Are you one of those people obsessed with weather gadgets for your smartphone? Does a bad weather forecast create excitement for you and do you love weather trivia? Don’t worry, you’re in good company!
Lots of people can tell you about the winter of 1880-81 and the summer of 1936. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods are all a part of a weather bug’s daily life.
There are many sensible reasons that may trigger your enthusiasm for all things weather. You may be a hobby gardener or even a large-scale farmer. Either way, average first-and-last frost days could be critical to your success.
Maybe you love snow skiing or sailing. In fact, any outdoor hobbies that are easier when you understand the weather that creates ideal conditions.
Want to dig deeper into your interest in meteorology? One of the most exciting ways is to explore some of the top weather gadgets for your smartphone. Some smart weather gadgets are very affordable while some are more pricey. Below we look at some of the Best In Class Weather Gadgets for Your Smartphone.
This top-notch weather gadget for your smartphone comes with an indoor module. This gives you vital information about your home environment, including air quality. The phone app allows you to view both past and current weather, as well as predict future trends. It pairs with Amazon Alexa for easy voice control.
The modules are small and unobtrusive, measuring 1.8 inches in diameter by 4.1 inches high. The indoor module utilizes a USB wall adapter, while the outdoor module uses two AAA batteries. Both Apple and Android apps are available.
Outdoor temperature measures between -40 degrees F and +150 degrees F. Accessories include a rain gauge, wind gauge, and additional indoor modules.
Most owners give this top-weather gadget high marks. In fact, it rates between 4 – 4.5 stars. Citing ease of use, battery life, connectivity, and the ability to monitor the indoor temperature of their home while at work or on vacation. Many reviewers purchase an additional indoor monitor for their baby’s room.
Pros
Easy installation
Easy to pair with your Phone
Impressive, compact design
Highly durable product
Cons
Short wireless range connection
The base module lacks some standard weather instruments – rain collector, weather vane, and anemometer are costly to add
The Ecobee 3 smart thermostat announces itself as an intelligent Wi-Fi thermostat with room sensors. Most thermostats are located in hallways or very close to the cold air return. This means that the areas close to the thermostat are comfortable, but other places are either too hot or too cold.
The Ecobee remote sensors measure occupancy and temperature, making intelligent heating/cooling choices simple. You get mobile access to view and adjust your sensors. So, no more suffering from hot or cold spots in your home.
Users are giving the Ecobee 3 a solid 4.5-star rating. You’ll love the remote sensors that help average out the temperature within your house while “knowing” which room you are in.
Its sleek matte black surface and uncluttered appearance are a bonus, and it works with Alexa for easy voice control.
Pros
Same great Ecobee design and user interface
Can work with remote sensors (but they’re optional)
Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung Smartthings, and IFTTT, among others
Beautiful and attractive interface
Easy to install and configure
Good value for money
Cons
Doesn’t work with Google Assistant, which is the best home assistant in the market
Lacks geofencing
The sensors that make the Ecobee series special cost extra with this model
A little overpriced compared to direct competition
If you are looking for accurate humidity control, then you can’t go past the SensorPush wireless thermostat hygrometer. You’ll get temperature and humidity data from the one smart weather gadget.
Dry air can create health problems for some people. From asthma and bronchitis to eye irritations and skin conditions. Some musical instruments like grand pianos, guitars, violins, and harps are sensitive to humidity extremes. Indeed, your wine cellar is an ideal location for a temperature or humidity sensor. Other locations you could use a SensorPush include a chicken incubator or cigar humidor.
Homeowners report a reduction of mold in their bathrooms using the SensorPush. Others use it in their hobby greenhouses and RV owners get peace of mind about food safety by placing one in their refrigerator while traveling on the road.
The easily accessible mobile app allows you to set up and monitor the gadget from your phone. You can download data into an Excel document from these smart weather gadgets.
A truly handy weather gadget, it fits easily into small spaces, and it scores a solid 5-star rating from users. You’ll likely be ordering more than one.
