I'm looking to upgrade a 6-yr old Ambient WS2080 fine offset that has worked very well. I was considering a Davis VP2 until I read this: "Temperature and Humidity sensor in Davis are known to go bad on average every 18 months or so. Some people fair better some worse." Wow, who would buy a station where two of the most important features go bad in 18-months? Is this true? If so, it's off my list. Does the Vue have the same issue?
I want a set-and-forget unit that doesn't need maintenance. (One of the key reasons for replacing the Ambient is that it doesn't have solar batteries and I have to change them once a year and that's a big deal.)
My WS2080 console sits next to my PC connected via USB to Cumulus software that updates WU and through a chron job updates my website. It's a nice simple, clean setup.
I BOUGHT THE DAVIS AND IT IS AN EXCELLANT PRODUST
Your lucky your Ambient weather station has lasted that long. Like a Davis unit, they use similar sensors and are constructed of plastic. I have had my VP2 for 5 years. Works great and it gets yearly maintenance. Just mounting and setting it up and forgetting it is something I personally do not believe is something I feel is good for a major investment. Would you run your car for 6 years and not change oil, air filters, tires, wash, clean inside, etc.
Davis makes a great product for buyers in this price point. Even if you speed more for a system NOAA uses, well they too have sensor failures and they must calibrate the units on a regular basis because of FAA rules and needs.
If you want to update/upgrade then do it. My recommendations is to do what the earlier poster said and invest in another wireless transmitter so you can separate wind unit from temp/rain unit. Well worth the extra cost if you do not like climbing on roof. I am no spring chicken myself and this is what I have done. Maintenance is a breeze and my VP2 is a pleasure to own and use. Separation allows you to easily maintain the ISS for temp and humidity.
Having worked in the electronics field all my life, I take component failure with a grain of salt. Yes most last for years, but semi-conductors are like a vacuum tube. They do change over time and eventually will fail. Maintenance will help extend sensor life. Yearly disassembly and screen cleaning will and does extend sensor life. Based on the sensors dooms day post, your Ambient sensor should fail today.
So don`t get hung up on the post that says sensors are not going to last more than 18 months, when there are more units in service that have not had any issues. Ya sensors fail, but as with most instruments, the percentage of units failing is low.