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Weather Station Hardware => Other Weather Station Hardware => Topic started by: n3b on February 05, 2018, 02:33:22 PM

Title: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: n3b on February 05, 2018, 02:33:22 PM
I Tried to find a topic already, but didn't find any.

I'm following the Weatherflow weather station, it's still in Indiegogo project, but still a very exciting product I think will give "regular" weather stations a competition.

What I like about it is that it has a ultrasonic anemometer that should manage a winter without any problems.
It's also very interesting that is have a Taptic rain sensor, that should make the tipping bucket problems history.

The disadvantage is that it's several units, No-console display, a HUB, a "air" ( temperature sensor ) and a separate wind and rain unit "Sky".

The advantage about several units is that you can place the temperature sensor in the shadow and the sky on the roof without have to worry about the temperature on the surface.

A map of test units can be found on:
http://fsoft.com/smartweather.cfm

You can read in their community:
https://community.weatherflow.com

How to pre-order:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/weatherflow-smart-weather-stations/#/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/weatherflowgroup/

Youtube video:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IC2ecYY8rw[/youtube]
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 02:51:00 PM
The advantage about several units is that you can place the temperature sensor in the shadow and the sky on the roof without have to worry about the temperature on the surface.
There is nothing advantageous about a temp sensor that needs to be put in the shade. Reliable shade in my neck of the woods (as is for me), is usually non-existent.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: waiukuweather on February 05, 2018, 02:54:25 PM
you can put in a proper screen (e.g stevenson screen)
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: johnd on February 05, 2018, 02:55:10 PM
Part of the benchmark against 'regular' prosumer stations like the Davis VP2 will be how accurate and reliable the WF will be in extended independent trials. And I agree with CW2274, it's kind of odd, bizarre even, that any weather station should be launched that doesn't have a decent radiation shield for the temperature sensor.

you can put in a proper screen (e.g stevenson screen)

But you know how much a good screen costs.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: waiukuweather on February 05, 2018, 02:59:47 PM
you can make your own screen , there are plenty of you tube videos on how to do that
and in the future they will provide one
its means its more flexible the way it is now
it uses the same (latest) chip sensor for temperature and humidity that davis uses
I have one
and I have it next to my Davis sensor, in a stevenson screen, and the temperature is exactly the same

surprised at the knee jerk reaction here again
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 03:07:33 PM

surprised at the knee jerk reaction here again
It's like buying a car without wheels. Why bother. Get me something that does the job outta the box.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: waiukuweather on February 05, 2018, 03:16:59 PM
then you purchase a more expensive solution like a Davis
it is on their road map to make a screen available
or you roll your own or use an existing one you have etc
some of the cheap chinese stations come with a screen...but its not actually good enough...and so people are in a false sense of security
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 03:23:34 PM

some of the cheap chinese stations come with a screen...but its not actually good enough...and so people are in a false sense of security
You make my point, as I'm sure there are some folks buying this thinking they can just throw it anywhere. Hardly the case.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: waiukuweather on February 05, 2018, 04:14:11 PM
but that is the same for just about any of the cheap chinese style weather stations, even with a shield (i,e an inadequate one)
people site those badly too

