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Weather Station Hardware => Ambient Weather and Ecowitt and other Fine Offset clones => Topic started by: Tempestus on February 13, 2020, 07:32:43 AM
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I'm looking to set up my first weather station and this being my first post I apologies in advance if I am asking dumb questions that have been answered before. Here goes...
I would like to have a console displaying current conditions and I would also like to be able to upload to Wunderground/WOW etc. I am thinking of getting the HP2551 console and a suite of separate sensors for outside temperature/humidity, indoor temperature/humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed/direction, rainfall, UV and light levels in W/m2 and at least one additional temperature sensor for greenhouse and other locations.
My research so far has led me here but before before I commit I have a couple of questions:
Does the HP2551c comes with an indoor temperature/humidity/baro sensor or do I need to order this separately?
I’m also not sure what extra functionality adding a GW1000 would add and whether the attached indoor sensors can be read by the console?
What frequency gives the best range that I can legally use in the UK.
So I think I need the following:
HP2551c console
WS68 anemometer
WH40 rain gauge
WH32 outdoor temp/hum sensor
WH31 temp/hum sensor (2off, or more depending if the console needs one)
GW1000 wifi gateway depending on extra functionality.
Am I on the right track?
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Welcome!
I think you have summarised nicely
To answer your questions the HP2552 which does not seem to be a product bundle anymore on their website is what you are after does indeed come with the internal temp/hygro/pressure sensor in the box
I think the HP2552 has been superseded by the HP2553 which exactly the same but come with the ultrasonic anemometer instead of the traditional wind cup version
The GW1000 gives you the ability to look at your sensor data on a phone app via live data while you are on your home network. It also uploads data and can be leveraged by third party software if you want to do clever stuff with your weather data as many folks do and is particularly popular facilitating the ability to keep a copy of your precious weather data locally.
In the UK you can legally use 433Mhz or 868Mhz of the 3 possible options. The 433Mhz has the most distance in theory from a pure radio perspective but given the power outputs involved is not likely to make much difference. If you go with 868Mhz then you will have the option to buy additional kit from other European sellers such as Froggit who only use 868Mhz but which will be cross compatible.
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The HP2551-C can not see the the GW1000's internal indoor temp/hum/barometer.
The HP2551-C requires the use of a special indoor sensor. It isn't listed on the website because this special sensor is included with a complete station kit. If you are putting a custom kit together then you'll need to contact Ecowitt so that it is included in your purchase.
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Thanks for the replies.
So the GW1000 adds phone app capability and gives some future proofing if I get hooked and want to store my own data and display using other software. Sounds like a good idea given the relatively small extra cost.
Do you think the ultra sonic anemometer is worth the extra. Presumably no moving parts so longer lasting and less maintenance. Can you gets spare parts for the ordinary spinning cups sensor or is it just a case of replacing the whole unit if it goes belly up?
I’ve emailed Ecowitt asking for a price for the bundle including the a couple of extra WH31 sensors. Where does Ecowitt ship from? Are there likely to be extra customs charges involved?
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Do you think the ultra sonic anemometer is worth the extra. Presumably no moving parts so longer lasting and less maintenance. Can you gets spare parts for the ordinary spinning cups sensor or is it just a case of replacing the whole unit if it goes belly up?
Yes, spare parts are available.
Where does Ecowitt ship from?
China
Are there likely to be extra customs charges involved?
Yes I think so. But I'll defer to Mandrake which is in the UK to confirm.
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I’m in UK and just bought a Froggit WH3000 SE off their German website, which is cheap and also in EU so no import duty (yet!).
Good starter system as it’s all in one (although not as adaptable as some others) but the display is nice and it has full app / WiFi connectivity. As well as feeding Ecowitt website I have it linked to my own home IoT set up: a Raspberry Pi with WeeWx software in it to record all the data, also feeding a internet-based data dashboard (Initial State) via MQTT and Node-Red flow. All works really well.
https://www.froggit.de/product_info.php?language=en&info=p287_froggit-wh3000-se-wifi-internet-app-weather-station-ecowitt-server.html
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I looked at the “all in one” sensor array versions but decided on separate sensors so I can place them at optimum heights. For instance my anemometer will have to be quite high to avoid too much influence from nearby trees/bushes but that would be too high for the temperature and rainfall sensors.
I’ll have another look at the froggit website to see if I can put together the equivalent bundle to the Ecowitt versions. As you say, this will avoid any import duties so might be cheaper, and maybe quicker too. If you believe everything in the media China could be effectively shutdown for a while with the Corona Virus.
I’m not a complete Luddite when it comes to IT but the Raspberry Pi and other techie stuff is outside my comfort zone so I’ll probably just stick with the basic built in web capabilities for now.
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Had another look at Froggit and although they list the console I want, HP1000SE(HP2551), the WiFi gateway DP1500(GW1000) and the temp/humidity sensor they don’t list the separate wind and rain sensors only the “all in one” array. Unless anyone knows different.
Looks like I’ll have to go the Ecowitt route and risk the import duty.
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Yes, for now Froggit is not offering an equivalent to the HP2552 that you seek.
