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Weather Station Hardware => AcuRite Weather Stations => Topic started by: skysummit on December 26, 2017, 02:49:21 PM

Title: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: skysummit on December 26, 2017, 02:49:21 PM
So the rumors are not rumors...the Atlas is real and it's coming.  Just have faith that when you purchase your new weather station, you will be getting a truly top notch piece of equipment that rivals the best out there. 

It's been working flawlessly here in southeast Louisiana.  The optional lightning detector has been extremely accurate, and the rain gauge has been dead on with my Cocorahs gauge.  I have to say, Acurite has manufactured and outstanding piece of hardware.  It's a major step up from the 5 in 1.

You'll start to see more and more posts and pictures of the Atlas now.

(https://i.imgur.com/Z9hj12b.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IgaYhZx.jpg)
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: daman on December 26, 2017, 04:47:27 PM
Rub it in  :-)
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: skysummit on December 26, 2017, 04:48:55 PM
LOL...just helping show that the thing does exist :)
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: daman on December 26, 2017, 04:51:04 PM
I know  \:D/ 
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: alanb on December 26, 2017, 05:40:51 PM
Glad to see some real world feedback on this elusive product. I just wish it was about the Elite. Is that still another year away?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on December 26, 2017, 09:24:23 PM
Here's a pic of my Nebraska Atlas.  I have another running in Texas.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]


I'm on the road heading back to Texas where it is hopefully warmer (it was 2 degrees in Nebraska this morning).  I thought I had more pictures on my phone, but apparently I don't.  However, here's a picture of the Atlas battery compartment some may find interesting.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The red LED in the upper left blinks when transmitting.  There's an optical guide that allows the blinking to be seen when the battery compartment cover is in place.

Below the LED is a button that is used to re-define "North" for the wind vane.  I imagine this will be most helpful for those in the southern hemisphere, but I guess it would be useful if you have to mount the unit off-North for some reason.

Below the button is classic A/B/C slider switch we've all come to love.

Below the slider switch, and harder to see because it is on a vertical surface, is the DC power jack.  You can run the Atlas from an AC adapter if you want.  Acurite has an AC adapter ready, and it comes with a nice length of cable.

On the right you'll find the optional lightning sensor module.  It just snaps in with no tools necessary.  You can add the lightning sensor at any time.

Title: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: drew on December 26, 2017, 11:27:21 PM
How accurate is the lightning detector in Nebraska? I have the HD display now with my 5in1 and while it does a decent job, it misses out on some strikes that are nearby.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on December 26, 2017, 11:57:19 PM
How accurate is the lightning detector in Nebraska? I have the HD display now with my 5in1 and while it does a decent job, it misses out on some strikes that are nearby.

I've no idea on that.  There simply hasn't been any lightning at the Nebraska location since I set it up.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: waiukuweather on December 27, 2017, 12:16:18 AM
I don't see a rubber seal for the battery compartment?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on December 27, 2017, 01:27:11 AM
I don't see a rubber seal for the battery compartment?

I don't recall there being one.  If there is water intrusion, you'd want it to drain.  A seal would let water pool which would be worse.

The battery compartment is on the bottom of the unit like it is on the 5n1.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: waiukuweather on December 27, 2017, 03:20:15 AM
but no seal will also mean letting in marine air if you live near the ocean, which will corrode things, I would have thought

a good seal and you won't get water intrusion to drain?

both of my 5 in 1's , in a marine environment, the wind direction seized up and the cups bearing got stiff
so I hope they are using better grade bearings etc now?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on December 27, 2017, 04:47:32 AM
but no seal will also mean letting in marine air if you live near the ocean, which will corrode things, I would have thought

a good seal and you won't get water intrusion to drain?

both of my 5 in 1's , in a marine environment, the wind direction seized up and the cups bearing got stiff
so I hope they are using better grade bearings etc now?

If you're asking if it is "marine grade", I don't know.

The 5n1 battery compartment isn't sealed, either.  Did it cause you problems in your marine environment?