Pros
It has an app that you can install and use on your iPhone or Android phone
Easy to calibrate
Can track temperature and humidity by the hour, day, week, and year
Notifies when the humidity gets below what has been set
Responsive tech support
The sensor can be placed anywhere
Has a range up to 325 feet
Accurate and responsive
The sensor can hold up to 20 days of data
Cons
Slightly expensive compared to others
Some complained about the app taking too long to load data
The BlueMaestro Environment Monitor adds barometric pressure and dew point plus temperature and humidity. Wireless and shaped like a white pebble, these top weather gadgets for your Smartphone can be wall mounted with a simple adapter. It weighs just under 3 oz and measures 3.5 x 2.8 inches.
Apps are available for both iOS and Android and you can monitor from afar and download historical data. It’s affordable enough for hobby use and accurate enough for commercial applications. You’ll get up to five years from two AA batteries.
You might have to try from a couple of different rooms since you’ll be dealing with interior walls and objects, but users report finding a sweet spot upstairs to monitor their basement.
Pros
Small and stylish design
Cheap to run
Genuinely informative
Customer support for both the app and the Tempo is prompt and knowledgeable
If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards, this is the weather radio for you. Boaters will also appreciate its features.
Multiple charging options allow you to get weather updates even when you lose power for days or weeks. You can use rechargeable batteries, AAA batteries, solar power, or the hand crank.
Once your FRX3 radio is charged, you can even charge your smartphone via USB. It even offers an LED flashlight and an emergency beacon.
Owners give it a solid 4-star rating. The major complaint came from owners who didn’t properly set up their radio when it arrived. So, if you truly need this for emergencies, be sure to set it up and learn how to operate it before you need it.
Pros
Inexpensive weather alert system
Can be used to charge a smartphone
Crisp audio
Aux-input to play music from an external MP3 player
Back-lit display and Illuminated buttons for easy readability
Glow-in-the-dark locator
Cons
Batteries drain fast
Poor reception
Try also Ambient WS-5000 Home Weather Station. Here’s our review review
Weather is one of the most common conversations openers in the world. We can talk about it to almost everyone we meet, and even TV channels and websites are committed to it. Although watching the weather channel is informative, having your very own weather station at home is the best way to have real-time updates on the weather. So, let’s discuss what’s the best weather station.
The weather ultimately affects our daily lives, and consumers today are willing to spend just to be prepared for the rain, sun, snow, and wind’s ups and downs. Whether you’re a budget-conscious, a camper, a fisherman, a gardener, or a farmer- there’s a weather station that will be ideal for you.
If you want to understand the choices and the essential factors in buying your weather station, we’ve tested and reviewed many weather stations, and below are our top choices.
Top Pick Overall Best Weather Station: AcuRite 01024 Pro
Key Features:
✔ Weather-Resistant Design – a high-quality design that can stand from rugged outdoor environments; sun, rain, or dust exposure
✔ HD Color Display – high definition TFT display that records real-time weather updates and organized information layout improving user experience
✔ 5-in-1 Weather Tracker – tracks five extreme weather conditions including the indoor and outdoor temperature, indoor and outdoor humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and rainfall.
✔ Storm Detector – it has a lightning detection feature that detects storms up to 25 miles away and also records the number of lightning strikes
✔ Wireless Connectivity – it has a reliable 100 meters wireless connectivity range
✔ Customized Alerts – you can set a customized alert for each weather condition when it detects lightning, the sensor will start flashing and beeping
✔ Internal Sensor Fan – sensor comes in with an internal fan to maintain accurate readings throughout the day
Update Interval: 16 seconds real-time updates on the console, 60-second updates on the Internet
Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Solar powered with battery backup, AC powered with battery backup
The AcuRite 01024 Pro is an affordable weather station for your home or office. The lightning detector is a great feature that helps detect incoming storms. It has a great deal of accuracy at an affordable price, and it’s easy to install.
