After several weeks of playing with the Davis, hrere are a few thoughts/comparisons: (Old station was OS-968)
1. Davis has larger diameter rainbucket
I get minimal rain, so the rainbucket means little to me. I record via a manual 4" gauge. When you only get ~5' per year, you've got to be more accurate than the 20% error that I've seen on the OS (and read about on the Davis). I plan on calibrating the Davis for use in rain rate, but I'll continue to use my manual gauge for totals.
2.
Fan Aspirated temps.
I like the fact that this unit is fan aspirated. Due to my location in the desert, the fan does help, although the north facing, in the shade, side of my house where my sensors were mounted previously seems to read a degree or two cooler during daylight hours. (as an aside, I've placed an OS temp/hydro sensor in the shield and noticed that when temps are RISING, the Davis temp lags. When temps are FALLING, the Davis temp lags)
3.Console.
Both consoles are *fair* at reception. From my testing, it did not appear that the Davis signal was any stronger or traveled further than the OS.
The OS console sits on a shelf, out of view. The Davis console is on my desk right now, and while I like the continuous backlight ability and the ability to view daily, monthly and yearly high/Low, these are all things that I can see on my website and I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon.
4. Anemometer.
I like that the Davis reports to the console more often. I'm noting that max wind speeds are about 10% higher with the Davis. The big black cups are kinda cool too
5. Sensors.
I think that the "Integrated Suite" concept really lacks. I have several shaded areas at my location that would be better for temperature readings than in the full sun. I can't use them because the unit needs sunlight to charge the batts.
The best location (temperature wise, in the sun) is also a poor location for the rain bucket.
I appreciate that the anemometer can be disconnected, but it's still a long way from the top of my roof to where the ISS is currently located.
Additionally, my OS indoor sensor is in a room of the house that is representative of the homes temperature. The Davis has no separate sensor, so my "indoor" temp is about the same as the air next to my PC where it's currently 87 degrees f.
6. Cost.
There is no comparison. I spent ~$650 for the Davis (FARS, no solar, Weatherlink). If I want to do the wind correctly, I need to spend another ~$150 on the wireless transmitter (I've got a 100' cord run down the roof now). That's $800 bucks. The OS968 (have they discontinued it yet?) is about $200 (and that $200 includes FOUR separate freestanding sensors, three of which are solar powered)
There is no way that I see a $600 advantage here.
7. Tech support.
For the most part, OS tech support does not exist
but
I've called Davis twice. The first time was the day I received it, and my call was in reference to pressure settings. I was told to let it "sit for a week" and normalize.
The second call was for siting issues (as described above). My name was taken and I was told to expect a call back with some suggestions. It's been 5 days and I have not heard back.