Topic: Suggestions for new station setup

[hankster]

I've had weather stations for many years but had to give it up for a number of years due to housing restrictions. I'm again in the market for a new station and am considering Ecowitt (previously had a Davis Vue). I have a few questions.

Looking at how well the solar shields on the multisensor models work on the various models when placed in full sun. I live in Florida and the sun can really affect temperature readings. The Vue did a pretty good job with 2deg at more over temp only when there was little to no wind. I understand I may just need to get a separate temperate sensor.

Considering the haptic rain sensor, how accurate is it? We can get wildly heavy rains in the summer, I've seen rates of 10" per hour during heavy downpours which come quite often. I had a Tempest at one point that I was less than satisfied with. I may just have to get a tipping bucket but those haptic sensors are just so interesting.

I really like the solidstate wind sensors but could use an analog one if there is no other choice. I also want to be able to upload data online and I can create my own console so but that just depends on the gateway I get.

Thanks for any feedback I can get.

[Rover1822]

Others will also reply, however, I will jump in and go , I do not recommend the WS90. It is getting better with firmware changes, but still doesn't match the accuracy of a tipping bucket unit like the WH40 . As far as your rain rates, I get those here as well. I have 2 WS90s and 2 WH40s , and other stuff for reference.

Just my opinion.

[Gyvate]

suggestions will have to be based on (at least) two things
1. your location and topology
2. what exactly you want to measure (e.g. copy the [sort of artificial - different purpose] WMO setup recommendation or going for knowing your microclimate*

*) e.g. wanting to know the temperature on your balcony and backyard in a certain place (your real situation) and not in 2 m above ground over cut-grass (WMO) or wanting to know the real wind exposure in your garden and not above roof etc.

our WiKi could be of help for you - also regarding the WS90 - the situation and conditions plus advantages and disadvantages are described there - beyond single persons' likings or preferences
https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#ws90_wittboy
also, we have there a little decision table based on needs which could narrow down your options
https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#a_what_station_to_buy

my optional recommendation is a HP2553 station with an additional WH32 single outdoor T/RH sensor (to be put in a proper radiation shield) 
that is:
HP2550 console, WS80 ultrasonic sensor array + WH40H classic tipping-spoon-based rain gauge + WN32 outdoor T/RH sensor
if you are more into classical wind readings, take a HP2552 station
that is:
HP2550 console, WS68 wind/solar sensor, WH40H rain gauge + WN32 outdoor T/RH sensor
(the HP2550 console comes with a separate indoor T/RH/air pressure sensor [WN32P))

alternatively a WS3910 console is recommended (which cannot display all sensors !)

what (which sensors and observations) which console can display - see https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#console-display

If you want to go into Ecowitt intelligent IoT devices or want your data stored and accessible from your network, an additional GW3000 is recommended.

For an overview which sensors all exist and with which consoles they are compatible, see https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#consoles_and_sensor_compatibility_matrix

For all this and these you will find chapters in the WiKi !!