WXforum.net
Weather Station Hardware => What Weather Station Should I Buy? => Topic started by: Adrian23 on February 21, 2019, 07:20:21 PM
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Hi folks,
Wanted to create one more thread because i really want to know all the pros and cons of these 3 weather stations. I have heard good and bad about all 3. I’ve really read some awesome reviews though about the ws-2902 especially being able to report to cwop and other wx sites. For example of all 3 of these stations which is more durable and has the best wind/gusts interval? I just want to be able to get the best overall weather station within these 3. I think I read the ws-2000 doesn’t report something or is missing something the ws-2902 has. Again any advice will be greatly appreciated big time. My budget is within 200-280$
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The Atlas has the better wind performance. It also has the ability to get the anemometer extension. The Ambient all-in-one design is a compromise. But there are other Fine Offset clones like the Ecowitt HP3501 that has separate components. But the Atlas still has the better sensor with the SHT31 instead of the SHT30.
UPDATE: Ecowitt is soon releasing an SHT35 chip sensor model WH32-EP (May 2020)
The WS-2000 has better display than the WS-2902A. The WS-2000 is missing Rain Rate but Ambient said it will get it soon with a firmware update. But the WS-2000 has a different rain rate called Hourly rain that the WS-2902A doesn't have. The WS-2000 shows everything on the screen without the need to press a button, it is annoying if you want to see all the data with the WS-2902A having to press buttons.
More durable?.... Probably a toss up. The old Ambient stations definitely would not last. This new generation is better. None of these are as good as a Davis though in terms of durability. Then again do you really need your station to last 14 years? I don't, because I want new stuff even if it still works. The SHT30 or 31 as good as they are, there already is better like the SHT35/85. And I'm sure there will be better a few years from now. So I don't have a problem upgrading hardware after a few years. So durability is not a huge concern. Now if I spent Davis money I would expect 5 years at least. But their sensors are only lasting 18 months and then you need to spend $50 on replacing. OK reasonable maybe? An Ambient entire outdoor sensor array is about $75. So if it lasts 2 to 3 years I'm good. Reasonable too right?
Without being biased I could list out a huge list of pros and cons for all of these. But what matters most is what you want it to do for you. I know you want it all. So do I. But that does not exist. So what are the most important things for you in order and what can you live without? And what is a must.
There is no clear winner. Even if you toss Davis in the ring.
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Another consideration is RF range between sensors and console. Ambient and Acurite advertise 100 meters but most people say there are problems even less than 100 ft. Davis advertises 1000 ft range. Don't know if it really achieves that but there are not many reports of Davis RF range issues.
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The Atlas has the better wind performance. It also has the ability to get the anemometer extension. The Ambient all-in-one design is a compromise. But there are other Fine Offset clones like the Ecowitt HP3501 that has separate components. But the Atlas still has the better sensor with the SHT31 instead of the SHT30.
The WS-2000 has better display than the WS-2902A. The WS-2000 is missing Rain Rate but Ambient said it will get it soon with a firmware update. But the WS-2000 has a different rain rate called Hourly rain that the WS-2902A doesn't have. The WS-2000 shows everything on the screen without the need to press a button, it is annoying if you want to see all the data with the WS-2902A having to press buttons.
More durable?.... Probably a toss up. The old Ambient stations definitely would not last. This new generation is better. None of these are as good as a Davis though in terms of durability. Then again do you really need your station to last 14 years? I don't, because I want new stuff even if it still works. The SHT30 or 31 as good as they are, there already is better like the SHT35/85. And I'm sure there will be better a few years from now. So I don't have a problem upgrading hardware after a few years. So durability is not a huge concern. Now if I spent Davis money I would expect 5 years at least. But their sensors are only lasting 18 months and then you need to spend $50 on replacing. OK reasonable maybe? An Ambient entire outdoor sensor array is about $75. So if it lasts 2 to 3 years I'm good. Reasonable too right?
Without being biased I could list out a huge list of pros and cons for all of these. But what matters most is what you want it to do for you. I know you want it all. So do I. But that does not exist. So what are the most important things for you in order and what can you live without? And what is a must.
There is no clear winner. Even if you toss Davis in the ring.
Wow thanks for this post! Very tricky decision indeed...the ws-2000 looks very nice the only weather station I’ve had is my 5-1. I just want to make the best decision without loosing any data. So interms of durability, rainfall and winds the ws-2000 and the atlas are the same? I used a pvc tube with my 5-1 at my house but I see the atlas is crazy big and might sway depending how high I put it. I live in Florida so no snow to worry about. I plan on using a pvc with the ws-2000 if Indeed get it with cement in the ground in my backyard in a good area away from trees and a good distance from house if possible. Is it me or the data graphics from the ws-2000 looks far superior then acurite? Thanks again for your help
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The mounting solutions are not very pleasing for my backyard in terms of the ws-2000 the acurite atlas sure makes it much easier.