Best Weather Station For Geeks: Ambient Weather WS-2902
Key Features:
✔ 7 Sensors in one unit – Rain Gauge, Wind Vane, Wind Cups, Thermo-Hygrometer, UV / Solar Radiation, Bubble Level, and Solar Collector
✔ Easy to read LCD Display – the Ambient Weather WS-2902 has a large, colored display screen which enhances readability.
✔ 10-in-1– it measures indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, UV, barometric pressure, and solar radiation
✔ Fast and Better Connectivity – can connect wirelessly through Wi-Fi and can access Weather Underground, and it’s compatible with Alexa and Google assistant (say “Ok Google, Ambient Weather”). Plus it can be connected to IFTTT which enables you to control external devices like sprinklers and more.
Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Solar panel for the interior fan, AC powered
The Ambient Weather WS-2902 is perfect for geeks who do not merely want to know the local weather updates but want to gather more specific and complex data to understand what is happening in the atmosphere. Its price range is affordable, considering that it’s a 10-in-1 machine.
Best In Design: Netatmo Weather Station
Key Features:
✔ Very Easy Installation – connect it to your computer via USB, configure the location and wireless settings, and install batteries. Place one sensor outside and one inside, that’s it. They will send you updates through your iOS, Android, and Windows phone via Wifi or through a web-based app.
✔ Co2 Sensor and Noise level sensor – it measures noise level and indoor pollution levels of your home. It then sends you alerts so you can air out your home for a healthier environment
✔It can communicate with other Smart Devices – for example, ‘turn the fan off when the temperature gets cool’ or ‘switch off the sprinkler when it rains
✔ Compatible with Amazon Alexa
✔ Netatmo Weathermap – share your data or access real-time weather data from the Netatmo community around the world
Specifications:
Sensors: Temperature, Humidity, Barometric Pressure, indoor CO2 concentration, and Sound Meter
Update Interval: Updates every 5 minutes
Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Indoor module powered by USB wall adapter, Outdoor module is battery powered
Most classic weather stations are outdated and unattractive. The Netatmo Weather Station is not only modern and classy; it has the most advanced features you can have in a weather station. However, the lack of wind data and UV sensors makes it a less contender compared to the do-it-all weather stations in the market.
Best Weather Station For Newbies: AcuRite 01512 Wireless Weather Station
Key Features:
✔ 5-in-1 – consists of five sensors; thermometer, anemometer, wind vane, hygrometer, and rain gauge
✔ Maximum transmission range – it can communicate wirelessly up to 330 ft.
✔ Self-emptying Rain Gauge – provides accurate and reliable rain measurements
✔ Auto brightness dimming technology – the AcuRite 01512 has a large illuminated color display with an auto-dim or manual brightness adjustment
✔ Self-calibrating Console – pulls data from the outdoor sensor right in your backyard and updates weather data of the exact location
AcuRite 01512 is an impressive, high-quality weather sensor at an affordable price range. If you’re a newbie who’s going to use the weather station for common purposes such as knowing the local weather forecast, then this model is perfect for you. It provides accurate and reliable readings.
Best Weather Station For Enthusiasts and Meteorologists: Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Key Features:
✔ Upgradable Sensor – the Vantage Pro2 allows you to add additional sensors like UV and solar radiation, soil moisture, leaf wetness, or whatever meets your needs
✔ Supreme Accuracy – it has a radiation shield that houses the sensor from too much heat and radiation, resulting in more accurate measurements
✔ Long-range transmission – the maximum range is 1000 ft. without walls and obstructions and an option to add wireless repeaters to reach up to 2.7 kilometers
✔ Frequency-hopping Spread Spectrum technology – the first wireless home weather station that uses FHSS
✔ High-quality – the station is constructed of over-molded plastic which prevents moisture from penetrating the electronics
✔ Real-time updates – sends weather updates every 2.5 seconds
Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Solar powered sensor, Console AC powered with backup batteries
The Davis Vantage Pro2 is a worthy investment. You may have to pay a premium, but this weather station is the king when it comes to data accuracy. And it’s expandability is also its selling point. The design of the station it’s outdated, and the additional sensors might be expensive; however, this is one of the most reliable weather machines on the market.
