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Weather Station Hardware => Ambient Weather and Ecowitt and other Fine Offset clones => Topic started by: wase4711 on September 30, 2018, 05:55:04 PM

Title: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: wase4711 on September 30, 2018, 05:55:04 PM
Looks like there is a brand new station, model WS2000...might not have anything new aside from a better display console.
https://smile.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WS-2000-Station-Monitoring/dp/B07GRBY9NP/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_g1405964225?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0&ie=UTF8

Anyone bought one of these yet, and have any comments on it?

thanks!
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: galfert on September 30, 2018, 09:41:14 PM
Yes the WS-2000 is the same outdoor unit as the WS-2902A. Just the indoor display is different. The WS-2000 display though requires separate indoor temp/hum/pressure sensor.
https://ambientweather.net/help/what-are-the-differences-between-the-ws-2000-and-ws-2902a/

You can upgrade from one to the other by just adding a display. You can run multiple displays and have one of each or multiple of each display with the same single outdoor unit.

You can also start with a WS-1550-IP that has no display and later add a display.  You choices of display are the WS-2902A display or WS-2000 display or even WS-1900 display (same as WS-2902A display without WiFi which makes as an excellent 2nd or 3rd display at a lower price.)  You can also add the ObserverIP device to the WS-2902A or the to the WS-2000.

Mix and match and upgrade as you wish is the name of the game with Ambient Weather. You can even upgrade if you had an older WS-1400 by just replacing the outdoor device, since that just uses indoor ObserverIP (you'll need to update firmware though). Older WS-100x and WS-1200 displays won't work with the new outdoor sensor array. (this paragraph does not fully apply to you but it may serve to others that read this).

See these links for more info on WS-2000:
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=35178.0

https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=34962.0

Bottom line...if you really want to know more about the WS-2000 then just search this forum for WS-2902 or WS-2902A and you'll learn a great deal. For what matters (the outdoor unit) they are the same thing.

Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: Fokis on October 01, 2018, 03:49:23 PM
Gotta love that 2 star review by Brian.  It's really tough to tighten a U-Bolt to a pole  =D>
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: galfert on October 01, 2018, 04:44:10 PM
I struggled at first to find who Brian was and where his comments were posted. Then I found it on the Amazon reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3B9TRYCOLAZX7/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B07GRBY9NP

That guy deserves an award for finally taking on a home DIY project. Struggling with U-bolts.  Too funny.  Maybe he didn't get to play with these in preschool.
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I liked the reply from Ed of Ambient Weather.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: Fokis on October 01, 2018, 05:31:35 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: Fokis on October 01, 2018, 07:14:29 PM
I just bought the WS-2902A in June and the one thing I felt it was missing was the ability to support multiple sensors.

Now, here is the WS2000 with that exact functionality.  I love my WS-2902A, but I am tempted to upgrade and just have 2 weather stations on my house instead. 

Someone talk me out of it!
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: VinnyRI on October 01, 2018, 07:37:21 PM
You can buy the ObServer IP $36.99 to get multiple sensors. I have the 2902A with the ObServer IP and 3 extra sensors. All is working fine. Firmware was already at 4.4.7 for the extra sensors.

I just bought the WS-2902A in June and the one thing I felt it was missing was the ability to support multiple sensors.

Now, here is the WS2000 with that exact functionality.  I love my WS-2902A, but I am tempted to upgrade and just have 2 weather stations on my house instead. 

Someone talk me out of it!
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: nincehelser on October 01, 2018, 07:46:48 PM
I read that review, and "Brian" does have a point.  Dealing with all the brackets and such is a pain, especially as your dexterity and balance degrade with age and disease.

2 years ago I wouldn't have had a problem with the brackets.  Now it's a very different story for me.

"Brian" seems to have been talking about an Acurite 5n1 Pro.  It does come with a mounting adapter you scan screw into a wooden rail or post, but it's not something you need to use.  It's not hard to put the 5n1 on a 3/4" pole and tighten down two screws.  My only complaint is that the screws are very small, and not fun to find if you drop them in the grass.

Atlas is a different story.  It has one integrated knob that tightens on the pole with no tools.  I easily mounted an Atlas on a pole while I was still having problems standing and limited use of my right arm and hand.  You can't beat that.

Some of the complaints I've heard about the WS-2902A were the lack of additional sensors like Acurite has.  I guess the WS2000 is a response to that, but Acurite already goes beyond temp/humidity sensors, and more types are coming.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: SkellyCA on October 01, 2018, 07:56:24 PM
Quote
and more types are coming.

Like radiation perhaps? That's what I'd like to see.

I live in California, so I always wonder how much of that Fukushima stuff has made it over here.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: nincehelser on October 01, 2018, 08:24:11 PM
Quote
and more types are coming.

