Newbie

[danam1]

Just a quick hello to introduce myself.
I've always been interested in the weather and thought I would try and get involved in my own little bit of meteorology !
I've been thinking of getting an N96FY but thought I would ask your opinions on it or if there is a better bit of kit out there for around £100-£150?

Regards

Daniel

[AllyCat]

Hi Daniel,

Welcome to the forum. The N96FY is currently over-priced so it might be worth waiting for the next time Maplin have it "On Offer", or buy the equivalent Fine Offset (manufacturer) "badged" version from another reliable supplier. The N96GY is nearer to the "correct" price to pay, but see this current thread.

Your question arises frequently on this forum (try a search) but the general answer is that there appears to be no "better" station unless you pay very considerably more (e.g. a Davis at £400 upwards).

Cheers, Alan.

[danam1]

Thanks for the advice Alan.
I have emailed FO for some prices as they are not on there website strangely.

[AllyCat]

Hi Daniel,

Fine Offset are the (Chinese) manufacturer and AFAIK don't sell directly to the public. There are a great many retailers (all around the World) who sell one of just a few basic models (with or without a Radio Controlled Clock, Solar data, Touchscreen/buttons, etc.) and using a radio frequency appropriate for the country of sale.

In addition to Maplin (who only sell the non-RCC non-Solar version), other (UK) retailers to consider* are Signatrol, Walters and Stanton, Clas Ohlson, etc. and some retailers via Amazon. Maybe even ebay, but ensure that the supplier is reliable (e.g. also selling via their own website or shops). Google for "WH1080" or 1081, 3080 (solar), or even "Touchscreen Weather", etc. and look in the FO section of this forum for feature differences (I've posted several times) and other members' views!

* In no particular order and NOT a personal endorsement or recommendation.

Cheers, Alan.

[danam1]

Once again thanks for your help Alan,
I will get looking!

Daniel

[danam1]

OMG!!
I didn't realise how many similar weather stations there are out there.
I've just spent the last hour or so looking at them and reading members reviews on here and now I'm more confused than ever!
They all seem to have some sort of problem in this price range but I think, like you say Alan, they are probably pretty much alike and just have different badges?
I was going to go for a solar one but I read that some people have had problems with charging issues in dull weather. I think parts are relatively cheap to replace though?
Anyway, the upshot of it is, I don't think it matters too much what one I get in my price range?
I will keep you informed, and hopefully one day I will be able to contribute to this site and offer advice myself!

Daniel.

[AllyCat]

Hi Daniel,

I was going to go for a solar one but I read that some people have had problems with charging issues in dull weather. I think parts are relatively cheap to replace though?

Personally, I (and the person where mine is actually installed) do prefer the Solar (data) model's Console (WH308x); it's neater, the LCD is clearer than the touchsceen version and a few technical improvements have been made. But the Solar Pod (at least the "early" production version) has had serious design, quality and reliability issues.

However, IMHO the problem is NOT poor charging in dull weather, but a faulty Pod draining too much current from the batteries (which themselves have major performance issues). So, if you decide to buy a Solar Data version, and the Console reports a "Low TX battery" within the first six months or year, then get the whole Pod replaced by the supplier (hence the need to choose a reliable retailer).

If a Low TX Battery warning occurs after the first year, then replace the cells by either "low leakage NiMH" (which should work well, but the transmitter range may be a little reduced and the Low Batt icon might stay on) or by non-rechargeable Alkaline or Lithium AAs, which should work fine for several years.

Of course there are other manufacturers of Weather stations, but one needs to check their specifications very carefully. For example they may come with a too-small logger memory (or none), or sometimes not even with a PC interface !

Cheers, Alan.

[danam1]

Thanks Alan