Help with fineoffset purchase

[Sandro]

Hello,
I would like to buy a new WS, I currently own the lacrosse ws2300 whose wind sensor broke but most importantly it has a very poor memory size useless when I go away and I have to log data.
So I was thinking of buying a new entry level one and I've always been interested in the fine-offset products but I'm so confused because there are so many models and manufacturers names I don't know what to choose!

How many models are out there? Which does cumulus support?

Is this corresponding to something? http://www.amazon.co.uk/PCE-FWS-20-Weat ... B001CQSVZ2

In general how do they compare in performance? Are they bad or good for the price?

[nking]

If you haven't already, you might want to take a look at this site http://www.foshk.com/Weather_Professional/ it might help.

[Sandro]

I already saw that but does Cumulus support them all? What is the most used one around here?

[steve]

It's a safe assumption that if a Fine Offset station is capable of connecting to a PC via USB, then it works with Cumulus, at the time of writing. They're all pretty much the same underneath, regardless of the 'brand', the main differences being whether they support automatic clock setting (makes no difference as far as Cumulus is concerned), and whether they come with Light and UV sensors.

[Sandro]

Ok so which is the most advised to get?

[6719jason]

Hello,
I would like to buy a new WS, I currently own the lacrosse ws2300 whose wind sensor broke but most importantly it has a very poor memory size useless when I go away and I have to log data.

You do know you can adjust the logging interval and therefore store data over a longer period?

[Matt.j5b]

Hi
You can change the interval with the Heavy Weather software, increase to give yourself more time before the 175 records fill up (175 is on mine anyway). Just some information for you if you want to know, unless you already don't have it set very often.

[AllyCat]

Ok so which is the most advised to get?

Hi,

You haven't specified in which country you're located, but the simplest advice is to buy at the cheapest price consistent with good after-sales support (because the Quality Control of these devices is not all that it might be). Currently the cheapest deals in the UK appear to be from Clas Ohlson (shops only) and Maplin (shops/internet, probably with a discount voucher).

The station you've linked has solar charging which IMHO is of little benefit (the rechargeable alkaline batteries may even be a disadvantage). You might consider a station with solar data, but this also has some disadvantages (search for posts about the 3080 on this forum) apart from the higher cost. Some units have a Radio Controlled Clock and some use a radio link at 868 MHz instead of 434 MHz, but these might not be of significance for you.

Cheers, Alan.

[Sandro]

Thanks I live in Italy, has anyone ever compared these stations to pricier alternatives? I love when you find cheapest products that in the end will perform like a "entry level" Davis

[Sandro]

In terms of quality and accuracy do you think that switching to a wh1080 from a lacrosse ws2350 is a downgrade/upgrade/same?

[Matt.j5b]

Hi

I not sure about what the fine offset are like, but in terms of the La Crosse have you had problems with yours. Many people do have trouble, but the Fine Offset may be similar, but one might be better than the other, I can't say about that. I have owned a La Crosse with non pc connection for almost two years and I not had any trouble and I know many might say they are not as good as others but in my personal experience it has been reliable and trouble free. My station has worked well and the accuracy is acceptable for my standards. I also a pc connection station which I had for almost 3 months and it has worked well in the same way.

[geoffp]

If you have any sense you will steer clear of Fine Offset, I have had the WH-3080 since July and I have had nothing but trouble with it, It has been off line more than it has been on, be warned

[nking]

If you have any sense you will steer clear of Fine Offset, I have had the WH-3080 since July and I have had nothing but trouble with it, It has been off line more than it has been on, be warned

Geoff,

If your station is still under warranty then you should return it and demand your money back if it cannot be fixed - it must be "fit for purpose". I think you should steer clear of the retailer if they don't resolve your complaint. It is unfortunate that there will always be some items that just don't perform but in my experience this is not indicative that ALL are bad.

[AllyCat]

In terms of quality and accuracy do you think that switching to a wh1080 from a lacrosse ws2350 is a downgrade/upgrade/same?

Hi,

I don't have any experience of the LaCrosse, but judging from the specification and price the FO might be a slight "downgrade", except it has a much larger logger memory.

Bear in mind that these stations are NOT "Professional" scientific instruments, they're designed down to a very low price. You certainly shouldn't pay more than £100 for one, ideally nearer £50 and definitely from a reputable supplier who will give after-sales support/replacement/refund. I suspect that none of them FULLY meet their claimed specification, particularly for average wind speed, humidity and UV index (on the 3080/1).

But there is much information about the FO stations available (for example on this forum) so, if you enjoy "tinkering" (or are very lucky), then I wouldn't discourage buying one (or perhaps two).

Cheers, Alan.

[Sandro]

mixed opinions I see...