weather station recommendations?

[texasjohn]

So, I'm getting lazy. I'm wanting a weather station that does the following:

wireless
rainfall
wind velocity
temperature
alerts for very high wind for safety and low wind for herbacide spraying
nice large display, maybe backlit

nice-to-have
atomic clock
PC connectivity


.any recommendations appreciated, let's stay under $150

 

[/pine]

check out this display page: Weather Display - the Weather Station software

click the link on the left to see a list of supported stations and research them...

be sure to check this page too:

Weather Display Live

 

[Jimbrown]

Weather Stations
Weather Stations by AcuRite

 

[themichelob]

The Vantage series by Davis does pretty much all you asked for. I have the Vue (a lower end model), and it has all those features except atomic clock. Working now for a couple years without a problem. Regards, Mike

 

[lhfarm]

After going through 4 low-cost weather stations, that broke or didn't work, I purchased a Davis Pro Vantage 2 for around $500. That was 5 or more years ago and it has been rock solid. I sure wish I had started with the Davis and saved myself time and money. Be sure and do lots of research on the long-term performance of the low cost models. There are several threads on weather stations here too.

Good luck.

 

[Retired Iron Peddler]

After going through 4 low-cost weather stations, that broke or didn't work, I purchased a Davis Pro Vantage 2 for around $500. That was 5 or more years ago and it has been rock solid. I sure wish I had started with the Davis and saved myself time and money. Be sure and do lots of research on the long-term performance of the low cost models. There are several threads on weather stations here too.

Good luck.

Yep, that's been my experience too. After wasting money and time on cheap weather stations, I purchased a Davis Pro Vantage 2 Weather Station over 6 years ago. It has worked as designed for all that time. I had a couple of problems with the rain sensor errors in recording rainfall. Each time I contacted Davis, they promptly sent the replacement parts to me at no charge. I also have software loaded on my computer to report my weather data to the Weather Underground internet weather web site every 2 seconds.

I have a TX pesticide application license and for my required records when spraying my pasture for weeds, I keep a copy of the wind speed and direction for that day with my other records.

Bill

 

[Ken45101]

When I researched weather stations, the common thing I read was that the cheaper ones did not last. So I too went with the Davis Pro Vantage 2 about 5 years ago and I've been very happy.

I only wish they had software for the Mac. I bought a cheap netbook computer for the weather station.

 

[cqaigy2]

When I researched weather stations, the common thing I read was that the cheaper ones did not last. So I too went with the Davis Pro Vantage 2 about 5 years ago and I've been very happy.

I only wish they had software for the Mac. I bought a cheap netbook computer for the weather station.

Seems like i remember seeing software on weather-display site that would work with mac.

 

[MikeFarm]

The Davis Vantage Pro has software for OSX "WeatherLink for Mac OS X"

 

[Ken45101]

Well the OSX software is new since I bought my weather station. But $165 is pretty steep!

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[lhfarm]

Well the OSX software is new since I bought my weather station. But $165 is pretty steep!

Thanks for the heads up.

Do check out Weather Display - the Weather Station software and also look at their forum for Macs. I don't use a Mac, but Weather-Display is great software and works with about any weather station.

I should have mentioned to the OP that to really get the most out of his station, he will want to run software 24/7.

 

[unbidden]

Many have mentioned the Davis weather stations; if and when I upgrade that is probably my next WS. I'm currently running an Ambient WS-2080 with dual monitors. One is dedicated to uploading info to WeatherUnderground (with use of a netbook computer) and the other is downstairs just for casually checking weather. I've been running the 2080 since November and have had zero problems with the unit. There are many places to purchase WS's, I can tell you that AmbientWeather.com: weather stations, weather station equipment, weather radios, and more prices and customer service is top notch.

By the way, uploading to WeatherUnderground is free and you can download the app to view your station from a smart phone. Sandaysoft > Cumulus software can be run on several different WS's and is free to use and download, this is what you could use to upload your weather to WU.

 

[hr3]

I've used the Rainwise for years and have never had a problem.. Weather instruments by RainWise | RainWise

 

[sodamo]

Another satisfied Davis Vantage Pro user. Have the wireless Internet module. I can monitor from phone, iPad, computer and also share link with anyone interested. I also link to wunderground.com and get my historical data there.

David Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[B7510HSD]

I also am a Davis fan I have a VP2 and a new Vantage Vue for another location they are side by side at the moment and seem to record exactly the same!! The Vue can be had for about $100 over your planned price!

 

[sshaw]

Another vote for the Davis. I have two. The latest is a Davis 6163 Wireless Vantage Pro2 Plus. I have the IP link on both for Internet access. On one I also have an add-on wireless temp module with the probe installed 4' underwater in my pond so I can monitor and record the water temperature. Davis doesn't seem to update their products very often, but they seem to be pretty stable and reliable.

 

[texasjohn]

all good info...lots of pointers to sites and stations I had not located.
I had considered Weather Underground and 24/7 monitoring. I do have extra PCs laying around that could do that. Sounds like a good idea to do that.
Lots of Davis fans ...reliability is there, price a little steep, but your testamonials have caught my attention.
Also, the ambient 2090 had caught my eye...no solar shield needed and all sensors in one unit plus everything else for $110. No wonder currently sold out.

 

[ustmd]

Another for Davis....I had a couple of other cheapo stations that all crapped out, for various reasons, within 1-2 years (Central TX summers are a little hard on electronics that are intentionally positioned in the direct sun). My Davis station has been running now for 3 years--no issues.

 

[troutsqueezer]

I have the Ambient 1090. Does everything you list. Gets many 5 star reviews on Amazon. Works like a champ for me.

 

[davehowell]

I had the same problem, buying a weather station for a college science department. After several disappointments with differing equipment, I just went to the internet and got all the data we needed from dedicated local weather reporters such as schools, airports, and nearby broadcast stations.

I found that the most closest to our measurements were those at the same altitude. Around here, mid Atlantic Appalachians, altitude and microclimate, especially the direction that slopes face, cause significant weather changes


Maybe this is useful for you. If you wanted your own very local conditions, this approach would not work.