Topic: AcuRite Optimus

[daman]

Wow, very not impressed what is AcuRite thinking!

[Mabcmb]

Here's why I think Acurite has jumped the shark on this new product . 1st why have a new product and downgrade it with no UV sensor ? 2nd why have folding arms that will be a weak point in the future ? 3rd why have a new app called AcuRite NOW, why not have it used with the MyAcurite that has worked for years and years ? 4th will not work with weather underground where tons of acurite people post there weather  5th and the most important for all of us who have used the MyAcurite and acurite products for years is acurite going to shut down the old system and " brick " the access like they did the old SmartHUB ????

   I have a AcuRite Atlas , AcuRite Iris and 3 Temp & Humidity Sensor that I run right now  . And of course one Access . How long will they work for ?

  If acurite decides  to put the myacurite or the access out of service I for one will be looking at a whole new system but NOT a acurite system !!

[OldAlaskaGuy]

Most other manufactures use a backwards compatibility for new products. And some use inter-brand like fine offset. I am wondering if this fold out wing thing was for a shipping advantage like those old TV antennas you folded out all the elements that came in a square tube box. I don't think that they did much market research.

[DoctorKnow]

Also, one thing that hasn't been mentioned is going back to one solar panel to fuel the fan motor. We tried that a long time ago, and it didn't work at all. I can't see how the temperature reading will be as accurate as the other two fan powered sensors? Basically this system is for people who don't want to share data, or live in a place where they can't put up what they want in their outside areas. I have TV antennas and weather stations in my back yard. I really have fun tinkering with them.

[Rhino]

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!

For the same reason a car warranty does not cover brake pads and oil filters- they are wearable, replaceable items that are subject to variable conditions and treatment/care. With the way some companies treat consumers, I get the skepticism- but you will obviously ALWAYS find disclaimers and legal copy as part of any warranty so that bad actors cannot take advantage of the company. For YEARS, users have been asking for better warranties than the standard 1 year warranty nearly ALL weather stations come with. AcuRite was the first to answer the call by not just adding a 3 year, or 5 year, but a LIFETIME warranty on the main weather station unit- this is a game changer in that it speaks to the companies confidence in the quality of the product and its performance. Every once in awhile, its okay to celebrate what is a clear WIN for consumers

[Rhino]

That is the goofiest looking weather station I have ever seen.

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

This unit mounts in a similar manner to the AcuRite IRIS 5-in-1 system, which is larger in every dimension and heavier and puts FAR more stress and potential fatigue on a similar mount. There are well over 2 million 5-in-1 systems out there all over the planet and that mounting method has been well tested and proven. 5+ years of R&D and development went into the Optimus system- it was torture tested in new ways at automotive industry proving facilities and exposed to enough to the point where a Lifetime warranty is attached to it. It will do jsut fine 

[OldAlaskaGuy]

Excerpts from the lifetime warranty policy.  The Original Purchase Warranty does not cover consumable components which include: the rain funnel, rain debris screen, wind cups, wind vane, and temperature-humidity sensor module.
Any product which, under normal use and service and after examination by us, fails to meet the Original Purchaser Warranty will, at our sole option, be repaired or replaced by us. Although, as explained below, in some cases a refund will be provided. Transportation costs and charges for returned goods shall be paid for by the original purchaser. We hereby disclaim all responsibility for such transportation costs and charges. The Original Purchaser Warranty does not cover, and we will not repair or replace products which have received normal wear and tear not affecting the functionality of the product, or that have been damaged (including by acts of nature), tampered, abused, improperly installed, or repaired or altered by anyone other than our authorized representatives.
The remedy under the Original Purchaser Warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the defective item(s). If we determine that repair or replacement is not feasible, we may, at our option, refund the amount of the original purchase price.
Full text here:   https://www.acurite.com/pages/warranty-return-policies#LT
The caveats are very similar to other warranties. You will need to send it back for repair so you will be offline for a while. If you only have a 1 year warranty you can fix it yourself after it expires. In this case, with a lifetime warranty you must send it back for repair with the exception of the consumables for the "lifetime" of the unit. IMHO, not for the weather hobbyist that likes to tinker but designed for the weather curious. It has a niche market.

[TheBushPilot]

That is the goofiest looking weather station I have ever seen.

