Topic: Ecowitt Component Station ~ Research / Purchase / Setup / Expansion

[MrM1]

UPDATE: March 24, 2025

Thanks for Everyone's Help So Far

This thread has grown from a just a simple question of what to buy, into the purchase and expansion of my latest weather/environmental station.  Follow along as it grows.  hope this helps someone.

Here is an Info Graphic of how all the sensors come in to my 2 Different Consoles, and a history of my journey into the hobby.

System Running to date: March 22, 2025

I ended up going with the following components
- Gateway: Ecowitt GW1200 (no display)
- Array for Wind/Rain: Ecowitt WS85
- Outdoor T/H: Ecowitt WH32 (but I will some be replacing it with the new WN32BS (aka WH32-EP) and SHT35 Probe Sensor)
- Radiation Shield: Ambient Weather SRS100LX
- Lightning: Ecowitt WH57 (sent 1st one back because of False Positives. 2nd is perfect)
- Lake Water Temp: WN34BL
- Indoor and other Location Temp: Ecowitt WN31 (aka WH31)
- Soil Moisture: Ecowitt WH51
- Rain, Solar & UV: Coming into the GW1200 via the old Ambient Weather WS-2902-(Osprey)Array.

Original Post and Question: March 2, 2025

Well after several years of fiddling with it and going thru 2 different array, I have finally given up on my Ambient Weather WS-2000.  Outdoor temp sensor has stopped responding again.  Range is terrible.   

I think I want to go all component and  I came across the Ecowitt  here on the Forum.  Looks like Ecowitt checks all my boxes,  but before I order I just want to make sure I am ordering everything I need and none of what I don't.

What I want in a weather station:
- I would Like a station that has a range to the sensors of at least 60 feet.
- I want the system to report: wind speed, direction, rainfall, outdoor temperature and humidity, UV, and Solar Radiation, Lightning sensor, barometric pressure, indoor temperature and humidity
- I want to be able to upload to my Weather Underground Account, Have a phone app for live data and possibly work with Amazon Alexia Devices
- I want a Display and not a Gateway.  And so if possible would not like to have to add a Gateway

Catching up reading here and looking at the Ecowitt Shop,  I think these items would get the job done ...
- HP2560_C Console
- WS68  Anemometer with Light & UV Sensor
- WN32 Outdoor Temp / Humidity
- RS-00001 Ecowitt Rain Shield for the WN32
- WH40H  Rain Gauge
- WH57  Lightning Sensor

Questions
1. Could I Use my old Ambient Console that came with the WS-2000 or is all Ambient gear locked
2. Does the HP2560 Console function as a Gateway?  Real World Range from sensors?
3. Will I be able to upload to my WU account, have a live phone app, and Alexia support?
4. Does the Rain Shield for the WN32 temp sensor work as a solar radiation shield as well?
5. Would I get better Temp accuracy if I use a WN31_EP with probe for outdoor temp?  (what is the difference between the WN31 and WN32).  I have to then get some kind of shield for the probe also.
6. I have a few Ambient Weather  indoor temp sensors still functional.  Will the WH31E and WH32B work with the HP2560 console?

Thanks for your help
Mike

[Wooks61]

For excellent information and possible answers to all your questions,try looking here:
https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start

[R.Sidetrack]

Regarding "real world range", keep in mind that each site has different  obstacles to radio waves. Some houses are just wood studs with drywall inside and vinyl siding outside. I'd rate that as minimal obstacle to radio transmission.  Actual brick or stone walls are likely to block more. And metal siding, and metal roofing are likely to be the worst.

Then consider that if the radio gateway is inside the display console, you are likely to want to position the display where it is most convenient for people to look at.  That location may not be the best from a radio reception perspective (depending where your sensors are mounted).

That doesn't mean that a combined gateway & console is a bad idea, but it does limit your options some. If sensor range is of prime importance, I'd suggest using GW3000 gateway (the only gateway with an external antenna) would be a good choice.

[MrM1]

For excellent information and possible answers to all your questions,try looking here:
https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start

Thx. I'll check it out

[MrM1]

Regarding "real world range", keep in mind that each site has different  obstacles to radio waves. Some houses are just wood studs with drywall inside and vinyl siding outside. I'd rate that as minimal obstacle to radio transmission.  Actual brick or stone walls are likely to block more. And metal siding, and metal roofing are likely to be the worst.

