Topic: Warning on Froggit DP300 / (WS68) Station *solved*

[olicat]

Because I am so stunned, a short warning to all interested parties who want to buy a weather station from Froggit.
Froggit offers a complete set consisting of GW1000, WH40, WS68 and WH31:

https://www.froggit.de/product_info.php?language=en&info=p464_dp1500-wi-fi-wetterserver-usb-dongle-inkl--1-x-dp50-thermo-hygrometer-funksensor-1-x-dp80-selbstentleerender%2B-rain%2Bmeasurement%2Bsensor-1-x-dp300-solar%2Bsupport-aneometer-with-uv-light-sensor.html

However, it should be noted that neither the outside temperature nor the outside air humidity is measured or transmitted to WU or Ecowitt!
To complete the absurdity:
The WH32 is NOT available from Froggit.

I don't know what they're thinking and I'm stunned accordingly.

Regards, Oliver

Edit by galfert (This warning now void) See Oliver's next note in next paragraph)
Moderator's Message: Update on situation - Special order available from Froggit

Update:
15.09.2020 - Oliver:
The WH32 is finally available directly from Froggit: DP40 / WH32F Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer Wireless sensor
The former bundle but WITH outdoor sensor is now also available.

[Mandrake]

Its good that they are offering the combo, but nuts that they omit the WH32.
How many folks will buy this and be upset when they realise that there is no external temperature/Hygro measurement.
Probably the singularly most required thing for any weather station!

[galfert]

Well in all fairness it is being sold as the DP1500 (GW1000) with additional sensors. It doesn't have a model name associated with it. It isn't a GW1002. This might serve someone that already has an all-in-one sensor array and a display and wants to upgrade to separate components. They could then keep using the all-in-one sensor array for just outdoor temperature and humidity.

But I'll agree that most customers would probably be not as informed and make a mistake if they think it is a complete station.

[Da9L]

So.. The DP50 sensor is that really a WH31 ? And the difference between the WH31 and WH32 is that the WH32 is for outside use whereas the WH31 is for indoor use?

EDIT: Just found this on ecowitt.net:

Q: What is the difference between the WH31 and WH32
...
8. Both WH31 and WH32 sensors can be used outdoors. If you only need one for outdoors, we recommend you to choose the WH32 sensor.

I have a few of these WH31 outdoors and they have worked without any problems since december, so i was getting nervous that they were only supposed to be used inside when i read this

[galfert]

Yes the DP50/WH31 will not register as the main outdoor sensor. The DP50/WH31 only show up on the console as "extra" sensors. These extra sensors do not get uploaded to the various online weather services. The WH32 is identified by the console as "the" outdoor sensor and this can not be altered. There are no dip switches on the WH32. You put batteries in it and you are done. In the DP50/WH31 there are dip switches so you can set them up to be extra sensors on channels 1-8, so you can have up to 8 of them. None of these channels represent the "main outdoor" sensor which is a role reserved for the WH32 (or a WH65 or a WS80).

[Da9L]

Yes the DP50/WH31 will not register as the main outdoor sensor. The DP50/WH31 only show up on the console as "extra" sensors. These extra sensors do not get uploaded to the various online weather services. The WH32 is identified by the console as "the" outdoor sensor and this can not be altered. There are no dip switches on the WH32. You put batteries in it and you are done. In the DP50/WH31 there are dip switches so you can set them up to be extra sensors on channels 1-8, so you can have up to 8 of them. None of these channels represent the "main outdoor" sensor which is a role reserved for the WH32 (or a WH65 or a WS80).

Do you know if the WH32 temp/humidity readings would replace the ones from the sensor array when getting info via a GW1000 ?

[olicat]

if the WH32 temp/humidity readings would replace the ones from the sensor arra

As far as I know: yes.
But I couldn't try it out yet because I still await my WH32 from Ecowitt (I've been waiting for shipping for 5 weeks now). Lucy said they will need another 2 weeks for shipment.


Regards, Oliver

[galfert]

Do you know if the WH32 temp/humidity readings would replace the ones from the sensor array when getting info via a GW1000 ?

Yes it does. Getting a WH32 is another way to fix a broken temperature/humidity on a WH65.

[olicat]

Hi!

As a new feature you can now fake a broken/missing WH32/WH65/WS80 outdoor sensor with the values from a WH31/DP50 indoor sensor with FOSHKplugin.
This means that a WH31/DP50 can be fully operated as a replacement for a WH32 for all services, which can receive the data in WU- or Ecowitt-format. Software that accesses the measured values of the GW1000/DP15000 directly via UDP-commands or API-functions cannot benefit from this solution.

Of course, protection against weather influences must be implemented when the WH31/DP50 is used outdoors.

I would not recommend this for continuous use. But it should work well for an emergency solution.

new beta containing this feature is available here: https://foshkplugin.phantasoft.de/files/generic-FOSHKplugin-0.0.6Beta.zip

Maybe that can help someone.