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Another consideration is RF range between sensors and console. Ambient and Acurite advertise 100 meters but most people say there are problems even less than 100 ft. Davis advertises 1000 ft range. Don't know if it really achieves that but there are not many reports of Davis RF range issues.
With Ambient stations distance RF reception issues have been solved by industrious DIY'ers
All you need is a 915 MHz yagi antenna. $18
https://www.amazon.com/Phonetone-Outdoor-Directional-Antenna-Connector/dp/B00EC804SO
Pictures and results good.
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=35470.msg366723#msg366723
So interms of durability, rainfall and winds the ws-2000 and the atlas are the same?
No, wind is better on the Atlas. Because of a few things; it has an optional wind extension, it is rated for up to 200 Mph. The Ambient is an all-in-on design so you wont be able to extend the wind higher than the base, and the wind is only rated to up to 100 Mph. Also Atlas is rated at 1 mph accuracy where the Ambient is rated at 2.2 mph accuracy at low winds..at higher winds they both are 10% accuracy. As for durability they both look very good....maybe slight edge to the Atlas.
I used a pvc tube with my 5-1 at my house but I see the atlas is crazy big and might sway depending how high I put it. I live in Florida so no snow to worry about. I plan on using a pvc with the ws-2000 if Indeed get it with cement in the ground in my backyard in a good area away from trees and a good distance from house if possible. Is it me or the data graphics from the ws-2000 looks far superior then acurite? Thanks again for your help
The WS-2000 does seem to have the nicer screen. I would not use PVC with either station. It won't be much more expensive to get a nice strong pipe and mount so that you can service by tilting or if you have other ways of reaching easily. You'll want to do maintenance every 3 months to clean debris and spider webs.
The mounting solutions are not very pleasing for my backyard in terms of the ws-2000 the acurite atlas sure makes it much easier.
I don't see how mounting solution would be different for one versus the other. You need a 1 to 2 inch pipe for Ambient and 3/4 to 1 1/4 for Atlas.
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Atlas comes with attachment like the 5-1 which you can add 4 screws and your done to even wood. So a thick 2 by 4 to the ground cemented and done.
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Hmmm I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing. From the pictures I've seen of people with the Atlas I've not seen that yet. I don't think it sounds like the most appealing mounting solution...easy yes, pretty no. And what happens when that two-by-four rots or breaks? Then you've got concrete stuck in the ground that will be hard to deal with. If you just get metal pipe then you never need to worry about it. Here is a what some have called the best kept mounting secret.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/YARDGARD-1-3-8-in-x-10-ft-6-in-17-Gauge-Galvanized-Top-Rail-328913DPT/100322532
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Any suggestions how I can get this installed in my back yard?
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Wow so many negative reviews on Facebook about the Acurite Atlas apparently it is not a good unit at all. All sorts of connectivity issues and reporting rediclous readings. Still leaning towards the ws-2000.
See this below just one of many posts from the acurite Facebook group.
This unit has been a joke. Bought it 2 months ago and nothing but issues. Lighting sensor reporting over 1K strikes every day with perfect weather. I asked for a new unit that was working properly they refused and I had to send mine back. After 3 weeks the unit was returned and work properly for a few days then it started to have issues. As we can see by the picture above there's obviously something wrong.
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I’ve really read some awesome reviews though about the ws-2902 especially being able to report to cwop and other wx sites.
This is what I found. https://ambientweather.net/help/do-ambient-weather-stations-support-cwop-or-aprs/
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Wow so many negative reviews on Facebook about the Acurite Atlas apparently it is not a good unit at all. All sorts of connectivity issues and reporting rediclous readings. Still leaning towards the ws-2000.
See this below just one of many posts from the acurite Facebook group.
This unit has been a joke. Bought it 2 months ago and nothing but issues. Lighting sensor reporting over 1K strikes every day with perfect weather. I asked for a new unit that was working properly they refused and I had to send mine back. After 3 weeks the unit was returned and work properly for a few days then it started to have issues. As we can see by the picture above there's obviously something wrong.
I call BS. I'm on the Facebook groups all the time.
"MD" is a hot-head who has been complaining for a long time. Wouldn't trust anything from that guy.
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Truth be told the Atlas had a lot of issues with the lighting sensor for a good many months when it first came out. It took them a while to figure that one out. But Acurite solved that problem. There have been other issues but like anything else...you only hear from the people having the issues and you don't tend to hear from those that are happy. If you dig deep enough your find issues with any brand of dead consoles, or bad sensors, and need for RMA's. That might be one of the reason's both Ambient and Acurite both decided to close their user forum.