There's no point sealing the bottom if the rest of the chassis isn't sealed, too.  It would just be a water trap for any moisture that might get in.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: dport on December 27, 2017, 06:00:34 AM
So the rumors are not rumors...the Atlas is real and it's coming.  Just have faith that when you purchase your new weather station, you will be getting a truly top notch piece of equipment that rivals the best out there. 

It's been working flawlessly here in southeast Louisiana.  The optional lightning detector has been extremely accurate, and the rain gauge has been dead on with my Cocorahs gauge.  I have to say, Acurite has manufactured and outstanding piece of hardware.  It's a major step up from the 5 in 1.

You'll start to see more and more posts and pictures of the Atlas now.


Cool! How about temp accuracy and comparisons?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: daman on December 27, 2017, 10:02:09 AM
George how about the aspiration fan is it a more robust/ functioning design vs. the 5n1??,,still driven solely off the solar cells?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: vreihen on December 27, 2017, 10:56:33 AM
Does this break in NDA mean that the product is shipping (too late for Christmas)?????
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on December 27, 2017, 11:54:46 AM
George how about the aspiration fan is it a more robust/ functioning design vs. the 5n1??,,still driven solely off the solar cells?

The fan is driven by 3 solar panels aligned east, south, and west.

It's a very quiet fan, so I don't think it's running crazy fast, but the temps have been nicely consistent with surrounding stations.

One thing I keep meaning to check, but still haven't, is if using the DC jack powers the fan at all.  It would be nice if it did.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: daman on December 27, 2017, 12:06:15 PM
George how about the aspiration fan is it a more robust/ functioning design vs. the 5n1??,,still driven solely off the solar cells?

The fan is driven by 3 solar panels aligned east, south, and west.

It's a very quiet fan, so I don't think it's running crazy fast, but the temps have been nicely consistent with surrounding stations.

One thing I keep meaning to check, but still haven't, is if using the DC jack powers the fan at all.  It would be nice if it did.
Good to hear, sounds like the panels should stay with the sun then  =D>

Can you check this and report back?

Another thing, a concern is WHY did they make the top half black, is radiant heat going to be a issue?? .
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: waiukuweather on December 27, 2017, 01:15:11 PM
Quote
WHY did they make the top half black,
maybe to melt any snow?
and yes to the question did no seal cause an issue...eventually you get corrision on the battery terminals
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: Glenn on December 27, 2017, 01:15:47 PM
Appreciate the pics and updates everyone! Saw some info trickle out on the Acurite FB group last night. Really nice to see some first hand experience and pictures.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: MrM1 on December 29, 2017, 10:39:29 AM
Is this the fabled "Atlas" from last spring?   I got bored with weather stations waiting and moved on to Solar systems.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on December 29, 2017, 07:15:05 PM
How accurate is the lightning detector in Nebraska? I have the HD display now with my 5in1 and while it does a decent job, it misses out on some strikes that are nearby.

I've had two different lightning storms since the Atlas was installed at my place, and it picked up strikes over 20 miles out, and as close as a mile away. I believe it is very good. Everything seems to work well, and accurately on the Atlas. If you think you are going to have problems with the temperature, or rain gauge being off a bit with this one, you would be wrong in my experience. The anemometer is heavy duty, and turns well, as does the direction indicator. This is a solidly built sensor, and has an optional extension for the anemometer.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: ctccbc on January 01, 2018, 06:39:06 AM
Tested the Atlas 8 here in Morehead City, NC and overall was pleased with the performance. The wind readings are superior to the 5-in-1 with a better sampling rate. The rain gauge underestimates during heavy rainfall, which is the expected behavior with a tipping bucket  in heavy rainfall. I was always surprised how the 5-in-1 managed to overestimate rainfall. In the days of testing, I only noted one day where the solar heating was noticeable (about 6 degree warmer than surrounding sites), otherwise, the Atlas was at or below the temperature of the 5-in-1 on most days. This testing was done in the fall with a low sun angle. I do worry, with the amount of black plastic on the unit, that we will again see major heating issues when the sun is more directly overhead in late Spring and early Summer.