Regards, Oliver

[galfert]

EDIT: This post and few following were merged to previous posts in this new thread

If you plan on getting the new Froggit DP300 (WS68) weather station, then this is a warning that this is not a complete station. This is at least valid as of today July 16, 2020. Hopefully Froggit will correct this oversight and soon sell the necessary WH32 outdoor sensor with whatever name they actually decide to call it. WH32 is the Fine Offset / Ecowitt name for the outdoor temperature / humidity sensor.

Froggit sells the DP300 seemingly as a complete station with the bundle of the DP50 (WH31) and this sensor is not a valid equivalent. Sure you can put the DP50 (WH31) outdoors but it will not be seen by the DP1500 (GW1000) as the main outdoor sensor. This means that you will not be able to upload outdoor temperature to online services nor connect 3rd party software and properly see outdoor temperature. You can't remap how the sensor shows up. The WH32 is a required sensor if you have separate components such as the DP300 (WS68).

I have emailed Froggit to inform them. I have spoken to other Froggit customers and they too have mentioned this to them and Froggit is adamant that customers can use the DP50 (WH31) for outdoor temperature. This just shows the incompetence in Froggit understanding their own product. Hopefully if other people keep emailing them the point will be made clear. I encourage everyone to email them about this problem.

The only solution for anyone now considering this DP300 (WS68) is to order the WH32 from Ecowitt. You will need to order the WH32 in 868 MHz version to be compatible with the rest of your Froggit sensors (namely the DP1500 is a 868 MHz receiving console).

Contact Froggit:
https://www.froggit.de/shop_content.php?coID=7

Unbeliveable!

[galfert]

I just sent an email to Fine Offset. Maybe hitting them from the other side will work. SMH

[olicat]

If you plan on getting the new Froggit DP300 (WS68) weather station, then this is a warning that this is not a complete station.

I already said this in this post. It's really incredible - especially for a company whose business is to sell weather stations.

The only solution for anyone now considering this DP300 (WS68) is to order the WH32 from Ecowitt.

Because this will last long (or ever) I already implemented a function to swap the values of any indoor-sensor to outdoor in FOSHKplugin:

Fake-Mode (from v0.06)
The values for outside temperature and humidity normally come from either a combination sensor (WH65, WS80) or the dedicated outside sensor WH32.
However, if neither a combination sensor nor a WH32 is available, values of any internal sensor DP50/WH31 (which should of course then be installed outside with appropriate weather protection) can be output as values ?of the external sensor.
[...]
Within FOSHKplugin, the substring "&temp1f =" is simply replaced by "&tempf =" and "&humidity1 =" by "&humidity =" when the Ecowitt line arrives from the weather station. The values themselves remain.
This setting is global and therefore affects all FOSHKplugin exports/forwards/outputs (except for RAW and RAWEW).
The weather station itself, of course, knows nothing of this - so the services configured there (Ecowitt, WU, WOW, etc.) still have no external values.
If you also want to output the values of the indoor sensor as outdoor sensor values for these services, the services within the weather station must be deactivated and carried out by FOSHKplugin instead.

Regards, Oliver

[galfert]

You are right olicat. You did bring it up first. I forgot I even participated in that thread.
(UPDATE: now both threads have been merged to this one thread)

Thanks olicat! Yes your plugin is helpful for those pulling data from the DP1500 / GW1000 (that didn't separately get a WH32). But you still have the problem in not being able to upload correctly to the built in services of the DP1500 / GW1000 such as Ecowitt.net.

Looks like my email to Froggit worked. They just removed the link from their website for this station. But they didn't reply to my email.

Historical link for reference that has now gone dead:
https://www.froggit.de/product_info.php?info=p464_dp1500-wi-fi-weather-server-usb-dongle-incl--1-x-dp50-thermo-hygrometer-wireless-sensor-1-x-dp80-self-draining-rain-gauge-sensor-1-x-dp300-solar-powered-aneometer-with-uv-light-sensor.html

[galfert]

I merged the two threads.

[olicat]

But you still have the problem in not being able to upload correctly to the built in services of the DP1500 / GW1000.

Thats right.
So you have do disable the built in services and just send via FOSHKplugin to the desired online services - including Ecowitt.

I had contact with a customer who was buying this set and was unable to send outdoor-values to WU in the german-speaking forum wetterstationen.info.
I asked him to contact Froggit with the request that the WH32 be included in the delivery program. Or how Froggit basically imagines it.
Froggit's answer was "WH31 / WH32 covers the DP50".
So they obviously didn't understand the problem at all.
And this for a company that sells weather stations.

(as you said: Unbeliveable!)

Regards, Oliver

[galfert]

UPDATE: Special Order Available

Here is an update on this situation for those of you with a Froggit station. You can place a special order for the WH32 from Froggit. The only thing is that Froggit themselves do not yet know nor realize that they have this part!

