Folks,
I am new to this game and hopefully have simple requirements, but I suspect I am asking too much for my budget:
1) A robust solution that will not see one or more sensors/units fail just out of warranty, eg: after 18 months
2) Accuracy need only be reasonable
3) Cost up to 350 GBP
4) Console not a requirement
5) Must be able to upload data to the main services without going over the budget, eg: Wunderground, and so download/export to analyse on a PC/Mac
6) Solar powered preferred, but units that last at least a year on batteries would be OK
7) Monitor: tempearature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation
The impression I get is separate components are better for maintenance, but am guessing this increases cost.
Any suggestions on what/where to buy?
Thank you
Ian
There are a huge range of options, it took me a few months to sort out my solution
1 - Ecowitt seems to be good quality, if you go for a component system rather than all-in-one, individual sensors can be replaced/added cheaply
2-Ecowitt-check
3-Ecowitt - check
4-Ecowitt - check, but you will need an internet gateway unit (GW1000/1100) for reqt 5
5-Ecowitt-check. Ecowitt uploads to the main services (configured through the WSView or Ecowitt app), the others can be done through third party software like CumulusMX(free) or WeatherDisplay($58 lifetime licence), analysis software will need the data downloaded from those services or a data logger to log it locally (CumulusMx does that too as does WeatherDisplay)
6-Ecowitt - check, see the options at the top of the ambient/fine offset and clones sub forum
7-Ecowitt - check
Options for purchase are Amazon UK (Ecowitt Store or WeatherSpares) , Weather Spares (UK), Froggit (Germany but watch the duty/VAT) or the Ecowitt online stores (ship from China - VAT and duty to watch). Prices/availability and shipping costs vary quite a lot depending on what you want. Ensure everything is the same frequency (868Mhz)
Other options are Acurite and Atlas and the various FineOffset clones like Watson and Steinberg (tend to be all-in-ones with consoles)