Personal Weather Station - Suggestions?

[dragoneggs]

It is time for me to upgrade my indoor/outdoor 'weather station' and was hoping to get some advice here. I have only own a simple one (temp/humidity/pressure) and thinking I want wind and rain measurement. Also I would like to be able to see saved data.

Haven't started my search yet but any tips on brands, models, setup, etc. especially that would allow me to store the data on my computer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[RNeumann]

I’ve had this one in North Idaho and a family member has had one on Central California (0° to 115°f) for several years now. They seem to work well. I haven’t had to change the batteries yet- I put Lithium Energizer batts in it. Costco had them at one point.

AcuRite 01512 Wireless Weather Station with 5-in-1 Weather Sensor: Temperature and Humidity Gauge, Rainfall, Wind Speed and Wind Direction Amazon.com: AcuRite 1512 Wireless Weather Station with 5-in-1 Weather Sensor: Temperature and Humidity Gauge, Rainfall, Wind Speed and Wind Direction: Home & Kitchen

 

[RNeumann]

If you want a high end model that ties into the computer etc. Google the “weather underground approved weather stations”. They have a list of several- most are higher end type units.

 

[Ford850]

I’ve had this one in North Idaho and a family member has had one on Central California (0° to 115°f) for several years now. They seem to work well. I haven’t had to change the batteries yet- I put Lithium Energizer batts in it. Costco had them at one point.

AcuRite 01512 Wireless Weather Station with 5-in-1 Weather Sensor: Temperature and Humidity Gauge, Rainfall, Wind Speed and Wind Direction Amazon.com: AcuRite 1512 Wireless Weather Station with 5-in-1 Weather Sensor: Temperature and Humidity Gauge, Rainfall, Wind Speed and Wind Direction: Home & Kitchen

I've had more expensive units, and they failed too soon in my opinion. I switched to this style years ago, picked up at Lowes for $100 the first time. I got a second one a year ago for $120 I think (non-color screen) due to the outside sensor deteriorating on the original. But since it was the same brand I was able to keep my original inside receiver/monitor and also use the new receiver, as they both synced with the new outside unit. We now have detailed weather in 2 rooms of the house.

 

[IXLR8]

I was given a Davis Vantage weather station 8 years ago. It works great and I have changed the battery in it once and it is looking like it is about time to change it again as it has started having trouble providing data thru the night.

 

[dragoneggs]

Done a little research (when I shoudda ben doing sumting else) and seems Davis is a solid but expensive choice. The one that seems to be catching my eye though for price/features, etc. is the Ambient WS-2902A...

Amazon.com: Ambient Weather WS-292A 1-in-1 Wi-Fi Professional Weather Station with Internet Monitoring, Compatible with Alexa: Home & Kitchen

Thinking when it comes to this tool... it is more of a toy that doesn't deserve me pouring more than a couple hundred bucks into. Lots of good reviews on Amazon.

 

[BoylermanCT]

I have the Acurite 5 in 1 with the online hub. I have 7 sensors in the house, barn, coop, porch and basement so I can keep tabs on the temps for my pets and livestock. Monitor it all with my cell phone. Had it 2+ years without issue. Would recommend. Also connects to Weather Underground.

Acurites website tracks all data and lets you see graphs and data going back in time. All on your computer, tablet and phone.

 

[dragoneggs]

I have the Acurite 5 in 1 with the online hub. I have 7 sensors in the house, barn, coop, porch and basement so I can keep tabs on the temps for my pets and livestock. Monitor it all with my cell phone. Had it 2+ years without issue. Would recommend. Also connects to Weather Underground.

Acurites website tracks all data and lets you see graphs and data going back in time. All on your computer, tablet and phone.

Thanks Boylerman... I like the idea of having multiple remote sensors in the greenhouse, garage, and garden as well. Have to take a look at Acurite a little closer too.

 

[Raspy]

I have one that I think is the same one as RNeumann.

Mine does not tie in to weatherunderground. But that is an interesting feature because it looks at all the local units and delivers a good average weather report. There are several of them around here and I get the weather from them.

One of the problems with this type of station is the fan in the outdoor unit. It is there to keep it cool and give an accurate temp, but they seem to be one of the weak points and fail.

Also, make sure it is mounted securely. If it is on a pole it must be strong and not move around in the wind or it will begin to report rain. Movement of the unit is interpreted as rain because the movement flips the rain sensor.

 

[dragoneggs]

I have one that I think is the same one as RNeumann.

Mine does not tie in to weatherunderground. But that is an interesting feature because it looks at all the local units and delivers a good average weather report. There are several of them around here and I get the weather from them.

