Author Topic: AcuRite Optimus  (Read 5845 times)

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Offline lwhornets27

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AcuRite Optimus
« on: May 27, 2025, 11:01:08 AM »
Looks like a new AcuRite station has been revealed. It’s called Optimus. Looks interesting except no UV detection. New display and app as well.

https://www.acurite.com/products/acurite-optimus-weather-station-with-wi-fi-hd-display#product-info

Offline ctccbc

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2025, 11:48:32 PM »
The link is already removed and there is no mention of the Optimum on their webpage. I wonder if this was released too soon, or there is an issue with it?


Offline Rhino

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #2 on: May 28, 2025, 12:06:28 AM »
Presale goes live tomorrow [tup]

Offline DoctorKnow

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #3 on: May 28, 2025, 08:59:45 AM »
I saw the sensor and display yesterday. Lifetime warranty. Specs didn't mention update intervals, but showed a new app. I have been able to keep my original Atlas and an 8 yr old Iris going by soldering over with new the joints.

Offline dhageremtp

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #4 on: May 28, 2025, 12:31:03 PM »
https://www.acurite.com/cdn/shop/files/AcuRite_Optimus_Weather_Sensor_Manual.pdf?v=15801901159446869462

Wind speed is reported every 18 seconds while wind direction is every 30 seconds. Temp and humidity is every 36 seconds.

Offline OldAlaskaGuy

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #5 on: May 28, 2025, 01:34:39 PM »
At this point in time it could be either tariffs or issues with the product. They may be waiting for the dust to settle so they don't have to add a big tariff charge and price it out of the market. I went to the pre-sale link provided here and this is what came up.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2025, 01:41:49 PM by OldAlaskaGuy »
Ambient Weather: WS-2902, IP Observer v4.6.2
Ecowitt: GW1000B: v1.7.8, GW1200B v1.3.8, GW3000B v1.0.9
Sending weather data to, Ambient CWOP, Ambient Weather, AWEKAS, Ecowitt, PWS Weather, Weathercloud, Wunderground, MADIS, and APRS
CumulusMX dashboard. V4.5.2b4505
Ambient Weather  https://ambientweather.net/dashboard/b71db9ae6b3ebd3a3db1864a6b9eeb2b
Ecowitt https://www.ecowitt.net/home/share?authorize=SEJRPK
AEKAS https://stationsweb.awekas.at/home?id=20470

Offline karss

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #6 on: May 28, 2025, 01:48:55 PM »
Acurite sends official email about Optimus. Link to the new landing page below.

https://www.acurite.com/pages/optimus-landing-page?_kx=jIhDb6F3XQiEWf2cxZ2ms8YituXK8BDl7WnB6YaymxU.UFZvec

Offline Mabcmb

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #7 on: May 28, 2025, 02:36:29 PM »
Well for $279.99 I think I will pass . What is the deal breaker for me is , no UV & Light Intensity Sensor , will not work with My AcuRite to which I all ready have 5 sensors hooked up to .  Why couldn't  they have made  it to be added to all the other Acurite sensors systems ?

Offline Mabcmb

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #8 on: May 28, 2025, 02:47:30 PM »
Well for $279.99 I think I will pass . What is the deal breaker for me is , no UV & Light Intensity Sensor , will not work with My AcuRite to which I all ready have 5 sensors hooked up to .  Why couldn't  they have made  it to be added to all the other Acurite sensors systems ?

  P.S does anyone know if this new station will work with WU ???

Offline txbayou

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #9 on: May 28, 2025, 03:10:01 PM »
I bought an early production Atlas from Amazon. I remember it well and let’s just say I was very grateful for the AZ return policy: no return shipping costs and no questions asked.

I recall others also having problems with the Atlas. Perhaps the ‘lifetime warranty’ for  the Optimus is intended to make customers more at ease.

IOW I don't feel a drive to be the first on my block with this new station. However—-I am curious to see how it turns out and hope is a good performer I might want to buy. I'm optimistic so to speak.

BTW thanks Acurite for making your rigs so they fit on your little proprietary mounting bracket. It's very convenient for me to use in my location.
 [tup] 
« Last Edit: May 29, 2025, 06:45:27 PM by txbayou »

Offline worachj

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #10 on: May 28, 2025, 03:55:17 PM »
The display has three view modes, with the focus for either temp, wind or rain. I like that the temp focus will show the days high/low temperature. I can live with no UV & Light Intensity Sensor.

Looks like you need to point the solar cell directly south or your wind direction will be off.