even the Davis vue is not a good design, as its often put on top of a roof etc
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 04:16:53 PM
even the Davis vue is not a good design,
Compared to this thing, it's an ASOS, at least it can be put in the sun....
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 04:21:53 PM
even the Davis vue is not a good design, as its often put on top of a roof etc
BTW, that has nothing to do with design, but everything to do with people that don't know any better. Any PWS on a roof is probably a bad choice.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: waiukuweather on February 05, 2018, 04:40:44 PM
but you put a davis vue on the roof to get good windspeed readings
ideally it should be on a pole over grass
but then also idealy that pole should be only 1.8m high otherwise the temperature reading will be non standard (i.e too high off the ground)
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 04:43:31 PM
but you put a davis vue on the roof to get good windspeed readings
You might, I sure as hell wouldn't.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: waiukuweather on February 05, 2018, 04:49:48 PM
and so WF is actually more flexable in its design that a Davis Vue is
they are also going to be releasing a indoor temp/hum separate sensor (which will be better than a sensor in a davis console that gets heated up by the data logger or back light)
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 04:56:23 PM
and so WF is actually more flexable in its design that a Davis Vue is
Yeah, a thermo/hydro sensor that MUST be shaded is certainly more flexible. Please.... :roll:
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: waiukuweather on February 05, 2018, 05:45:40 PM
its more flexible that a sensor that can not be separated from the rest of the station
the WF stations are aimed at weather geeks
they already know about correct siting of sensors, sheilds, etc
I think you need to get down off your high horse sometimes, some of the responses here on this forum must really put people off posting at all
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 06:08:38 PM
I think you need to get down off your high horse
I knew this was going to turn into a pissing contest. Look, if me stating facts is a high horse, so be it, I'll climb a higher one. I posted here to give those perhaps less educated something to chew over if they are considering this purchase....period. If you like it, FANTASTIC, enjoy......
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: vreihen on February 05, 2018, 06:29:24 PM
I Tried to find a topic already, but didn't find any.

As you can see by reading the above, any time that the WeatherFlow station comes up here it turns into an argument over the Air's lack of an integrated solar radiation shield.  Even the WF creator himself was driven from this forum by the hostile attitude!

I jumped on the campaign when it was first announced, and have been happy with the product concepts and direction it is moving...even if they are a year behind their original schedule.  There is an invitation to join their new support forums in the latest Indiegogo update, should you want to read about other customers' siting experiences with the actual product.....
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on February 05, 2018, 07:11:40 PM
I Tried to find a topic already, but didn't find any.

As you can see by reading the above, any time that the WeatherFlow station comes up here it turns into an argument over the Air's lack of an integrated solar radiation shield.  Even the WF creator himself was driven from this forum by the hostile attitude!

I jumped on the campaign when it was first announced, and have been happy with the product concepts and direction it is moving...even if they are a year behind their original schedule.  There is an invitation to join their new support forums in the latest Indiegogo update, should you want to read about other customers' siting experiences with the actual product.....

Yep.  It's a real shame the opposition to change some folks have here. 

I've also been a backer since way back when on Indiegogo.  So far I only have the Air, but the Sky with the haptic rain sensor really intrigues me, as well as the sonic anemometer. 

I'm really impressed with the build quality of the Air and if the  Sky has a similar build with great readings, I'll be very happy.  If not, well, it was just an experiment where even failure provides valuable knowledge.  I'll be disappointed, of course, but still happy for the experience.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 07:29:10 PM
I Tried to find a topic already, but didn't find any.

As you can see by reading the above, any time that the WeatherFlow station comes up here it turns into an argument over the Air's lack of an integrated solar radiation shield.  Even the WF creator himself was driven from this forum by the hostile attitude!

I jumped on the campaign when it was first announced, and have been happy with the product concepts and direction it is moving...even if they are a year behind their original schedule.  There is an invitation to join their new support forums in the latest Indiegogo update, should you want to read about other customers' siting experiences with the actual product.....
Yep.  It's a real shame the opposition to change some folks have here. 
No doubt, but for myself, that's an absolute cop out. You give me something that's superior to what I have (GL with that, and obviously price considering) and I'll jump off what I have in a split second. This as is, ain't it.....YET. Allow it to sit in the sun with a true quality shield and maybe we'll talk.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: BeaverMeadow on February 05, 2018, 07:44:06 PM
Follows is the official NWS recommendation on how to site an air temp gauge. They say the gauge should be freely exposed to air, sunshine and correctly shielded. I interpret that to mean the sensor should not be put under a tree, porch, shady side of house, etc. The manufacturers of such systems should remember to include NWS 10-1302 and either an effective temp shield or else instructions on how to build a Stevenson screen. Separate sensors are a good thing but they need to be correctly setup.