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Which of those will fire off to Wunderground data in less than 15 seconds per report?
I want rapid fire response and I'm looking to replace my acurite since they have totally screwed me with the smart hub.
Found this thread and saw those options myself as in
something like this
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GRBY9NP/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A2ANVX7C75D1I&psc=1
I don't want to use a Acurite product anymore.
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Both the WS-2000 and the WS-2902A will send to Weather Underground every 16 seconds.
The WS-2000 has the nicer screen and more features and includes graphs on the display and will log to SD card and is also expandable to extra sensors.
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Well! I have had Acurite for many years, I went through 2 of them in the past 7 years. I had the Davis system when I live in Floyd Knobs, IN, but moved and left it with the house.
Recently, this past Christmas, my wife bought me a new Acurite system, that came with the old smart hub, why was this still on the market and being sold as it was obsolete and I did not know?
On 02/21/19 I received an email from Acrurite stated 2nd notice that the hub will not be supported and I had to upgrade. I contacted Acurite and they claimed to have given me a code for 35% off. I went to use this code this past Monday 03/03/19 and the code is invalid. I have open several tickets and they do not respond. Needless to say, I will not be buying another Acurite product ever again.
Recently joining this forum, which has a lot of educated users, I am leaning towards the WS-2000, will this be a good choice?
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Recently, this past Christmas, my wife bought me a new Acurite system, that came with the old smart hub, why was this still on the market and being sold as it was obsolete and I did not know?
It wasn't. In fact, getting a SmartHUB months before it was announced as discontinued was a hard thing to do.
They were almost universally "out of stock".
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Recently, this past Christmas, my wife bought me a new Acurite system, that came with the old smart hub, why was this still on the market and being sold as it was obsolete and I did not know?
It wasn't. In fact, getting a SmartHUB months before it was announced as discontinued was a hard thing to do.
They were almost universally "out of stock".
Since I received it in new condition, your remark is incorrect. I was looking for suggestions and again, this should not have been available for purchase, she bought from someone on ebay in August last year, gave to me on Christmas.
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Recently joining this forum, which has a lot of educated users, I am leaning towards the WS-2000, will this be a good choice?
Well I like my WS-2000. It isn't perfect, but I haven't found that any system is. I would certainly say it is worthy of recommending as long as you take your due diligence and understand its all limitations like 100 feet RF range, limited to 100 mph wind, limited humidity range of 10% to 99%...etc. What I do like about my Ambient Weather station is the ease and flexibility of adding various supporting hardware/software solutions to expand your weather data usage.
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Recently, this past Christmas, my wife bought me a new Acurite system, that came with the old smart hub, why was this still on the market and being sold as it was obsolete and I did not know?
It wasn't. In fact, getting a SmartHUB months before it was announced as discontinued was a hard thing to do.
They were almost universally "out of stock".
Since I received it in new condition, your remark is incorrect. I was looking for suggestions and again, this should not have been available for purchase, she bought from someone on ebay in August last year, gave to me on Christmas.
My remark is quite correct.
There are no authorized Acurite resellers on eBay.
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Recently, this past Christmas, my wife bought me a new Acurite system, that came with the old smart hub, why was this still on the market and being sold as it was obsolete and I did not know?
It wasn't. In fact, getting a SmartHUB months before it was announced as discontinued was a hard thing to do.
They were almost universally "out of stock".
Since I received it in new condition, your remark is incorrect. I was looking for suggestions and again, this should not have been available for purchase, she bought from someone on ebay in August last year, gave to me on Christmas.
My remark is quite correct.
There are no authorized Acurite resellers on eBay.
You can keep your Atlas I see in your image, but a simple search
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1311.R6.TR10.TRC1.A0.H1.TRS1&_nkw=acurite+weather+station+5+in+1&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=Acurite
Don't know if authorized but there are quite a lot of sellers.
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Recently joining this forum, which has a lot of educated users, I am leaning towards the WS-2000, will this be a good choice?
Well I like my WS-2000. It isn't perfect, but I haven't found that any system is. I would certainly say it is worthy of recommending as long as you take your due diligence and understand its all limitations like 100 feet RF range, limited to 100 mph wind, limited humidity range of 10% to 99%...etc. What I do like about my Ambient Weather station is the ease and flexibility of adding various supporting hardware/software solutions to expand your weather data usage.
Thank you for your response!
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Recently, this past Christmas, my wife bought me a new Acurite system, that came with the old smart hub, why was this still on the market and being sold as it was obsolete and I did not know?
It wasn't. In fact, getting a SmartHUB months before it was announced as discontinued was a hard thing to do.
They were almost universally "out of stock".