Like radiation perhaps? That's what I'd like to see.

I live in California, so I always wonder how much of that Fukushima stuff has made it over here.

I know some have requested that (like me), but I've no idea if they're working on one.

Indoor air quality and noise level sensors were mentioned at CES18, though.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: wase4711 on October 01, 2018, 08:25:51 PM
Indoor air quality would definitely be a most welcomed addition..
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: cjtamu on October 02, 2018, 08:33:07 AM
Ordered one of these yesterday, will leave feedback here as I try it out. And likely lean on some of y'all for support since this is my first weather station.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: Fokis on October 02, 2018, 05:28:52 PM
That would be great, thank you.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: tony on October 04, 2018, 07:34:56 AM
I have the ws-2000 and believe me it's 10 times better than the crappy Acurite systems I've owned for 4 years. I love the 2000 and wrote a short review of it on Amazon.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: wase4711 on October 04, 2018, 09:51:54 AM
any issues with it so far, or is it trouble free?

thanks
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: davefr on October 04, 2018, 09:57:51 AM
I have the ws-2000 and believe me it's 10 times better than the crappy Acurite systems I've owned for 4 years. I love the 2000 and wrote a short review of it on Amazon.

How far is your sensor to console and console to WiFi router?  Have you had any dropped/intermittent connections?
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: tony on October 04, 2018, 10:05:00 PM
My outdoor sensor is around 80 feet away from the console through glass sliding doors. I keep the console on my computer desk near the router. The separate temp/humidity/barometer sensor for the indoor reading is in the central part of my home around 25 feet away from the console. Never lost any data so far.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: wase4711 on October 06, 2018, 08:17:08 PM
well, got one of these today; returned my Acurite Atlas; too many problems and I didnt want to continue to trouble shoot for the mfg..
So far, so good, everything connected instantly, super simple to set up, connected to WU/PWS/Weathercloud/Ambient super fast and easy..having wifi on the console is a very nice touch

Any questions, just ask!
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: cjtamu on October 06, 2018, 08:59:40 PM
Received mine last night. Other obligations today so haven’t had time to connect it yet, and still deciding on location for sensor array. Hopefully get everything connected tomorrow. I did assemble the sensor array last night. Simple and was impressed with build quality. I found it odd that the set screw for the weather vane seats on the round part of the shaft rather than the flat side. I’ve built a LOT of machinery with set screws and never seen that. Is there some particular reason for this?
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: galfert on October 06, 2018, 10:30:32 PM
Did you inspect the set screw to see if maybe it had a dimple on the end? If it did then it might fit better with the round part of the shaft.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: davefr on October 06, 2018, 10:54:15 PM
well, got one of these today; returned my Acurite Atlas; too many problems and I didnt want to continue to trouble shoot for the mfg..
So far, so good, everything connected instantly, super simple to set up, connected to WU/PWS/Weathercloud/Ambient super fast and easy..having wifi on the console is a very nice touch

Any questions, just ask!

What's your sensor to console and console to WiFi router distance?

I want to dump Acurite but my old 5N1 and Access hub finally work OK with reliable connections.  (Atlas reception was much worse).

I just don't want to switch to Ambient if connection reliability rears it's ugly head.

TIA

Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: wase4711 on October 07, 2018, 12:07:45 AM
my sensor is 60 feet from the console; my wifi router is between the sensor and the console..no metal walls, stucco in Arizona;
Wifi signal on the console has been between 4 and 5 bars since I connected.
Use 2.4ghz connection
On Initial setup, the console recognized everything is less than 2 minutes

The connections to Ambient Weather/WU/PWS/weathercloud  took about 5 minutes total...seamless and no errors

So far, so good!

Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: cjtamu on October 07, 2018, 09:50:06 AM
Did you inspect the set screw to see if maybe it had a dimple on the end? If it did then it might fit better with the round part of the shift.

No, set screw comes installed in weather vane and I just backed out enough to install on the shaft. I can’t imagine it’s dimpled though, it would catch on the shaft before you got it snug. It’s snug now, hopefully if it stays that way.

Wase4711, seems like I read somewhere that you have to use 2.4 ghz connection? That’s what I was planning to use anyway, but might help others.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: wase4711 on October 07, 2018, 11:11:28 AM
yes, this is another internet device that must be used on a 2.4ghz network..
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: SWX on October 07, 2018, 08:30:12 PM
I really wish the WS-2000 supported Ambient’s TX-3102 soil moisture/thermometer, that alone would make me buy the WS-2000, should that display ever be sold separately.