=========================================================   
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INSTRUCTION 10-1302
NOVEMBER 14, 2014
Operations and Services
Surface Observing Program (Land), NDSPD 10-13
REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR NWS CLIMATE OBSERVATIONS

........4 Air temperature. Air temperature is temperature of the free air conditions surrounding the
station at a height between 4 and 6 feet above ground level. The air should be freely exposed to
sunshine and wind and not close to or shielded by trees, buildings, or other obstructions.
4.1 Air Temperature Measurement Performance. The following temperature instruments are
used in the NWS cooperative observing program:
a. maximum / Minimum Temperature System (i.e., MMTS)
b. liquid-in-glass maximum and minimum thermometers
Temperature instruments will be shielded from the following elements:
a. precipitation
b. direct and reflected sunshine
c. direct and reflected thermal energy (i.e., Infrared)
All thermometers should be shielded with a thermoscreen or radiation shelter just large enough
to protect against the elements stated, and slotted sufficiently to allow air to advect naturally into
and out of the thermoscreen during calm air conditions. Powered aspirators are not required for
these instruments.
All temperature measuring instruments should be issued with a certificate confirming
compliance with the appropriate performance specification and accuracy; or be issued with a
calibration certificate which gives the corrections that are applied to meet the required accuracy.
This initial testing should be performed by an accredited calibration laboratory or a national
testing institution.......

=========================================================
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on February 05, 2018, 08:01:10 PM

Yep.  It's a real shame the opposition to change some folks have here. 
No doubt, but for myself, that's an absolute cop out. You give me something that's superior to what I have (GL with that, and obviously price considering) and I'll jump off what I have in a split second. This as is, ain't it.....YET. Allow it to sit in the sun with a true quality shield and maybe we'll talk. 

In other words, you're not an "early adopter" and don't like new stuff until it proves itself to you.  That's OK.  But that's a situation where there's little to learn and move forward with the technology.  By the time you're at "maybe we'll talk stage", you're already eating dust from everyone else who started testing the waters before you.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 09:07:59 PM

Yep.  It's a real shame the opposition to change some folks have here. 
No doubt, but for myself, that's an absolute cop out. You give me something that's superior to what I have (GL with that, and obviously price considering) and I'll jump off what I have in a split second. This as is, ain't it.....YET. Allow it to sit in the sun with a true quality shield and maybe we'll talk. 

In other words, you're not an "early adopter" and don't like new stuff until it proves itself to you.  That's OK.  But that's a situation where there's little to learn and move forward with the technology.  By the time you're at "maybe we'll talk stage", you're already eating dust from everyone else who started testing the waters before you.
Eating dust? My "ancient" VP2's performance (talking temp/humidity performance, which is what this has been about) holds a candle for no one to this day, and will continue to do so until whomever proves otherwise. I can't just willy-nilly buy PWS's just for the sake of comparison, evidently you can.
Keep us posted, will ya? ;)
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on February 05, 2018, 09:13:40 PM
Eating dust? My "ancient" VP2's performance (talking temp/humidity performance, which is what this has been about) holds a candle for no one to this day, and will continue to do so until whomever proves otherwise. I can't just willy-nilly buy PWS's just for the sake of comparison, evidently you can.
Keep us posted, will ya? ;)

You don't buy thing "willy-nilly", just buy what interests you for the future.  It's clear you are satisfied with the tech in your VP2.  I'm not, and I moved away from the VP2 years ago.  Innovation doesn't seem to be part of its vocabulary.  I'm just not into "grandpa's" weather station.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 05, 2018, 09:26:39 PM
Eating dust? My "ancient" VP2's performance (talking temp/humidity performance, which is what this has been about) holds a candle for no one to this day, and will continue to do so until whomever proves otherwise. I can't just willy-nilly buy PWS's just for the sake of comparison, evidently you can.
Keep us posted, will ya? ;)
I'm just not into "grandpa's" weather station.
Just because you've got a bad taste in your mouth with Davis, be sure of one thing, Gramp's station performance will kick the crap outta anything from Acurite.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on February 05, 2018, 09:29:40 PM
Eating dust? My "ancient" VP2's performance (talking temp/humidity performance, which is what this has been about) holds a candle for no one to this day, and will continue to do so until whomever proves otherwise. I can't just willy-nilly buy PWS's just for the sake of comparison, evidently you can.
Keep us posted, will ya? ;)
I'm just not into "grandpa's" weather station.
Just because you've got a bad taste in your mouth with Davis, be sure of one thing, Gramp's station performance will kick the crap outta anything from Acurite.