Then consider that if the radio gateway is inside the display console, you are likely to want to position the display where it is most convenient for people to look at.  That location may not be the best from a radio reception perspective (depending where your sensors are mounted).

That doesn't mean that a combined gateway & console is a bad idea, but it does limit your options some. If sensor range is of prime importance, I'd suggest using GW3000 gateway (the only gateway with an external antenna) would be a good choice.

Thx

Your First Construction example essentially fits my house. My console is currently located on an end table beside a window looking out at my array about 30 ft away. House is made of sheetrock, wood studs and vinyl.

If I were to get a console and a standalone Gateway how difficult it is it to connect the console to the Gateway without the console seeing itself as the receiving point for the sensors?

Also does my list of proposed sensors above appear to be adequate for my desired weather monitoring outcome. Anything you would add or take away from that list above?

[R.Sidetrack]

If I were to buy a gateway without a built-in display, I'd skip the dedicated console and just use an older, underutilized tablet. (Yeah, none of my gateways have displays.)

I'm out of really old tablets, but I just bought a pair of these  at a good price: https://www.ebay.com/itm/126844208147

Your sensor list looks fine to me. Actually I have all those devices except the rain shield and the console. I hang my WN32 from a beam on my north-facing porch without a shield (under a roof but no porch walls) and its fine like that.
I will say that the lightning sensor gets triggered by something often enough that I consider it unreliable. I could spend more time with testing different settings and different locations, but for the moment I have other things to deal with. 

[MrM1]

What'd is the difference between between the HP2550 and HP2560 console?  Except for a possibly slightly different display layout, different buttons and form factor ...  It seems the only primary difference is the HP2560 has a built in temp / humidity / barometric pressure sensor. 

[Gyvate]

our WiKi is your friend  The differences between a HP250 and a HP2560 are described there.

Basically it's touch-buttons instead of mechanical buttons and inbuilt indoor temperature/humidity and pressure sensor.
A HP2550 comes with an extra indoor T&HP sensor (WN32B/WN32P) which is sometimes handier than the inbuilt version of the HP2560 - meanwhile the HP2560 can also use a separate T&HP sensor with later firmware (same for both HP2550/2560) - as you do not depend on the location of your console for the indoor readings. 60ft/20m shouldn't be an issue unless there are many obstacles with thick concrete or reflecting metal in between.

It's just like a WS-2000 console (Ambient never moved to the touch-button design) without the Ambient sensor restriction  and posting to ecowitt.net instead of AWN.

With a HP25x0 console you can continue using all your still working Ambient sensors - but your WS-2000 console is programmed to use only Ambient branded sensors.

There is an option using any Ecowitt console with an old (or new) Android tablet for display (with a gateway) or 2nd display (with a display console) - the customized server options. See Personal Weather Tablet (PWT) in the WiKi (see my signature or the link posted earlier by @Wooks61).

[alanb]

As far as I know, there is no native Alexa skill for Ecowitt.net or Ecowitt weather stations. The Ambient Weather Alexa skill works from AWN and not directly with the WS-2000 components.

See https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=45225

[kheller2]

Well after several years of fiddling with it and going thru 2 different array, I have finally given up on my Ambient Weather WS-2000.  Outdoor temp sensor has stopped responding again.  Range is terrible.   

ONLY the outdoor sensor has stopped responding? I'm assuming you mean the one in the sensor array.  But Wind, direction etc still work?  That isn't a Range issue.

Questions
1. Could I Use my old Ambient Console that came with the WS-2000 or is all Ambient gear locked
2. Does the HP2560 Console function as a Gateway?  Real World Range from sensors?
3. Will I be able to upload to my WU account, have a live phone app, and Alexia support?
4. Does the Rain Shield for the WN32 temp sensor work as a solar radiation shield as well?
5. Would I get better Temp accuracy if I use a WN31_EP with probe for outdoor temp?  (what is the difference between the WN31 and WN32).  I have to then get some kind of shield for the probe also.
6. I have a few Ambient Weather  indoor temp sensors still functional.  Will the WH31E and WH32B work with the HP2560 console?

