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Weather Station Hardware => What Weather Station Should I Buy? => Topic started by: Medic502 on October 06, 2018, 05:11:33 PM
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We are in a small town in SC and have recently budgeted 1000 dollars to purchase a weather station to install at our Rescue Squad building in town.
There was one online station in town but the owner is relocating to another town...we had used his station in the past to determine wind speeds and rain amounts ... Especially recently during the impact from Hurricane Florence.
Looking to share the data on weather underground, is the plan at this time and also considering a web cam also if we can do this for under $1000.
We are a volunteer organization with limited funds, so this is a big purchase for us.
We do have internet access at the building.
We have just started looking at different stations and would appreciate any advice on the purchase and installation.
Thanks
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The top of line stations are the Davis Instruments ones like the Vantage Pro 2. There are different options. They range from $600 to $1,300
Here's a comparison chart...
Vantage View Pro Comparison Chart (https://www.davisinstruments.com/solution/vantage-pro2/)
Then you need a data logger($300 - $750) and the software is by subscription, $0 to $9/month.
Weatherlink and Data Logger info...
Weather link and Data Logger info (https://www.davisinstruments.com/weatherlink/)
There is also the Davis Vantage Vue for $400, might be cheaper on Amazon
Davis Vantage View (https://www.davisinstruments.com/solution/vantage-vue/)
You also need a data logger for that, then the software.
I have the new Acurite Atlas which I like. Software is free and it uploads to Wunderground(free). The Atlas can be found on Amazon with everything to need to to upload the info for $254...
Acurite Atlas (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XKB239/?coliid=I5K2SC1HCQXGH&colid=MUG0SDO321YO&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
Then some people like the Ambient WS-2000 at Amazon for $230
Ambient WS-2000 (https://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WS-2000-Station-Monitoring/dp/B07GRBY9NP/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1538861878&sr=1-4&keywords=ambient+weather+ws-2000)
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The top of line stations are the Davis Instruments ones like the Vantage Pro 2. There are different options. They range from $600 to $1,300
Here's a comparison chart...
Vantage View Pro Comparison Chart (https://www.davisinstruments.com/solution/vantage-pro2/)
Then you need a data logger($300 - $750) and the software is by subscription, $0 to $9/month.
Don't know where you shop at but the data logger is only about $150 at most and their is no subscription using serial/usb and you can send your data wherever you want.
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The Acurite Atlas also has extra options that you can buy separately. The link I posted does include the Access which connets to your router so you can upload the data. It also includes the lightning sensor.
You can also add a wind extension, an external battery pack or an AC power adaptor. The link for those is here...
Acurite Atlas Addons (https://www.acurite.com/atlas-weather-station.html)
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The top of line stations are the Davis Instruments ones like the Vantage Pro 2. There are different options. They range from $600 to $1,300
Here's a comparison chart...
Vantage View Pro Comparison Chart (https://www.davisinstruments.com/solution/vantage-pro2/)
Then you need a data logger($300 - $750) and the software is by subscription, $0 to $9/month.
Don't know where you shop at but the data logger is only about $150 at most and their is no subscription using serial/usb and you can send your data wherever you want.
That price was from the Davis website. I'm not sure who has the best price.
If you use the serial/usb, that means leaving your computer on 24/7 right?
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Most of the volunteer FDs up here, and the SAR gang use Davis or RM Young. You can EASILY get a top quality DAvis station with all the bells and whistles within your budget. Including all the uploading your heart desires.
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The top of line stations are the Davis Instruments ones like the Vantage Pro 2. There are different options. They range from $600 to $1,300
Here's a comparison chart...
Vantage View Pro Comparison Chart (https://www.davisinstruments.com/solution/vantage-pro2/)
Then you need a data logger($300 - $750) and the software is by subscription, $0 to $9/month.
Don't know where you shop at but the data logger is only about $150 at most and their is no subscription using serial/usb and you can send your data wherever you want.
That price was from the Davis website. I'm not sure who has the best price.
If you use the serial/usb, that means leaving your computer on 24/7 right?
I think you are conflating it with some of the Weatherink.com stuff. And you have a choice now of two wifi enabler logger/interfaces for around $200 that negate the need for a 24/7 computer entirely.
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The top of line stations are the Davis Instruments ones ...
Disagree. Though they may be the priciest since they charge highly for their brand name.
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The top of line stations are the Davis Instruments ones ...
Disagree. Though they may be the priciest since they charge highly for their brand name.
You get what you pay for. Like Bushman said, "Most of the volunteer FDs up here, and the SAR gang use Davis or RM Young."
I suppose there's a reason for this, as it's the same "down here" too.
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If you use the serial/usb, that means leaving your computer on 24/7 right?