ooohhh... I'm so scared...   :roll:
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: weather34 on February 06, 2018, 03:23:11 AM

surprised at the knee jerk reaction here again
It's like buying a car without wheels. Why bother. Get me something that does the job outta the box.

funny it is in your signature a vp2 with optional FARS (extra cost) to keep the temperatures inline .  as with the AIR sensor you can buy a 3rd party optional shield or just do DIY solution its not rocket science and your local DIY store probably has everything you need just like a cheap $20 bathroom aspirator which can be easily adapted. AIR is a first generation product just like all products early production runs against later production runs will differ and see improvements as time goes bye. has the VP2 always had a SHT31 ? has the VP2 always had a aerocone rain buckets , improvements always happen over time. as you can see from below

AIR model is not even a year old how old is the VP2 ? im sure in the early days of a VP2 release there were anomalies its the companies that listen to feedback and act upon them which make the difference long term. Weatherflow is listening and acting .

brian

SHT11: The previous standard VP2 T/H sensor is part 7346.166 which has now reached revision J. This part is thought to use the middle-ranking SHT-11 part (SHT-10 being unused by Davis), which is specified as having a typical temperature accuracy of ±0.4°C (at 25°C) and for humidity of ±3% over 20-80% RH, rising to 5% at 0 and 100% RH. The Vantage Vue is also thought to use this same SHT-11 sensor element.

SHT15: In 2015, Davis introduced part 7346.174 which uses the enhanced SHT15 T/H sensor. This option has two main benefits:

In addition to lowering the typical temperature accuracy at 25°C to ±0.3°C, the SHT-15 has an altogether shallower temperature/accuracy profile, which offers a roughly doubled temperature accuracy at eg -10°C and 40°C;
The baseline RH range of the SHT-15 is ±2% over 10-90% RH and maximum error at 100% RH is reduced to 4%.
This 7346.174 sensor is a direct drop-in replacement for the older 7346.166 part and may be used with no change in temperature offset being necessary. Note however that 7346.174 has only been made in limited quantities and may become increasingly difficult to source.

SHT31: The newly released SHT31 sensor is built into Davis part 7346.070. This is plug-compatible with the 7346.166 sensor and can be used with any VP2 station from 2006 on. However: The temperature calibration of the SHT31 sensor is slightly different from the previous sensor and if the 7346.070 sensor is used with a VP2 station prior to the AS revision then the temperature will read 0.5C high and therefore a temperature offset of -0.5C needs to be entered into the console in this scenario. (And conversely if eg an older 7346.166 sensor is used with a VP2 station of AS revision or later then the temperature will read 0.5C too low and an offset of +0.5C needs to be entered.)
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 06, 2018, 04:26:36 AM

surprised at the knee jerk reaction here again
It's like buying a car without wheels. Why bother. Get me something that does the job outta the box.

funny it is in your signature a vp2 with optional FARS (extra cost) to keep the temperatures inline .  as with the AIR sensor you can buy a 3rd party optional shield or just do DIY solution its not rocket science and your local DIY store probably has everything you need just like a cheap $20 bathroom aspirator which can be easily adapted. AIR is a first generation product just like all products early production runs against later production runs will differ and see improvements as time goes bye. has the VP2 always had a SHT31 ? has the VP2 always had a aerocone rain buckets , improvements always happen over time. as you can see from below

AIR model is not even a year old how old is the VP2 ? im sure in the early days of a VP2 release there were anomalies its the companies that listen to feedback and act upon them which make the difference long term. Weatherflow is listening and acting .

brian

SHT11: The previous standard VP2 T/H sensor is part 7346.166 which has now reached revision J. This part is thought to use the middle-ranking SHT-11 part (SHT-10 being unused by Davis), which is specified as having a typical temperature accuracy of ±0.4°C (at 25°C) and for humidity of ±3% over 20-80% RH, rising to 5% at 0 and 100% RH. The Vantage Vue is also thought to use this same SHT-11 sensor element.

