New Zealand Local Weather Forum

Weather Discussion => Hardware Software and Technology => General Computing => Topic started by: TonyC on October 15, 2018, 06:51:44 PM

Title: Mini Windows 10 PC's running a weatherstation
Post by: TonyC on October 15, 2018, 06:51:44 PM
I see you can purchase direct from China, Mini Pc's (about 12cm x 12cm in size, no fan) with a genuine copy of Windows 10 Home 64bit installed, for about $NZ135 which has sparked my interest in perhaps using one to run Weather Display.
Although they only have 2gb of RAM, they run at 1.92mhz so should handle WD well and maybe will run an IP camera as well. The one I'm looking at has Wifi as well as an ethernet connection, 3 USB ports, SD card, VGA and HDMI video output.  I've looked at a Youtube review and teardown of the Z83 and it looks to be a well made product for the price.

Has anyone already gone down this track and can give feedback on how succesful it's been?

regards,

Tony C

Title: Re: Mini Windows 10 PC's running a weatherstation
Post by: JennyLeez on October 16, 2018, 11:01:55 AM
Hi Tony,

I dont know if this info will be of any use but here goes.
I am running cumulus on similar specs for 2 weather stations.
Windows 7, 1GB ram, 250 HDD, 10.1 screen. Measures 10 x 7inch. Wifi, Lan, 2 USB

Runs no problem. If I work on either of them I plug a monitor in.
WD runs much the same so that should not be an issue.
Windows 10 a little more hoggy for RAM but 2GB should be enough for WD.

Tony for that price, even if it does not meet expectations, I am sure you could find someone to give it to.

Cheers
Jenny
 
Title: Re: Mini Windows 10 PC's running a weatherstation
Post by: ato2 on October 16, 2018, 11:03:55 AM
That is an impressive price, I reckon
Title: Re: Mini Windows 10 PC's running a weatherstation
Post by: JennyLeez on October 16, 2018, 11:10:56 AM
@TonyC (http://www.localweather.net.nz/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=78)
I just checked those laptops. One of them is running windows 10 no problem :)

Cheers
Title: Re: Mini Windows 10 PC's running a weatherstation
Post by: TonyC on October 16, 2018, 12:39:21 PM
I think I'll take a punt on it. As Jenny says, it'll be useful for something.
If anyone is interested, here is the link to the site.
https://www.banggood.com/Z83II-Mini-PC-2GB-DDR3-RAM-32G-Intel-Atom-x5-Z8300-Processor-Windows-10-Bluetooth-4_0-USB-3_0-Wifi-p-1223480.html?rmmds=category (https://www.banggood.com/Z83II-Mini-PC-2GB-DDR3-RAM-32G-Intel-Atom-x5-Z8300-Processor-Windows-10-Bluetooth-4_0-USB-3_0-Wifi-p-1223480.html?rmmds=category)

and here is the link to the review of the product..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4nYlLkX0YE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4nYlLkX0YE)

cheers
TC
Title: Re: Mini Windows 10 PC's running a weatherstation
Post by: TonyC on November 10, 2018, 09:17:37 AM
Just an update on this subject...........

The box arrived within 10 days and works very well. I tried it out with Weather Display and it runs all the functions without any problem.
The down side of the unit with only 2mb of memory is that I have Ispy running 3 cameras on 1 frame per second in order to provide pictures for my webpage and I like to run Teamviewer on all my machines so that I can control them remotely from Christchurch City. That as well as Weather Display was too much for it. For anyone just running weather software, it's an ideal unit.

I might have to find another use for it.

cheers
TC
Title: Re: Mini Windows 10 PC's running a weatherstation
Post by: JennyLeez on November 10, 2018, 10:47:36 AM
Will it take more ram, say another 2mb.
Have a look at the manual. Should be written there or online.
or
Can you turn it over and open the ram door and see whats what?

Cheers
Title: Re: Mini Windows 10 PC's running a weatherstation
Post by: TonyC on November 11, 2018, 12:55:47 PM

Unfortunately the RAM is a chip built into the motherboard. The chap who did the tear-down in the video link I posted mentioned this.
cheers
TC