Hopefully Ambient adds such sensors designed for the 2000/2902 in the future, and maybe a lightning detector (if possible) to compete with the Atlas.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: cjtamu on October 07, 2018, 11:22:09 PM
Finally got time to set mine up this evening. Smooth like butter. Setup menu and sub-menus are pretty intuitive and easy to follow. The hardest part of the whole process was actually getting registered as a new user on WU. Registering on Ambient Weather site was a snap. Display is beautiful and easy to read from any angle. It didn't see my 5 ghz connection, so assuming they just simplified that. I have a few comments/questions that hopefully will help others:

1) The u-bolt mounting system works great, very secure. I saw a review somewhere from someone who struggled with it. It's not hard, but the instructions could be a little better. The bracket portion has to fit into a slot on the array and that's not mentioned. Didn't figure that out until I was mounting it. Couple minutes swatting mosquitoes and unthreading nuts and it was fixed. I also had to spread the u-bolts slightly to get them to fit around the grooves on the array. Overall it was a pretty simple install and very solid once connected to the 1 1/2" diameter pole I used.

2) Soon as I set it up outside it showed 0.07" rainfall. We keep it cold inside (indoor temp sensor says it's 64.8 F right now) and it's hot and humid outside (it was 88 F and 70% or better humidity at the time). Could this be condensation from taking from the house to outside? I know what happens to my camera lenses!

3) I see nothing in the manual about formatting memory card or flashing firmware upgrades with the card. Small section on saving data to the card for backup/export, but nothing on formatting. Anyone know where to find this info?

4) There's a small number below the wind speed on display. Wind is from SE right now and it's reading 128 with what looks like a degree symbol after. Is this degrees off of true north?

Right now I have it mounted temporarily on a 5' high pole. I have an acre to play with and don't want to mount to the house with the winds and hurricanes we can get. Considering the Ambient Weather tripod mount with extensions and guy wire kit to get to 8-10'. Anyone have experience with this or similar? Thanks.

SupaWX, I'd love to have a lightning detector. I was actually going to email them and ask about the possibility. Maybe if everyone with 2XXX PWS did?
Title: Is mounting clamp ferrous steel?
Post by: davefr on October 08, 2018, 09:48:24 AM
One site I have in mind for WS2000 would be oceanfront on the OR coast.  Any ferrous metal will rust in just a few months even if it's galvanized.  Is the WS2000 mounting clamp ferrous steel, aluminum or stainless steel?

If it's ferrous steel, would it be easy to replace or fabricate one with stainless?



Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: galfert on October 08, 2018, 10:20:33 AM
I took a magnet to my mount U-bolt and plate and it is magnetic. So I suppose that means it is ferrous.

As a solution you could fabricate your own plate out of some thick aluminum. Use metal shears or Dremel to cut. Drill slits for ties. I think you might be able to get away with a flat plate and not worry about making it L shaped. But if you want to bend it, it probably wouldn't be too hard. Then use aluminum worm screw drive ties to complete. They are kind of like zip ties but they have a screw so that you can be more precise in tension. With regular aluminum zip ties you would be limited to whenever they click and you might not be able to make it tight enough. The worm screw drive ties are the type you use for clamping down a piece of hose. Make sure they are not too thick so that they fit in the U-bolt plastic slot to hold the device down.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: cjtamu on October 08, 2018, 10:30:53 AM
I'm about 30 miles inland from TX coast, so it will be interesting to see how they wear. Just looked at McMaster Carr and they have a selection of u-bolts and plates, including non-metallic. Might be an option if they have the correct size.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: davefr on October 08, 2018, 10:36:41 AM
^^^Thanks guys.  I'm confident I can come up with something.
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: dupreezd on October 08, 2018, 10:52:05 AM
Be careful when using dissimilar materials and they are in contact with each other.
Not so much a problem in a dry climate, but here in Texas close to the coast it might be an issue.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion)

Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: cjtamu on October 11, 2018, 02:57:22 PM
I emailed Ambient and one of the questions I asked was about lightning detector. Response was that lightning detector doesn't work unless certain conditions are met. I'm guessing meeting those conditions is cost prohibitive for a consumer grade PWS. Did a little reading of reviews for other systems that do have the lightning detector and it sounds like false positives are an issue. 
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: Oilswell on October 12, 2018, 11:19:07 PM
Hey all,

I'm a rookie here and just set up this unit today. So far I'm loving it.

Are there any other options to monitor via Android phone apart from weather underground or the ambient apps? I'd just like to find the best option, so far the both look pretty good but is there anything else?
Title: Re: WS2000 Opinions?
Post by: galfert on October 12, 2018, 11:33:08 PM
Well it supports 3 initial weather networks. Weather Underground, ambientweather.net, and WeatherCloud. But there is also the bonus of PWSweather through ambientweather.net.

You can got to those sites on your mobile browser. Only ambientweather.net and WU have apps. For some things I still prefer the browser than the app for WU.

I've tested some apps that read your WU data. But they were not great so I have nothing else to recommend.