsole stop . Then update using wfpiconsole update .

PLEASE NOTE: any local changes you may have made to the code will be overwritten by the update command. Please backup your changes before updating.

If you are updating from a version lower than 3.7 you will be prompted to enter a WeatherFlow Personal Access Token. This token allows the PiConsole to access the data from your station, and they can be generated, viewed, and deleted here: https://tempestwx.com/settings/tokens (you may need to login). Click on Create token , give it a name, and then copy/paste it into the terminal.

2 Likes

Version 4.0 of the WeatherFlow PiConsole is now available. This is a major new release, and changes include:

  • New forecast panel showing daily and hourly forecast values
  • Console now compatible with arbitary screen sizes
  • One line installer now compatible with Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS on PCs
  • New font to improve display

To update first stop the console with wfpiconsole stop . Then update using wfpiconsole update .

PLEASE NOTE: any local changes you may have made to the code will be overwritten by the update command. Please backup your changes before updating.

During the update process you will also be asked to enter your Personal Access Token again. This is the last time - sorry!

Update Notes

One-line installer: The PiConsole can now be installed on a PC running Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or Raspberry Pi OS using the simple one-line installer. It is currently not compatible with Ubuntu 20.04 without downgrading Python to version 3.7

Screen size/resolution: By default the PiConsole will run in full screen mode in Version 4. However, if you are running on a Raspberry Pi 4 or a PC with Raspberry Pi OS or Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, full screen mode can be disabled in MenuSettingsDisplay. In this case the console will use the dimensions specified in the configuration file ( wfpiconsole.ini ), which can be changed manually. This behaviour is not available on the Raspberry Pi 3 due to hardware limitations. Please note that extreme changes to the aspect ratio will result in text fields running into one another, and the minimum window size is 800x480 (the same size as the Raspberry Pi touchscreen). Under SettingsDisplay there are also settings to show/hide the cursor and show/hide the window border.

As with any major release, there might be a few bugs :bug: :bug: lying around in the code. If you spot something, please let me know and I will try and get it fixed ASAP.

1 Like

A minor update to the WeatherFlow PiConsole (v4.0.1) is now available. This release fixes a bunch of bugs

  • Fixed bug in autostart that caused the console to start too quickly
  • Improved scaling for extreme aspect ratios
  • Fixed text clipping when using alignment
  • Fixed bug in forecast when precipitation type/probability missing
  • Fixed bug in forecast when changing units

To update first stop the console with: wfpiconsole stop

Then update using: wfpiconsole update

PLEASE NOTE: any local changes you may have made to the code will be overwritten by the update command. Please backup your changes before updating.

1 Like

A minor update to the WeatherFlow PiConsole (v4.0.2) is now available. This release fixes a bunch of bugs

  • Fixed bugs in rain accumulation calculations
  • Fixed bug when Air or Sky data is missing
  • Fixed bug when pressure data is missing

To update first stop the console with: wfpiconsole stop

Then update using: wfpiconsole update

PLEASE NOTE: any local changes you may have made to the code will be overwritten by the update command. Please backup your changes before updating.

3 Likes

A minor update to the WeatherFlow PiConsole (v4.0.3) is now available. This release fixes a bunch of bugs

  • Fixed bug in installer script (thanks @transier.home)
  • Fixed bug in rain accumulation values
  • Changed panel background to true black

This update will also update any out-of-date Python modules that are required by the PiConsole. If you are concerned that they may conflict with other software on your Pi, please check the install file (or the list below) for details of the required modules and version numbers

To update first stop the console with: wfpiconsole stop

Then update using: wfpiconsole update

PLEASE NOTE: any local changes you may have made to the code will be overwritten by the update command. Please backup your changes before updating.

Python Dependencies

PYTHON_MODULES=(cryptography==3.4.5
                autobahn[twisted]==21.2.1
                pyasn1-modules==0.2.8
                service-identity==18.1.0
                numpy==1.20.1
                pytz==2021.1
                ephem==3.7.7.1
                pillow==8.1.0
                packaging==20.9
                pyOpenSSL==20.0.1
                distro==1.5.0)
5 Likes

After a very long delay, the next version (v22.3.1) of the PiConsole is finally ready!

To update please stop any running consoles with wfpiconsole stop and then update using the wfpiconsole update command. Any local changes you have made to the code will be overwritten, so please make a backup! This update may also delete your wfpiconsole.ini file and ask you to generate a new one (sorry - this shouldn’t happen again!), so please make a note of your API keys. Don’t use an old .ini file with the new version as it will be missing configuration keys.

Major changes include:

  1. Ability to switch between stations/devices @padamec
    Using the new Station tab in the main menu, it is now possible to change between stations and devices without having to edit the .ini file and restart the console.

