I like most everything about it, except that "haptic" rain sensor (I just commented on another thread, been meaning to here).
IMO, it will never work. Its' precip measurements are entirely software synthesized, not actually measured. Derived solely from inherently indirect haptic (and audible?) inputs incapable of sensing all the permutations of precip.
Trying to do that for such a variably 'physical' thing as rain, or precipitation of any/all types, which varies in so many properties, will never be accurate across the spectrum of precipitation encountered in actual conditions.
The haptic sensor was one of big reasons I bought in (as well as the ultrasonics).
Maybe haptic rain measurement is a dead-end. Maybe not. We won't know until we've really given it a shot.
Personally, I'm optimistic for the tech.
That's the description I had rattling around my noggin:
"haptic rain measurement is a dead-end".
Trying to measure an infinitely variable tangible object intangibly. IMO, it just cannot be fully trusted.
Yes, I have read through much of the WeatherFlow forum pages in respect of the "rain" problems. (forgot to initially mention that)
I'm not willing to give it a $300 shot.
Maybe they should offer an optional standard tipping type precip gauge. I would probably bite for that.
The ultrasonic anemometer however, I've been drooling over getting one of those for the boat for years.
The standard mast-top wind direction and speed devices, almost exactly like those of most PWS's, are prone to damage atop a 44 some-foot mast (sea gulls, salt air, etc). Corrective repairs aloft are a real PITA.
The top-end marine systems makers have offered nearly trouble-free ultrasonic true and apparent wind measurement units for mast-top mounting for a long time. Their target market is the high $pending yacht racing crowd of course, not so much the lowly cruisers.
I think that the actual devices are sourced from Airmar, then branded by B&G, Raymarine, etc., as part of their top-end navigation packages. Though you can buy just the anemometer and a GPS-driven display, still quite pricey (as is anything "marine").
http://www.airmartechnology.com/weatherstation-info.html?category=WX BTW, the key marine difference from stationary PWS's is the derivation of true and apparent wind conditions in relation to the heading and speed of the moving vessel, which requires a log, gyro, or GPS input and some simple vector calculations. See: your typical 'storm chaser' WX nut vehicle.