Since I received it in new condition, your remark is incorrect. I was looking for suggestions and again, this should not have been available for purchase, she bought from someone on ebay in August last year, gave to me on Christmas.
My remark is quite correct.
There are no authorized Acurite resellers on eBay.
You can keep your Atlas I see in your image, but a simple search
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1311.R6.TR10.TRC1.A0.H1.TRS1&_nkw=acurite+weather+station+5+in+1&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=Acurite
Don't know if authorized but there are quite a lot of sellers.
Don't know what your comment about my Atlas image has to do with anything, but be advised there are many questionable sellers on eBay for all sorts of things.
Acurite has emphatically stated that they have no authorized resellers on eBay and that they aren't covered by warranty.
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So is Acurite selling these units to the wholesale market and then absolving themselves of warranty responsibility or is there another explanation for the 250+ new 5-in-1 pws's on ebay?
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So is Acurite selling these units to the wholesale market and then absolving themselves of warranty responsibility or is there another explanation for the 250+ new 5-in-1 pws's on ebay?
:roll:
Care to make up any other unfounded accusations?
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Since I received it in new condition, your remark is incorrect. I was looking for suggestions and again, this should not have been available for purchase, she bought from someone on ebay in August last year, gave to me on Christmas.
Yikes. That was months after the Smart Hub announcement and after the new Access was available for sale.
It's always a risk buying from eBay. Anyone can sell anything. In this case it looks like you were taken advantage of by an unscrupulous seller. Your compliant should be with the eBay seller not Acurite (and I'm definitely not an Acurite "fan boy"). Like many here I was disappointed in how they handled the SH to Access switch over and will likely look elsewhere for my next station. That said I have a bunch of existing Acurite stuff I wanted to see online and buy the Access made the most (and least expensive) sense so that's what I did.
So is Acurite selling these units to the wholesale market and then absolving themselves of warranty responsibility or is there another explanation for the 250+ new 5-in-1 pws's on ebay?
There is a lot of grey market stuff on eBay in all areas. I'd like to know where it comes from too but I don't think it's necessarily fair to blame the manufacturer.
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https://www.ebay.com/gds/Does-a-Manufacturers-Warranty-Mean-Anything-on-EBay-/10000000178951480/g.html
Read The Ebay Listing Carefully When It Comes To Coverage
The key "take away" for you as a reader of this Guide should be that much more often than not, you will see a disclaimer in such a warranty that says it is "limited to the original retail purchaser", or words to that effect. So on ebay, unless you are buying directly from the manufacturer, or from a seller that claims to be (and actually is) a factory-authorized retail seller, you as an ebay buyer are not the "original retail purchaser" -- even if what you are buying is brand new, sealed, in the original box. So unless you get some kind of receipt that you are the "original retail purchaser" as the maker of the item defines that phrase (and the maker honors that receipt as a genuine one), you don't have a warranty or guarantee other than whatever the ebay seller, and ebay, provide to you.
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No accusation(s) made. Just a question asked.
So is Acurite selling these units to the wholesale market and then absolving themselves of warranty responsibility or is there another explanation for the 250+ new 5-in-1 pws's on ebay?
:roll:
Care to make up any other unfounded accusations?
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Acurite just made good on their discount. So those of you who have the Atlas system is it reliable? Do you have pros and cons?
I have read so many reviews on Acurite and Ambient, my head is about to explode...
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Lighty269 I was where you were at earlier this winter. Wanted the Atlas for features/price value but very concerned about the negative reviews. There were several good amazon reviews in Feb so I thought maybe the quality problems are behind them and then a killer price deal was on Amazon for the Atlas 01008M package (Access only, no display) at $149 so I bought it.
Very happy to say the out-of-box setup was flawless and easy. Has been running now for 1-month with no issues at all. So, at this time I give Acurite Atlas 2-thums up. [tup] [tup]
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1) The Atlas has a solar powered fan that circulates air over the temp/humidity sensors. Atlas temperature and humidity are more accurate than the Ambient. If the solar panels get dirty and/or the fan begins to wear out, temperature and humidity will be less accurate. The Ambient does not have a fan. The solar panel powers the sensors when there is light and the batteries power the sensor when there is no light. Atlas sensor array needs four batteries. Ambient sensor array only needs two batteries. Atlas has 1*F accuracy. Ambient has 2*F accuracy.
2) The Atlas sensor array samples the wind speed every 3.3 seconds and then transmits it every 10 seconds. The Ambient samples the wind speed every 1 second and then transmits it with the other data every 16 seconds. Ambient has a max wind speed of 100mph. Atlas has a max wind speed of 160mph.
3) Ambient display can communicate with the internet. The Atlas display can not communicate with the internet, even if you have the Access. Ambient could add NWS forecast, radar, etc to the WS2000 display. WS2000 will automatically update the time for Daylight Saving Time.