Not necessarily. You can use a Meteobridge device or a Raspberry Pi (which is not a traditional computer).
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Rescue Squad building may not be the best location for a town weather station. Unless you can site it probably there could be some potential challenges or added costs.
The height of the building may be taller than most houses. Since you mentioned wind speeds are a concern then you'll want to be sure the anemometer is not blocked. Besides the weather station you'll need to consider mounting costs. If you put the anemometer on top of the building then you'll probably want to be sure it is a Davis VP2 so that you can separate the anemometer from the rain gauge and temp/hum sensor. Then though you may also need an extra anemometer transmitter because of the separation from the base transmitter.
Then the base sensor with rain, temp and humidity need to be far enough from the building, road or parking lot so that your rain, temperature and humidity aren't affected. Mounting the whole thing on top of the roof is not the best for temp/hum and rain. Don't forget about the trees too.
With all those challenges it may be cheaper to think about siting it elsewhere. I don't know your rescue squad building and it may not have any of the challenges I mentioned. I just wanted you to have these things in mind just incase there was a better location to consider. A different location may let you get away with using a cheaper all in one type hardware. Although your wind would then suffer. But a better location may have reduced siting costs.
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The top of line stations are the Davis Instruments ones like the Vantage Pro 2. There are different options. They range from $600 to $1,300
Here's a comparison chart...
Vantage View Pro Comparison Chart (https://www.davisinstruments.com/solution/vantage-pro2/)
Then you need a data logger($300 - $750) and the software is by subscription, $0 to $9/month.
Don't know where you shop at but the data logger is only about $150 at most and their is no subscription using serial/usb and you can send your data wherever you want.
That price was from the Davis website. I'm not sure who has the best price.
If you use the serial/usb, that means leaving your computer on 24/7 right?
I think you are conflating it with some of the Weatherink.com stuff. And you have a choice now of two wifi enabler logger/interfaces for around $200 that negate the need for a 24/7 computer entirely.
I could be but my point was that one couldn't just buy hardware. Whether that cost is $200, $100 or $10, it still needs to be factored in to the total cost if he doesn't want his computer on 24/7
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If you use the serial/usb, that means leaving your computer on 24/7 right?
Not necessarily. You can use a Meteobridge device or a Raspberry Pi (which is not a traditional computer).
That's true but I get the impression that the op wants something simple to set up and use. I don't know anything about Meteobridge but I think Raspberry Pi is a little more complicated.
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If you use the serial/usb, that means leaving your computer on 24/7 right?
Not necessarily. You can use a Meteobridge device or a Raspberry Pi (which is not a traditional computer).
That's true but I get the impression that the op wants something simple to set up and use. I don't know anything about Meteobridge but I think Raspberry Pi is a little more complicated.
Not really. Maybe for some like you, but there are numerous setups that require next-to-nothing for setup.
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The Acurite Atlas also has extra options that you can buy separately. The link I posted does include the Access which connets to your router so you can upload the data. It also includes the lightning sensor.
You can also add a wind extension, an external battery pack or an AC power adaptor. The link for those is here...
Acurite Atlas Addons (https://www.acurite.com/atlas-weather-station.html)
Given the proprietary nature of the Atlas, I would strongly discourage a public safety provide from using it. You need fast, local data not dependant on the cloud.
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The Acurite Atlas also has extra options that you can buy separately. The link I posted does include the Access which connets to your router so you can upload the data. It also includes the lightning sensor.
You can also add a wind extension, an external battery pack or an AC power adaptor. The link for those is here...
Acurite Atlas Addons (https://www.acurite.com/atlas-weather-station.html)
Given the proprietary nature of the Atlas, I would strongly discourage a public safety provide from using it. You need fast, local data not dependant on the cloud.
That's why you get a display.
The Atlas has no reliance on "the cloud".
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If you use the serial/usb, that means leaving your computer on 24/7 right?
Not necessarily. You can use a Meteobridge device or a Raspberry Pi (which is not a traditional computer).
That's true but I get the impression that the op wants something simple to set up and use. I don't know anything about Meteobridge but I think Raspberry Pi is a little more complicated.
Not really. Maybe for some like you, but there are numerous setups that require next-to-nothing for setup.
Nope, not for me. The Raspberry Pi isn't real complicated but it isn't plug and play either. Which is why I said it's "a little more complicated."
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Thanks for the replies... There are not any trees around our building and the height of the roof would be equal or less than a single story home. We do have a metal roof covering that was added a few years ago.
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Also our desktop PC runs 24/7 as I broadcast a scanner feed of our radio transmissions online.
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The Acurite Atlas also has extra options that you can buy separately. The link I posted does include the Access which connets to your router so you can upload the data. It also includes the lightning sensor.