1) Ambient Consoles are locked to Ambient sensors.
2) Yes -- it's a console gateway.   Well, range SHOULD be similar to your WS2000 but that's a discussion here.
3) Yes, yes, Not sure so check the wiki.
4) Yes, it isn't perfect, but better than nothing.
5) Yes you would, but it would need a solar shield as well and it would not show up in the "outdoor temperature" section.  You would want a 32_EP.  31s= extra sensor (up to 8 ) T/H they do NOT show up as "inside temperature or "outside temperature".  32 Indoor model =  Indoor for T/H/Pressure, 32 outdoor model (which will override an outdoor sensor array's T/H).  Basically if it says "multi-channel" those are additional T/H sensors .. they will not replace your primary indoor or outdoor sensor.. those are the 32s.
6) Ecowitt console will see all your Ambient sensors.

[R.Sidetrack]

There is a Home Assistant integration for Ecowitt. I don't use Alexa but it may be that Ecowitt is available similar to Home Assistant. The screenshot is of the data elements available in HA via my Ecowitt GW2000 gateway.

[MrM1]

ONLY the outdoor sensor has stopped responding? I'm assuming you mean the one in the sensor array.  But Wind, direction etc still work?  That isn't a Range issue.

Thanks for your response.  I should have been  more clear.  It was a Range Issue Before it was a sensor issue.  but yes,  wind etc still work.  only temp is dead.  But the whole system has had a range issue since I got it

(But NOTE: I have updated my entire new weather station system idea)

[MrM1]

After Much Reading both here,  the forum and the Wiki for Ecowitt.  I think I have changed my system design.   

Updated System Idea: 
(No Console)

* WN31_EP T/H sensor with probe
   - with a La Crosse Technology 925-1418  Shield for the body
   - and a RS-00001   Sheild for the Probe
* GW1200 Gateway
* WS85 Rain and Wind
* WH57 Lightening

Yes I lose the UV and Light sensor,  but I can add that latter if I really want it with a WS68 (using the Light sensor only)

And Yes I lose the Console, but if I understand what I have read all over the place,  the Gateways have been sensor reception than the Consoles.  And after seeing the WSView Plus I do not think I need or want a console

[MrM1]

Correct me If I am wrong ... But as I read the Ecowitt sales web page, the WN32_EP is not available in North America,  Only the WN31_EP

And so if this is true,  and I can only get the WN31_EP,  Can it function as the Primary T/H sensor in the Gateway / Console?   Is there a way to set it to be in the location of the Primary Outdoor Temp / Humidity reading in the App

[Rover1822]

Yes I lose the UV and Light sensor,  but I can add that latter if I really want it with a WS68 (using the Light sensor only)

Other than in some circumstances, you cannot choose what portion of an array to use. Pretty much all or nothing. Exceptions are for certain rain sensors that can overrule, maybe temp in some circumstances

[kheller2]

Correct me If I am wrong ... But as I read the Ecowitt sales web page, the WN32_EP is not available in North America,  Only the WN31_EP

And so if this is true,  and I can only get the WN31_EP,  Can it function as the Primary T/H sensor in the Gateway / Console?   Is there a way to set it to be in the location of the Primary Outdoor Temp / Humidity reading in the App

The WH32 outdoor non-P is available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MZ4RWY1
The WH32-EP for 915Mhz is sold out at Amazon and at Ecowitt's site.

No, the WN31s can not function as "primary" T/H sensors so they will not show up on your GW/Console/WU where you would want them.

[kheller2]

ONLY the outdoor sensor has stopped responding? I'm assuming you mean the one in the sensor array.  But Wind, direction etc still work?  That isn't a Range issue.

Thanks for your response.  I should have been  more clear.  It was a Range Issue Before it was a sensor issue.  but yes,  wind etc still work.  only temp is dead.  But the whole system has had a range issue since I got it

(But NOTE: I have updated my entire new weather station system idea)

Range issues could be a few things, there are mods here to make the antennas on both the array and console external.  The Temp sensor could just be dead and replacement sensors can be had.

[Gyvate]

Yes I lose the UV and Light sensor,  but I can add that latter if I really want it with a WS68 (using the Light sensor only)

Other than in some circumstances, you cannot choose what portion of an array to use. Pretty much all or nothing. Exceptions are for certain rain sensors that can overrule, maybe temp in some circumstances

these "some cirumstances" are defined in the so-called sensor hierarchy
https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#sensor_hierarchy
If you want to have solar data along with a WS85, for the time being, to add a WS68 is the only reasonable option. (You could also add a WS69 but ...)
I'm checking the WH32-EP availability right now (when available again), but a WH32/WN2 without EP in a proper solar shield is not that bad anyway - and just a 12 USD (pre-)investment.