Best Value for Money: Oregon Scientific Wireless Advanced Weather Station
Key Features:
✔ Large Display Icons – weather forecasts are displayed in large graphical icons with an orange backlight that is not too bright
✔ Self-setting Atomic Clock – it has a 12-24 hour clock with a time zone offset feature that sets automatically even during DST
✔ Reads up to three remote sensors – gives you the option to add two more sensors to monitor different parts of your house
✔ Straightforward Measurements – measures indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, moon phase, and an Ice Alert with green LED light
Specifications:
Sensors: Indoor and Outdoor Temperature and Humidity
Update Interval: 2.5-20 seconds
Connectivity: Wireless, Battery-powered
If you’re looking for a primary weather station that will provide accurate readings of the temperature and humidity, the Oregon Scientific BAR208HGA is your perfect choice. Unlike the high-tech weather machines, the Oregon Scientific BAR208HGA doesn’t provide much information. However, it’s very affordable, so you get enough of what you pay.
Best Weather Station For Gardeners And Farmers: Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue
Key Features:
✔ LCD Console – it features an easy-to-read display with a glow-in-the-dark keypad
✔ Transmission range – transmits wirelessly from the outdoor sensor to the console up to 300 ft. / 1000 ft. (unobstructed)
✔ Real-time weather updates – it sends updates every 2.5 seconds which is 10x faster than most weather stations
✔ Rugged durability and extreme Accuracy – like the Vantage Pro2, this weather station provides accurate readings
Specifications:
Sensors: Indoor and outdoor Temperature, Humidity, Barometric pressure, Wind speed, Wind direction, Heat Index, Dewpoint, and Rainfall
Update Interval: Updates every 10 to 12 seconds
Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Solar panel power, Battery powered console
Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue is more affordable than Vantage Pro2 but has lived up to the latter’s accuracy. Plus it also reads dew point and rainfall, which makes it perfect for gardeners. If you’re a weather junkie who doesn’t care about the Internet and Smartphone connectivity, then the Vantage Vue is ideal for you.
SelectionInstallationFAQ Since before man learned to walk upright, he has been concerned about the weather. Weather observation through a weather station may actually precede Astronomy as the oldest science.
Stone age man would have poked his nose out of the cave in the morning and realized from past observations that if there was a good deal of wind and dark clouds on the horizon, it was a good day to stay inside the cave and paint pictures on the wall. When agriculture was developed, introducing trade and the beginnings of urbanization, a trader would soon learn that “red sky in the morning” would mean it was not a good day to load his grain on a raft to float it to market.
Unless you spend your entire life indoors, connected to the Internet, the weather in your location has a profound influence on your daily existence. If you are able to detach from the Internet and actually go outside, you will find that knowing the weather conditions is vital to not only the success of whatever activity you choose to engage in, it will impact your health and safety. Speaking of health and safety, there are indoor applications for weather instruments that will help to measure the atmospheric conditions in your home, shop, office, or factory and how they affect the performance of the people inside.
The Atmosphere: It’s Everywhere
Weather takes place in the atmosphere, which is a very large place. It is influenced by the different rates at which the Sun heats the water in the ocean, the rocks of the continents, and how these bodies heat the air above them. These influences may be occurring hundreds or thousands of miles away from where you are living, working, and playing, but with modern technology and communications, we can get a pretty good idea of how they are going to affect the weather in our backyard. We know that an area of unseasonably warm ocean water off the coast will change our local rainfall patterns, or that the shift of a cold water current on the other side of the sea could bring major storms to our area in a few weeks.
A more immediate concern is what is happening right outside our window. There are any number of resources we can turn to in order to see regional conditions, from local TV and Radio news reports to Internet Weather services. The problem with these reports is that they are going to report Regional Conditions as opposed to what is going on in your own “micro-climate”.