SHT15: In 2015, Davis introduced part 7346.174 which uses the enhanced SHT15 T/H sensor. This option has two main benefits:

In addition to lowering the typical temperature accuracy at 25°C to ±0.3°C, the SHT-15 has an altogether shallower temperature/accuracy profile, which offers a roughly doubled temperature accuracy at eg -10°C and 40°C;
The baseline RH range of the SHT-15 is ±2% over 10-90% RH and maximum error at 100% RH is reduced to 4%.
This 7346.174 sensor is a direct drop-in replacement for the older 7346.166 part and may be used with no change in temperature offset being necessary. Note however that 7346.174 has only been made in limited quantities and may become increasingly difficult to source.

SHT31: The newly released SHT31 sensor is built into Davis part 7346.070. This is plug-compatible with the 7346.166 sensor and can be used with any VP2 station from 2006 on. However: The temperature calibration of the SHT31 sensor is slightly different from the previous sensor and if the 7346.070 sensor is used with a VP2 station prior to the AS revision then the temperature will read 0.5C high and therefore a temperature offset of -0.5C needs to be entered into the console in this scenario. (And conversely if eg an older 7346.166 sensor is used with a VP2 station of AS revision or later then the temperature will read 0.5C too low and an offset of +0.5C needs to be entered.)
Y'all go right on ahead....
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on February 06, 2018, 08:50:06 AM
Y'all go right on ahead....

Or the nonsense brag about the CFM of your aspiration fan that you added after you opened the box.  Sheesh....   :roll:
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: wxthomson on February 06, 2018, 01:26:30 PM
I Tried to find a topic already, but didn't find any.

As you can see by reading the above, any time that the WeatherFlow station comes up here it turns into an argument over the Air's lack of an integrated solar radiation shield.  Even the WF creator himself was driven from this forum by the hostile attitude!

I jumped on the campaign when it was first announced, and have been happy with the product concepts and direction it is moving...even if they are a year behind their original schedule.  There is an invitation to join their new support forums in the latest Indiegogo update, should you want to read about other customers' siting experiences with the actual product.....
Yep.  It's a real shame the opposition to change some folks have here. 
No doubt, but for myself, that's an absolute cop out. You give me something that's superior to what I have (GL with that, and obviously price considering) and I'll jump off what I have in a split second. This as is, ain't it.....YET. Allow it to sit in the sun with a true quality shield and maybe we'll talk.


I've had mine for several months and like it very much.
No one is trying to convince you to buy one.
You've stated the reasons for your dislike so why keep posting?
Do you have trouble letting things go?
Always have to have the last word?


Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: waiukuweather on February 06, 2018, 01:36:15 PM
Quote
Allow it to sit in the sun with a true quality shield and maybe we'll talk.
I put mine in a stevenson screen
(only shield people should be using for any weather station if they want accurate temperature readings)
reports exactly the same temperature as a Davis station (I put my Davis VP2 sensor in their as well (I separated it from the ISS))
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: WeatherHost on February 06, 2018, 02:03:19 PM
Personally, I wouldn't have a Davis anything.  I had one for a while.  Wasn't impressed.  Overpriced hype in my mind.

If something like this can be had for a reasonable price, I might be interested.  I'm not interested in paying for a name.  Best one I had was an Oregon that they stopped making.

Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 06, 2018, 05:01:22 PM
Y'all go right on ahead....

Or the nonsense brag about the CFM of your aspiration fan that you added after you opened the box.  Sheesh....   :roll:
Really? I guess my "nonsense" has been good enough for these folks the last 6 years... :-" :lol:
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/total_forecast/other_obs.php?wfo=twc&zone=AZZ504
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on February 06, 2018, 05:02:51 PM
Y'all go right on ahead....