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

This unit mounts in a similar manner to the AcuRite IRIS 5-in-1 system, which is larger in every dimension and heavier and puts FAR more stress and potential fatigue on a similar mount. There are well over 2 million 5-in-1 systems out there all over the planet and that mounting method has been well tested and proven. 5+ years of R&D and development went into the Optimus system- it was torture tested in new ways at automotive industry proving facilities and exposed to enough to the point where a Lifetime warranty is attached to it. It will do jsut fine 

Lol??? How much did they pay you to say that

[OldAlaskaGuy]

"it was torture tested in new ways at automotive industry proving facilities and exposed to enough to the point where a Lifetime warranty is attached to it. It will do jsut fine"                       I wonder if they used miniature crash test dummies during testing
 

[TheBushPilot]

"it was torture tested in new ways at automotive industry proving facilities and exposed to enough to the point where a Lifetime warranty is attached to it. It will do jsut fine"                       I wonder if they used miniature crash test dummies during testing
 

Now THAT is something I would pay to see.

[R.Sidetrack]

Excerpts from the lifetime warranty policy.  The Original Purchase Warranty does not cover consumable components which include: the rain funnel, rain debris screen, wind cups, wind vane, and temperature-humidity sensor module.

Regardless of whether AcuRite does honor a reasonable semblance of a "lifetime" warranty, what is notably absent from AcuRite's statement (partially quoted above) is "How Long Will AcuRite Maintain "Consumables" Availability?"

If a consumer cannot purchase replacement consumables, then the "Lifetime" warranty is pretty much worthless! 

Why hasn't AcuRite made some kind of commitment to potential purchasers of a Plain English promise to maintain consumables/parts availability for a defined minimum time (say perhaps 5 years, or 7 years, or whatever).

[OldAlaskaGuy]

I have yet to see any manufacturer "promise" to provide any consumable products for any length of time. This warranty is in the typical self protectionist legalese as the majority of other warranties. The companie's reputation is the only real warranty there is. If there is ever a gross denial of warranty coverage then other legal means would need be put into play. Another option would be for someone to 3 D print those "consumables". Remember we are talking $279.00 USD device here far less than your deductible for collision insurance on your car. One thing of note is that the display is also covered and there are no serviceable parts or consumables with the exception of the batteries (not specifically excluded as a  consumable).  There seems to be no mention of the power supply (external) and is also not specifically excluded as a consumable. A comparable Ambient WS2902 is only $199.00 USD and on sale now for $169.99 and has more options and capabilities.  https://ambientweather.com/ws-2902-smart-weather-station?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22333635590&gclid=CjwKCAjwl_XBBhAUEiwAWK2hzpNz25UrcS8Pkk8Om7z6hERAWowSastoSWmVplH2j4SlV4eNvMl3KhoC7DUQAvD_BwE                                                                                                                          My suggestion is go with what you know.

[TheBushPilot]

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

  Thank goodness for the bubble level.

[Rhino]

That is the goofiest looking weather station I have ever seen.

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

This unit mounts in a similar manner to the AcuRite IRIS 5-in-1 system, which is larger in every dimension and heavier and puts FAR more stress and potential fatigue on a similar mount. There are well over 2 million 5-in-1 systems out there all over the planet and that mounting method has been well tested and proven. 5+ years of R&D and development went into the Optimus system- it was torture tested in new ways at automotive industry proving facilities and exposed to enough to the point where a Lifetime warranty is attached to it. It will do jsut fine 

Lol??? How much did they pay you to say that

I was onsite for the testing, just sharing my first hand knowledge with the people

[Rhino]

"it was torture tested in new ways at automotive industry proving facilities and exposed to enough to the point where a Lifetime warranty is attached to it. It will do jsut fine"                       I wonder if they used miniature crash test dummies during testing
 

Now THAT is something I would pay to see.

Really?! How much

[Mabcmb]

If you read the sales page and under details it says and I quote " Lifetime Warranty: Buy with confidence! The AcuRite Optimus weather station comes with a lifetime limited warranty " . It doesn't say lifetime but rather limited lifetime .
   It also doesn't cover the things that have a way of breaking the most as we all know   and I quote  "The Original Purchase Warranty does not cover consumable components which include: the rain funnel, rain debris screen, wind cups, wind vane, and temperature-humidity sensor module"

  And one more thing to think about is this , and I quote " Transportation costs and charges for returned goods shall be paid for by the original purchaser. We hereby disclaim all responsibility for such transportation costs and charges."

  The warranty can be found here : https://www.acurite.com/pages/warranty-return-policies#warranty   scroll down to where it says  Optimus Limited Lifetime Warranty
   
 P.S per the warranty if you replace something that breaks ( wind cups etc etc ) you have voided the warranty because your not a "  repaired or altered by anyone other than our authorized representatives"

[giveme5]

I was onsite for the testing, just sharing my first hand knowledge with the people

So, how's the accuracy?