Knowing that it is raining at the airport is not the same thing as knowing how much is falling on your garden and how often you need to turn on your sprinkler. Knowing how hard the wind is blowing at the local TV station may not tell you whether it is safe to fly your remote control airplanes. Knowing the humidity, heat index, or wind chill at City Hall does not tell you whether you should put on a sweater or not for a walk around your neighborhood.
Selection
(To view/download the NOAA recommended guide on Choosing a Personal Weather Station CLICK HERE.)
Choosing Your Home Weather Station
There is an incredible variety of weather stations on the market, ranging from the most accurate and expensive instrumentation similar to those found at an International airport or University science department to the so-called “Weather Rock” (“If the rock is wet, it is raining”). Choosing a personal weather station for your home is a matter of balancing the information you need displayed, how easy the system is to install and operate, and how much you are willing to pay.
Gardeners, athletes, students, sportsmen and business people are all affected by the same weather, but the conditions they need to observe may not be the same.
Home systems fall into different categories. There are wireless as opposed to wired systems. Some systems mount all the sensors in a single unit, which is easy to mount (and potentially portable) while others use separate sensors so that each can be mounted where they will read most accurately.
Electronic Weather Instruments and What They Measure
Wind
A wind sensor is a common reading in home weather stations. Most use a simple cup anemometer which has the advantage of sensing wind speed accurately from any direction and quickly responding to gusts. The propeller-type anemometer is highly accurate and compact, making it a natural choice for handhelds, but its accuracy depends upon keeping its axis aligned with wind direction.
A wind vane will digitally indicate wind direction, but the unit’s base must be mounted and firmly held at true North. Most mounting instruction packets include information for converting magnetic North readings from a handheld compass to true North.
Rainfall
Gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners need to follow rainfall amounts. An analog rain gauge is a deceptively simple device; it is simply a straight-sided vessel with an open top. Periodically, the observer will record the depth of water in the vessel after a period of time, the results being inches of rainfall. When making the observation, he will also tip the accumulated water out of the gauge.
An automatic rain gauge measures the amount of rainfall as the rain is falling. The precipitation falls on a circular collection area with a funnel below. The outflow of the funnel is directed into a “self-emptying tipping bucket”. This device is essentially a teeter-totter with a water chamber on either side of the fulcrum. When the chamber on one side fills, the bucket tips and the chamber drains. At the same time, a switch is closed, and the sensor reads the frequency of the switch’s opening and closing. The most accurate tipping bucket systems have an 8-inch collection area and the bucket will tip with the weight of 0.01 inches of precipitation. Some lower resolution systems will not tip until 0.04 inches of precipitation falls.
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature is measured using an electronic device called a thermistor, which is a resistor whose resistance depends upon temperature. As the temperature changes, so does the voltage of the thermistor circuit, and this is interpreted by the unit as a temperature reading.
Relative humidity, or the percentage of moisture in the air, is measured by an electronic hygrometer. The heart of the device is a material whose conductive properties change as humidity increases or decreases. Relative humidity differs from absolute humidity in that the former is a measurement of how much moisture the air can hold at a certain temperature. At high relative humidity levels, water does not readily evaporate and increased moisture will result in precipitation.
Systems that have temperature and humidity indicators usually have software that will compute the heat index. This is a measure of supposed comfort in an environment. Since the human body regulates its internal temperature by sweating, and the evaporation of sweat is less effective during high humidity, times of high heat and low humidity can be more comfortable and lower on the heat index than periods of high humidity even though the actual temperature is lower.
Another software application that uses readings from two different sensors is wind-chill. Since the transfer of heat away from the body occurs more readily in moving air, the greater the wind during periods of cold, the colder it will feel.
Data Logging
Along with software-based measurements, data logging is an important feature in a weather station. Simple handheld wind gauges often forgo data logging, but more fully-featured models often retain a significant amount of data for later recording, and some can even attach to a computer or smartphone to download readings.
