Ideally I'd like separate wind and rainfall sensors, possibly going ultrasonic for the wind and the ability to have a second external thermometer would be handy, but this might be a bit pricey for me to start with.
It is perfectly sensible to start with the all-in-one sensor array and later upgrade to separate components. Then the all-in-one can serve as a backup if you ever have a sensor go out. This gives you time to get replacement parts and not have down time.
What I'd like to know is:- Would I be right in saying that the Watson W8686 is equivalent to the HP2551, bar the fact the Watson has the tri-wing sensor array and the 2551 has the bi-wing sensors?
Yes, they are the same. The only notable difference is that the bi-wing fairs better with less snow accumulation and the anemometer therefore may operate longer when it snows. But a very strong snow storm will still block the bi-wing. The bi-wing is just a design change, but the sensors are identical.
- If I bought an Ecowitt GW1000/DP1500/Misol GW1000 (are they all compatible as long as everything's 433MHz?), that would connect to the Watson's sensors and give me a) another thermometer and b)more options for uploading to different online locations?
Yes, all would be compatible if the frequency matches. Froggit DP1500 only comes with 868 MHz, and Misol is only 433 MHz. Therefore only the Froggit would work to match 868 MHz of the Watson. Then or course you can also get the Ecowitt in any frequency you need.
A GW1000 does not give you another temperature / humidity sensor. That is that console device's indoor sensor, so you'll need to use it for that, because the WH32B (indoor sensor) is not received by the GW1000. The GW1000 doesn't need the WH32B as it would be redundant.
- Does anyone know if the temperature/humidity sensors on the end of the wire of the GW1000 are weatherproof? I'm thinking baout having the small unit inside, but with the sensor located outside - I know that won't give me an 'accurate' outside temperature, but it would give me a second thermometer where I want it.
I look forward to some suggestions and thanks for all the information that's here, it's been very useful so far!
It is not weather proof. Even still do not attempt to use this as an outdoor sensor because it only will report as an indoor sensor. Most online services only let you upload outdoor temperature. Even if they let you upload indoor temperature it would be mapped wrong if you attempted to put it outdoors.
If you want an extra outdoor temperature / humidity sensor then you should get the WH31. If you want a better primary outdoor temperature /humidity sensor then you should get the WH32 (non-B) or the WH32-EP and put it in a good radiation shield.