Topic: Best Accuracy - Which Weather Station? - 2 had Problems - Wind Vale

[BenGy]

Which Weather Station? Preferably wireless, (but whichever is more accurate)

Readings wanted: Outdoor Temp, Dew Point, Wind Speed, Direction, possibly rain gauge.

Had quite a few over the years, worst was the last two, Technoline WS-2300 which always under read the wind speed dramatically. This unit was wireless from the temperature sensor to the display and wired from the sensor to the wind vale and rain gauge. Never managed to get a correct wind speed.

The last one an OS WMR 80, which kept giving the same highest wind speed which was in the 50's I think. Was told it was interference. As the vale was hard to get to as it is the height of the house after numerous attempts we gave up. (reset, new batteries, having the unit and sensor together for 24hrs) the usual, no good.

Any idea's would be great.

[DanS]

Budget to work with ?

[ukwoody]

As Dan has said what is the budget?

But for a balance between price vs quality, the Davis Vanatage Vue is a cracking bit of kit.  Very good quality for reasonable price.

Woody

[utahweatherbear]

If "cracking bit of kit" means "pretty darn good station" in American English, then I'm with Woody.

[wxtech]

I recommend the Davis Vantage Pro 2 in what ever configuration you need.  I've built my own and bought several brands of manufactured wx stations.  I've owned the VP original and VP2 since 2004.
The Davis systems quality range from home/hobby use to professional installations.
I also own a Davis Vantage Vue with less than the performance of the VP2.
The site of the station may affect your data more than the accuracy of the equipment. 

[Old Tele man]

...my observations & opinions:

• LaCrosse units have good prices, Temp & RH sensors, but rather poor customer service.

• Oregon Scientific have good prices and Temp, but poor RH sensors, and similarly poor customer service.

• Davis Instruments have higher co$t, but excellent Temp & RH sensors and excellent customer service.

• AcuRite -- I don't know enough to comment on this company.

[Skywatch]

...my observations & opinions:

• LaCrosse units have good prices, Temp & RH sensors, but rather poor customer service.

Might I add newer Lacrosse stations are also among the flimsiest built and many don't make it through severe storms in one piece.

Wal*mart Lowes and Home Depot for a year or 2 sold Lacrosse stations so there were many in my area. Today not one doesn't have missing cups or cups that still spin freely. I had the WS1910U-it which was my second Lacrosse station and one thing both had in common is that they both failed one week out past warrenty.

[Skywatch]

100-250$
Oregon Scientific, Lacrosse, Acu-rite, Honeywell, Fine Offset/Ambient
Slower wind updates, questionable accuracy and reliability, Most likely made in China.

300-400$
Davis's Vantage Vue
Best station for the money. Highly accurate, high quality parts which are replacable, made in the USA,
Only drawback is the sensor is an all in one unit which makes installation easy but means rain or wind aren't going to be at ideal height for best accuracy.

500-1000
Davis's Vantage Pro2, Rainwise MK-III-RTN
Vantage Pro2 is the most popular choice. It's sensor unit is flexible to most installation situations. This allows the anemometer to be up high  (NWS standard 33 Ft 10m) but the rainfall temperature and humidity to be lower (NWS standard 2ft-5ft 0.7-2m). You can also add things like Solar and UV sensors.
Rainwise which is at the top of the range has the best quality construction and componets and also some of the best accuracy. However the MK-III-RTN has no rain gauge.

1000$-2500$
Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus with 24Hr fan aspirated radiation sheild, Rainwise, Texas Weather instruments, Weather Hawk, Maximum inst.
Best quality instruments with the best accuracy. These are the type used by colleges and in rough conditions where "lower" stations would fall apart.

Anything more are probably not designed for home/hobby use.

Hope this helps.

[ukwoody]

If "cracking bit of kit" means "pretty darn good station" in American English, then I'm with Woody.

    yes it does, Utah!

Thats the problem. Occasionally I forget the international aspect of forums!

Woody

[moehoward4]

Shop, Shop, SHOP around.... you can always find deals if you take the time to shop around.

[SLOweather]

Shop, Shop, SHOP around.... you can always find deals if you take the time to shop around.

Also, call and ask for a better price, or do whatever the dealer website wants you to. Some require you to create an account, some just want you to send an email.

I also recommend only Davis stations, especially since you cut your eyeteeth on junk.

The reason to ask or other wise get the special pricing...

Davis has a Minimum Advertised Price policy with their dealers. They can sell lower than they can advertise. I get all of my Davis stuff (+/-12 VP2 Pluses, a few Vues, repeaters, antennas, lotsa parts) from Rob at www.rainmanweather.com. 

