Topic: Thinking about getting a 5 in 1

[oleweatherfan]

Getting a new station in Nov. Been debating between this one and davis vue. Im liking this one because it already has everything pc software and such where vue does not. If i choose this unit will it have all the upgrades thats being talked about by the time Nov gets here? Also what makes this unit better than vue other than price and coming with pc software? Im really wanting a good station but cant afford 350-400 bucks!! Thanks!!

[Weather Display]

note that if you get the data logger with the Davis Vue then that comes with software

One problem with the 5 in 1 is the humidity sensor can be affected by rain with high winds (i.e the rain gets blown into the cavity where that is)
and the rain sensor has a similar problem during very heavy rain and high winds, the electronics can get wet inside and so it stops updating (this occured to a user during Hurrican Issac)
but if you live in an area that does not get very heavy rain coupled with very strong winds then you will be OK with the 5 in 1

[oleweatherfan]

Yea but the logger and sofware for vue is another 150 bucks on top of 270 for unit! And where i live the only time that would happen would be during a heavy storm with high winds and heavy rain but thats not to often here in southeast.

[oleweatherfan]

Also what exactly is the wireless bridge? And what does it do that the cheaper unit that doesn't come with it do?

[ctccbc]

I've been quite pleased with my 5-in-1. There were humidity issues but they just updated the 5-in-1 and I haven't had this issue anymore. The aspirator wasn't working properly in the older unit but that seems better now and the Acurite folks are working on an improvement to that. As far as the bridge goes, it allows you to export data to Weather Underground, but you would be much better off using Weather Display, as it has many more options for use with the 5-in-1. Overall, the 5-in-1 has been very accurate and I live on the coast of North Carolina in a very humid and rainy area.

[oleweatherfan]

I've been quite pleased with my 5-in-1. There were humidity issues but they just updated the 5-in-1 and I haven't had this issue anymore. The aspirator wasn't working properly in the older unit but that seems better now and the Acurite folks are working on an improvement to that. As far as the bridge goes, it allows you to export data to Weather Underground, but you would be much better off using Weather Display, as it has many more options for use with the 5-in-1. Overall, the 5-in-1 has been very accurate and I live on the coast of North Carolina in a very humid and rainy area.

:
So are you saying without the bridge i can't upload to WU? Or if i get unit without bridge and just downloading MBW softwarei can still upload?

[Weather Display]

if you get a model with USB support then you can update to WU

[vreihen]

The bridge allows you to upload to My Backyard Weather (which then feeds WU) without having a PC running 24/7.  It currently doesn't have support for saving data locally, or have any interface to retrieve data from the weather station other than from MBW or WU.

The consoles with USB ports (1025, 1035, 1525?) support connecting to a PC for use with software locally, and can upload to MBW and WU with the included software if you leave the connected PC running 24/7.

Since the console and bridge are two completely independent units that both listen and report radio data from the outdoor sensors, there's nothing stopping you from having both a bridge and USB console if you would like both options.....

[ctccbc]

I apologize about not being clearer regarding the bridge. I actually have both the USB enabled unit and the bridge, so I can fully upload to my website and to Weather Underground and several other services as well. Again, I really enjoy the station and think it gives good quality data. I'm a NWS meteorologist so I'm picky about my data and so far so good with the Acurite 5-in-1!

[oleweatherfan]

The only thing that bothers me with this unit is the temp spikes due to fan not running all the time. I want it to be as accurate as possible. I could even get a davis vue and data logger from guy on here for just 100 bucks more but i was trying to save the $$$ since budget is tight.

[oleweatherfan]

Are the parts field replaceable for this unit or do you have to replace the whole thing if something tears up?

[vreihen]

Here's the manufacturer's video showing how to replace the wind cup assembly, with a link to order the part from:

http://youtu.be/1dNs0vR2ppU

They have been extremely responsive with warranty replacements if you read through their support forums.....