What are the best weather stations

[aznetcowboy]

I know everyone probably has an opinion, but I thought I'd ask anyway. Currently I have a Ambient WH2080 weather station. I have been having lots of problems with it lately. The temperature readings seem to be way too high of low compared to other station in my area, say within 5 miles and there are many. I expect some difference, but +5 to -7 seems extreme. I have the unit set on the east side of the house when it is protected from direct sunlight during the morning by bushes and other desert plants. In the afternoon and evening the overhang from the house shades it. It is still exposed to air movement so it is in what I think are more normal conditions.

Then there are the constant losing communications where the sensor and weather station are only10 feet (tops) from each other.

I am considering replacing this unit, but would like opinions as to what ones are good, especially in a hot, dry desert climate. Also, not too expensive. If I were to spend $500 on one, my obit would be the next thing you'd be reading.

I just looking for opinions and then in a couple weeks (months?) I will get a new one that will work with Cumulus.

Thanks!

[RayProudfoot]

I'm sure others will agree that Davis make some of the best weather stations available for the keen amateur. I've had my VP2 wireless for over 4 years and the station has performed superbly including the wireless signal.

Over in the US you will pay considerably less than we do in the UK for the Davis stations. You should be able to buy a Vantage Vue for your budget and maybe even a VP2.

They're not cheap but their performance is excellent and they just work day after day, month after month and year after year. Think of them as an investment, not an ordinary purchase. And this is from a Brit!

[Touchtone]

You could certainly look at the Davis Vantage Vue as it may suit your budget. Davis do have a very good name & seem to give accurate information. I have graduated up from a cheaper weather station to a Davis Vantage Pro2 & I am more than happy with it.

[WestOz]

Have a look at http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/We ... ison+Guide

Ian

[uncle_bob]

Have a look at http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/We ... ison+Guide

Ian

Good link and interesting.

[aznetcowboy]

Have a look at http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/We ... ison+Guide

Ian

Ian,

This is a great link. It will take some time to go through, but it will be very worth while!

Tom

[Buford T. Justice]

Have you tried the improved radiation shield?

http://www.ambientweather.com/amwesrpatean.html

Some folks have made their own. That may be a project for me later this year or I'll just order this one.

Even though you see the sensor in the shade, it may be picking up heat from other sources.

[aznetcowboy]

Have you tried the improved radiation shield?

http://www.ambientweather.com/amwesrpatean.html

Some folks have made their own. That may be a project for me later this year or I'll just order this one.

Even though you see the sensor in the shade, it may be picking up heat from other sources.

I keep it in a shady area because in the areas where the sun hits it for a long, or even a short time the temperatures be recorded are crazy. What the real temperature is around 107, the humidity is like 4% or 5%, a clear sky and no breeze or almost no wind, you just can't get an accurate reading even with an advanced shield. The Arizona sun is really brutal at this time of year. I have the solar shield on my sensor even though it is in the shade because in the early hours of the morning the sun still hits it. My wife has a digital thermometer that she moves around at will. A few times she left it in an area where it gets hit by the sun. It is a bit shocking to see a temperature of 124.6 at 7:30 in the morning. That's why I try for a shaded part of the yard. I don't trust any readings when the sensor sits all day in direct sunlight in southern Arizona, not even the one that is the official NWS sensor at the airport.

I think a good solar shade would be on that is at lest several inches away from the sensor with good ventilation. Although I am not sure how you could get good ventilation when there is no breeze.

[AllyCat]

I am not sure how you could get good ventilation when there is no breeze.

Hi,

A "Solar-Powered Aspirator" (fan) ?

Cheers, Alan.

[aznetcowboy]

I am not sure how you could get good ventilation when there is no breeze.

Hi,

A "Solar-Powered Aspirator" (fan) ?

Cheers, Alan.

Alan,

Just to let you know, I did get the VP2 with the Solar-Powered Aspirated fan. It is great. It has been running for almost a year now and the temperatures are very accurate even when the sun is direct and the temperatures are approaching 110. Thanks for the suggestion.

Tom