Topic: OSI vs Honeywell

[Snowda]

In comparing these two on Ambient's chart the Honeywell actually seems to have better stats than the OSI.  The one place the OSI seems to do a lot better is wind direction.  The Honeywell (TE923W) appears to only give direction in 22.5 degree increments and could be off by up to 11.25.  For my purposes this seems like it'd be accurate enough.  Is there a good reason to want more accurate wind direction other than curiosity or statistical comparisons?  Am I reading this correctly that it is degrees and not percent?

Any ideas on the Honeywell vs the OSI (WMR-968) otherwise?  I'm guessing Ambient is discontinuing the Honeywells for some reason, does anyone know why?

Thanks,

[ANPweather]

I don't know if Ambient is discontinuing the Honeywell but Honeywell does have a new model that may be a replacement for the current one.

http://www.honeywellweatherstations.com/Atomic%20Weather%20Stations.htm

[Snowda]

Ambient isn't carrying the newer one (which does appear to be on the market) so I'm wondering if they've had problems with the Honeywell's.  They're apparently made by a company named Hideki in China who is just using the Honeywell name to sell them.

[carterlake]

Here's the questions I have:

What weather software will support the Honeywell?

How long has Honeywell been selling weather stations?

After reception is established (all of the remote readings will appear on the main unit’s display), position the remote sensors and the main unit within the effective transmission range of up to 328 feet (100 meters). Ideally they should be placed within the line of sight of the main unit.

I worry a lot about this. Ideally placed line of sight with the main unit? You mean, like in a window? What is the effective range of the device in a real-world situation?

Also, the outside units take lots of AA batteries, all of which need replaced periodically... that's 2 for the rain gauge... 2 for the UV sensor... 2 for the wind gauge (oh yes, the one way up there on the pole)... and 2 for the thermo/hydro sensor.

These are things you want to think about before buying.

[Snowda]

I think you just put the kabosh on the Honeywell.  The sensors not being solar powered would be a pita.

Thanks!

[ANPweather]

It comes with software called Weather Capture. There is an apparently newer version on their website. Weather Display also supports Honeywell.

Personally I'm not so sure the lack of solar cells is a big problem. In my case the best place for the temperature sensor is under a big tree. The second best is at the corner of the house shaded by that same tree. In either case a solar cell probably won't work very well unless I extend the cable between the two.

What little usage info I've found on the Honeywell seems to indicate that the batteries last typically last 1-2 years. I've also read that the OS rechargeable cells need to be replaced as well after about 2 years. I suspect a set of alkaline AAs on sale would be cheaper than a set of recharables.

[schaka]

I'm currently using the TE923. It's been up and running for about 6 months. The hardware performs well. The wireless operation has been excellent. The hygrometer, anemometer, solar sensor and rain gage are all within about 50 ft of the base unit. Communication as not been an issue.

I use lithium AA batteries. My experience is that the alkaline do not last as long and are prone to freezing. I live in the Midwest!

The software is a piece of crap! No FTP and only 5 minute updates! Weather Display appears to be the only software that utilizes the capabilities of the hardware