« Last Edit: May 28, 2025, 03:56:59 PM by worachj »


AcuRite Atlas
KMNSAINT173

Offline OldAlaskaGuy

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #11 on: May 28, 2025, 05:16:59 PM »
 I went for a quick read through the manuals and nothing is noted about sharing data to other weather sites.I sent a message for clairifaction to Acurite and this is the answer regarding additional weather services.
Brittany"At this time it is compatible with the AcuRite NOW app. We are working on being able to share this weather with Weather Underground but we aren't able to offer that option yet."A lot of maybe here. This is a deal breaker for me.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2025, 05:29:56 PM by OldAlaskaGuy »
Ambient Weather: WS-2902, IP Observer v4.6.2
Ecowitt: GW1000B: v1.7.8, GW1200B v1.3.8, GW3000B v1.0.9
Sending weather data to, Ambient CWOP, Ambient Weather, AWEKAS, Ecowitt, PWS Weather, Weathercloud, Wunderground, MADIS, and APRS
CumulusMX dashboard. V4.5.2b4505
Ambient Weather  https://ambientweather.net/dashboard/b71db9ae6b3ebd3a3db1864a6b9eeb2b
Ecowitt https://www.ecowitt.net/home/share?authorize=SEJRPK
AEKAS https://stationsweb.awekas.at/home?id=20470

Offline alanb

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #12 on: May 28, 2025, 05:57:22 PM »
Does it, or will it in the future support added sensors (T/H, lightning detection, etc.)? The Ambient Weather WS-2000 is only $20 more than the Optimus and would seem to have a lot more flexibility and features. Unless I am missing something, the Optimus just doesn't measure up.

I do still have a "thorn in my craw" about the Atlas Elite fiasco from several years ago, so that probably has an effect on my opinion of AcuRite.
Alan - Ambient WS-2000, Ecowitt GW3000, WH31E x5, WH31L, Ecowitt WN32(WH32E)
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My station dashboards - WU  AWN  ECOWITT

Offline DoctorKnow

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #13 on: May 28, 2025, 06:10:36 PM »
At first, I didn't think the Optimus had a fan in it, but according to the features it does indeed. The Atlas sensor updates every 10 seconds (sometimes faster), where this one updates no faster than an Iris.

Offline Mabcmb

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #14 on: May 28, 2025, 07:51:58 PM »
I went for a quick read through the manuals and nothing is noted about sharing data to other weather sites.I sent a message for clairifaction to Acurite and this is the answer regarding additional weather services.
Brittany"At this time it is compatible with the AcuRite NOW app. We are working on being able to share this weather with Weather Underground but we aren't able to offer that option yet."A lot of maybe here. This is a deal breaker for me.

 Thanks for looking into that!! And that's another  deal breaker for me .

Offline karss

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #15 on: May 29, 2025, 04:41:17 AM »
From the price point, they should have included an UV/light sensor and also data sharing to WU and other sites.

I have been using an Acurite 5in1 for 8+ years, which is also an air aspirated system. One of the drawbacks of the air aspirated system is the failure of the aspiratory fan motor. Especially if you are in dust prone region the fan will fail within a year or two depending on conditions. I have at least replaced five or six fan motors in my 5in1. Also, I had to replace the temperature/humidity sensor after two years as dust and humidity kills the sensor pretty quick. With some self improvisation, I have managed to pull the life of the replacement sensor to 6+ years. Hope they have made some improvisation here, would be good to see the schematic or a tear down of the Optimus system.

Offline txbayou

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #16 on: May 29, 2025, 06:49:22 PM »
Which platforms will Acurite Now app support? I’d like a desktop option too not just phones.

And in this day and age WU and at least a few other services should also be compatible IMO.

I do like the solar module, assuming it is properly weatherproof. Also the battery rechargeable base for the display is nice and makes the display more portable, which I really like. Never liked having an expensive display I have to keep in one place, I move around the house yaknow.
« Last Edit: May 29, 2025, 07:41:40 PM by txbayou »

Offline box

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #17 on: May 30, 2025, 04:27:44 AM »
From the price point, they should have included an UV/light sensor and also data sharing to WU and other sites.

I have been using an Acurite 5in1 for 8+ years, which is also an air aspirated system. One of the drawbacks of the air aspirated system is the failure of the aspiratory fan motor. Especially if you are in dust prone region the fan will fail within a year or two depending on conditions. I have at least replaced five or six fan motors in my 5in1. Also, I had to replace the temperature/humidity sensor after two years as dust and humidity kills the sensor pretty quick. With some self improvisation, I have managed to pull the life of the replacement sensor to 6+ years. Hope they have made some improvisation here, would be good to see the schematic or a tear down of the Optimus system.

Doesn't say much for the quality of their fans, the computer industry dealt with this years ago

Offline OldAlaskaGuy

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #18 on: May 30, 2025, 11:31:52 AM »
From the price point, they should have included an UV/light sensor and also data sharing to WU and other sites.

I have been using an Acurite 5in1 for 8+ years, which is also an air aspirated system. One of the drawbacks of the air aspirated system is the failure of the aspiratory fan motor. Especially if you are in dust prone region the fan will fail within a year or two depending on conditions. I have at least replaced five or six fan motors in my 5in1. Also, I had to replace the temperature/humidity sensor after two years as dust and humidity kills the sensor pretty quick. With some self improvisation, I have managed to pull the life of the replacement sensor to 6+ years. Hope they have made some improvisation here, would be good to see the schematic or a tear down of the Optimus system.

