I did not want to use the the oft misused term "professional" weather station but something that would be "prosumer" grade.
I'll start the wishlist going:
1. a new console that calculates MSLP (Mean Sea Level Pressure) and QNH/Altimeter with some sort of battery backup for power outages. Ability to directly interface with WD, WeeWX, CumulusMX. Upload to more weather services. - basically incorporating the abilities of the GW1100 gateway. Browser or app to setup/calibrate things.
2. better sensors (better specs) all around. Temperature, pressure, humidity upgrades. Real UV sensor.
3. All parts user replaceable.
4. better update speeds: 1 sec readings for barometer - averaged every 60 seconds. faster anemometer updates (continuous?), Faster more accurate rain gauge.
5 All components/modules are discrete. Our ideal prosumer pws has separate components for wind, temperature & humidity (with shield), solar radiation, UV and rain.
6. Power options? solar panel/ battery for each discrete component?
What would be theoretical pricing be for this package?
I am sure I've missed lots of things.
What would you add or change for this "prosumer" pws?
Pretty much sounds like you're after a Davis VP2 Plus with WLL lol
Yes, the Davis might still be able to remain as a worthy competitor
..Just thought of another wishlist feature: user upradeable sensors. New sensor with better specs is available, unplug it, put the new one in.
Oh yeah,,need better range too.
You can do both those things with a Davis also, i know, they are expensive but add up what you've spent over the last 10 years on other stations etc and see how that fairs with the cost of a davis setup, ya might be surprised
Davis in Canada would be about $1500CAD for the full kit. My latest Ecowitt (displayless) was far less than $200CAD so indeed, the console is the expensive bit.
The next gen machine would not need to be $1500CAD as Fine Offset already has a good TFT display..just need new innards. They already have discrete components just need to be more accurate and precise.
However puting the UV/solar sensor 10 meters up on a guyed pole may not be the best design consideration. Maybe put on the rain gauge? Or separate?
I would like discrete "modules" for best siteing:
1. anemometer
2. rain gauge ( snow/ice melt capable to -30C) for year round use
3. Solar radiation +UV sensor +temp + humidity
FARS and radiation shield. Hadn't thought of that for the new machine.
Shouldn't need ventilation if it is windy - maybe incorporate auto shutoff fan when it is windy enough? Might help the batteries and enable the solar panel to catch up.