Or the nonsense brag about the CFM of your aspiration fan that you added after you opened the box.  Sheesh....   :roll:
Really? I guess my "nonsense" has been good enough for these folks the last 6 years... :-" :lol:
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/total_forecast/other_obs.php?wfo=twc&zone=AZZ504

You don't even know enough about it to know what I'm getting at.   :roll:
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: CW2274 on February 06, 2018, 05:07:48 PM
Ask me if I care...
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: azkiwi on February 06, 2018, 06:19:01 PM
Can we cool this thread please.

Keep it about Weatherflow.

Ken
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: capeweather on February 06, 2018, 07:49:36 PM
This thread has been flagged and is now being monitored by the admins. Thank you.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: vinceskahan on February 06, 2018, 09:40:11 PM
Thank goodness.....finally....

Would it be reasonable to start talking about creating a weatherflow forum, or is that premature ?
Or should folks just avoid the hostility here and shop/discuss/share elsewhere (which would be sad) ?
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on February 10, 2018, 01:29:33 PM
Would it be reasonable to start talking about creating a weatherflow forum, or is that premature ?

I think a dedicated weatherflow forum would be a good idea.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: GaryFunk on February 10, 2018, 05:58:35 PM
There is a WeatherFlow forum. Follow this link.

https://community.weatherflow.com/t/1100-smart-weather-stations-on-google-maps/124?u=garyfunk
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: GaryFunk on February 10, 2018, 06:00:47 PM
I Tried to find a topic already, but didn't find any.]

Here:

http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=33334.0

And here:

http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=32749.0

And here:

http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=30731.0
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on May 10, 2018, 05:29:24 PM
I've just got notification that my Weatherflow Sky has shipped.  \:D/

Apparently it's already made its way to California and has cleared customs!
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: vreihen on May 10, 2018, 06:45:09 PM
I've just got notification that my Weatherflow Sky has shipped.  \:D/

Apparently it's already made its way to California and has cleared customs!

I have it from a *very* good source  :lol: that you will be happy with it.

FWIW, the weewx UDP driver is in my Github repository, with a link somewhere in another thread on this site.....
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: ggsteve on May 21, 2018, 12:33:48 PM
I've just got notification that my Weatherflow Sky has shipped.  \:D/

Apparently it's already made its way to California and has cleared customs!

I have it from a *very* good source  :lol: that you will be happy with it.

FWIW, the weewx UDP driver is in my Github repository, with a link somewhere in another thread on this site.....

nincehelser, you were an early adopter correct?  I joined the party late so all I've received so far is an email congratulating me and taking my money.  Does anyone know when the second wave of orders is supposed to go out?
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on May 21, 2018, 12:56:20 PM
nincehelser, you were an early adopter correct?  I joined the party late so all I've received so far is an email congratulating me and taking my money.  Does anyone know when the second wave of orders is supposed to go out?

I'm not sure how they define "early", but I was backer #1274 on Indiegogo.  From the discussion on Facebook, it seems there are several folks with lower numbers who have yet to receive a shipping notice.  It was assumed the orders would be filled in numerical order, but that doesn't seem to be correct.  See this posting from a Weatherflow rep that explains it a bit:

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]


From the map at http://wf.fsoft.com/ it seems the number of Sky installations is steadily growing.  Someone reported that they're trying to ship about 150 units a day.


Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: ggsteve on May 21, 2018, 01:23:35 PM
So,,,, Sounds like we have no idea.  Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: vreihen on May 21, 2018, 06:12:58 PM
So,,,, Sounds like we have no idea.  Thanks for the info.

If you just signed on, there is a 30-day hold before Indiegogo releases your payment to WeatherFlow.  They will not ship until the funds are released.

I can say that my first order (June, 2016) [yes, two years ago!] arrived last week.  My second order (August, 2016) has not shipped yet.  I would guess that it will be at least a month before the later orders are filled in the USA, and have no idea about the other parts of the world.

As I said above, the final product has been worth the two-year wait.....
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: ggsteve on May 21, 2018, 06:54:37 PM
Not sure about that 30 days thing.  I ordered on April 30 and they already took the debit from my account.  I'm just wondering if I'm going to miss thunderstorm season with the lightning sensor.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: vreihen on May 21, 2018, 07:17:20 PM
Indiegogo takes your money and holds it for 30 days before releasing it to WF.  Did you receive the BackerKit address confirmation email yet?  If not, my guess is that you can use that as a sign that payment was released to WF.....

Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: ggsteve on May 21, 2018, 07:27:51 PM
OK, now I think I'm getting it.  I got my backer email on 4/3 and IGG took my money, but they will someday release it to Waetherflow after using it to collect interest for a while.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: vreihen on May 21, 2018, 07:47:27 PM
More likely that IGG is getting around being on the hook for credit card charge-backs whenever someone disputes the charges by holding funds until the dispute window closes.

There is a thread on the WF support forums detailing this, and I'd sign up and follow it for updates.....

https://community.weatherflow.com/ (https://community.weatherflow.com/)
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: gman19 on June 04, 2018, 11:07:51 AM
Got my sky unit Friday...working on siting/mounting now.  The Air unit, FWIW, is always within 0.5 degrees or so within my Davis VP2+ reading.  Their humidity reading needs some refinement though.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: dport on June 28, 2018, 10:05:08 AM
Does anyone have feedback on the rainfall accuracy of weatherflow?  I do not own WF (I do own a VP2), but compare my station to others.  When looking at Weather Underground the two weatherflow stations in my area are WILDY inaccurate in regards to rainfall.  Today, most stations in a 5 mile radius had between .25 and .60 inches of rain.  The two WF stations had 1.65 and 2.50 inches.

Seems there are some big issues here with accuracy and rainfall. 
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: nincehelser on June 28, 2018, 11:06:59 AM
Mine hasn't been accurate yet, but I blame that on my mounting.  I think it's getting too much vibration from the pole being mounted on my wooden deck.  I plan to isolate the pole to see if the readings improve.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: dport on June 28, 2018, 12:55:56 PM
Mine hasn't been accurate yet, but I blame that on my mounting.  I think it's getting too much vibration from the pole being mounted on my wooden deck.  I plan to isolate the pole to see if the readings improve.

I'd imagine most backers/owners of WF are quite angry.  In regards to isolating the pole, I hope it works for you.  I will say that this morning we had thunderstorms role through, but the wind on my VP2 remained "calm" through the duration of the event.  So that would suggest the two WF units in my area probably did not receive much vibration.  Lots of thunder and lightening though, maybe that had an effect?

Either way, I've noticed this with other rain events.  The two WF stations are way high (double/triple or more in most cases) than any other PWS in the area.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: ggsteve on June 29, 2018, 11:03:22 AM
When I finally get my WF I will compare it to my two Rainwise tippers (one of which is not reporting right now due to debris in the bucket) and the most accurate of all, my Cocorahs.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: ggsteve on August 23, 2018, 11:09:54 AM
Weatherflow Smart Weather Station came Monday, I set it up Tuesday (remarkably easy) in anticipation of rain Yesterday. 

Watching the temperature, dew point and humidity data it is within a degree or two of my Rainwise.  Wind data won't be good until it gets on the roof.  Folks on the WF message board have reported wild rainfall errors like a foot of rain in one storm.  While I did not see that, the results weren't perfect.  Lets hope the self diagnostics WF speaks of are not just hooey and the data gets better.  Here are my results from yesterday:

Rainwise Tipper 1 (just cleaned Tuesday) 1.05"
Rainwise Tipper 2  1.00"
Weatherflow Smart Station  1.20"
Cocorahs  1.07" (most rain in my state today!)

Also, this bright, sunny morning the Weatherflow reported .004" at 7:13am.  It is temporarily set up on my deck until I can get my son over to help me mount it on the roof.  I suppose it is possible the ultrasonic sensor detected my movements, but if so why only the one time?
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: gwwilk on August 23, 2018, 11:29:09 AM
Is there any way to calibrate the WeatherFlow's rain output?  I gave mine to my brother, and it's reading quite a bit above his nearby CoCoRahs.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: ggsteve on August 23, 2018, 01:02:05 PM
Is there any way to calibrate the WeatherFlow's rain output?  I gave mine to my brother, and it's reading quite a bit above his nearby CoCoRahs.