Doesn't say much for the quality of their fans, the computer industry dealt with this years ago
Not to worry, LIFETIME warranty! for now. They will probably ship a replacement fan for you to install, for free.
Ambient Weather: WS-2902, IP Observer v4.6.2
Ecowitt: GW1000B: v1.7.8, GW1200B v1.3.8, GW3000B v1.0.9
Sending weather data to, Ambient CWOP, Ambient Weather, AWEKAS, Ecowitt, PWS Weather, Weathercloud, Wunderground, MADIS, and APRS
CumulusMX dashboard. V4.5.2b4505
Ambient Weather  https://ambientweather.net/dashboard/b71db9ae6b3ebd3a3db1864a6b9eeb2b
Ecowitt https://www.ecowitt.net/home/share?authorize=SEJRPK
AEKAS https://stationsweb.awekas.at/home?id=20470

Offline Data_Dan

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #19 on: May 30, 2025, 11:44:59 AM »
The Original Purchase Warranty, also known as the Optimus Limited Lifetime Warranty, does not cover consumable components which include: the rain funnel, rain debris screen, wind cups, wind vane, and temperature-humidity sensor module. What else is left? That's basically the whole weather station!

Offline R.Sidetrack

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #20 on: May 30, 2025, 01:18:17 PM »
Expecting a manufacturer to actually honor a "Lifetime Warranty" is a real stretch. First of all, what does "Lifetime" actually mean? Almost certainly not the rest of your life.

A common dodge is ... in a year or so ... to simply offer a new model similar to the product you purchased  but assigned a "different" model number.  Then they say the model you purchased is "Discontinued" and parts are no longer available.  :roll:

A more realistic way forward is to buy separate components (not a 7-in-1, or 5 in 1, etc) with the expectation that as individual components fail, you can just replace the failed sensor. I am using that strategy with Ecowitt WH40 (rain), WH68 (anemometer + solar) plus a WH30 (temperature + humidity) plus a standalone gateway (GW1100, GW2000, or GW3000). The individual components are relatively affordable and five years along I am happy with the way things are going. I have replaced a failed WH40 for about $40.
« Last Edit: May 30, 2025, 01:23:41 PM by R.Sidetrack »
Graham

--- Variety of 'discrete' Ecowitt devices; CumulusMX on Raspberry Pi4 ---

Offline OldAlaskaGuy

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #21 on: May 30, 2025, 01:44:19 PM »
Over 15 years I have owned 3 multi sensor arrays. I just replace the array and keep using all the ancillary components. Occasionally I will upgrade a wifi bridge when a new one comes out on sale. I started with Ambient and added Ecowitt compatible components. Product reliability and good service with Ecowitt. Still have a Ambient WS-1400-IP array that I retired in the garage as a backup. Everything on a webpage, not a fan of consoles. Running a GW1200 and GW3000 in parallel redundancy in case of failure of one.
« Last Edit: May 30, 2025, 01:48:00 PM by OldAlaskaGuy »
Ambient Weather: WS-2902, IP Observer v4.6.2
Ecowitt: GW1000B: v1.7.8, GW1200B v1.3.8, GW3000B v1.0.9
Sending weather data to, Ambient CWOP, Ambient Weather, AWEKAS, Ecowitt, PWS Weather, Weathercloud, Wunderground, MADIS, and APRS
CumulusMX dashboard. V4.5.2b4505
Ambient Weather  https://ambientweather.net/dashboard/b71db9ae6b3ebd3a3db1864a6b9eeb2b
Ecowitt https://www.ecowitt.net/home/share?authorize=SEJRPK
AEKAS https://stationsweb.awekas.at/home?id=20470

Offline AlanD96

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #22 on: May 31, 2025, 02:53:49 PM »
Yeah, I was initialily excited about this new station but the more I read the less excited I was.

AcuRite has stated that it will NOT send information to Weather Underground or 'My Acurite'

It will not work with the Atlas displays.  I have four so replacing them would be a big expense.

It will not work with the AcuRite Access.

To me,  I don't see how its cost effective to replace something that is working just fine, and has fewer features that I enjoy using with the Atlas. 

I'd also be wary of being one of the first purchasers of the Optimus.   In the past new stations from AcuRite had bugs that took them months to squash. 



« Last Edit: May 31, 2025, 02:56:51 PM by AlanD96 »

Offline TheBushPilot

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #23 on: May 31, 2025, 04:55:26 PM »
That is the goofiest looking weather station I have ever seen. :lol:

How it mounts looks like it'll fatigue the plastic and sag.

Offline SAK-Wx

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Re: AcuRite Optimus
« Reply #24 on: June 01, 2025, 10:48:11 AM »
Acurite touting new automobile-grade materials for this outdoor setup to hold up to the stresses of the outdoor environment. The size of the outdoor sensors with foldable arms makes me think this is for folks that want a weather station without a large footprint to be seen in the neighborhood. Also the reporting to the owners phone only vs Wunderground / Ambientweather.net and such to make it more a personal instrument for them. Acurite trying to get folks to move up to the next stage of weather instruments from simple thermometer / humidity to more information at their hands. Still a bit pricey for the next level though. Just my two bucks thoughts on this.
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