I would be very happy if the sensors lasted a year around here. Being that it gets to 90-100*+ quite often all summer. The sun is brutal on plastic outdoors here in Eastern WA.
I'm thinking I'm going to get the OS 968. It seems to be a decent middle of the road station. one problem,my laptop doesn't have a serial port.Will it work to plug it into the usb port?
Is their anything else i might need?
i allready found a place to install the anemometer, on the roof of my grandparents house, on their decommissioned chimney, or the old tripod for the TV antenna. Partly the reason i would like solar powered ones. So i dont have to climb the roof to change battery's.
How would i go about mounting the rain gauge? would i want it up high too?
I think you'll enjoy the 968. There's a few things you'll need to do.
First, you need to download and read this:
http://home.comcast.net/~dshelms/CWOP_Guide.pdf. It's got great info about sensor placement.
Second, you need to download and read the Radio Shack instruction manual:
http://www.radioshack.com/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/6301016_PM_EN.pdf. The OS manual is not very detailed. This RS version is the same thing with a different name.
Third, go to
WUHU and download the software. It's easy to use and there's a great support group for any of your questions.
Fourth, you'll need to get a SR100 shield from ambientweather (or where ever you find the best deal).
Once you get all that done, you'll be ready for weather underground, cwop, and weatherforyou.
And remember, there's always answers and opinions here!
Have fun,
Greg
Whew! And I haven't even had my coffee yet!
EDIT: Also, you'll need a serial to usb converter/adapter thing. They're cheap if you look around. I'm sure there are folks here that can recommend a good one.