Overall as others have stated, a solid piece of equipment and a step up from the 5-in-1. I especially like the indoor console and lightning detector. Would recommend!

Chris Collins
Meteorologist
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: benay ra'am on January 01, 2018, 08:16:40 AM
Do any of you Bata Testers know if the Atlas is backwards compatible to the 5-In-1 HD Displays?.................................
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on January 01, 2018, 08:30:44 AM
ctccbc,

Good observations from someone not too far from where I tested. I am planning to get the wind extension and test that out next to my WH-2310, but I have had gust readings over 20 MPH at 7 ft with Atlas. I also noticed low rain readings by over .20 per inch compared to the 5in1 and the WH-2310, sometimes .30, but thought those may have been off in the heavy rains. The atlas was very close though to a Davis just a few blocks away, falling within a couple of hundredths.

It should be interesting to test the station in our hot humid weather to come, since a lot of the time this fall testing mine was done in the shade at peak heating, thanks to long shadows from trees around me. I always came in with a lower temperature in the daytime and higher at night than the 5 in 1 by 1-3 F. Whatever sensor chip is in Atlas seems to have a tighter range.

I also wanted to add that humidity is far superior with Atlas, than any other station I have tried. It's always in the middle of a ten % spread of other sensors, and maxes out at 100% when it should.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on January 01, 2018, 08:33:28 AM
Do any of you Bata Testers know if the Atlas is backwards compatible to the 5-In-1 HD Displays?.................................

You can change sensors on the atlas HD display, but you loose data for that original sensor when you do. That is when you use the mem. card slot to back up that data I guess... I doubt the 5n1 HD displays could display Atlas, I don't have one myself.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on January 01, 2018, 09:43:31 AM
Do any of you Bata Testers know if the Atlas is backwards compatible to the 5-In-1 HD Displays?.................................

There's nothing indicating that it is.  I wouldn't expect it to be unless Acurite provides a way to change the firmware on older displays.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: HeloMech on January 02, 2018, 12:49:20 AM
Darn..  I figured it there might be a snag there.  I am planning to get the Access when it is available.  If what I read is correct, as a replacement for the smart hub, it should be able to read the current 5in1 and remote sensors. It would also read the new Atlas series also, correct?

If I am thinking right, the Atlas would make my HD display and my original color lcd display that I currently have obsolete, but the myacurite would still pick up both generations of sensors. 

Does that sound correct?  I would love to have a price point for the Atlas 7 or 8, and additional displays.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on January 02, 2018, 01:02:37 AM
Darn..  I figured it there might be a snag there.  I am planning to get the Access when it is available.  If what I read is correct, as a replacement for the smart hub, it should be able to read the current 5in1 and remote sensors. It would also read the new Atlas series also, correct?

Correct

Quote
If I am thinking right, the Atlas would make my HD display and my original color lcd display that I currently have obsolete, but the myacurite would still pick up both generations of sensors.

Your 5n1 displays will still continue operate with your 5n1.  There's no change there.

Through the Access, myAcurite will still gather data from your 5n1 as well as the Atlas.

Only one device will be able to report to wunderground, though.  There's a limitation of one wunderground station per Access or SmartHUB.  (That's a recent change from the previous limitation of one wunderground station per myAcurite account.)

Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on January 04, 2018, 09:46:33 AM
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ak1Q5N_NJLSZ9CbO7a2EDCOjmS-Zz3_Ha6S4jwqZ6zXaWPfWGNuZxIY2ZC1bXJEyaynwdMpqpXW4xvYQSk1u_Bd2es3R_SU4ImTz0h9wGjS4h0Xb2hW7Eer9NJzk1xtZE8Nj-g8T3QKE60k1DF3VV7ahCC5iQVP-SxY1k8Rs9VEQrXspaxfEHjiFf0oB97_amJzUjVwEjtgVlmc6kIG_mcTQOP-n059vtusXq3DW5gcfJlJxtphDCHnZm9vtIervXdpkk0NaQXZRikjDy3Mb8deiWeywGaONJNDbLLnpbF-Tnneq72At_jagGig5nfnWwct0xGl-6Mx45NkTj8lIust0WhxTp0SoZ1I6U4QmdQS86nlH5H6gMTQtMkiMP-wnHAoCoQ40VQLAB-ljBDDeCfdzfu2bNlEigogWgF_kfLI7TBG4CWi4mKrAvHwD0kWvi0JFSzMAb4uqGRTTKPVtopMsdC-7pXBrptDs4GPz-8igkd4yfpLn9t38RW0XIu3JZvQTpngOJUkGgXjpN5HHhPDGhUjFB9CJo4aNYqfYy6EpFavAV1J7iL413eu5uGaxjv1qY_B067YMBzstfnbZb-cAxHctn0p4oVHIHA=w422-h749-no) 5 in 1 reading 2 degrees higher than the Atlas and the sensor in the acurite radiation shield.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: ctccbc on January 05, 2018, 11:55:49 AM
I'll be interested to see how it performs in late Spring and early Summer with the sun overhead, given all of the black plastic on the unit.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: BeaverMeadow on January 05, 2018, 01:25:08 PM
I'd be interested to see how the Atlas performs as far as capturing wind gusts and sustained winds as compared with the 5 in 1.

I also think I noticed on a beta tester's wu page for their Atlas that wind gusts were being reported like the Ambient with data points showing for ridiculously low wind speeds. I hope that is not going to be the new normal for the Atlas. Even though the 5 in 1 misses a lot of wind readings at least it attempted to followed NWS suggested gust reporting criteria.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on January 05, 2018, 03:32:13 PM
I'd be interested to see how the Atlas performs as far as capturing wind gusts and sustained winds as compared with the 5 in 1.

I also think I noticed on a beta tester's wu page for their Atlas that wind gusts were being reported like the Ambient with data points showing for ridiculously low wind speeds. I hope that is not going to be the new normal for the Atlas. Even though the 5 in 1 misses a lot of wind readings at least it attempted to followed NWS suggested gust reporting criteria.

Unfortunately, Acurite seems to be using the looser definition on the Atlas.  I like the NWS definition, too, but apparently it makes the wind gust reading look "broken" to those who aren't aware of it.  (i.e. it doesn't plot as may of those orange plot-points on wunderground's wind speed chart)

It would be interesting to try a "happy medium", like setting the minimum gust speed to 9 MPH instead of 18 and seeing what that looks like.  Or maybe have the minimum gust speed relate to how high you have your anemometer above the ground.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: BeaverMeadow on January 05, 2018, 03:47:35 PM
I'd be interested to see how the Atlas performs as far as capturing wind gusts and sustained winds as compared with the 5 in 1.

I also think I noticed on a beta tester's wu page for their Atlas that wind gusts were being reported like the Ambient with data points showing for ridiculously low wind speeds. I hope that is not going to be the new normal for the Atlas. Even though the 5 in 1 misses a lot of wind readings at least it attempted to followed NWS suggested gust reporting criteria.

Unfortunately, Acurite seems to be using the looser definition on the Atlas.  I like the NWS definition, too, but apparently it makes the wind gust reading look "broken" to those who aren't aware of it.  (i.e. it doesn't plot as may of those orange plot-points on wunderground's wind speed chart)

It would be interesting to try a "happy medium", like setting the minimum gust speed to 9 MPH instead of 18 and seeing what that looks like.  Or maybe have the minimum gust speed relate to how high you have your anemometer above the ground.

I assume those settings adjustments would have to be made by Acurite and not by the individual user. Maybe if a consensus of the current Atlas beta testers agree with us regarding gusts Acurite will modify the way Atlas is currently displaying them in beta.

