I have instructions to one of those "German Barometer" weatherStations. suggests using Catgut strings as the moisture detector to swing the Guy/girl depending on the weather. Any alternatives? Most places don't sell Catgut Violin strings singly or at a cheap price where you actually want to spend the money and then rip the sting apart. Ideas? Alternative patterns?
Project alternative materials
Aug 04, 2003
4 Replies
Catgut isn't the best for this. Horse tail hairs are much better.
If you can find a horse, then it's not hard to scrounge a few tail hairs. Ask the owner though, not the horse, as they're less likely to kick.
If you can't find a horse, a human hair of adequate length will work. ARM
Human hair has been used in humidistats for ages. Although, if memory serves me correctly, it's only good in the 20-80% range. As it doesn't sound like you're needing accuracy, it may work for your app just fine.
Art
Natural hair tends to work well, regardless of the 'critter' it comes from.
For a long time, Honeywell used _human_ hair in their 'humidistat' line of humidity-sensitive switches.
A musical instrument repair shop is also a viable source of horse tail hairs. It's the 'traditional' material for bows for stringed instruments.
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