Topic: Vantage Vue or wmr200?

[ukwoody]

Hi all,

well I'm sending back my wh3080 after terrible reliability and am looking for other options.  Originally I had a wmr918 which was fantasic but eventually died.  So I have a slight leaning towards OS, but lets be honest here, Davis has an enviable reputation.

I like the fact the 200 has seperate sensors, which in my location is no bad thing, but there seems to be question marks over it's quality. The Vue seems to be reliable and well received but is one complete unit, which will need to be mounted onm a scaffold pole about 18' in the air (so will the wmr200 cups though).

So, with budget not streching to the VP2, which one should I go for? and why? chaps and chapesses! Before you ask, i'm in the Uk, average size garden suroounded by trees, lol)

regards
Woody

[sunsluv]

I returned my Oregon Scientific WMR200A due to numerous problems with ALL the sensors.
To replace it I ordered the Davis Vantage VUE and my husband just finished installing it in our yard. So far it is working PERFECTLY! No problems at all. I love it!

[Skywatch]

I have both a Pro2 and a WMR200 and I'm happy with both.

The Vue and WMR200 both have their strengths and weaknesses

Vue
pros
*wind updates faster (2.5 seconds)
*Rain gauge reports in 0.01 increments.
*transmitter is better. More reliable and can add repeaters if needed.
*Console graphs and records more info on all weather data.
*Sensors are more rock solid and you can replace individual parts like wind cups rain gauge tipper
*solar shield for temp/hum sensors is better
*All sensors are solar powered
cons

*as stated the sensor is an all in one which makes siting tricky
*Data logging and PC interface is separate and runs for around 150$.
*Sensors aren't expandable. what's included is what you get.
*if something were to go wrong with the sensor unit (internally) you'll have to replace the whole sensor unit or fix it your self. and the replacement sensor isn't cheap.

WMR200
pros
*sensors are individual and can be better sited
*PC interface and data logging is included
*Sensor options are expandable like UV index and temperature and humidity which you can add up to 10.
*Sensors are cheaper if one were to fail
*Pole and mounting hardware is included
*wind sensor is more sensitive to lighter winds

cons
*solar shield on temperature and humidity isn't all that good and you might need to locate in shady spot away from the wind sensor and *solar panel which partially defeats the purpose of the included solar panel
*Solar panel doesn't store energy just provides it during day light hours
*Rain gauge uses 0.04 increments
*Humidity isn't all that accurate
*sensors are slower reporting

I will say as far as email communication goes OS and Davis are both the same it will take a week after submitting a query before they reply. By then a little trial and error would have solved a problem.  

[ukwoody]

many thanks for your input guys.

Woody

[Old Tele man]

...for what it's worth (very little), here's my 2˘ opinion:

• get the OSI WMR200 if you're just curious about weather and not terribly concerned about 'what numbers the weather are telling you.'

• get the Davis™ Vue if you're truly interested in weather and truly want to know 'what numbers the weather are telling you.'

...it's all about '...slight...' errors cascading into other errors: (a) OSI temperatures are affected by the inadequate solar shield provided, the Davis VUE design isn't affected nearly as much. (b) OSI humidity values become less accurate beyond 30-80%RH, the Davis easily handles 5-95%RH. (c) both OSI and Davis DEW POINT temperatures are calculated from their %RH values, so the OSI numbers are far less accurate beyond 30-80%RH than the Davis.

[ukwoody]

cheers for that Old teleman.  That is really helpful thoughts
woody