WS-1090 or WS-2080?

[WoodburyMan]

I already own a WS-1090 (Ambient Weather branded). I've been happy with it for the last few months. I got it simply because it listed the furthest range out of the "cheaper" stations. (330ft line of sight, 110ft under most conditions as stated and operates at 915mhz.

I did eye the newer WS-2080, which is just $40 more. It operates a 433mhz but lists a range of 300feet line of sight, 100 under most conditions.

Now my question is, do the measurement of range make sense? In my experience lower frequency generally goes further. I have had several small temp/humidity sensors that were in the 400mhz range from Oregon Scientific and LaCross, and they both managed to make it through three or four solid walls from the other side of the house. The WS-1090 doesn't seem to have the same range as them and goes much less. It makes it through one wall which blocks line of sight (around a corner of the house).

Now onward to the real purpose. I'm buying another station for a housewarming gift for my sister and her husband. They have the perfect location just about 75-100ft from their house. Big open field. They will also need to go through one wall which is mainly windows (outside wall) and through another interior wall. I need to know which of these two stations would be the better choice. I am also buying a optional large-heat shield for these since the WS standard heat shield aren't so I'm spending less than $200 total. If you can think of any other brand station that might work better for less than $200 feel free to suggest that as well. I was planning on buying a Davis Pro2 and giving them my WS-1090 but I'm running low on cash and can't afford the $400 Davis Pro2.

[wd40]

I have had the WS-2080 running Cumulus for just over a year now. The unit is a little short of being 75 feet away and goes through one wall so it should work for you.

[AllyCat]

Hi,

IMHO the Quality Control of Fine Offset stations (and possibly the general design tolerancing of most/all 434/868/915 MHz equipment) is such that comparing specifications of 300 v 330 feet is pointless (they probably just used a different value when converting from metric). Certainly, in theory, I would expect the 434 MHz to be better at penetrating walls, assuming that the power transmitted hasn't been reduced to comply with local regulations (I don't believe that 434 MHz is an "official" band in the USA).

I haven't checked those particular models but I guess the 1090 is the "established" Fine Offset kit (with added battery solar charging?) and the 2080 has the additional solar sensors (or is it not a FO product?). I have installed the two FO models (at different locations) and there are many more differences than would be expected. Maybe I'll post a full "review" sometime but here are a few comments:

Subjectively my 1081 has much better wireless range than the 3080 (with solar sensors) which often reports "lost sensor contact" in certain positions. I cannot say for certain if it is due to the location, model type or if the 1081 is just "a better sample". I measured the power consumption of the 1081 transmitter which indicates that the batteries should last at least a year. But after only 3 months the 3080 is reporting a low transmitter battery (even though it should be being recharged) but I haven't yet been able to discover what is at fault.

The light level measurement of the 3080 is a nice feature, but IMHO the UV and battery charging are worthless features (even if they actually work). The non-touchscreen 3080 is far clearer, but the "Press the Menu key 13 times to select the rain section" is rather tedious.

Finally, my most important question is: do the users definitely want to connect the station to a computer and/or log their weather data? If not, maybe a Davis Vantage Vue would be a better choice (higher Quality, better integrated features and longer radio range) which I guess you might be able to get for around $200 in the USA (we certainly can't here in the UK).

Cheers, Alan.

[WoodburyMan]

Thanks for the suggestion Alan! That's actually a pretty good idea. The Vue here I can get new for around $250 US. A tad bit over my budgeted $200, however the extra range and knowing it will work would be useful, not to mention that it's solar powered where as both the WS1090 and WS2080 Ambient Weather here in the states sell are not. I'm pretty sure they won't leave a computer on to transmit, so it might work out well. If they want to another $100 gets them the adapter to hook it up via USB.