Topic: PWSweather Middleware Volunteers

[weatherforyou]

I've been contacted by a developer who has written some "middleware" to enable AcuRite stations (and possibly others in the near future) to post data to PWSweather.com even if the device or software they're using doesn't support it.  It's a custom .net based application.  He's looking for some AcuRite users that are already reporting their data to other sites to test the product.  If anyone is interested you can PM me.

Thanks!

[Jack Bowman]

This function has been supported on Acurite stations that utilize the Bridge, and even those who do not use the bridge to post VIA web scrapper methods for some time now at no charge. Always nice to see more folks supporting Acurite products though!

http://kevin-key.blogspot.com/

Why make it private? (PM) Let's bring this software out in the open. Like most folks here, I am always open to support developers like this! Really happy to see this post.

[nincehelser]

This function has been supported on Acurite stations that utilize the Bridge, and even those who do not use the bridge to post VIA web scrapper methods for some time now at no charge. Always nice to see more folks supporting Acurite products though!

http://kevin-key.blogspot.com/

Why make it private? (PM) Let's bring this software out in the open. Like most folks here, I am always open to support developers like this! Really happy to see this post.

I don't support anybody who webscrapes in that fashion.  Don't be surprised if that's going to break before too long.

[Jack Bowman]

I don't support anybody who webscrapes in that fashion.  Don't be surprised if that's going to break before too long.

I agree! The web scraper option is not the best solution. Modern day servers can easily handle scraping, but for just the dynamic nature of web pages that you mentioned, it is not a solid methodology. 

[nincehelser]

I agree! The web scraper option is not the best solution. Modern day servers can easily handle scraping, but for just the dynamic nature of web pages that you mentioned, it is not a solid methodology.

It's more than that.  It's theft of services, bordering on a denial-of-service attack when you login/out every 5 seconds (when the system was designed for auto-updates of 5 minutes) just so you can make your station look abnormally fast on wunderground to beat out your neighbors.

Modern servers use APIs and keys to help manage that sort of nonsense.

[weatherforyou]

Why make it private? (PM) Let's bring this software out in the open. Like most folks here, I am always open to support developers like this! Really happy to see this post.

The PM is so I can put interested volunteers in contact with the developer without giving out their email address publicly.

From what I can remember this is the first time anyone has made me aware of an application like this.  If there are others I'd like to add them to the "supported software and devices" list.  I'm contacted often by AcuRite (and Davis Weatherlink) users and, until now, have just had to tell them contact the company to add support.

We don't get a lot of requests to develop products that support posting to or using PWSweather data.  So any interest is exciting to me. 

[weatherforyou]

Only had one person contact me.  Anyone else interested?

[Bob2]

I am, I have emailed and PM'd...let me know, thanks!

[nincehelser]

Be aware changes are afoot.

For almost five years, My Backyard Weather (MBW) has been your connection to your
AcuRite personal weather station and sensors. It was one of the first online
communities for remote monitoring of hyper-local weather conditions. However,
over the past couple years, this service has experienced a number of issues
that have impacted the performance of the web site. Some of these issues have
continued this week with incorrect information being displayed on your personal
dashboard, such as very high winds, temperatures, reduced rain amounts, etc.
While we continue to investigate this and seek a resolution, a more important
change is underway; to deliver the online experience you deserve.

For the past few months our own internal development team has been working on a
replacement for the current My Backyard Weather community; it’s a new
cloud-based solution that gives us a platform for future growth and
enhancements. We’re rebuilding the service from the ground up, bringing forward
all the existing features, along with improved charting, data export, and many
more.

Our new platform will be released in late July, with current customers being migrated to the new
community throughout August and September. We are confident you will be pleased
with the capabilities, performance, and experience.  Please follow this
forum for updates and announcements as we prepare for this transition. You can
also email your comments and questions to us at mbw@chaney-inst.com

Larry Meadows
Director, AcuRite Platform Solutions