4) Ambient allows customers to update the firmware. Ambient could add new features and/or fix existing problems. Acurite does not allow customers to update the firmware.
5) Some people do not like that the Atlas shows a trailing 24hr rainfall reading. Ambient shows a midnight-to-midnight rainfall reading.
6) Atlas has a lightning detector option. Ambient could add a lightning detector to the WS2000. Lightning detectors are unreliable because they pickup interference. It is like pouring water into the rain gauge while it is raining. How much did it rain? How many lightning strikes are real?
7) Ambient WS2000 can display readings from eight indoor temp/humidity sensors.
8 ) Ambient WS2000 indoor temp/humidity sensor is separate from the display. You can place the sensor in a different location.
9) Ambient display has buttons. Atlas has a touch screen.
10) Atlas has a nicer today's/yesterday's/monthly records screens. The records screen on the Ambient WS200 does not look as nice. Ambient could release a firmware update.
I prefer the Ambient WS2000. It would be great if Ambient released an upgraded sensor array for the WS2000. Why replace the display? It would have more accurate sensors and higher wind speed. A separate wind vane and anemometer would be nice. A dynamic transmit speed based on weather conditions would be cool. The sensor array could transmit faster during a storm because weather conditions are changing quickly. It could transmit slower on a clear day in order to save power, because weather condition are not changing very much.
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2) Every 10 seconds, the Atlas sensor array samples the wind speed and other data and then transmits it. The Ambient samples the wind speed every second and then transmits it with the other data every 16 seconds. If there is a one-time 5 second 50mph wind gust, the Ambient will record it. The Atlas will miss it.
The Atlas reports wind speed every 10 seconds. That's not the sampling rate, which is much smaller. Even a 5n1 has a sample window of 4 seconds.
The Atlas would certainly not miss your 5-second 50mph wind gust.
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1) The Atlas has a solar powered fan that circulates air over the temp/humidity sensors. Atlas temperature and humidity are more accurate than the Ambient. If the solar panels get dirty and/or the fan begins to wear out, temperature and humidity will be less accurate. The Ambient does not have a fan. The solar panel powers the sensors when there is light and the batteries power the sensor when there is no light. Atlas sensor array needs four batteries. Ambient sensor array only needs two batteries.
Yes, the Atlas has fan aspiration. That's a big plus over systems without. For accurate temperatures, you need fan aspiration.
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3) Ambient display can communicate with the internet. The Atlas display can not communicate with the internet, even if you have the Access. Ambient could add NWS forecast, radar, etc to the WS2000 display. WS2000 will automatically update the time for Daylight Saving Time.
Well, I guess Ambient COULD, but is it? Some of Acurite's newer WiFi displays already have DarkSky forecasts from the internet now. You should expect to see that soon in future Atlas displays.
DST updates are pretty standard, and the Atlas does have it.
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6) Atlas has a lightning detector option. Ambient could add a lightning detector to the WS2000. Lightning detectors are unreliable because they pickup interference. It is like pouring water into the rain gauge while it is raining. How much did it rain? How many lightning strikes are real?
Yet they do work and provide useful information. I don't pick up false strikes on my Atlas. When a storm rolls through, I can easily see how the intensity of the storm changes with time.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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9) Ambient display has buttons. Atlas has a touch screen. One of the problems with a touch screen is fingerprints.
Really? What of all those SmartPhones, tablets, and other touch devices out there?
This is a non-problem.
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2) Every 10 seconds, the Atlas sensor array samples the wind speed and other data and then transmits it. The Ambient samples the wind speed every second and then transmits it with the other data every 16 seconds. If there is a one-time 5 second 50mph wind gust, the Ambient will record it. The Atlas will miss it.
The Atlas reports wind speed every 10 seconds. That's not the sampling rate, which is much smaller. Even a 5n1 has a sample window of 4 seconds.
The Atlas would certainly not miss your 5-second 50mph wind gust.
A while ago, I asked about it on Amazon.
"Does the atlas sensor sample the peak wind speed every second and then transmit the data after 10 seconds? Will it record a 3 second wind gust?"
"The Atlas display will provide a wind speed reading every 10 seconds. This does not store the data between the 10-second interval. If you have any other questions, please contact the AcuRite Support Team via Live Chat, we are happy to assist you. Thank you.
Have a great day,
Rachell
AcuRite Support Team"
https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx4NYNI64U78JN/ref=ask_dp_lsw_al_hza?asin=B074XKB239
Q: In regards to wind gusts. Is the sampling interval 10 sec or is the highest speed in the interval captured and reported every 10 seconds?