Does Acurite ask for feedback from their beta testers?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on January 05, 2018, 03:53:38 PM
I assume those settings adjustments would have to be made by Acurite and not by the individual user. Maybe if a consensus of the current Atlas beta testers agree with us regarding gusts Acurite will modify the way Atlas is currently displaying them in beta.

Does Acurite ask for feedback from their beta testers?

It would be most simply done by Accurite en masse in an Access software update.  Or, they could make it user-settable in myAcurite and push that down to the Access.

Atlas does take feedback from beta testers.  I know I've mentioned in several times over the years, and I'm sure some other beta testers have, too.  However, It seems an uphill battle as a lot of people  want to see all the orange marks on wunderground that seem to have become the norm.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: BeaverMeadow on January 05, 2018, 04:03:06 PM
Making MyAcurite configurable by users would be a big plus but unless there is some background buzz about changes to that software I'm not going to get my hopes up.

Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: Tylerpod on January 11, 2018, 12:34:26 PM
I can't wait for this thing to come out would love to upgrade from my 5-1 to the atlas 8
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on January 11, 2018, 01:29:44 PM
I don't anticipate a long wait for an atlas to be for sale at this point. Acurite has apparently had a huge interest in the Access by customers too.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: skysummit on January 11, 2018, 11:45:15 PM
A screenshot of myAcurite tonight as a squall line just pushed through.  Unfortunately no lightning though :/


(https://monosnap.com/file/oU5ny5SpjwUKGBWUQZFRL4mvLaRisY.png)
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: worachj on January 12, 2018, 08:02:33 AM
Thanks for sharing the screen shot of My AcuRite for the Atlas! Adding the UV and lightning section is making me want to replace my 5-N-1 with an Atlas.

Does the Altas UV data show up on WU, instead of the bogus data WU uses for the 5-N-1?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: worachj on January 12, 2018, 08:52:22 AM
Anyone with an Atlas willing to share their weather data, could you please send me the device ID of the Altas in a personal message so I can add it to My AcuRite. I would love to follow your data though My AcuRite.

Thanks!
John

My 5-N-1 device in the Twin Cities Minnesota area is:
Device ID:24:C8:6E:08:30:13
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: skysummit on January 12, 2018, 09:30:11 AM
Thanks for sharing the screen shot of My AcuRite for the Atlas! Adding the UV and lightning section is making me want to replace my 5-N-1 with an Atlas.

Does the Altas UV data show up on WU, instead of the bogus data WU uses for the 5-N-1?

Negative, I do not believe the UV reports to Weather Underground yet.  Nor does the lightning.

I'll be happy to share mine, but my Access is still the test version, thus I'm still on the test side of myAcurite.  Once I get my production version of the Access in, I'll share it.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on January 12, 2018, 11:22:48 AM
Thanks for sharing the screen shot of My AcuRite for the Atlas! Adding the UV and lightning section is making me want to replace my 5-N-1 with an Atlas.

Does the Altas UV data show up on WU, instead of the bogus data WU uses for the 5-N-1?

Negative, I do not believe the UV reports to Weather Underground yet.  Nor does the lightning.


Looking at the wunderground data stream, UV is reporting, but it's not graphing.

They're sending the parameter "uvindex".  According to the wunderground upload protocol, I think it's supposed to be "UV".  So maybe that's why.

It does look like there are some minor things they need to clean up in the URL, but those are no big deal.  For example, "rtfreq" is being set twice.... once at 36 and again at 35.  It actually should be 10.

Also, I was looking at the timing of data sending last night.  It should send data every 10 seconds, but it appears it is sending the same data multiple times to wunderground.  It seems goofy, but perhaps it's a crude "load testing" simulating sending data to other services?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: jquagga on January 18, 2018, 02:25:32 PM
So, since the WU feed is not encrypted, I’m guessing it’s possible to use say the weewx interceptor to read whatever is being posted to WU and getting the data that way?