[Rhino]

I was onsite for the testing, just sharing my first hand knowledge with the people

So, how's the accuracy?

been performing well in long term testing, make sure and check out the website for accuracy specs.

[txbayou]

I have used the same Acurite proprietary plastic mount for years, with 2 different Iris and an Ecowitt device. No functional degradation of the mount at all, weathering and color fading. These weather sensors are nowhere near heavy enough to mechanically stress the mount. I did enlarge the screw holes on the mount to let me use larger stainless woodscrews I can easily drive using a socket extension.

As for the Optimus warranty: I prefer  any longer warranty to a shorter one. But I think it is true that longer warranties are offered mainly because the seller anticipates sales resistance if the warranty is shorter. Why would Acurite anticipate sales resistance?

I think it could well be the  Atlas launch, at least that's what took away my enthusiasm for the brand. That was in 2018! (Maybe Atlas is better today? I've been away from these boards for a while)The Atlas was to replace an Iris that had worked perfectly, except for  the fan, for some 5 years. After returning the Atlas I bought another Iris, which never worked properly, and that just about  wrecked my Acurite enthusiasm.

If I were to take the risk on an Optimus, I'd be sure to buy it from somewhere I can return it with minimum hassle. IMO I would know pretty quick whether it's a keeper or not, and if not I want to return it easily.

IMO numerous user reviews, I mean hundreds or thousands, can serve as a kind of warranty, or at least an indication of whether the device is troublesome and you will need to use that warranty. Also user experiences reported in this forum are crucial IMO. I'll let others do the test flights and be a late adopter if ever. I'm in no hurry to buy one out of the first batches off the line.

[daman]

Also, one thing that hasn't been mentioned is going back to one solar panel to fuel the fan motor. We tried that a long time ago, and it didn't work at all. I can't see how the temperature reading will be as accurate as the other two fan powered sensors? Basically this system is for people who don't want to share data, or live in a place where they can't put up what they want in their outside areas. I have TV antennas and weather stations in my back yard. I really have fun tinkering with them.

The thing is the Optimus has same old design as the 5n1 with a single solar panel!! look how good that works, duh,

[giveme5]

The thing is the Optimus has same old design as the 5n1 with a single solar panel!! look how good that works, duh,

That's to sell you solar power pack.
And judging by the pictures, they still didn't learn to have some spacing between temp sensor cage (with  radiation shield) and the rest of the body. Both, Iris and Atlas suffer from this. On a hot day in direct sun, temperature spikes are bigger than in other comparable weather stations. Ambient (and pretty much everybody else but Acurite) figured that out long ago and temps never spike as much as on Acurite stuff.

[Macs]

I was an early adopter of the Atlas, too, and after going through three returns and borrowing parts from various units, I finally had a working unit that still functions today. I do not want to go through that again!

In reading, it looks like this will work with all of the existing sensors that show up on an Access? Edit: it looks like current sensors will still work with the new software/app? "A: All weather stations and products that use My AcuRite today will be upgraded to AcuRite NOW in the near future and will NOT require any new equipment." AcuRite Support Team

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.
 

[Mabcmb]

Don't know where you read that it will work with the Access but no it will NOT work with the Access . Also will NOT work with the MyAcurite app or web page .

I was an early adopter of the Atlas, too, and after going through three returns and borrowing parts from various units, I finally had a working unit that still functions today. I do not want to go through that again!

In reading, it looks like this will work with all of the existing sensors that show up on an Access?

 

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[OldAlaskaGuy]

Only compatible with the new Acurite NOW phone app and the the AcuRite Optimus Wi-Fi HD Display (06188M; sold separately).  Full text here: https://www.acurite.com/pages/optimus-landing-page?_kx=jIhDb6F3XQiEWf2cxZ2ms8YituXK8BDl7WnB6YaymxU.UFZvec

[Macs]

Thanks... I did not phrase that right… the items that are working with the Access such as all of all the temperature sensors seem to still work with the new app? "A: All weather stations and products that use My AcuRite today will be upgraded to AcuRite NOW in the near future and will NOT require any new equipment." AcuRite Support Team

Don't know where you read that it will work with the Access but no it will NOT work with the Access . Also will NOT work with the MyAcurite app or web page .

I was an early adopter of the Atlas, too, and after going through three returns and borrowing parts from various units, I finally had a working unit that still functions today. I do not want to go through that again!

In reading, it looks like this will work with all of the existing sensors that show up on an Access?

 

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