There is much discussion about this on the Weatherflow Owners board.  I believe the units are supposed to self-calibrate and get more accurate the longer they are in place.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: gwwilk on August 23, 2018, 01:13:59 PM
Is there any way to calibrate the WeatherFlow's rain output?  I gave mine to my brother, and it's reading quite a bit above his nearby CoCoRahs.

There is much discussion about this on the Weatherflow Owners board.  I believe the units are supposed to self-calibrate and get more accurate the longer they are in place.
Thanks for the info.  We'll just have to wait to see how that works out. :shock:
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: ggsteve on August 27, 2018, 08:59:35 PM
Is there any way to calibrate the WeatherFlow's rain output?  I gave mine to my brother, and it's reading quite a bit above his nearby CoCoRahs.

There is much discussion about this on the Weatherflow Owners board.  I believe the units are supposed to self-calibrate and get more accurate the longer they are in place.
Thanks for the info.  We'll just have to wait to see how that works out. :shock:

I got the Sky on the roof yesterday and so far it is tracking wind speed and direction in sync with my Rainwise.  In fact it seems more sensitive and picks up just a whiff of a breeze.  The watts and UV graphs are interesting too.

The only thing I haven't been able to measure yet is lightning.  Maybe Wednesday or Thursday.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: Ken7 on January 14, 2019, 10:16:28 PM
How have the WeatherFlow owners found the accuracy of their units now that they've had some time for the equipment to go through the 'learning' process? I see there hasn't been a post here since August.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: ggsteve on January 15, 2019, 06:32:46 AM
The temperature sensor is always within a degree of my Rainwise and I think the wind sensor is working well too.  Can't speak for the rain gauge until Spring.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: Ken7 on January 15, 2019, 07:06:25 AM
Thanks Steve. So the wind is tracking well with your Rainwise? Does that include rain events, assuming you’ve had any rain since you received the Weatherflow?

I seem to recall reading that they were experimenting with some type of surface coating that would repel rain within the wind detection cavity, enabling more accurate wind measurements during rain events. I haven’t seen any update on that.

I’m on Long Island and there are a few Weatherflow units here as shown on the Weatherflow map. In checking their readings, there are a few with some bizarre humidity readings (reading 20% when humidity in the area might be in the 90s). The other anomaly I’ve seen are detection of lightning strikes. There seem to be many false triggers. In the winter, with clear skies, some units are recording multiple strikes. I took a peek at yours and yours too is showing lightning strikes 6 days ago. Is that a known issue?
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: Ken7 on January 31, 2019, 01:33:21 PM
Just an update here. I received both my Air & Sky units a bit over a week ago. My rain data has been excellent. We've had 2 rain events here with the first one dropping about 1.13" on my VP2 and 1.14" on my Sky! To be within .01" for this event is extremely impressive. Our 2nd rain event was also in good agreement if not the same as the first, .91" for the Sky and 1.01" for the VP2. Not sure which was more accurate as both amounts were consistent with many other PWS in the area.

The wind too has been very impressive, with winds in line with the VP but slightly higher. What's very impressive are the gusts & lulls that are caught by the Sky that the VP2 can't seem to catch due to the momentum of the cups. That's a real strong point of the Sky with its sensors.

The biggest issue I have is with RH/DP. It seems the WF is slow to respond to changes and is generally deviating from my VP2 by 10% or so. Of course there are many times I feel my VP2's RH is off too, but I suspect the VP2 is more accurate for this parameter.

Temperature is almost always spot on with the VP2.

All in all I'm quite pleased and these units are always improving. The other thing I can't overemphasize is the responsiveness of the WF tech support team. These guys are top notch and unlike almost any other tech support group you're likely to find.
Title: Re: Weatherflow SMART HOME WEATHER STATIONS
Post by: Ken7 on February 13, 2019, 08:46:11 AM
Another update. I put my Air sensor array in an Ambient radiation shield. This improved the RH/DP readings immeasurably. They now track as well, if not better, than my Davis. I believe WF also introduced some improvements into their CL & calibration system, so that too might have played a role.