You can also add a wind extension, an external battery pack or an AC power adaptor. The link for those is here...
Acurite Atlas Addons (https://www.acurite.com/atlas-weather-station.html)
Given the proprietary nature of the Atlas, I would strongly discourage a public safety provide from using it. You need fast, local data not dependant on the cloud.
That's why you get a display.
The Atlas has no reliance on "the cloud".
Spoken like someone with no idea how SAR or VFD works. Thanks for playing!
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Thanks for the replies... There are not any trees around our building and the height of the roof would be equal or less than a single story home. We do have a metal roof covering that was added a few years ago.
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Metal roof is no issue with RM Young or Davis.
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The Acurite Atlas also has extra options that you can buy separately. The link I posted does include the Access which connets to your router so you can upload the data. It also includes the lightning sensor.
You can also add a wind extension, an external battery pack or an AC power adaptor. The link for those is here...
Acurite Atlas Addons (https://www.acurite.com/atlas-weather-station.html)
Given the proprietary nature of the Atlas, I would strongly discourage a public safety provide from using it. You need fast, local data not dependant on the cloud.
That's why you get a display.
The Atlas has no reliance on "the cloud".
Spoken like someone with no idea how SAR or VFD works. Thanks for playing!
Spoken like someone who hasn't a clue what they're talking about. Again. :roll:
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You may look into this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-6152-WEATHERBRIDGE-Instruments-Compatible/dp/B00FQN0YLG/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1538912458&sr=1-1&keywords=Ambient+Weather
or this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-6250-WEATHERBRIDGE-Instruments-Compatible/dp/B00FPTJEDA/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1538912961&sr=1-4&keywords=Ambient+Weather
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Guys, can the bickering.
The OP wants suggestions. Let's stick to that.
As was mentioned above you get what you pay for. Paying a little more now enables a little more piece of mind down the road.
Also want to mention that the Davis units do offer as refurbishment program. After a few years of use you send it in and they repair or replace accordingly for a nominal fee.
Just a suggestion but I would go with the Davis VP2 unit and purchase the anemometer transmitter. That way you can mount the anny on top of your roof and keep the temp/humidity and rain gauge at ground level.
If you do decide to go with a Davis product you can't beat the prices at Scientific Sales.
https://www.scientificsales.com/
Good luck with your choice.
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Ryan at scaledinstruments.com has always been cheaper IME. PLus he stocks the little parts, too.
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I am located in Macon County NC. There are 9 Fire/Rescue stations in county. The 2 that are located in the towns have any full time paid personnel. The other 7 are volunteer.
I know that there are 2 of the volunteer stations that have a weather station reporting to Weather Underground. Both have been online for at least 4+ years. Both are using Davis VP2 stations.
Your $1000 USD budget should be sufficient for a system and a camera. The price listed on the Davis web pages is the MSRP and is significantly higher than you have to pay. Scientific Sales (https://www.scientificsales.com/Davis-Vantage-Pro2-weather-station-s/57.htm) or Scaled Instruments (https://www.scaledinstruments.com/discount-price-list/) will give a real price. Both of these are usually better than Amazon.
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Ryan at scaledinstruments.com has always been cheaper IME. PLus he stocks the little parts, too.
Your right. My mistake. I meant scaled instruments.
:oops:
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If you use the serial/usb, that means leaving your computer on 24/7 right?
Not necessarily. You can use a Meteobridge device or a Raspberry Pi (which is not a traditional computer).
That's true but I get the impression that the op wants something simple to set up and use. I don't know anything about Meteobridge but I think Raspberry Pi is a little more complicated.
Not really. Maybe for some like you, but there are numerous setups that require next-to-nothing for setup.
I like Pis (I have three of them. one of which records and passes on the data from my VP2+). However, I wouldn't recommend this approach for someone who wants a 'plug & play solution', since even 'canned' setups will go wrong from time to time, and the Pi's OS and software needs to be be updated reasonably regularly, if it is to stay healthy. It's not rocket science, but it's not totally straightforward, either.
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I like Pis (I have three of them. one of which records and passes on the data from my VP2+). However, I wouldn't recommend this approach for someone who wants a 'plug & play solution', since even 'canned' setups will go wrong from time to time, and the Pi's OS and software needs to be be updated reasonably regularly, if it is to stay healthy. It's not rocket science, but it's not totally straightforward, either.
Ditto on the Pis.
Once upon a time I was thinking of creating an image specifically for weewx, a database, and web server, but I never got around to it. RTL_433 would be another nice addition. Think meteobridge on steroids without the licensing fees or hardware restrictions.