A: Hello John,
The Atlas display does not show Wind Gusts however, the wind peak on the Atlas display is the highest wind speed recorded over the past 60 minutes at 10 second intervals. If you have any other questions, please contact the AcuRite Support Team via Live Chat, we are happy to assist you. Thank you.
Have a great day,
Rachell
AcuRite Support Team
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9) Ambient display has buttons. Atlas has a touch screen. One of the problems with a touch screen is fingerprints.
Really? What of all those SmartPhones, tablets, and other touch devices out there?
This is a non-problem.
Those high end devices have a oleophobic coating(anti-fingerprint). Does the Atlas display have a oleophobic coating? Some people like buttons, while other people like a touchscreen. Each have advantages and disadvantages. Buttons can wear out.
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6) Atlas has a lightning detector option. Ambient could add a lightning detector to the WS2000. Lightning detectors are unreliable because they pickup interference. It is like pouring water into the rain gauge while it is raining. How much did it rain? How many lightning strikes are real?
Yet they do work and provide useful information. I don't pick up false strikes on my Atlas. When a storm rolls through, I can easily see how the intensity of the storm changes with time.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Lightning detectors have advantages and disadvantages. Options are always good. It is best to let the customer decide whether something is useful or not. They created an air quality sensor addon. They plan to release other addon sensors. Maybe, Ambient will sell a lightning detector addon.
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2) Every 10 seconds, the Atlas sensor array samples the wind speed and other data and then transmits it. The Ambient samples the wind speed every second and then transmits it with the other data every 16 seconds. If there is a one-time 5 second 50mph wind gust, the Ambient will record it. The Atlas will miss it.
The Atlas reports wind speed every 10 seconds. That's not the sampling rate, which is much smaller. Even a 5n1 has a sample window of 4 seconds.
The Atlas would certainly not miss your 5-second 50mph wind gust.
A while ago, I asked about it on Amazon.
"Does the atlas sensor sample the peak wind speed every second and then transmit the data after 10 seconds? Will it record a 3 second wind gust?"
"The Atlas display will provide a wind speed reading every 10 seconds. This does not store the data between the 10-second interval. If you have any other questions, please contact the AcuRite Support Team via Live Chat, we are happy to assist you. Thank you.
Have a great day,
Rachell
AcuRite Support Team"
https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx4NYNI64U78JN/ref=ask_dp_lsw_al_hza?asin=B074XKB239
Q: In regards to wind gusts. Is the sampling interval 10 sec or is the highest speed in the interval captured and reported every 10 seconds?
A: Hello John,
The Atlas display does not show Wind Gusts however, the wind peak on the Atlas display is the highest wind speed recorded over the past 60 minutes at 10 second intervals. If you have any other questions, please contact the AcuRite Support Team via Live Chat, we are happy to assist you. Thank you.
Have a great day,
Rachell
AcuRite Support Team
Which is correct. The display does not store anything other than 10-second data, because that is all the sensor is sending.
In the case of your 3-second gust, however, it would report that as the highest speed recorded over the 10-second reporting window.
The support person clearly didn't understand what you were asking.
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9) Ambient display has buttons. Atlas has a touch screen. One of the problems with a touch screen is fingerprints.
Really? What of all those SmartPhones, tablets, and other touch devices out there?
This is a non-problem.
Those high end devices have a oleophobic coating(anti-fingerprint). Does the Atlas display have a oleophobic coating? Some people like buttons, while other people like a touchscreen. Each have advantages and disadvantages. Buttons can wear out.
Yep.
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3) Ambient display can communicate with the internet. The Atlas display can not communicate with the internet, even if you have the Access. Ambient could add NWS forecast, radar, etc to the WS2000 display. WS2000 will automatically update the time for Daylight Saving Time.
Well, I guess Ambient COULD, but is it? Some of Acurite's newer WiFi displays already have DarkSky forecasts from the internet now. You should expect to see that soon in future Atlas displays.
DST updates are pretty standard, and the Atlas does have it.
It is impossible for the Atlas display to receive data from the internet. I do not work for Acurite and I could be wrong. It is possible for the WS2000 to receive data from the internet. Will Ambient add forecasts to the WS2000? That is an unknown. If there is enough customer demand, I assume they would add it. People wanted "Rain Rate" on the WS2000 display and Ambient released a firmware update that added this feature. It is possible, but it is not guaranteed. If someone wanted internet forecasts, he/she would have to replace their Atlas display.
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3) Ambient display can communicate with the internet. The Atlas display can not communicate with the internet, even if you have the Access. Ambient could add NWS forecast, radar, etc to the WS2000 display. WS2000 will automatically update the time for Daylight Saving Time.
Well, I guess Ambient COULD, but is it? Some of Acurite's newer WiFi displays already have DarkSky forecasts from the internet now. You should expect to see that soon in future Atlas displays.
DST updates are pretty standard, and the Atlas does have it.