Some home weather stations are designed to connect with a PC or laptop and incorporate a Windows-based interface. Some stations have a permanent base station which both displays and stores data from the sensors. Usually, the base station will also interface with a computer via USB or Wifi.
Not only does being part of the network contribute more data points for more accurate climate observation and forecasting, being able to compare data with nearby stations gives an indication of how accurately an individual station is working.
Installation
(To view/download the NOAA recommended guide on Installing a Personal Weather Station click here.)
Selecting a home weather station and learning about the different sensors can be exciting and fun, but deciding where and how to install the station is even more important to get the most out of it.
It is kind of like buying a sports car. It would be great to go out and buy a Lamborghini, but if the only place you can drive it is on crowded city streets, it is a lot less fun.
A sports car needs to be out on the open road, and a personal weather station needs to be out in the weather. Of course, there is more to sitting in your weather station than just putting it outside and turning it on.
Getting the best results will take some consideration and probably some compromise, but when you get it right, you will ensure years of trouble-free and accurate service.
Ideal Installation
Launching and landing commercial airliners which are carrying hundreds of people requires an intimate knowledge of local weather conditions, so airport operators put a lot of thought into how they install their weather sensors. However, the average home or business owner probably has fewer options than the airport has.
The National Weather Service recommends that temperature/humidity sensors be placed between 4’1” and 6’7” above the ground, a horizontal distance twice the height of the nearest object (twelve feet away from a six foot fence), and not in direct sunlight but in the open air.
An anemometer will ideally be mounted ten meters (32.8 feet) above the ground and a horizontal distance four times the height away from the nearest obstruction. The rain gauge will get its most accurate data if it is four to six feet off the ground and a horizontal distance four times the height away from the nearest obstruction.
Mounting all of the instruments on a single pole with each sensor at the proper height is often the best solution. Just keep in mind that the pole must be sturdy enough to support the weight of the anemometer in heavy winds. The use of guy wires is preferable to seeing your expensive weather station come crashing to the ground.
Installation in the Real World
At the airport, there is plenty of room to meet all of these conditions without getting in anyone’s way. In town, it may not be so simple, especially if you need to consider restrictions placed by a homeowners association or even the reality of a small yard.
The design of the station itself may place some restrictions on your installation. There is no way to place the rain gauge a few feet off the ground and the wind gauge five times higher with an “all in one” weather station. However, from an engineering standpoint, such a design is incredibly simple to install, just find a pole that meets the manufacturer’s recommendations and you are good to go.
Getting the data from outside at the sensors to the base station inside also needs to be taken into consideration. Most wireless stations are rated with a “line of sight” transmission distance, but building construction and electromagnetic interference may reduce the radio transmitter’s range.
A wired station is less vulnerable to interference so long as the wire is protected from damage.
Stations with separate sensors often use wires to connect the sensors to a central power or sending unit. Some systems have a solar charging option to keep the batteries fresh or they may incorporate an external power source. Other designs use internal batteries which must be refreshed occasionally.
Although there are many factors to be considered for installation of your weather station, most manufacturers have useful recommendations in the installation instructions.
Many companies will have a helpline that will provide installation advice over the telephone or online. The National Weather Service also provides some useful guidelines.
1. How Does WeatherStationary Select The Weather Stations It Sells?
We are located in Wyoming, where the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains come together, so we are no strangers to extreme weather. We are also in a position to enjoy some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities anywhere, so long as the weather cooperates!
We select our weather stations and instruments based on several factors, but they generally boil down to one thing: providing our customers with the best value for the money. One of the first things we look at is how easy the system is to install and use. A rugged, easy-to-install unit will provide better service and results than a more sensitive system that requires more adjustment.