[VaJim]

500-1000
Rainwise MK-III-RTN
Rainwise which is at the top of the range has the best quality construction and componets and also some of the best accuracy. However the MK-III-RTN has no rain gauge.

..yes but there are other Rainwise choices that DO have a rain gauge, such as the MK-III RTI-LR.  I even have one on my MKIII. Pretty cool!

[mfd38]

My first RainWise unit, a WS2000 ran for about 13 years before I upgraded to the MK-III-LR this year. They do cost more up front, but the cost over several years makes it a good choice. And the support is very good.

[Skywatch]

For Davis stations these guys have always been the best www.archertradingpost.com/atp . Awesome prices and customer service. Highly recommended.

[smorris]

For Davis stations these guys have always been the best www.archertradingpost.com/atp . Awesome prices and customer service. Highly recommended.

And if you are not in a hurry, watch the prices daily. Last week I picked up the Davis UV sensor for $80 off! Then back up to regular price the next day. I saw this with the VP2 Console this spring, too.

[BenGy]

Thanks for all your posts.

The davis range would be completely out of my budget, I was hoping to stick with the oregon, technoline etc range, and would have thought they'd have some accuracy to them.

My Technoline WS2300 model, has excellent pressure readings & temperature, but the wind speed always recorded a maximum of the same speed I believe it was 50 something mph. And on contacting the supplier they said that was an indication of interference. On this model the anemometer was wired with the rain gauge to the temperature unit, which then sent the 433mhz wireless signal to the base station. However the temperature and humidity were always correct.

Again with the Oregon Scentific WMR80, correct temperature, correct rain gauge, correct pond temperature, correct wind direction. But not the wind speed, it always recorded speeds at less than 15mph, even in extremely strong wind conditions. This unit also working on 433MHz but all completely wireless.

Basically is what I am trying to discover is whether the Oregon's WGR800 wind sensor has always had a fault and could be replaced, or whether the 433mhz transmission is receiving interference in my area. In which case should I try a Pro Wireless Smart Weather Station which operates on 868Mhz?

I'd still like any recommendations on units within the budget range.

Thanks again.

[Skywatch]

Thanks for all your posts.

The davis range would be completely out of my budget, I was hoping to stick with the oregon, technoline etc range, and would have thought they'd have some accuracy to them.

My Technoline WS2300 model, has excellent pressure readings & temperature, but the wind speed always recorded a maximum of the same speed I believe it was 50 something mph. And on contacting the supplier they said that was an indication of interference. On this model the anemometer was wired with the rain gauge to the temperature unit, which then sent the 433mhz wireless signal to the base station. However the temperature and humidity were always correct.

Again with the Oregon Scentific WMR80, correct temperature, correct rain gauge, correct pond temperature, correct wind direction. But not the wind speed, it always recorded speeds at less than 15mph, even in extremely strong wind conditions. This unit also working on 433MHz but all completely wireless.

Basically is what I am trying to discover is whether the Oregon's WGR800 wind sensor has always had a fault and could be replaced, or whether the 433mhz transmission is receiving interference in my area. In which case should I try a Pro Wireless Smart Weather Station which operates on 868Mhz?

I'd still like any recommendations on units within the budget range.

Thanks again.

Can you shoot us a number representing your max budget line?

[SlowModem]

Are those Ambient stations similar to La Crosse or made by the same company?  I believe there are several members here that seem happy with that brand.

[Skywatch]

Are those Ambient stations similar to La Crosse or made by the same company?  I believe there are several members here that seem happy with that brand.

Ambient stations are made by Fine Offset (middleman). I think corporate is someware around Asia China somewhere in that region. Before the stations appeared in America they went under the name Watson which was the name of stations sold around Europe, England, and I think Germany. Not sure what it was elseware. Then around 2009 I believe it was they got contracts with major US sellers such as Ambient, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and a few others with written permition to slap what ever name on the front. But I wouldn't be supprised if the stations come out of the same Chinese factory that supplies Lacrosse's products.

Can tell you one thing about both Lacrosse and Ambient's stations they both over report wind speed even when sited below NWS standard. I check all the Stations on Weather Underground and the story is the same with all Lacrosse and Ambient stations. Rainfall increments seem to be the same as well I believe it's 0.02"  I'd bet high they both come out of the same assembly line. Heck It wouldn't supprise me if Ambient's sensors were compatible with Lacrosse's receivers or Vi's verse. My Acu-Rite 00593w is communicating with a Taylor sensor.