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If you look beyond the usual stuff from Davis that typical enthusiasts buy, Davis offers options in their catalog to transmit observations via cellular, APRS/radio, and probably even carrier pigeon from the middle of a farm field. It is worth consulting with one of the professionals above to determine the best solution for your exact needs, and make them earn their salary.....
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Probably will end up going with a Davis station...
Trying to figure out the correct mounting location is what I am looking at now.
I was planning on a tripod on the top of the lower end of the building... But now I am rethinking and trying to find a location for the temperature and humidity sensor that will be lower.
We have an open area approximately 40' x 40' next to the building... but this is where everyone parks and I just can't risk getting the sensor ran over by placing out in the middle... and I am also concerned about theft to be honest.
So I can get the anemometer at around 30 feet with no big problem... But the temperature/humidity sensor and rain gauge is going to be a problem for me to locate in an ideal location. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181008/a98d558955c6dfadf2129f7971e04dbb.jpg)
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Could you get permission from whoever owns the space to locate the ISS in the fenced grassy area just beyond the station in your picture? The fence would give you some extra security (from accidental damage and theft).
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Or build your own fenced area in the grassy field where people park. Small 4 fence sections with locked gate.
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I was planning on a tripod on the top of the lower end of the building... But now I am rethinking and trying to find a location for the temperature and humidity sensor that will be lower.
The last thing you want is to put the ISS on the roof. All that will accomplish is giving you the temperature of your nice, black, shingled roof when in the sun and well after it sets. The tripod on the grass would be ideal. Here's some guidelines.
https://www.weather.gov/media/epz/mesonet/CWOP-Siting.pdf
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Fenced area belongs to the town and the water system is in that area so it is off limits... The roof is metal and not shingles...don't know if that matters or not.
Could you get permission from whoever owns the space to locate the ISS in the fenced grassy area just beyond the station in your picture? The fence would give you some extra security (from accidental damage and theft).
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Fenced area belongs to the town and the water system is in that area so it is off limits...
Would it be worth asking them, anyway? You should only need occasional access to the ISS - if something goes wrong and to replace batteries every couple of years - and it certainly shouldn't contaminate the water! You are also not just a random civilian asking for a favor!
The roof is metal and not shingles...don't know if that matters or not.
Not really - any sort of roof should be an absolutely last resort for the siting of a weather station.
Could you get permission from whoever owns the space to locate the ISS in the fenced grassy area just beyond the station in your picture? The fence would give you some extra security (from accidental damage and theft).
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The roof is metal and not shingles...don't know if that matters or not.
If it were white, possibly, being black(ish), forget it, just as bad.
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... and I am also concerned about theft to be honest.
Has there ever been a thread about theft/vandalism issues here?
Out in the country, the only problem I've had is kids with guns targeting the anemometer and wind vane.
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One here: http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=31734.msg318424#msg318424
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I would get the anemometer transmitter and put it up on your tower. Then I'd put the ISS on a square wood post behind the building on the grass next to the round bush. Doesn't block parking on the other side. If security is a concern then put a small square fence around it and add barbed wire on top.
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hello....
I have a slightly used DAViS VANTAGE VUE I can sell you for $150.00 if your interested but if you want brand new go to ryan at scaled instruments, his prices are the best. Brand new Vantage vue is less than $300.00 at most online shops.
you will also need a Data logger which will run around $118.00.
Good Luck with your Station.....Chris
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Even if the OP is still looking at this thread, with his budget I'd never consider a Vue, not even a close call. VP2 all the way.
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Just purchased the Vantage Pro2 with the aspirated radiation shield and wireless transmitter for the anemometer. Thanks for all of the replies.
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=D> Undoubtedly, even more than sensor specs, ect., the most important part of a wx station is siting. Have you figured out somewhere appropriate for the ISS?
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I want to try an put the ISS here... Red Mark... 70 feet between buildings. This is about the best I can do... And I am going to have to put it slightly closer to the back of the lot.
Unfortunately the Trees in back and some shrubs... have grown a good bit since this Google pic. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181028/3af6b2c8fffae1eafb19a7f6b1e4252e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181028/512b717542dc6d84e494eac89d67a9b2.jpg)
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Looks like that should be fine. Hopefully vandals will leave it alone. Hard to say with the older pic, but rain shadow from the trees may effect accurate rain measurement. Since you bought a remote tx, I assume the anny is going up high where it belongs?
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How high will it be mounted.
I'd like to see an after pic after it's mounted.
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Davis VP2 is the best choice. You don't want to be replacing this weather station often. My VP2 has been going strong for 11 years, except for the direct lightning strike it sustained in 2010.
As far as mounting, it appears there is a wooden pole there for the outdoor warning system. I would mount the station to that pole, and run your anemometer up about 20' high on it. That's the perfect solution.