Topic: My WS-5000 is dying, what next?

[N6GQ]

I got one of the first WS-5000s 5 or 6 years ago. It’s worked ok but it’s dying - lately things stop working and I’m struggling to keep it online with all sensors working. So I think it’s time to upgrade. Davis?

I’m in TX, and right now I have an Ambient lightning sensor as well as a few remote wireless temp sensors for pool temp, remote parts of the house temp, etc. So I’d want to be able to add similar.

I want all the standard sensors on the 5000 in the next station. Basically a better quality 5000 is where I’m going. Is that a VP2? Anything else?

[K2MIT]

I really like my VP2. I would buy the Integrator Sensor Suite (several different versions if you want UV recordings) alone and then buy Weatherlink Live.  I am not a fan of their old or new consoles and Weatherlink live is app or web based and allows you to upload data to CWOP, Weather Underground and WOW in the U.K.

My VP2 is on the top of my ham tower for almost 9 years and I finally had to replace the anemometer/wind vane (about $200) this year.

For replacement parts and whole units, I found Scientific Sales in NJ to have great prices and fast shipping . I am just a customer and have no affiliation.

Good luck.

[mikecorr]

My WS-5000 also just died, after 2 years - but I'm in a tough marine environment where electronics struggle to survive.

I decided to try a WS-2902, but experienced numerous WiFi connectivity issues, so I am an in process of returning that array. FWIW, I found Ambient tech support to be very poor, so I'm looking for a better supplier.

I may be heading for a Davis 6242, but need to research if / how many sensors are replaceable. With the WS-5000, everything is integrated such that if one sensor fails, the array is disposable.   

[N6GQ]

My WS-5000 also just died, after 2 years - but I'm in a tough marine environment where electronics struggle to survive.

I decided to try a WS-2902, but experienced numerous WiFi connectivity issues, so I am an in process of returning that array. FWIW, I found Ambient tech support to be very poor, so I'm looking for a better supplier.

I may be heading for a Davis 6242, but need to research if / how many sensors are replaceable. With the WS-5000, everything is integrated such that if one sensor fails, the array is disposable.

Thanks, ya, I've been considering the Vantage Pro or Vantage Vue also. My first WS-5000 leaked, and they replaced the whole thing under warranty, but it seems these things have a lifespan here in the Texas sun - I've gotten 5 years out of it so I guess thats not too bad. I've looked at the Ecowitt devices, same as Ambient, but not sure I want to do it all over again, or just go Davis. I do like the possibility of adding other sensors, and the Vantage Vue I think doesn't have those options, so the Pro might be the only option, and that's 2x+ the price. Sigh.

[wd40]

I was just going to post a question about the 5000 when I saw your post.  My acurite Atlas took a hit by lightning.  I do not want to go down the accurite road again.  I was just going ot post the question on how users like the WS-5000.

Did you find the wind speed to be reasonable accurate?

I too thought about Davis but it is just a bit more than my budget albeit well worth the price from my research.

[N6GQ]

I was just going to post a question about the 5000 when I saw your post.  My acurite Atlas took a hit by lightning.  I do not want to go down the accurite road again.  I was just going ot post the question on how users like the WS-5000.

Did you find the wind speed to be reasonable accurate?

I too thought about Davis but it is just a bit more than my budget albeit well worth the price from my research.

So my WS5000 is still working - it went offline for a while then recovered. Wondering if the internal battery is starting to get tired. Regardless its still going and until it dies completely I guess I'll leave it as is. I didn't get the Davis, its also a bit more than I want to spend but it may be what I do next. The WS5000 seems reasonably accurate for wind, rain, temps as far as I can tell. Its worked reasonably well given the lower price. So I don't think its a bad unit if you keep expectations at the price level.

Best of luck...