It is impossible for the Atlas display to receive data from the internet. I do not work for Acurite and I could be wrong. It is possible for the WS2000 to receive data from the internet. Will Ambient add forecasts to the WS2000? That is an unknown. If there is enough customer demand, I assume they would add it. People wanted "Rain Rate" on the WS2000 display and Ambient released a firmware update that added this feature. It is possible, but it is not guaranteed. If someone wanted internet forecasts, he/she would have to replace their Atlas display.
Right. Ambient isn't doing that, and it's unknown if they will do that.
Just the same, Acurite might offer customer firmware upgrades through the USB port hidden behind a panel at the bottom of the display. Then again, they might not.
However, if Acurite does as they have done with the 5n1, you should soon see internet-enabled displays for the Atlas.
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My 0.02$. My use is a bit different than the typical home user. I’m a storm chaser and purchased the Atlas back in November and have already been on a number of chases and the Atlas performs like a champion. Everything is accurate and I’ve never had connectivity issues.
Last week we got close to the Wichita Falls tornado after it crossed Fromm Texas to Oklahoma. The Atlas’s wind speed was critical in helping us avoid a potentially deadly situation. I’ve gotten very good support from the manufacturer. I’d definitely buy the Atlas again.
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2) Every 10 seconds, the Atlas sensor array samples the wind speed and other data and then transmits it. The Ambient samples the wind speed every second and then transmits it with the other data every 16 seconds. If there is a one-time 5 second 50mph wind gust, the Ambient will record it. The Atlas will miss it.
The Atlas reports wind speed every 10 seconds. That's not the sampling rate, which is much smaller. Even a 5n1 has a sample window of 4 seconds.
The Atlas would certainly not miss your 5-second 50mph wind gust.
A while ago, I asked about it on Amazon.
"Does the atlas sensor sample the peak wind speed every second and then transmit the data after 10 seconds? Will it record a 3 second wind gust?"
"The Atlas display will provide a wind speed reading every 10 seconds. This does not store the data between the 10-second interval. If you have any other questions, please contact the AcuRite Support Team via Live Chat, we are happy to assist you. Thank you.
Have a great day,
Rachell
AcuRite Support Team"
https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx4NYNI64U78JN/ref=ask_dp_lsw_al_hza?asin=B074XKB239
Q: In regards to wind gusts. Is the sampling interval 10 sec or is the highest speed in the interval captured and reported every 10 seconds?
A: Hello John,
The Atlas display does not show Wind Gusts however, the wind peak on the Atlas display is the highest wind speed recorded over the past 60 minutes at 10 second intervals. If you have any other questions, please contact the AcuRite Support Team via Live Chat, we are happy to assist you. Thank you.
Have a great day,
Rachell
AcuRite Support Team
Which is correct. The display does not store anything other than 10-second data, because that is all the sensor is sending.
In the case of your 3-second gust, however, it would report that as the highest speed recorded over the 10-second reporting window.
The support person clearly didn't understand what you were asking.
An Acurite representative on Amazon stated: "The wind speed sensor sample rate is every 3.3 seconds."
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An Acurite representative on Amazon stated: "The wind speed sensor sample rate is every 3.3 seconds."
Sample rate is different than reporting rate.
The sample rate is something the device does internally.
Then the reporting rate is what you see on the display or streaming data output...etc....essentially what you end up seeing is an average of all those internal samples.
Here you can see it is 10 seconds (reporting rate).
https://www.acurite.com/media/documents/AcuRite-Sensor-Comparison-Chart.pdf
The newest Ambient outdoor sensor array (Osprey) samples wind every 1 second. But it reports every 16 seconds.
Source:
https://ambientweather.net/help/wind-speed-reads-low-osprey-series/
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An Acurite representative on Amazon stated: "The wind speed sensor sample rate is every 3.3 seconds."
Sample rate is different than reporting rate.
The sample rate is something the device does internally.
Then the reporting rate is what you see on the display or streaming data output...etc....essentially what you end up seeing is an average of all those internal samples.
Here you can see it is 10 seconds (reporting rate).
https://www.acurite.com/media/documents/AcuRite-Sensor-Comparison-Chart.pdf
The newest Ambient outdoor sensor array (Osprey) samples wind every 1 second. But it reports every 16 seconds.
Source:
https://ambientweather.net/help/wind-speed-reads-low-osprey-series/
Acurite sends the highest value in a reporting period, not an average.
In other words, a 5n1 would send the highest wind speed recorded (through a 4 second sample) of an 18 second reporting interval.
Atlas has a 10 second reporting interval. A 3.3 second sample sounds perfectly reasonable. That works out nicely to 3 samples per 10 seconds, and then sending the highest.
