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Weather Station Hardware => What Weather Station Should I Buy? => Topic started by: danb35 on July 09, 2017, 07:51:01 AM
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I've been running an Ambient WS-2095 for about two years, connected to a Raspberry Pi running WeeWX to webify my data. It's worked adequately, if with somewhat questionable accuracy (at least partially due to siting choices), but I'm feeling ready for an upgrade. I've largely sold myself on the VP2 (or possibly VP2+, haven't decided if I really want solar/UV) with the 24 hr FARS, along with the BelfryBoy logger to get the data into the computer.
Are there any other recommendations in a similar price range? There's a bit not to like about Davis (like that their console design is stuck in the '80s, and their user-hostile treatment of data loggers), but they seem, by reputation, to be mature, well-engineered products. The Acurite Atlas Elite looks intriguing, but since it's currently vaporware, there's no hands-on experience to compare. Anything else I should be looking at?
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Definitely do the upgrade at initial purchase if you want the VP2+...adding on the sensors is $$$. (I won't mention how I know this! ](*,) )
Regarding the UV and Solar sensors, if I had it to do over again I wouldn't worry with the UV sensor...*most* intelligent people can tells when the sun is bearing down on them and they need to use sunscreen, find a shade, where a wide-brim hat, etc.,. The solar sensor, though, is useful in solar energy usage, crop watering schedules, hours of daylight, gardening, etc.,. And, the solar sensor is a good bit cheaper than the UV. It's nice to see the data for the UV on the website/screen, but in hindsight it's not *that* nice. ;)
Best wishes on your new station quest. I don't think you would be disappointed in the Davis unit. Mine has been up and running for a little over four years now...the biggest issue that I've had is with the anemometer sticking. I've got a new part to install to fix that...if I ever get around to it. The ISS is still running on the original battery.
Ed
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Thanks. I don't know that I have a specific need for either the solar or the UV, other than that I think it'd be interesting to know. But the cost delta is fairly significant, especially to add UV. Decisions, decisions.
I'm thinking I'll end up mounting the ISS at ground level and, at a later time, moving the anemometer to the roof using a 6332 unit. Am I reading the Davis web site correctly that, when used with the VP2 system, I would not be able to use the UV/solar sensors with that 6332 unit at the same time?
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Thanks. I don't know that I have a specific need for either the solar or the UV, other than that I think it'd be interesting to know. But the cost delta is fairly significant, especially to add UV. Decisions, decisions.
I'm thinking I'll end up mounting the ISS at ground level and, at a later time, moving the anemometer to the roof using a 6332 unit. Am I reading the Davis web site correctly that, when used with the VP2 system, I would not be able to use the UV/solar sensors with that 6332 unit at the same time?
Like I said, I find the solar to be more useful than the UV sensor and is much less expensive. I don't know what to tell you about the sensors conflicting with the 6332 unit (I'm taking it that's the wireless transmitter option for the anemometer?).
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The 6332 will transmit Solar/UV (along with any other input signal, like Rain and T/H). Unfortunately, this is a console issue (OK, and regular Envoy). Solar and UV can only be read from an "ISS" as set in the console. It will ignore the Solar/UV if it is from the 6332. I went through this issue myself several years ago. I was forced to run an 85 foot cable from the solar sensor to the ISS, despite having the solar sensor being mounted close to the 6332. (for my current configuration, Sol/UV are back on the ISS)
All "SIM" (Sensor Interface Modules) whether the hinged-door or sliding cover enclosure types are the same. The label might indicate a Temp/Hum station, Temp station, Anemometer transmitter, etc. but they are all capable of sending data from the associated connector inputs. (RAIN, T/H, WIND, SOL, UV). I have a "Temperature Station" configured as an anemometer transmitter, and an "Anemometer Transmitter" set up as a rain station and temperature sensor. (this required the Meteobridge Pro for the "rain station".)
Greg H.
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The 6332 will transmit Solar/UV (along with any other input signal, like Rain and T/H). Unfortunately, this is a console issue (OK, and regular Envoy). Solar and UV can only be read from an "ISS" as set in the console. It will ignore the Solar/UV if it is from the 6332.
See my post a few mins ago... https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=32453.msg327698#msg327698
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Thanks for the input; I just went ahead and ordered a VP2 with the 24-hr FARS from Ryan at Scaled Instruments. I may add the solar later, but for now I'll go with the standard system. Also ordered a BelfryBoy logger, and am building up a WeeWx install on a clean Raspberry Pi. Looking forward to the new toys...
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I just went ahead and ordered a VP2 with the 24-hr FARS from Ryan at Scaled Instruments.