[BenGy]

Thanks for all your posts.

The davis range would be completely out of my budget, I was hoping to stick with the oregon, technoline etc range, and would have thought they'd have some accuracy to them.

My Technoline WS2300 model, has excellent pressure readings & temperature, but the wind speed always recorded a maximum of the same speed I believe it was 50 something mph. And on contacting the supplier they said that was an indication of interference. On this model the anemometer was wired with the rain gauge to the temperature unit, which then sent the 433mhz wireless signal to the base station. However the temperature and humidity were always correct.

Again with the Oregon Scentific WMR80, correct temperature, correct rain gauge, correct pond temperature, correct wind direction. But not the wind speed, it always recorded speeds at less than 15mph, even in extremely strong wind conditions. This unit also working on 433MHz but all completely wireless.

Basically is what I am trying to discover is whether the Oregon's WGR800 wind sensor has always had a fault and could be replaced, or whether the 433mhz transmission is receiving interference in my area. In which case should I try a Pro Wireless Smart Weather Station which operates on 868Mhz?

I'd still like any recommendations on units within the budget range.

Thanks again.

Can you shoot us a number representing your max budget line?

I'd be looking at £100 - £150. Our last stations have been roughly around £99.

[ukwoody]

ummm, at the start of this year I treated myself to one of the Fine Offset rebadged models (can't remember what, Watson? it was the 1081 model).  It was a pain from the start, firstly badly over reading the wind then repeatedly loosing contact with the sensors.  I had it exchanged and had the same problem again. after a couple of weeks it went back. never ever again!  Not a patch on my WMR 928.

So I scrimped and saved and got the Vantage Vue from Red Onions.  Good price good service and an exceptional pice of kit.

I really do appreciate money is tight, believe me I know(!) but the difference is just worlds apart in every single respect.

Woody

[Old Tele man]

...chasing cheap prices nets cheap results.

[Skywatch]

Thanks for all your posts.

The davis range would be completely out of my budget, I was hoping to stick with the oregon, technoline etc range, and would have thought they'd have some accuracy to them.

My Technoline WS2300 model, has excellent pressure readings & temperature, but the wind speed always recorded a maximum of the same speed I believe it was 50 something mph. And on contacting the supplier they said that was an indication of interference. On this model the anemometer was wired with the rain gauge to the temperature unit, which then sent the 433mhz wireless signal to the base station. However the temperature and humidity were always correct.

Again with the Oregon Scentific WMR80, correct temperature, correct rain gauge, correct pond temperature, correct wind direction. But not the wind speed, it always recorded speeds at less than 15mph, even in extremely strong wind conditions. This unit also working on 433MHz but all completely wireless.

Basically is what I am trying to discover is whether the Oregon's WGR800 wind sensor has always had a fault and could be replaced, or whether the 433mhz transmission is receiving interference in my area. In which case should I try a Pro Wireless Smart Weather Station which operates on 868Mhz?

I'd still like any recommendations on units within the budget range.

Thanks again.

Can you shoot us a number representing your max budget line?

I'd be looking at £100 - £150. Our last stations have been roughly around £99.

I agree with Ole Tele Man, Your aiming for around the same price line as your previous stations. "you get what you pay for" does apply in this case. I don't know of a station in that price range that's top notch. One station may have better of something while another model doesn't but the other model may have something better than another model if that makes sence.

How serious are you in accuracy? I'm assuming you live in the UK?
http://www.weathershop.co.uk/shop/electronic/complete-weather-station/davis-vantage-vue-weather-station
If you do want good readings would you consider stretching the budget a little?

[Swannie]

Hi,
I've been searching for a discussion page like this ever since I got my Davis Vantage VUE in March 2015.
As in previous posts I’ve got to repeat that that I’m am analytical chemist with all the tools to measure and weigh volumes.
From March till September is our dry season and we only had our first rain for the season over the past weekend which prompt me to again test the VUE’s rain gauge against my conventional gauge (130mm diameter) and again found that the VUE is under reading by some huge margin, but since you can calibrate the VUE, I’ve overcame that problem. I can give you the figures if you want to.
Another disadvantage of the VUE is that rain fall has to really come down dropwise, where as in the traditional rain gauge you could poor it in litre wise. So that means, it can't measure the rainfall during a cloud burst as we know it or a tornado in the USA.
I’m really very happy with the Davis Vantage VUE, though I would have bought the Pro2 if I knew what I now know about the benefit of the higher placement of the anemometer. The Davis Pro2’s anemometer can be added to the VUE so that will be my the next extension to my weather station.

Happy Weathers
Swannie