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The perfect weather station computer
Posted: Tue 31 Jan 2012 10:13 am
by SlimMoses
I was wondering what type of computer you all have hooked up your weather station to. In case you are looking for a lowcost running computer I have a suggestion for you
I think I have found the perfect 24/7 weather computer. I bought a Fit-PC2 from Compulab to have as my weather station computer and at the same time it works as a media server in my house. It's not bigger then 12 by 12 cm, it's fanless (totally quite) and the total power comsumption on full load is 8 watt!!!! That means its really cheap to have running 24/7 It has both ethernet and wireless connection. 6 USB, IR, SD card reader and works great with Windows XP operating system. 1.3 Mhz Intel Atom, 1 Gb Internal memory and a 250Gb 2,5" disk in it. Could be fitted with a SSD if needed.
I might even have an extra Fit-PC2 up for grabs if anyone is intrested.

Please PM me if you are intrested!
Re: The perfect weather station computer
Posted: Thu 09 Feb 2012 8:13 pm
by yv1hx
SlimMoses,
Very interesting platform, we are looking some time ago for a PC with features like this for our growing network.
Thanks for the advice

Re: The perfect weather station computer
Posted: Thu 09 Feb 2012 9:58 pm
by tobyspond
I've been using the fit pc-2 as my weather pc for almost a year now and am happy with it.
Re: The perfect weather station computer
Posted: Thu 09 Feb 2012 10:31 pm
by RayProudfoot
I've been using a Samsung NC-10 netbook for nearly 3 years now without a glitch. Intel Atom processor with the lid is closed except for monthly maintenance and occasional updates.
Re: The perfect weather station computer
Posted: Fri 10 Feb 2012 3:29 am
by yv1hx
RayProudfoot wrote:I've been using a Samsung NC-10 netbook for nearly 3 years now without a glitch. Intel Atom processor with the lid is closed except for monthly maintenance and occasional updates.
RayProudfoot,
The netbook can draw very low power, but have some disadvantages for our use.
Please have a look a this discussion:
https://cumulus.hosiene.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6540
Re: The perfect weather station computer
Posted: Fri 10 Feb 2012 5:37 pm
by RayProudfoot
Marco-Luis,
I read that thread and understand why you wouldn't want a netbook but for home users it's the perfect solution.
Re: The perfect weather station computer
Posted: Fri 10 Feb 2012 7:58 pm
by yv1hx
RayProudfoot wrote:Marco-Luis,
I read that thread and understand why you wouldn't want a netbook but for home users it's the perfect solution.
Our very first Weather computer at home was a Acer Pentium III Laptop, now piled up somewhere because begins to freeze without any reason, memory issues I guess...
Then I changed my mind in favor of reliability and then use a desktop computer, this PC died about 5 years later of 24/7 service..
BTW, I requested a formal quote to FIT-PC USA reseller, but no answer yet

Re: The perfect weather station computer
Posted: Fri 10 Feb 2012 10:27 pm
by RayProudfoot
Marco,
The PIT-PC is certainly a serious alternative should the day ever arrive when I need to replace my NC-10. But it really is a fantastic PC. It's been running more or less non-stop for nearly 3 years now. It's dedicated to weather programs. I have two others running besides Cumulus.