Good deal. Did you get it with the SHT31? I have no idea if any 11's are even left.
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Ryan says it will have the SHT31.
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Ryan says it will have the SHT31.
Hope you enjoy your new found accuracy, as you're probably in for a nice surprise compared to what you had. Just make sure you site it as best you can!
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Siting is going to be a bit of an issue--I should be good for temp/hum, OK for rain, not so good for wind right now. Hence the discussion of the 6332, which will probably come later.
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Siting is going to be a bit of an issue--I should be good for temp/hum, OK for rain, not so good for wind right now. Hence the discussion of the 6332, which will probably come later.
Hey, join the crowd, anny placement is just about everybody's achilles heel, almost a given. No idea if your old PWS was aspirated, but with this 31 and a fan, siting is pretty much paramount for good data.
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Nope, no aspiration on the old one, and mounted up on the roof. New one will be about 5' off the ground over the lawn.
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Nope, no aspiration on the old one, and mounted up on the roof. New one will be about 5' off the ground over the lawn.
OMG, you'll think you're in an ice age.....Nice!
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Also ordered a BelfryBoy logger, and am building up a WeeWx install on a clean Raspberry Pi. Looking forward to the new toys...
Thanks for your order, I will be assembling this tonight when I get in from work, and hope to get it shipped Friday lunchtime. Shipping should take 7-10 days.
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OMG, you'll think you're in an ice age.....Nice!
I doubt I'll feel that way in summertime in coastal GA, but I know the 100+-degree temps I'm seeing lately just aren't right, and I don't think the humidity's very close either.
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OMG, you'll think you're in an ice age.....Nice!
I doubt I'll feel that way in summertime in coastal GA, but I know the 100+-degree temps I'm seeing lately just aren't right, and I don't think the humidity's very close either.
What he's getting at is when you have the 24 hr FARS with a 31, it will be as close to the ambient temperature as you can get (which means much cooler and much more accurate than your old station). Also, with the 31/aspiration, you will notice your temperature fluctuate alot more. You're in for a roller coaster ride! Basically your intended mounting spot in your yard (above grass) is the best possible siting. I am to your NW in N GA (Cumming) and also have the 31 with an AC fan about 5'5 above grass. It's almost the best possible setup and my readings are top-notch.
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What he's getting at is when you have the 24 hr FARS with a 31, it will be as close to the ambient temperature as you can get (which means much cooler and much more accurate than your old station).
I understood that, but was trying for a little levity--which apparently didn't work too well. Yes, I expect the readings to be a good bit cooler.
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What he's getting at is when you have the 24 hr FARS with a 31, it will be as close to the ambient temperature as you can get (which means much cooler and much more accurate than your old station).
I understood that, but was trying for a little levity--which apparently didn't work too well. Yes, I expect the readings to be a good bit cooler.
But most importantly, they will be very accurate and fast responding, which is what is awesome about the 31 with aspiration. What is your temp/humidity showing? I'm at 76.5 with 98% humidity. Rough stuff.
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Current temp is 85 deg, 41% humidity. High temp today was 100 (vs. a 92 degree forecast), high humidity was 89%. Not at the same time, though. Supposedly humidity was at 22% around noon, which I also have trouble believing.
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What he's getting at is when you have the 24 hr FARS with a 31, it will be as close to the ambient temperature as you can get (which means much cooler and much more accurate than your old station).
I understood that, but was trying for a little levity--which apparently didn't work too well.
It worked fine. ;)
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Current temp is 85 deg, 41% humidity. High temp today was 100 (vs. a 92 degree forecast), high humidity was 89%. Not at the same time, though. Supposedly humidity was at 22% around noon, which I also have trouble believing.
Yep, DEFINITELY time for an upgrade. In comparison, my lowest humidity today was 60% and high temp was 89.9. You will definitely see a vast improvement in quality of data with your new 31 ;)
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Yep, ordered from Scaled. Hopefully it will be here tomorrow.
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Yep, ordered from Scaled. Hopefully it will be here tomorrow.
Tomorrow would be like Christmas morning if I were you :lol: Hopefully you can set it up rain-free. GL and enjoy!
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Supposedly humidity was at 22% around noon, which I also have trouble believing.
Certainly (your roof placement aside) one of the things that I've noticed about lesser sensors and PWS's (et al) is not their ability to read the temp fairly accurately, is their lack of doing it humidity wise. You may have trouble believing in your VP2... ;)
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Supposedly humidity was at 22% around noon, which I also have trouble believing.
Certainly (your roof placement aside) one of the things that I've noticed about lesser sensors and PWS's (et al) is not their ability to read the temp fairly accurately, is their lack of doing it humidity wise. You may have trouble believing in your VP2... ;)
If I remember correctly, the specs are tighter for humidity than temperature across the spectrum with the 31. Let me know if that is not accurate.