Froggit sells a basic station called the WH2626 and that comes with the WH32 that you need. The solution is to place a special order with Froggit (via email) for just the sensor part that comes with the WH2626. They do not list this part separately. You can't refer to it as the WH32. Just tell them that you want to order the external sensor for the WH2626 as a spare part.

https://www.froggit.de/product_info.php?info=p288_wh2626-wifi-internet-thermometer.html

We know that this sensor is definitely the WH32 and not the WH31 because users over in the Italian Weather Forum have tested it and they have been able to place the order for just this part as a special order.
https://forum.meteonetwork.it/stazioni-meteorologiche-ecowitt-fine-offset/168882-sensori-froggit-de-5.html#post1061136348

Placing this special order with Froggit has a few advantages for current Froggit customers, than to get the WH32 from Ecowitt.
- You'll likely save money and import taxes and fees
- You'll get it sooner than waiting several weeks to ship from China

The odd thing here is that clearly Froggit does not even realize that they actually have the WH32 that is needed. SMH.

Thank you to zoomx for making me aware of this.

[Mandrake]

Nice find and useful.
Could you add this info into the sticky section about sensors for those in Europe?
On the subject of taxes/import duty, I doubt anyone would get charged for just a wh32 from China.
I have not had charges for anything other than significant orders (100+ USD) so the main attraction here is simply speed of placing order to getting hands on for those with 868Mhz kit

[galfert]

Good idea. I've done two things.

- I've edited the OP with a note about this special order solution.
- I've made this post sticky for the time being. It will remain sticky until Froggit officially offers the WH32 with the DP300 kit.

[boggan]

Hi,

I have also bought the Froggit version of GW1000, WH40, WS68, WH31 and realized when I installed it that the DP50 is not equal to WH32.

I have also pointed this out to Froggit by email but as others have said it seems like they do not understand the situation.

Today I emailed them again thanks to the information about the WH2626, we will see what they answer.

I have also noticed today that Froggit has removed the complete set from their website but its still possible to buy them separately, so maybe they finally are aware of the problem.

Peter

[sdi89]

my experience with the german company Froggit is terrible. Their customer service is not existant.
I tried to call them during business hours three times on different dates and hours, but always after some rings a answering machine took over saying I am calling outside of their business hours and that I should send a email.
I have sent two emails over two weeks: no reply.

I gave up on them. Stay away from them when you can.

Interesting to see that you mention that the WH32 outdoor sensor can now be ordered with them separately sending them a email. I just ordered mine 10 days ago from amazon.com. Shipping to Europe was 5eur, no customs, but delivery time is around 3 weeks.

I wonder how it goes with you guys who ordered the WH32 with Froggit 

[galfert]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience.

Do you think your negative experience could have been affected because of the current Covid-19 situation? Just saying ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I think during these times we should be a bit less expectant and understanding.

I think today business should happen over electronic means when possible (email, twitter, facebook, company web portal form/chat...etc.) rather than via phone for the sake of efficiency. I know it isn't what perhaps many customers would prefer, but phone support is just costly as far as man hours is concerned and thus it should be reserved for those cases where call-back and attention to detail is absolutely required.

[bekesizl]

I made one short experience with buying, without support questions, it was positive.

Ordered a set on Saturday. It was prepared for shipping on Sunday. Picked up by courier in Germany on Monday and delivered to my home in Hungary on Thursday.
So I guess, if you only want to order something that they have on stock, then it should be alright.

I also got a quotation from Ecowitt, but the shipping cost was drastically higher (an outdoor sensor array+some indoor sensors) and it probably would have been taxed (VAT) and also some customs costs, so for bigger items inside Europe it is not a bad solution.

[Gyvate]

@sdi89:
I cannot confirm this experience with Froggit in Germany (not sure if they have other dependencies in Europe) - I've been more often in contact with them via phone (during their business hours) and via email and most of the time came through right away. Sometimes at 2nd or 3rd attempt only, but successful. And my emails were all attended - during COVID-19 with some delay, but that's understandable. Sure you use the proper email ? it's "info@hs-group.de" - their last email reply to one of my mails from 10-Jul was on 13-Jul. And their handling of complaints with hardware issues is more than satisfactory so far. Uncomplicated and fast action.

[boggan]

Well I emailed them two weeks ago regarding the WH2626 sensor, no answer. I emailed them again one week ago, still no answer. It’s really strange because in June I contacted them and they answered in one day. I have not tried to call them because my German is really bad.

I eventually decided to order the complete WH2626 thermometer for 35 euros and they shipped it the same day.

[ivano]

Servizio clienti froggit nullo , davvero incredibile, ecowitt anni luce avanti , puoi risparmiare tempo nella spedizione, ma una volta arrivati i sensori , se sai farli funzionare o altrimenti so dolori, per non parlare del prezzo più alto di ogni singolo sensore , acquisto tutto da ecowitt.... Mi armo di pazienza e aspetto , ma se ho un problema , subito verrà risolto .