Valentine Weather, several hundred posts ago, thought we had exhausted the points in this thread and should wait for a response from Davis. Well, I think this thread continues with great thought, but has anybody heard from Davis on the SHT31 issue?
IMHO, there's no way that Davis will respond to this issue within the VP2's production lifetime. We (this forum) are a TINY portion of their sales and the other 99% are oblivious, just as we were until recent. Too much time, R&D is needed to address this issue properly to the satisfaction of us and Davis (read money). Honestly, I only see a resolution when a new model is released, and that's only IF Davis thinks it's a problem in the first place, which I'm dubious.
Okay here goes nothing.....[deep sigh...anticipating backlash]... I was wondering if anyone of you dealing with this VP2 humidity sensor issue, and with the financial means, to spend some money for more testing hardware for the sake of knowledge. My proposal is to use the the newest Ambient Weather WS-2902A weather station as a comparison.
Surely I'm not suggesting replacing a VP2 for a WS-2902A. But being an owner of a WS-2902A I have been thoroughly impressed. I've wanted a VP2 for quite some time. And I'm affected by this issue because I still think I will eventually get a VP2 or whatever comes next. So finding a resolve for this issue with Davis is important to me. But you know what?...My neighbor replaced his 2006 VP2 for a WS-2902A just last month. I've been meaning to introduce myself and ask him why.
I know on paper the VP2 should have better sensors that are more precise with less deviation percentage specifications. And there are many many things far superior on the VP2 like separate anemometer/wind vane, FARS option, faster console refresh, PC software connectivity, and add-on sensors (soil, leaf...etc..etc). But I'm just curious how good the WS-2902A humidity sensor is.
I suppose another option is to compare an existing VP2 to a nearby WS-2902. But I haven't found a good example yet. Most WS-2902's are poorly sited, and you would need to have intimate knowledge of the VP2 being compared if it had a SHT31 or SHT15 or if it was modified to SHT75 and how old that sensor is. So this means it isn't something I can do myself.
But someone with an VP2 could compare to a nearby WS-2902 or they could buy their own WS-2902A to do some testing.
Why am I proposing this test?
- Because I own a WS-2902A and it seems to be a popular choice with much sales growth compared to all else, at least in the PWS market and those that connect to WU. I know this shouldn't be the only indicator as I'm sure there are tons of VP2s that don't connect to WU.
- No one knows what sensor is in the WS-2902A and it might be an indication of something new that is really good and maybe better than anything we have seen before. I haven't taken mine apart but I'm tempted. But don't want to void my warranty.
Why do I believe the WS-2902A humidity sensor is so good.
- I've seen it report consistently humidity levels of 95, 96, 97, 98, and 99. (it never hits 100).
- Seems to be accurate in the mid range compared to airport here in Florida humid Summer weather.
- Most WS-2902 devices I find on WU seem to all have really nice data. Consistent graphs. Lots of data points and no gaps and quick response.
- Most WS-2902 that are nearby all match up perfectly.
So what could we gain from this and how does it help with the VP2 issue?
- Determine if the WS-2902A is any good in dealing with humidity. You all have compared your sensors to Vaisala, or Rainwise....why not look at another cheap option that may be really good and seemingly ignored solely because it seems cheap.
- Find out what sensor is in the WS-2902A and if it is any good.
- If this is good stuff we could hope that Davis employs the use of the WS-2902A sensor as a future upgrade.
- If this is good stuff and made available for Davis, it will be cheap as the WS-2902A is cheap.
So what is bad about the WS-2902A
- The radiation shield is little and I've notice a degree maybe two sometimes spike on intense sunlight days.
- As I mentioned it is an all in one
- Software options limited
Interesting Facts about the WS-2902A
- You can connect it to a Meteobridge if you also get an ObserverIP device. In fact it may be cheaper to get a separate ObserverIP and just the outdoor array module and forget the display console. It isn't sold this way but you can get just those two parts and have a fully functioning station.
- The WS-2902 is the prior version. They change the name to WS-2902A when a new firmware was introduced to change the WiFi setup method. But a WS-2902 can be converted into a WS-2902A by just upgrading firmware. I may seem use the two terms interchangeably but I'm not. I say WS-2902 when talking generic and regarding established base or WS-2902A when referring to a new purchase or a known specific device running newest firmware.
- WU just shows both WS-2902A and WS-2902 as just WS-2902.
- WS-2902A hit #1 in sales group on Amazon a few weeks back and is currently at #3 or #4.
[ducks and covers]