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I am also considering a new weather station (I currently am running a 20+ year old Vantage Pro (not Pro 2). Am I correct that the WS-2000 console does not have battery backup? That excludes it for me -- I live in southern Louisiana and need my weather station to operate (with the console operable) during hurricane black outs.
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I live in southern Louisiana and need my weather station to operate (with the console operable) during hurricane black outs.
Many here use a UPS. Wouldn't do without it.
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Am I correct that the WS-2000 console does not have battery backup? That excludes it for me --
No battery? Really? I don't blame you, that would exclude it for me also. Isn't that supposed to be part of the purpose of having a wireless station; to not have to have it tethered to an outlet, or even an UPS?
I also rely on UPS for some of my equipment, but mainly I use them to guard against temporary dropouts/brownouts, and to ensure I have plenty of time to cleanly shut down my equipment in case of extended outages, after which I'll shutdown the UPS rather than letting them set there and fully drain and beep incessantly. I'm sure there are different types of UPS that may be more portable and not beep, or you could modify it to not beep, and a small one would probably power a console a long time. And there are people who are more concerned about having their data on the internet full time, when I'm more concerned about having data saved locally, which batteries and my datalogger handle.
But anyway I'm surprised a console for a wireless station wouldn't have a battery backup. If my original VP ever dies and I run out of spares for it, I guess I'll look somewhere other than Ambient.
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Here are few possible solutions for the WS-2000 lack of backup batteries:
- add a console with a battery. You can purchase just the display from the WS-2902A which has batteries. The outdoor unit is the same. The consoles are the only difference. You can have as many consoles as you want. So you can have a WS-2902A or a WS-2000 complete station and just add the other console and now you have both. The WS-2902A even though it has batteries will not upload to WiFi under battery power. It is just for viewing during power outage. The screen will go dark though to save batteries so you must press a button to wake it.
- add a GW1000 and power it via USB port from some battery backup device. Or you can power it from many laptops since many have always on USB ports. Essentially the laptop becomes the UPS. Laptops have this so that you could charge your phone without booting the laptop. This console uses little power as it doesn't have a display. As long as it's powered via USB (the only way to power it) then WiFi is uploading. This is a great console to have for data acquisition capabilities anyway.
- add a UPS to the WS-2000 as previously suggested
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Trouble with the altlas is its massive and a wind catcher. Will need a very steady pole else will wobble in wind and give false rain indication.
I perfer Ambient as their stations are low profile and more reliable than acurite.
I have a Davis vue also, but not liking how it needs to be hooked up to PC all the time to be online and send results.
I like how the ambient is easy no hooking up to PC needed and also works with alexa and google home which I have.
I just hate how Davis to get online you got to pay the extra to do this while all the other stations nowdays you can do it straight from the unit itself.
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Trouble with the altlas is its massive and a wind catcher. Will need a very steady pole else will wobble in wind and give false rain indication.
I do also think the Atlas 7/8 is huge and ugly. The Atlas Elite (unreleased) though still looks large but at least doesn't look like an ugly alien ship. The Atlas 7/8 though shouldn't wobble with proper instsllation. I've not heard of anyone complaining about wobble.
I perfer Ambient as their stations are low profile and more reliable than acurite.
Well I think we could debate that. I have a 1 year old Ambient and it has yellowed considerably. The Atlas had lots of problems out the gate but things seem better now...well there are a few people with some strange rain readings that is yet unresolved. But the Atlas has better wind and better temperature and humidity sensor. Don't get me wrong...all things considered I'm still happy with my Ambient. I'll buy a replacement outdoor unit if it only last 2 or 3 years...they are cheap and report considerably well in my location. I'll only reconsider if something yet better comes along like Elite or a VP3. The Ambient does look nice, only wish they used more quality plastic with UV protection. An SHT31 instead of an SHT30 would be nice too for some people in very dry climate. Or rather as CW2274 has said... probably nothing wrong with the SHT30 if they had not limited it in software to 10% min humidity.
I have a Davis vue also, but not liking how it needs to be hooked up to PC all the time to be online and send results.
I like how the ambient is easy no hooking up to PC needed and also works with alexa and google home which I have.
I just hate how Davis to get online you got to pay the extra to do this while all the other stations nowdays you can do it straight from the unit itself.
With the Davis stations there are two loggers that add much capability to the station so that they don't need to be plugged into a PC. You can get a WiFiLogger or a Meteobridge Nano. The Meteobridge can even report to AmbientWeather.net if licensed. Both of these loggers make the Davis much more powerful than any stock Ambient. Although you can add a Meteobridge to the Ambient. Davis also now has a WiFi stand alone logger called the WeatherLink Live.
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Yeah at a price and that's the problem. Ambient and acurite there is nothing extra to buy to get your data online