I notice the “HD Display” manual doesn’t list a USB port. I’m interested in moving from a 5in1 to an Atlas but only if I can get the data into weewx. I’m assuming the Atlas uses an Access to post data. So I could set up the Access to post my device to WU (I’m guessing you have to use myaccurite to at least assign which device you are sending to WU), and then firewall it off from accessing WU or myacurite. Then DNS redirect the WU URL to the interceptor which would then load it into weewx. Plan C would be the SDR driver I guess.  I want a barometer though.

That also assumes the Access transmits the WU packets even if it can’t phone home.

Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on January 23, 2018, 10:29:32 AM
I've got a real problem with a mockingbird using my atlas rain gauge as a "toilet". I mean this thing has turned into a Shhh hole. I think I need some bird spikes.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: Bart on February 17, 2018, 11:19:03 AM
George, Skysummit, or any other Atlas tester. Here's my question.

With the 5in1 (connected to the SmartHub or Access), the 5in1 takes up one of the available 'slots' (1 of 10 on SH, 1 of 7 on Access). With the Atlas, 7 is without lightning dectection, 8 is WITH lightning detection. My question is this...either with 7 with lighting detection added later, or 8 with the lightning detection form the start, does the lightning detection take up one of the available 'slots' on the Access, or is the LD considered a separate device (even though it is physically connected to the Atlas) taking up a 'slot' of its own?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: John Z on February 17, 2018, 11:50:51 AM
Bart,

Atlas (7 or 8 ) counts as one of the 7 "slots". Lightning detection, UV, Light intensity plus all the usual T&H, wind speed, direction, rain, all in just one "slot".
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: Bart on February 17, 2018, 12:04:30 PM
Thank you. I assumed that the 7 (or the 8, not counting lightning detection) was considered as 1. I just wasn't sure what happened with lightning detection, considering it is an "add on" to the 7 (which would make it an 8 )...if it was considered a separate "device" (let's say, like a room T/H sensor) taking up a slot of its own, or if it would considered a simple add-on to the 7 and transmit in the same "slot" as the 7. This clarifies. Again, thank you. :)
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: Bart on February 17, 2018, 12:22:20 PM
Next question...regarding the stand-alone monitor. Can it run on batteries, or is it AC powered only?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: John Z on February 17, 2018, 12:47:11 PM
Bart,

The display does not have batteries, but it does appear to have enough internal energy storage to retain data through short blips. It also has an SD card slot, up to 32 Gb capacity, where it writes detailed .csv files every 20 minutes. A year of data is about 1Gb.

BTW, the display receives power via a micro-USB connector, so a carefully selected micro-UPS might work there.

Both the display and Atlas appear to be very nicely done products.

Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: Bart on February 22, 2018, 11:43:04 AM
For you guys/gals that are currently testing the Atlas...since I would assume that many of you have been around PWS stuff for quite a long time, including testing with specific companies, let me ask you this. Based on your experiences, what would be your best guess as to how long until Atlas is released? Are we looking at a month? 6 months? Maybe a year yet? I know...nothing from the past can accurately indicate the future, so this is just more of a "guess", based on what you've experienced and have seen occur in the past. Care to take a shot in the dark?

I've seen people say things like "should be really soon". "Really soon" can be very subjective. My wife might think "really soon" would be sometime today. I might think "really soon" would be within 6 months. :)
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on February 22, 2018, 12:15:33 PM
For you guys/gals that are currently testing the Atlas...since I would assume that many of you have been around PWS stuff for quite a long time, including testing with specific companies, let me ask you this. Based on your experiences, what would be your best guess as to how long until Atlas is released? Are we looking at a month? 6 months? Maybe a year yet? I know...nothing from the past can accurately indicate the future, so this is just more of a "guess", based on what you've experienced and have seen occur in the past. Care to take a shot in the dark?

I've seen people say things like "should be really soon". "Really soon" can be very subjective. My wife might think "really soon" would be sometime today. I might think "really soon" would be within 6 months. :)

I'm sticking with "any day now".

Based on the beta test experience, I've no idea what the "showstopper" might be.  Obviously some issues were uncovered, but nothing that shouldn't be easy to fix.

Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on February 22, 2018, 01:51:48 PM
Don't know... I thought it would be available by now. Obviously, there is some issue with the software, and I think that is what is really the hold-out.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on February 24, 2018, 02:48:37 PM
Don't know... I thought it would be available by now. Obviously, there is some issue with the software, and I think that is what is really the hold-out.

Yesterday I heard from another beta tester that there was a problem with Atlas data crashing the production version of the mobile app.  A new version of the mobile app came out yesterday which should fix that.

I made the switch to the production site yesterday and so far things have been fine.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: dport on March 10, 2018, 05:42:34 PM
Tested the Atlas 8 here in Morehead City, NC and overall was pleased with the performance. The wind readings are superior to the 5-in-1 with a better sampling rate. The rain gauge underestimates during heavy rainfall, which is the expected behavior with a tipping bucket  in heavy rainfall. I was always surprised how the 5-in-1 managed to overestimate rainfall. In the days of testing, I only noted one day where the solar heating was noticeable (about 6 degree warmer than surrounding sites), otherwise, the Atlas was at or below the temperature of the 5-in-1 on most days. This testing was done in the fall with a low sun angle. I do worry, with the amount of black plastic on the unit, that we will again see major heating issues when the sun is more directly overhead in late Spring and early Summer.

Overall as others have stated, a solid piece of equipment and a step up from the 5-in-1. I especially like the indoor console and lightning detector. Would recommend!

Chris Collins
Meteorologist

I'm curious, as the sun angle is much higher now that it is mid March, any temp spikes with the atlas?  How is it tracking compared to other stations in your location?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on May 05, 2018, 04:07:23 PM
Dport,

Check the recent topic... but no, there is no spike in temps of more than 1 degree at any time for me. I've seen 85 F this late Spring and no problem. The 5n1 read 89 however.

Today I checked my Atlas batteries, (normal energizer) and they had lost just a little power since installing them when I received my Atlas at the end of last Summer. Also we are expecting rain tonight, so cleaned the bird S**T out of the rain collector. Also checked the fan, took apart the bottom because I could not hear the motor, but it was running just fine. A nice fan blade system in there just above the thermo/hygro which is housed inside a fine mesh screen to keep the junk off the air sensor chip.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on May 05, 2018, 04:42:10 PM
I'm curious, as the sun angle is much higher now that it is mid March, any temp spikes with the atlas?  How is it tracking compared to other stations in your location?

I haven't had any spiking on either my Texas or Nebraska installations.

The east and west solar panels are mounted vertically, but the south-facing solar panel has a bit of an upward tilt so it still catches the sun well at mid-day.

The Atlas uses a Sensirion SHT31 temp/humidity chip.  This is an upgrade from the SHT21 used in the 5n1.

My hearing isn't good, but I've found the Atlas fan to be very quiet compared to the 5n1.  I have to put my good ear right up to the unit to hear the slight whir.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: dport on May 05, 2018, 11:02:44 PM
Many thanks guys.  Will have to give this a serious look once it is available to the public.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on June 16, 2018, 09:40:14 AM
My battery light is lit on the Atlas Display, so today, I will be changing the batteries for the first time since installing late last summer. These are energizer and did not last a whole year. The software however does not indicate a low battery. I will check the charge of the batteries to see if they are weak enough to throw away.

Also I will check the 5n1. I had to solder it recently to keep it going. The ribbon cable was rotting.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: DoctorKnow on June 16, 2018, 01:49:10 PM
I changed batteries, and checked the originals. They are not low at all. The light should not come on at that level. Anyone else have this happen?
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: WXman on August 05, 2018, 04:42:15 PM
So, is this Atlas station going to be for sale this year?

I'm seeing some really good deals on the 5-n-1 with the nice display screen and the 6014m unit with dual solar panels for $130.  I don't know what the difference is between the 6014m and the standard sensor suite.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on August 05, 2018, 05:44:27 PM
So, is this Atlas station going to be for sale this year?