  2. Ability to define custom panels @mark.hemker
    For power users, there is a now a fixed framework within which you can define custom panels that will not be overwritten when the console is updated

  3. New outdoor Temperature display
    When the indoor temperature is hidden (which is now the default), the 24 hour outdoor temperature difference and three hour trend will be displayed

  4. New station/device offline indicator
    When a station/device goes offline, a new alert indicator is shown next to the date/time. The time since the last observation will now also be shown in relevant panels

  5. Sager Forecast interval @storm_tracker
    The frequency of the Sager Forecast can now be specified under MenuSettingsSystem

  6. Moon phase icon @Pcarr-AU
    The moon phase icon that shows the lit portion of the moon is now correctly tilted for both the northern and southern hemispheres at all stages of the moon phase cycle

  7. Calendar versioning
    I have switched to using calendar versioning (hence the jump from v4 to v22) in order to avoid having to decide when an update deserves a major release or minor release

The release also includes many minor bug fixes and performance improvements.

Many of the features have been thoroughly tested, however it is always possible that bugs remain. If you spot anything misbehaving please let me know and I will get in a fix in place as soon as possible. This may take more time than usual given my life commitments, so please be patient.

Troubleshooting

  1. If the update stops with “Error: Unable to update local package cache. Please check your internet connection”, run this command and then try to update again:
    sudo apt-get update --allow-releaseinfo-change

  2. If the console crashes when you press the Menu button, please make sure that the name of your Station in the wfpiconsole.ini file is correct (more details here: Announcements & Updates - #2256). If you are not comfortable editing the .ini file, you can delete it and then restart the console. A new .ini file will be created. Keep a note of your API keys as you will need to re-enter these.

Custom Panels (this is for power users!)

The custom panel templates are contained within the user folder. To use this feature you first need to rename customPanels.kv.tmpl to customPanels.kv and customPanels.py.tmpl to customPanels.py. An example panel called ‘BigTemperature’ is included as an example, and will be loaded the next time you start the console.

In the customPanels.py file you must create two classes per custom panel called: [panel_name]Panel and [panel_name]Button. ‘panel_name’ can be whatever you want, but you must add two classes that end with Panel and Button per custom panel. The classes should be empty (just add pass under the class name), unless you want to add methods to your custom panel to control its behaviour.

In the customPanels.kv file you can define the layout of the panel. You need to add the two class names that you defined in customPanels.py surrounded by left and right angled brackets: <>. You can see the ‘BigTemperature’ panel in customPanels.kv.tmpl as an example. For the Button class, you can change the text attribute under PanelButton: to set the name of the panel that will be displayed in the bottom bar of the PiConsole. Otherwise leave this class unchanged. For the Panel class, the panel title is defined by the _title attribute under PanelTitle:. This can be different to the name of the panel that is displayed in the bottom bar. Otherwise you are free to define the layout however you want using in-built or custom Kivy widgets (Widgets — Kivy 2.2.1 documentation).

Whilst customs panels should not be overwritten when the console is updated, please make backups and treat this feature with caution for the time being.

9 Likes

A new version (v22.3.2) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole is now available.

Hopefully this will fix a raft of issues identified since the last release, including:

  • Fixed Reboot/Shutdown buttons
  • Fixed crash on Pi4 when Menu button is pressed
  • Fixed crash if station name is outdated
  • Fixed bug in customPanel templates
  • Fixed bug in update popup

To update please run wfpiconsole stop followed by wfpiconsole update. Please make sure any local changes to the code or custom panels are backed up.

5 Likes

A new version (v22.3.3) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole is now available.

This version fixes a couple of minor bugs:

  • Fixed bug when station has no devices
  • Fixed bug with new stations and no lightning strikes

To update please run wfpiconsole stop followed by wfpiconsole update . Please make sure any local changes to the code or custom panels are backed up.

1 Like

@germy and @hjalmar - the bug has been fixed!

A new version (v22.3.4) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole is now available.

This version fixes a minor bugs:

  • Fixed bug with lightning panel at startup

To update please run wfpiconsole stop followed by wfpiconsole update . Please make sure any local changes to the code or custom panels are backed up.

A new version (v22.5.1) of the WeatherFlow PiConsole is now available.

This version contains general bug fixes and performance improvements

  • Fixed bug causing console to crash when lightning is detected

To update please run wfpiconsole stop followed by wfpiconsole update . Please make sure any local changes to the code or custom panels are backed up.

@germy and @storm_tracker, hopefully the fixes in this update should allow you to run on the stable branch again. Just update the console as usual, and you will automatically be moved back to the stable version.

2 Likes