Sun awning automation

[coopersim]

Does anyone know of a generic wind sensor for a sun awning?

I have a no name tubular motor for my awning and would like to have it retract should the wind pick up (it's a really windy garden)

The only ones I seem to be able to find are related to specific brands of motor / awning

Thanks

 

[bernardgreen]

Wire a reed relay contact in parallel with the "close" button on the controller. Wire the relay coil via bridge rectifier to the output of a small wind driven generator. A model aircraft propeller on a small DC motor might do the job for a small sensitive 5volt reed relay. Fit the motor and prop on a swivel with a vane to keep it facing into the wind. If it is too sensitive and closes in a gentle breeze put some resistance between motor and the relay coil.

 

[Mursal]

Very elegant fix to the problem.
How will you stop over voltage to the relay coil, when the wind comes up? I was trying to think of a way around it, but failed.
If you look at the specification of the wind sensors, they will probably control your motor.

 

[bernardgreen]

Over volting the coil could be prevented by a Zener diode across the coil and a resistor in series.

 

[coopersim]

Thanks for the replies, on further investigation (not having a clue where to start with this!) I've decided to stick with the light switch option I've got and just 'watch out' for the wind!