I'm seeing some really good deals on the 5-n-1 with the nice display screen and the 6014m unit with dual solar panels for $130.  I don't know what the difference is between the 6014m and the standard sensor suite.

Yes.

Other than the number of solar panels driving the aspiration fan, all 5n1 sensors are functionally the same.

The main differences between packages are the style and features of the display.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: WetCoyote on August 09, 2018, 08:26:06 PM
So, is this Atlas station going to be for sale this year?

I'm seeing some really good deals on the 5-n-1 with the nice display screen and the 6014m unit with dual solar panels for $130.  I don't know what the difference is between the 6014m and the standard sensor suite.

Yes.

Other than the number of solar panels driving the aspiration fan, all 5n1 sensors are functionally the same.

The main differences between packages are the style and features of the display.

What I wonder is if the displays firmware is upgradable on the Atlas.

I was seriously bummed to discover the 5 in 1 system i bought had bad programming that made the moon phase data go pear shaped and no way to correct it.  Their solution was to replace the display with a display that had no phase, ticker, and less features than what was paid for.

Soured me on Acurite in a major way, along with no way to calibrate the sensors.  This is chineseium at the lowest price point, and you get what you pay for.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on August 09, 2018, 09:11:35 PM
What I wonder is if the displays firmware is upgradable on the Atlas.

I was seriously bummed to discover the 5 in 1 system i bought had bad programming that made the moon phase data go pear shaped and no way to correct it.  Their solution was to replace the display with a display that had no phase, ticker, and less features than what was paid for.

Soured me on Acurite in a major way, along with no way to calibrate the sensors.  This is chineseium at the lowest price point, and you get what you pay for.

I'm sure the display firmware is updateable, but I don't know if they plan to give the user that ability.

There is a "hidden" USB port on the bottom.  As far as I know it is "factory use only".

There is also the possibility they might update the firmware via the SD slot.

The Atlas display is nothing like the old-style LCD displays... it's a touch screen much like a small tablet or smartphone.
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: yankeesdood16 on September 16, 2018, 09:08:01 AM
Definitely like the idea of the touch screen with the atlas display, will be better than having to toggle through everything with the displays for the 5 in 1
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: jayman007 on October 22, 2018, 08:50:54 AM
Recently had a 5-in-1 HD display go bad and replaced with the Atlas.
So far, I've been very impressed, since I had bought the "upgrade" Access, I went with the Atlas and display only, and plan to add the lightning detector in the near future and have a few questions:

1) Does the My Acurite now track/graph lightning strikes?
2) Will the Atlas Display reset the yearly totals or will we need to do this manually (like 5-in-1)?

Thanks,
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: worachj on October 22, 2018, 09:23:08 AM
1) Does the My Acurite now track/graph lightning strikes?

Screen shot of My AcuRIte:
http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=33456.msg341222#msg341222
Title: Atlas Reviews
Post by: worachj on October 23, 2018, 10:55:01 AM
Video:
AcuRite Atlas Weather Station Unboxing & Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhZ50Pr2D50

ACURITE ATLAS WEATHER STATION REVIEW (Model# 01007M)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2hhiNXAlqc

Written:
AcuRite Atlas Weather Station Unboxing and Review:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-blogs/weathermatrix/acurite-atlas-weather-station-unboxing-and-review/70006401

AcuRite Atlas Review:
https://wxobservation.com/acurite-atlas-review/
Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: MacGarage on October 24, 2018, 07:44:30 AM
Here is another review that links to this site about the false lightning issue:

https://www.techhive.com/article/3315622/software-weather/acurite-atlas-weather-station-review.html#tk.rss_all

Title: Re: The Acurite Atlas
Post by: nincehelser on October 24, 2018, 08:50:06 AM
Here is another review that links to this site about the false lightning issue:

https://www.techhive.com/article/3315622/software-weather/acurite-atlas-weather-station-review.html#tk.rss_all

Doesn't sound like he has a problem.  Just like most people don't.

If the power lines aren't an issue for him now, they aren't going to be an issue for him during a storm.