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Supposedly humidity was at 22% around noon, which I also have trouble believing.
Certainly (your roof placement aside) one of the things that I've noticed about lesser sensors and PWS's (et al) is not their ability to read the temp fairly accurately, is their lack of doing it humidity wise. You may have trouble believing in your VP2... ;)
If I remember correctly, the specs are tighter for humidity than temperature across the spectrum with the 31. Let me know if that is not accurate.
Kinda apples to oranges, but for 99.99% of the population, the same linear response.
lol fair enough. Best sensor available to us to-date for sure, though.
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Supposedly humidity was at 22% around noon, which I also have trouble believing.
Certainly (your roof placement aside) one of the things that I've noticed about lesser sensors and PWS's (et al) is not their ability to read the temp fairly accurately, is their lack of doing it humidity wise. You may have trouble believing in your VP2... ;)
If I remember correctly, the specs are tighter for humidity than temperature across the spectrum with the 31. Let me know if that is not accurate.
The temp could be better on the low end, but certainly better than anything previous.
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Supposedly humidity was at 22% around noon, which I also have trouble believing.
Certainly (your roof placement aside) one of the things that I've noticed about lesser sensors and PWS's (et al) is not their ability to read the temp fairly accurately, is their lack of doing it humidity wise. You may have trouble believing in your VP2... ;)
If I remember correctly, the specs are tighter for humidity than temperature across the spectrum with the 31. Let me know if that is not accurate.
Kinda apples to oranges, but for 99.99% of the population, the same linear response.
lol fair enough. Best sensor available to us to-date for sure, though.
I removed the other post, it wasn't accurate.
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Supposedly humidity was at 22% around noon, which I also have trouble believing.
Certainly (your roof placement aside) one of the things that I've noticed about lesser sensors and PWS's (et al) is not their ability to read the temp fairly accurately, is their lack of doing it humidity wise. You may have trouble believing in your VP2... ;)
If I remember correctly, the specs are tighter for humidity than temperature across the spectrum with the 31. Let me know if that is not accurate.
Kinda apples to oranges, but for 99.99% of the population, the same linear response.
lol fair enough. Best sensor available to us to-date for sure, though.
I removed the other post, it wasn't accurate.
I was wondering where it went lol it's all good.
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Supposedly humidity was at 22% around noon, which I also have trouble believing.
Certainly (your roof placement aside) one of the things that I've noticed about lesser sensors and PWS's (et al) is not their ability to read the temp fairly accurately, is their lack of doing it humidity wise. You may have trouble believing in your VP2... ;)
If I remember correctly, the specs are tighter for humidity than temperature across the spectrum with the 31. Let me know if that is not accurate.
The temp could be better on the low end, but certainly better than anything previous.
Luckily I live in a climate that rarely gets below the mid teens in winter, so that won't be a problem down here.
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Well, it didn't come yesterday, but it did today. Planted a fence post this morning, and installed the outdoor unit on it about a half hour ago. As of now, my old station is reading 77°F, 51% humidity; the VP2 is reading 77°F and 85%. Given the cloud cover and thunder going on right now, I'm pretty sure the higher humidity number is accurate.
Once the logger gets here, I'll start running my web site off the VP2.
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Well, it didn't come yesterday, but it did today. Planted a fence post this morning, and installed the outdoor unit on it about a half hour ago. As of now, my old station is reading 77°F, 51% humidity; the VP2 is reading 77°F and 85%. Given the cloud cover and thunder going on right now, I'm pretty sure the higher humidity number is accurate.
Once the logger gets here, I'll start running my web site off the VP2.
Good deal, glad you got it setup. Most certainly the 85% is the correct number. Also, on sunny hot days with little wind, you will notice a big maybe more than 5 degree temp difference between your VP2 and old station. Aspiration and the triple walled core of the radiation shield goes a looong ways towards accuracy on those kind of days, plus your 31 (as has been said repeatedly) is the most accurate sensor to date. Enjoy the accuracy! I know I do!
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Logger arrived last week, took all of a minute or so to install. Getting weewx reconfigured took a few more minutes, but it's been working well since then. Temperature and humidity readings are looking much more realistic now.
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What he's getting at is when you have the 24 hr FARS with a 31, it will be as close to the ambient temperature as you can get (which means much cooler and much more accurate than your old station).
I understood that, but was trying for a little levity--which apparently didn't work too well. Yes, I expect the readings to be a good bit cooler.
Just south of Savannah I see! That's where I was born! :-) Howdy from another Georgia native! :-)