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So to answer the tricky customs/import question.
In my case the fee came to a little over £15 for a full system which was mostly the service charge.
This was because I asked Ecowitt to minimise the value of the goods they describe on the shipping docket. They do this by describing the goods as evaluation to decrease the real value you actually paid.
Of course this is ethically debateable and each has to decide on their own if they want to do this.
I think however if you want the latest kit then you will need to goto Ecowitt.
You can purchase the spares for the anemometer from Ecowitt. The Ultrasonic is so new its impossible to tell how robust it will be but it looks like it should last reasonably well.
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I think I can probably live with "ethically debateable" if the alternative is paying even more money to our new chancellor and anyway, as it's my first weather station I will be 'evaluating' it ;)
As the ultrasonic is new I'll wait untill its been out longer to see what the longevity is like.
I emailed support@ecowitt yesterday asking for a price for the kit described in my OP (~midday UK time) but no reply yet. Maybe still on CoVid-19 extended Chinese New Year hols?
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They are back and working though I not sure what impact the Coronavirus outbreak is having on factory production.
Very often orders are manufactured just in time for individual orders so that does introduce delays and Ecowitt always bench test before they ship.
The office hours being in the East means that they are online early hours through to at the latest lunchtime for Europe/UK timezone. This means that you wont get any response from Lucy now until next week at the earliest.
Don't expect super fast order to shipping but you will get super support and interaction from them.
In my mind I am happy to wait a week or two for the given fact I know I am dealing with the original suppliers and they will do everything possible to make sure I am happy when I get it!
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Ok, thanks for the update. I realise I will have to wait a while so I'll sit tight for now and provide an update when I know more.
Thanks to all who replied for your help. [tup]
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Two emails sent to Ecowitt, one over a week ago, but no reply to either. Anyone had any interaction with them recently?
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Hi,
I received an email from Lucy three days ago. Are you emailing support@ecowitt.com ??
I have a GW1002 & 2551 console which make up my third PWS. You will be pleased if you choose Ecowitt. I prefer it to my two other PWS's.
Good Luck!!
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Thanks 2thepoint.
Good to know they are ok and it's just me that's having a problem. Yes, I've definitely been using the correct email address. I've just tried using the 'contact us' page on their website so I'll see if that gets a response.
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They are super busy, so keep trying they will get back to you eventually!
Think of it more of a bespoke retailer than a online outfit!
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So, two weeks and still no reply from Ecowitt. They may be busy and have been affected by the longer holidays due to Covid-19 but I would expect at least a simple acknowledgment of my emails.
Will try once more but am now going to look at alternatives which is a shame as I liked the Ecowitt product but now have no confidence in the customer service.
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Ecowitt customer service has always been exemplary. I think you are correct in your assessment regarding Covid-19. This is going to soon become a world crisis at a much more impactful scale. The stock market has already reacted to the CDC announcement.
Im sure you did, but to be sure did you check your spam folder? You can also try emailing from a different email account to be sure, maybe you ended up in their spam.
Let us know what else you find.
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So, two weeks and still no reply from Ecowitt. They may be busy and have been affected by the longer holidays due to Covid-19 but I would expect at least a simple acknowledgment of my emails.
Will try once more but am now going to look at alternatives which is a shame as I liked the Ecowitt product but now have no confidence in the customer service.
Yeah here too. Sent them a couple of emails weeks ago w/o reply back. Needless to say it cost them a sale.
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Quick update. Finally made contact using ecowittweather@outlook.com.
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So, it took quite a while thanks to the disruption caused by covid-19 but my order finally arrived a few days ago and I am now all set up and working. GW1000 uploading successfully to Ecowitt.net and to Wunderground as IBRIDG69. Very easy to set up. So far very pleased.
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Glad to hear. Put up some pictures when you get a chance.
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Hi,
I will use this topic as I think my question is appropriate to ask here and not open new topic for it.
I am in process of buying my first Ecowitt (or Froggit) WS, and I think that I decided which way to go, but I am not sure about this:
If I first buy GW1000 and later add HP2551-C (or froggit equivalent), will that console be able to pair directly with GW1000 and use information that it collects from connected sensors or will HP2551-C connect directly to sensors?
Why I need this?
Well as I live in city I am planning to put sensors on roof of building across the street and than put GW1000 to collect data from it and upload on my server or WU. GW1000 would be located on my balcony and I would use HP2551-C as display unit in my living room. I think that HP2551-C will not be able to connect directly to sensors as I have few reinforced concrete walls and maybe 20-50m of open space between HP2551 and sensors across the street. So basically I would like to use GW1000 as some kind of bridge, something like this:
Tripple sensor +2.5pm <-----> GW1000 <------> HP2551-C
If this is possible I would first buy Tripple sensor and GW1000 and first use it only online then later (if I really develop interest in displaying data on separate console) add HP2511-C.
I plan to go with Ecowitt but I have nothing against Froggit too as I will have to calculate what is more cheaper for me.
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The GW1000 and the HP2551 will be completely independant of each other.
The GW1000 will read your Tr-Wing array/PM2.5 etc and the HP2551 if you get it will also pick up the sensor transmissions (assuming that they can through the walls) and read them.