One of the problems with this type of station is the fan in the outdoor unit. It is there to keep it cool and give an accurate temp, but they seem to be one of the weak points and fail.

Also, make sure it is mounted securely. If it is on a pole it must be strong and not move around in the wind or it will begin to report rain. Movement of the unit is interpreted as rain because the movement flips the rain sensor.

Hey John! Thanks for chiming in. One of the things I am trying to learn is the longevity of the units. Last thing I need to do is explain to my better half in two or three years is that I 'need' another one.

I poked around on Weatherundergound and found it interesting to see the differences locally (microclimate) and thought it would be cool to contribute.

 

[oosik]

I had Oregon Scientific. It lasted about five or six years - then the UV got to the plastic parts and slowly but surely the outside unit fragmented. I have replaced it with a Davis Vantage Pro 2. It is touted as being significantly more resistant to UV problems.

It is a fairly expensive station but provides an unlimited wealth of environmental information. Its wireless - solar powered - sends its data to the display consul here next to my computer and then to a software program on the computer and finally I send my data on to - Personal Weather Stations.com web site.

I've had the station up and running now for about six months and am still learning the ins and outs of all the weather info available from this unit.

Thru this Davis unit I have found that my weather is significantly different than in Cheney - just 12 miles to the NE.

Generally speaking - I am dryer, windier and warmer than Cheney.

Thru this Davis system and the connecting stations on the PWS network - I am able to plan any and all motorcycle trips and avoid inclement weather.


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[dragoneggs]

I had Oregon Scientific. It lasted about five or six years - then the UV got to the plastic parts and slowly but surely the outside unit fragmented. I have replaced it with a Davis Vantage Pro 2. It is touted as being significantly more resistant to UV problems.

It is a fairly expensive station but provides an unlimited wealth of environmental information. Its wireless - solar powered - sends its data to the display consul here next to my computer and then to a software program on the computer and finally I send my data on to - Personal Weather Stations.com web site.

I've had the station up and running now for about six months and am still learning the ins and outs of all the weather info available from this unit.

Thru this Davis unit I have found that my weather is significantly different than in Cheney - just 12 miles to the NE.

Generally speaking - I am dryer, windier and warmer than Cheney.

Thru this Davis system and the connecting stations on the PWS network - I am able to plan any and all motorcycle trips and avoid inclement weather.


View attachment 572619View attachment 572620

Nice layout... and love the T&G wall behind. Brings back some memories. The Vantage Pro 2 is on my short list, but price and technology pace along with longevity concerns (any brand/model) has me leaning toward a less expensive unit. This coming from a guy that buy quality/expensive tools... but I demand they last my lifetime, I hate buying anything a third time!!!

 

[oosik]

Yes - WoW - do I hope it lasts a bit longer also. As far as the T&G - I've built a Pan Abode double wall cedar home here. Pan Abode - comes out of Redmond, WA. Also Lindel and Justice cedar home out of Redmond, WA.

 

[dragoneggs]

Yes - WoW - do I hope it lasts a bit longer also. As far as the T&G - I've built a Pan Abode double wall cedar home here. Pan Abode - comes out of Redmond, WA. Also Lindel and Justice cedar home out of Redmond, WA.

Know them well... built and lived in a house and raised my kids in Redmond for 20+ years. But no... I went custom but did use cedar vertical lap siding and cedar shingle roof. Oh and cedar decking. I love cedar!

 

[lman]

Acurite just came out with a new model, Atlas. Amazon.com: AcuRite 7M Atlas Weather Station with HD Touchscreen Display, Remote Monitoring and Lightning Detection: Home & Kitchen

 

[B7510HSD]

Davis Vantage Pro2 has my vote had all the other brands never again!!

 

[dragoneggs]

Well I purchased the Ambient WS2902 on amazon prime and installed it a couple days ago.

Amazon.com: Ambient Weather WS-29�2A 1�-in-1 Wi-Fi Professional Weather Station with Internet Monitoring, Compatible with Alexa: Home & Kitchen

Mounted on top of my roof at one end where I am furthest from my surrounding trees. It is working fine... measuring the bit of rain we are now getting as well as wind, temp, humidity, UV, etc. I like it.

My only problem is I can't seem to connect up to Weatherunderground.com I registered it and I have a Station I.D. and Key but the website says, it is 'Not Reporting'. It says it takes a day to sync up but I am on day 3. Any suggestions?

 

[B7510HSD]

Is it connected to the internet??

 

[dragoneggs]

Yes, I can access the data on my phone at ambientweather.net.

 

[B7510HSD]

Did you set Wunderground up in he server part of the APP??