I think if AcuRite had a system like Davis where you could buy a USB data logger then do with your data as YOU WANT, the Atlas could really give Davis a run for their money. For my uses, I would NEVER buy an Atlas because AcuRite has taken very specific measures to control MY DATA.
I am NOT a casual consumer, I want FULL CONTROL of my data, and AcuRite has decide that I should not have that ability with their stations.
The BS ideas of waiting to see IF someone can decode their data stream then use an SDR to receive the data is just that, BS. It's also BS to say "Well, AcuRite COULD provide access to other places through AcuRite IF THEY DECIDE TO" - I don't WANT my data ANYWHERE BUT ON MY SITE. I quit feeding WU and CWOP (Because CWOP provided MY DATA to WU) when WU announced their INSANE $850 PER MONTH API fee for the "Data Core package.
I'm an electromechanical engineer with two PhD's, AcuRite could have included a USB port for access to MY DATA for less than $1.00 per unit. I guarantee you in the future AcuRite will do away with displays entirely and FORCE people to PAY for accessing their data. I'm sure they got the idea from WeatherUnderground - convince millions of people to provide THEM with FREE DATA, then charge hundreds of dollars a month to access it. The amateurish, boorish concept of scraping the WU data will no longer be an option very, very soon.
My AcuRite? HA! AcuRite already tipped their hat that they are planning to CHARGE for My AcuRite access.
Don't get me wrong, I WANT SOMEONE to put the screws to Davis, but AcuRite, thus far, will not be that company. I would happily pay $99.99 for the AcuRite Access unit IF it gave ME FULL CONTROL OF MY DATA.
Is it too soon to talk about the Atlas Elite? While were here expecting deliveries of the Atlas I'm wondering if the Atlas Elite will also ship and if yes when?...and at what price? I know nobody can answer these questions as it seems Acurite kept a tight seal on information regarding the Atlas. But I was just hoping maybe because the Atlas was out that maybe they would give us some information on the Atlas Elite.
I really hope both the Atlas and especially the Atlas Elite kick some Davis butt. I'd like to see Davis finally do something before this decade is out as they have done nothing. Well I suppose they have updated their Weatherlink to version 2.0. Maybe that is in preparation to their new VP3 or whatever it will be called, but they need to hurry up already.
I'm not a fan of any particular company. I just like to see good competition and good customer choices.
The Atlas is nice but I just prefer the look of the Atlas Elite so much better...as it looks like a VP2 a bit in design. I just hope the price of the Atlas Elite isn't in the VP2 price range as that would be a mistake. Both Atlas and Atlas Elite have the same sensors...just faster refresh on the Elite it seems and configured for separate anemometer (regardless of the Atlas extension option). How much can that really add to the cost and be justifiable? I really really hope that the Atlas Elite is not cancelled. I just read some posts a while back where people were speculating that it may be cancelled and I didn't like reading it. Even though those were probably unsubstantiated claims, it just makes you wonder if that could happen.
Isn't it ironic how the Acurite Access is called "Access" but it gives you no direct access to the data and to run your own wx software. I'm sure I'm not the first to make that comment. This is the first thing Acurite needs to address and fix. And Davis if you are listening keep the VP3 data easily accessible and hurry up already, oh and fix the humidity sensor issue, or you are toast. Acurite may become the new gold standard, they certainly can win if they open up data access.
So Acurite....you are on a roll here, congratulations, now go for the gold and give us the customers what we want. We are throwing money at you. We are your best advocates. This is your chance. Meanwhile Davis is probably finally completing their VP3 plans and they are going to add directional lightning detection, and personal doppler radar, and earthquake detection, and outer space weather capabilities (you know because that will be important soon according to Elon). Okay so maybe I went a little far there...but Acurite don't think the race is over.
Well enough ranting.