My compliments to Chaney & Acu-Rite for producing a quality wx station at an affordable price.
I have much confidence in the data that I'm reading from the Acu-Rite #01010 with the 5N1 integrated sensor. ($99 from Walmart)
The week comparison of data from 3 automated wx systems and 3 manual rain gauges are here:
http://www.lexingtonwx.com/comparison.htm This comparison will continue through 17 August.
I'm careful reading and entering the daily comparison data. I must remember to read daily data before midnight because the dailys will be lost. This morning the MMTS max temp looked wrong comparing with the Acu-Rite and the VP2+. I double checked and found that I'd recorded the MMTS previous day's high as yesterday's high. It's good to have several wx systems to rely on.
Rhino says that the 5N1 sensor batteries and the console batteries should last about 2 years, depending on quality of batteries used. There is no AC power option on the #01010 console. Other consoles are more exotic. BTW, the 5N1 sensors are compatible with several of their console models. Also, Rhino says that the weather bridge will send data from the 5N1 to a home network for your computer connection.
I made a -.04 baro correction to the VP2+ to bring it closer to the QC data in CWOP. This will also bring the VP2+ baro reading closer to the Acu-Rite. This change will show in tomorrow's comparison.
When you get your Acu-Rite at Wallyworld, pick up batteries also (batteries not included).
I'm working on connecting a Peet Ultimeter Pro (
http://www.peetbros.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=14 ) drop counting rain gauge to a Davis VP(original). Maybe I'll have the VP system on the pole today and I hope it'll be the Peet measuring the rain we're expecting today.
The Peet already measures rain to a resolution of 0.001". I hope to modify it to read rain to 0.001" to be an early indication of when the rain started.
Enjoy, Al