Hi!
The
HP2560C has been around for a few months now as the supposed successor to the
HP2551C.
However, I refuse to see this device as a successor - apparently only the MCU has been replaced, presumably due to a shortage of components.
And the T/H/P sensors, which were previously only connectable via WH32B, were moved "into" the console.
Otherwise, the TFT and software of the new console are exactly the same as the old one.
From your point of view, what should the successor model of the HP2551C look like?
Size: as before 8" or 10" or 12".
I would like a slightly larger panel.
More valuable housing, heavier?
gladly!
internal or external sensors?
I would like to see the possibility of overriding the internal sensors with a WH32B (or an improved version)
With integrated SD card slot for local storage of all data?
Indispensable for me!
Power supply: MicroUSB, USB-C or hollow plug?
at least the socket should be designed in such a way that the cable is led out to the back and wall mounting is possible
From your point of view, should there be the optional possibility of an external antenna?
That would require an antenna socket - I would welcome that. No one has to use it. But you can!
Integrated back-up batteries or SuperCAP?
At the very least, this would allow RF data to come in during power outages. I consider operation in WIFI via the batteries to be out of the question.
separate USB port (which one - microUSB/USB-C?) for data access?
Ideally, it should be a combined port (power+data) as a USB-C socket
built-in motion detector for switching the TFT on/off desired?
For me, that would be a very useful feature. The diplay is only activated when movement is detected and remains active for a selectable time (with re-trigger).
This saves power and protects the display. But I would also be satisfied with (de)activation via WIFI (GW1000 API).
Of course, this option should be deactivatable and the previously usable time switch should be usable.
Should it be mandatory for the user to be able to change the arrangement of the tiles on the TFT?
with bidirectional communication and weather forecast from the network (e.g. support of forecast icons coming from Ecowitt)?
Support for the GW1000 API - but also the possibility to query data stored on the SD card via WIFI.
Touch sensors like on the HP2560C or real buttons like on the HP2551C?
Configuration exclusively via WSView Plus/integrated WebUI or also at the console itself?
I could do without configuration at the console!
Web interface (WebUI) incl. live data display as with the GW2000/GW1100
NTP configurable
IPv6 support necessary?
5GHz WIFI support necessary?
The currently available MCUs (e.g. ESP32) do not offer 5GHz - I don't see any urgent need for it either.
Support for modern WIFI protocols such as 802.11k as well as 802.11v.
Urgently needed in a mesh network.
IFTTT and voice assistant support required?
Should other values be calculated and output?
I am thinking e.g. of the calculation of ET (to be roughly on par with Davis).
Improved air pressure calculation
Input possibility of the station altitude
temperature-compensated air pressure calculation (technically no problem - the temperature values are available to the console)
Improved mean value calculation when sending to the individual destinations.
example:
Transmission interval to ecowitt.net is set to 3 minutes, with the various sensors transmitting values several times within this time period
Previous procedure: the LAST value is always sent during the interval.
better:
when sending reset internal counter per sensor value temp_counter = 0 and temp_avg = 0
when a new value is received temp_counter += 1 and temp_avg += temp
then send temp_avg/temp_counter at next transmission interval
How do you see it? Are there things you would still like to have?
Maybe we can develop our wishful thinking of a new console together here? I'm sure Ecowitt is reading along!
And - not insignificantly:
Of course, the development and higher-quality parts cost money. You can't expect to get a 10" or 12" console for the same price of the HP2551C with an 8" TFT.
Assuming all or most of your wishes would be fulfilled. How much money would you be willing to pay for it?
I will try to make good use of the forum's polling function. If you're interested, just take part and join in the discussion.
Thank you!
Oliver