My questions are:
-How much is shipping typically to the United States? The equipment on Ecowitt's website is less expensive, but I know shipping will likely bring it in line with Ambient's pricing.
Since you'll likely be creating a custom configuration of parts from Ecowitt, you'll have to ask them for a complete quote for what you want. They respond pretty quickly.
-Is my perception of the sonic anemometer being a better option versus the traditional anemometer based in reality? Will a traditional anemometer read the highest gust within the 16 second update interval?
Yes the traditional spinning anemometer will record the highest wind gust within that 16 second update interval. The anemometer basically samples every second and in that 16 second interval it keeps the highest reading as the gust and the average of the 16 samples as the reported wind for that 16 sec interval. In my opinion although the ultrasonic has some advantages it also has some disadvantages like it doesn't have as high of a max wind capability so you won't be able to clock that next hurricane as high. The ultrasonic also has a bad placement for the outdoor temperature/humidity sensor although that can be fixed by getting the WH32 sensor...but that adds even more cost to an already more expensive station. There are other differences which means that there are pros and cons of either type of anemometer.
Being that you are in the US also presents another problem for those wanting the ultrasonic.....you will not be able to buy it from Ecowitt as they will not ship that part to the US. Ambient has an exclusive on the ultrasonic for US sales. You can get an Ecowitt station and later when Ambient has the part available then add it separately. Be sure to get 915 MHz from Ecowitt so that Ambient sensors work.
You can add Ambient sensors to Ecowitt consoles....but you can't do the opposite. You cannot add Ecowitt sensors to Ambient consoles.
-Does Ecowitt require a connection to their servers? (Security concerns as they are based in China). All the information on their websites leads me to believe that is a no unless I'd like to use the Ecowitt.net platform.
The Ecowitt consoles have the ability to upload weather data to Ecowitt.net if you want. That is totally optional. I don't see the security concern. You create an account and the only thing you are using is your email address and a password for that service along with your location so that you show up on the map in the right place. I hardly see a reason for concern. But again...that is optional. You can also post your data to Ecowitt.net privately or publicly...your choice.
Open to all comments and suggestions!
I recommend you start with the GW1002 as a complete kit from what you are describing as your needs. Then later on you can add and switch to the ultrasonic when it becomes available from Ambient. At any point you can add a display from Ecowitt...or not...up to you. You can also get additional sensors; lightning, soil moisture, water leak, or their soon to be released soil moisture with temperature, or add extra room temperature/humidity sensors. If you ever want to expand and do more with your data you can consider interfacing the GW1000 with Cumulus MX, Meteobridge, Weather-Display, or WeeWX. Keep in mind that the Meteobridge option if you get it from Ambient (which they call a WeatherBridge) will allow you to send data to AmbientWeather.net and take advantage of the unique features that Ecowitt.net doesn't have.