There is no connectivity at all between the GW1000 and the HP2551 and no bridging type capability.
What you could do if you want to display data is just buy the GW1000 and use a tablet running PWT that takes its data from the GW1000
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Hi!
What you could do if you want to display data is just buy the GW1000 and use a tablet running PWT that takes its data from the GW1000
Or just configure the HP2551C with custom server to PWT. There's no need for the GW1000 in this regard.
PWT does not care whether these data come from the GW1000 or another device. PWT just processes incoming data in Ecowitt format.
Regards, Oliver
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Well, my problem is that I am afraid that HP2551-C will not be able to "see" sensors that will be located on the roof of the building across the street (30-50m of open air and two rows of windows is the closest I can put them together).
For some reason I really want to have display unit in my living room that is showing weather data all the time (login to WU or opening app is OK for remote checking of data, but while I am at home I want to have it on my wall available at any time).
Tablet solution sounds good but I think that I will not be able to make nice enough wall mount and to make continuous power supply to it and there are no nice enough generic wall mounts for no name tablets (if I use iPad or something similar then it will be more costly then to buy console).
Are there known and tested data of how far apart sensor and console can be placed? In theory As mention above, I could manage to place console and sensors in a way that there will be two rows of glass windows (one row of the windows on the flat wall that looks in the balcony and other row of the closed balcony) and at least 30-50m of open air between buildings. Is it too far?
P.S.
What exactly is PWT (I thought it is PWS)? Are you olicat saying that I can tell HP2551-C to use data from that PWT instead of using data from sensors iteslf?
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Hi!
What exactly is PWT (I thought it is PWS)? Are you olicat saying that I can tell HP2551-C to use data from that PWT instead of using data from sensors iteslf?
PWT (http://cba.today/personal-weather-tablet/) is a nice Android-software to visualize (https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=39453.0) the weather data of your local weather station on a tablet.
It is just like another console - shows the same sensors like your original console. The transmission between the station and the tablet takes place via the network/WIFI.
But if you don't see any sensors on the console (in your case the station), you won't see them on the PWT either.
If the sensors are displayed on your console when they are closer to the console, the distance between these sensors and the station is probably too big.
So you would either have to bring the sensors closer to the station or the station closer to the sensors.
Mandrake's idea was to buy a GW1000 that could possibly be placed closer to the sensors and then make the display via WIFI on a tablet with a PHE.
But you will still not see these sensors on your original console of course.
Another idea that has already been discussed here in the forum would be an external antenna for the console to increase the range.
Greetings, Oliver
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If you plan on mixing parts from Ecowitt with Froggit then you must choose 868 MHz parts from Ecowitt. All Froggit stuff is only 868 MHz.
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Well, my problem is that I am afraid that HP2551-C will not be able to "see" sensors that will be located on the roof of the building across the street (30-50m of open air and two rows of windows is the closest I can put them together).
For some reason I really want to have display unit in my living room that is showing weather data all the time (login to WU or opening app is OK for remote checking of data, but while I am at home I want to have it on my wall available at any time).
Tablet solution sounds good but I think that I will not be able to make nice enough wall mount and to make continuous power supply to it and there are no nice enough generic wall mounts for no name tablets (if I use iPad or something similar then it will be more costly then to buy console).
Are there known and tested data of how far apart sensor and console can be placed? In theory As mention above, I could manage to place console and sensors in a way that there will be two rows of glass windows (one row of the windows on the flat wall that looks in the balcony and other row of the closed balcony) and at least 30-50m of open air between buildings. Is it too far?
P.S.
What exactly is PWT (I thought it is PWS)? Are you olicat saying that I can tell HP2551-C to use data from that PWT instead of using data from sensors iteslf?
I don’t use PWT but have something similar like described above, which is a cheap Android tablet (like Amazon £90) stuck on a wall with a USB power supply, runs a browser-based dashboard service (so uses WiFi to get to internet, relies on internet connectivity though). PWT sounds even better. Note this is in addition to my HP2551 though which is the device receiving all the sensor data currently and it will only show what it receives. Without extra aerials I’ve had no problems receiving from sensors about 30-40m away, through double glazing. But when I’ve tried it between solid walls, its dramatically lower. The manual has some expected range data I think.
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I just ordered HP1000SE PRO and will see what exactly to do with sensors when I get it.
I also need DP2.5 sensors as I live in heavy polluted city which in winter times exceed more than 100x allowed values. Is this sensor reliable for measuring pollution?
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I just ordered HP1000SE PRO and will see what exactly to do with sensors when I get it.
I also need DP2.5 sensors as I live in heavy polluted city which in winter times exceed more than 100x allowed values. Is this sensor reliable for measuring pollution?
The ultrasonic wind sensor is great. I’ve not got enough history re the pm2.5 sensor to judge, nor, to be fair, a close by and properly calibrated professional sensor to compare it to. I got a few weird high readings at first but I think that was because I got rain or material inside (I had the sensor in the open and at a bit of angle). Mine’s now in a more sheltered outdoor location and completely flat. There is another post on pm2.5 somewhere.
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