EDIT: added screen + EP availability info:
Unless your outdoor T/RH sensor has no solar exposure, the solar shield is key in getting proper T/RH values.
see also https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#passive_solar_radiation_shields_shelters_-_stevenson_screens
The housing with the mini-display, if you use a WH32-EP, can be put in a moisture-proof box with a lockable front window/door, so you can also look up the data when close. That's what I do. Ideal recommended mounting height for outdoor T/RH are 2m / 7 ft above ground.

The WH32-EP with 915 MHz is planned to be available at Ecowitt (shop.ecowitt.com) beginning of April. It's somewhere in the production queue.

[MrM1]

The WH32-EP with 915 MHz is planned to be available at Ecowitt (shop.ecowitt.com) beginning of April. It's somewhere in the production queue.

Thanks for the update.  I will probably get a WH32-EP when the come available.  I just like the probe idea.  Temp and wind are probably the 2 most important factors for me.

I probably will not get the WS68 just for solar.  Those readings are not that important for me at this time.  I will just watch and wait to see if Ecowitt ever comes up with a dedicated stand alone  solar sensor

[MrM1]

System Design Update

After 5 days of reading and research,  I ended up ordering some parts yesterday.  I was originally going with the WS68 and a WH40H for rain,  but after reading the slow response time of the WS68, I liked the idea of faster response and more of a 3D capture of the WS85 for wind.  I currently have an AW WS-2902 array and have often seen ripples and wind movement on my backyard lake  .... with NO wind recorded by that sensor. 

I also ordered a WH31-EP Temp sensor, but after the above discussion,  I canceled that and ordered the WH32 without probe for now.  And I got the AW SRS100LX shield for it. 

So as it stands now,  The system will be
* WH32
   - with an Ambient Weather SRS100LX shield
* GW1200 Gateway
* WS85 Rain and Wind
* WH57 Lightening
* And I have 2 WH31B's I will repurpose from my existing system I will repurpose around the house.
* And at this time,  I have not decided on a Display Console.  I will wait to see how I like just an app

[MrM1]

Radiation Shield

Unproven of course, but this looks somewhat interesting for the pricepoint

https://www.seeedstudio.com/Solar-Radiation-Shield-for-Outdoor-Sensor-Protection-A10-p-4601.html

[Gyvate]

Radiation Shield

Unproven of course, but this looks somewhat interesting for the pricepoint

https://www.seeedstudio.com/Solar-Radiation-Shield-for-Outdoor-Sensor-Protection-A10-p-4601.html

looks nice, but this has no meaning.
It has to undergo the test in
- direct irradiation exposure
- changes (how long does it take until the new situation is properly shown) in humidity and temperature readings after strong rainfall etc.
The more expensive shields cost  more for good reasons - just putting a few elements above each other alone won't do the job. On the other hand, just $35 might be worth the risk ...

[MrM1]

just $35 might be worth the risk ...

That's what I was thinking

And I am surprised there is not much info here on the boards about the AW SRS100LX shield

[kheller2]

Radiation Shield

Unproven of course, but this looks somewhat interesting for the pricepoint

https://www.seeedstudio.com/Solar-Radiation-Shield-for-Outdoor-Sensor-Protection-A10-p-4601.html

looks nice, but this has no meaning.
It has to undergo the test in
- direct irradiation exposure
- changes (how long does it take until the new situation is properly shown) in humidity and temperature readings after strong rainfall etc.
The more expensive shields cost  more for good reasons - just putting a few elements above each other alone won't do the job. On the other hand, just $35 might be worth the risk ...

I have that shield (or one that looks just like it), and have yet to mount it because I would have to desolder the 32-EP probe to get it to fit in and mount correctly.  I have a whole box of various threaded adapters I've tried.  I even have a waterproof box with clear door to mount the transmitter.  I have considered cutting the wiring and making a screw together joint so that I can easily replace sensor or transmitter in the future.

[MrM1]

Let the testing begin

I just got 2 shields
1. The La Crosse Technology 925-1418
2 Ecowitt RS-00001

I'm checking them both in the full sun mounted up 3 ft off the ground with calibrated WH31s

On The whole La Crosse is nicer. You could probably fit 3-4 of the box WH31s inside.

But I can see why the Ecowitt RS-00001 would be pretty ineffective except for rain and debris. very small inside, and while the sensor fits nice and snug, it doesn't look like it has much room to breathe at all. looks like the heat of the plastic would just get transferred to the sensor.