Topic: Anything I should do before I install a new Ecowitt Tri-arm HP2551?

[wow400]

I’ve just received my HP2551 with the Tri arm external sensors - is there anything above what’s written in the manual to weatherproof or better the sensor?

Also, I’ve got the GW1000. This I've never used before (coming from an old, broken Maplin/Fine Offset Wx station) - probably a really stupid question but what’s the benefit to using that as well as the standard HP2551? I’ve been sending data to Wx Underground (- their WunderStation app is fantastic I reckon! )- and Ambient Weather.
I’m assuming the HP2551 can do that on its own?

Many thanks for any advice / help.

Kind regards,
Nic

[evileye]

Look here: https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=38533.0

The Post from galfert from the 13th January and later… .

[galfert]

I’ve just received my HP2551 with the Tri arm external sensors - is there anything above what’s written in the manual to weatherproof or better the sensor?

I don't think this has been discussed on this forum. There was one complaint about water ingestion from the battery compartment. I think that would only be a problem if strong winds or siting location may have affected wind currents to then draw water up. So you can look at better sealing the battery compartment if you want. But I'm only mentioning this because you asked. This is not advice I would normally provide unsolicited because I don't think it is a problem or we would be hearing of more of these cases.

The other protections are against snow build up. Certain people have suggested different methods to repel snow. Search for that.

Also, I’ve got the GW1000. This I've never used before (coming from an old, broken Maplin/Fine Offset Wx station) - probably a really stupid question but what’s the benefit to using that as well as the standard HP2551?

The benefits of the GW1000
- lets you see live data with WS View app on local network.
- let's you easily run 3rd party software to expand where you can see and send your data.

 I’ve been sending data to Wx Underground (- their WunderStation app is fantastic I reckon! )- and Ambient Weather.
I’m assuming the HP2551 can do that on its own?

You can't send data to Ambientweather.net with an HP2551 nor with a GW1000 on its own. The only way for you to send data to Ambientweather.net is to use a Meteobridge and add the Ambientweather.net license or to use Ambient Weather's version of the Meteobridge called WeatherBridge which has this license built in.

The HP2551-C can only send data to the following on its own.
- Ecowitt.net
- WU
- WeatherCloud
- MetOffice WOW
- PWSweather or AWEKAS (only one or the other using "Customized" server upload option.)

The GW1000 has the exact same upload capability as the HP2551-C, with exception that the GW1000 has that local network API for other software connectivity.

[Mandrake]

Some folks recommend that you spray ptfe or silcon spray on the rain collector and arms to reduce rain resistance (and snow)
I tried this on mine and you have nothing to lose.

[wow400]

Aah, that all makes sense - I was trying to get my head around what exactly the GW1000 actually did but I think your kind posts above and the links have sorted it out for me.
Thank you very much for that info.

One last question, my old setup (W8681 / Maplin clone) has the same display console - and on it is about 2 years of data.
Does anyone know if that can be imported into the HP2551 at all?
I’ve backed up 2.5 years of data but I’ve not seen any reference to being able to import it into an HP2551.

Thanks again,
Nic

[Mandrake]

I don't think that you can import the SD card data from your old console into the HP2551
However for reference you can certainly export both to a PC and look at the data as it will be in a common csv format.
Your old station looks to be a clone of the HP3500 which will be compatible with your new sensor array so in theory as long as the console is working you should be able to keep the data record going.
Here is the HP3500 manual
http://www.ecowitt.com/upfile/201903/HP3501%20Manual%20PDF.pdf
you might need to update the firmware on the old console to see the new sensor array
V1.5.8 Firmware
http://www.ecowitt.com/upfile/201909/HP3500_V1.5.8-Firmware.zip

(Obviously updating the firmware will be at your own risk - but should be OK!)

[wow400]

Thanks Mandrake - I've literally just brought the HP2551 back from HKG yesterday & the software was already 1.5.8 and it did find the old sensor too.
Shame you can't restore old data but such is life I guess.

Thanks again,
Nic

[Mandrake]

You misunderstand, your old console assuming it still functions should be capable of being updated and support your new sensor array.
The older boat style array was not popular and prone to issues, so the focus should be on the new sensor array and any additional new sensors which your old console once updated should be able to see.
The bonus here would be that your old console would then have your complete and continuing weather data.
The HP2551 can be just for data from now on.

[wow400]

Aah, I see what you’re getting at!
I shall have a play & see what I can work out 👍

[wow400]

Mind you, I think I prefer the look of the new black console rather than the old silver one!

[galfert]

For old console to work two things need to be considered.

- the console frequency must match the sensor frequency 433, 868, or 915 MHz. You can't change the frequency. It is what it is depending on what you got.

- the older type console needs to have a wind calibration changed to match the new sensor. This is because the old sensor only sent one pulse per anemometer revolution. The new sensor sends one pulse every half revolution (therefore 2 pulses per revolution). For the old display console to work with the new sensor you must calibrate wind to 0.5 offset.

[wow400]

Thanks for the info galfert, I shall have a play around.
Kind regards,
Nic