Topic: Midrange PWS for Historical Data

[twvancamp]

I currently use an Ambient Weather WS-2902C. I've been happy with the hardware and no issues with connection, but it doesn't seem to be compatible with most of the software I've looked at.

My primary interest is retaining and accessing historical data. I'm on a farm so I'd like to fairly easily see trends across time. Eg. compare this week's average temp to past years.

So, am I missing a good software option? I've looked at Weewx and most of what's recommended in the software section of this forum, but they don't appear to work with my station.

Or, is there a comparably priced unit that would allow this kind of use? I have read some recommendations for the Ecowit models. Do they allow more accessibility?

Thanks in advance!

[davidefa]

Weewx surely works with your station.
I would suggest to take a look at meteotemplate ( see my signature for an example ) it can do what you ask ( and even more ).
You can install it on a online server ( even those free are ok ) or on a local pc ( needs a pc/raspberry always on ).

[twvancamp]

Thank you for the response, I appreciate you taking a look.

I spent a few days with Weewx, trying to work through the steps and consulting the support group. Unfortunately, I think it's above my programming/tinkering ability and I don't currently have the time to devote to it.

I requested a token for Meteotemplate, thank you for the recommendation. Is it fairly easy to set up? It looks great from the website. Thank you again!

[davidefa]

Quite easy in my opinion.
To update the meteotemplate database you can use the 'custom upload' feature of your console and the ecowitt/ambient plugin of meteotemplate.
The configuration/layout setup can all be done via the meteotemplate control panel.

[twvancamp]

I'm afraid the difficulty question is relative 

Struggling to get Meteotemplate working. I think my issue, or basic misunderstanding, is about the server? Or where the data is coming from?

For something like Meteotemplate or Weewx, do I need a dedicated computer to link to? For example, Meteotemplate instructions ask for a domain? I think I am missing something critical there.

In my simple mind, I was expecting to be able to just put in my Wunderground or Ambient ID/API and send the data to a new platform that records and displays it. Is this not possible?

It seemed like this was what Weather Display offers, but I have not been successful in getting it to sync reliably.

[davidefa]

Yes, everything is relative...
The fastest option is to install meteotemplate on an 'online server', you need an hosting provider that gives you hosting space+php+mysql database, quite minimal ( you can also use those 'free hosting service', in Italy altervista.org is quite popular for example )
In this case your servers are 'provided by your provider' and ready to use, you only need to install and configure meteotemplate.
If you want you can install meteotemplate on a 'local machine' ( an always on pc or raspberry for example ). In this case you have an initial step: setup the servers ( http, php and mysql ) and then you have to install and configure meteotemplate.