Even if a system seems simple to install and use, we feel that it is important for the manufacturer to have a reliable support network in place. All of the companies we work with provide easy-to-understand user manuals, and they go the extra mile with a well-staffed helpline. Keep in mind that the sensors in your weather station are sensitive electronic instruments. The call center staff has “heard it all” and will be a huge help to answer your questions and troubleshoot any problems you have during installation.
Finally, there is the money factor. We have selected the weather stations that allow us to give the best price to our customers. Naturally, you get what you pay for, but we know that everyone appreciates a good deal!
2. What Do I Do If There Is No Data Or Faulty Data Displayed On My Console?
Refer to the literature provided with your station for specific troubleshooting guidance, but a few general guidelines apply to most weather stations. If all of the data is displayed on the console screen but is much higher or lower than expected, a common problem is the unit set, which may be in metric or imperial units. Set the units to those most appropriate to users observing your station.
If all of the data points on the console are either blank or fully black, reboot the console. This is usually accomplished by removing any backup batteries and disconnecting the AC adapter for 10-20 seconds. The console will begin a reboot cycle when power is restored.
If the console displays partial data, there may be a problem with the sensors or the transmitter(s). Before getting on the ladder, go ahead and reboot the console, if this does not correct the fault, check the power for the faulty sensor and its associated transmitter. Note: If more than one sensor uses a common transmitter but there is a faulty reading from only one, the fault is likely in the sensor rather than the transmitter.
3. Will The Mounting Pole Affect Wind Direction Readings?
Most units are designed with the wind vane and anemometer mounted at the top so that it will always be in free-moving air. There are weather station designs that place the vane and anemometer below the sensor housing, but wind tunnel testing has shown that interference from the mounting pole does not affect the wind readings, so long as the unit has been mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. How Can I Share The Data From My Weather Station WithOthersIn My Area?
Systems from Davis Instruments are designed so that the Integrated Sensor Suite is the only transmitter in the system, but the signal may be received by any number of compatible consoles. A single ISS installed on the highest building of campus could provide weather data to several different labs and offices.
Weather data can also be shared via the Internet, as long as the owner/operator of the station chooses to connect with the ‘net. If the software bundled with your station does not allow for Internet sharing there are aftermarket software outlets for all of the popular weather stations. WiFi-enabled receivers to allow station data to be uploaded to the Internet without turning on your primary PC.
Station operators may choose to share their data via a Personal Weather Station Network like Weather Underground. By reading the data from nearby weather enthusiasts, the data from their local station becomes more meaningful, predictions become more accurate, and it is simple to verify that your own station is performing accurately. However, the data from the network will never be as accurate for your local micro-climate as the data from your own station.
5. What Tools Will I Need To Install My Weather Station?
Different models will have different installation parameters, but they are generally designed to be “plug and play” and installation is well with the reach of a home handyman. An adjustable wrench and screwdriver are all that are needed to mount the sensors to the mounting pole. Attaching the pole to a structure or post may require heavier tools and hardware, but it is no more difficult than mounting a television antenna.
One required special tool is a compass or local map to align the wind vane with true North. Keep in mind that uncompensated hand-held compasses will point to magnetic North rather than true North. If the declination is not figured in there will be a permanent error in your wind direction readings (although it will be a consistent error in all directions). Declination data can be found on USGS topographical maps or by looking it up at http://www.magnetic-declination.com/.
6. The Wind Is Gusting But The Wind-Chill Reading On My Console Does Not Change. Why?
The wind chill is a calculated data point rather than a measured one. The formula for figuring wind-chill is based on air temperature and wind speed, but since it is an indication of how cold the environment feels, most systems use average wind speed rather than current wind speed. Therefore, if the wind increases for a few seconds, the wind chill will not drop right away.
7. The Transmission Range Of My Weather Station Is 1000’ (300m). Can I Really Mount The Unit That Far Away From My House?
Transmission ranges are generally listed as “line of sight”, which allows for some wiggle room in radio ranges. When we say “line if sight”, it means that if the transmitter at the sensor suite is sitting in the open air, and the receiver in the console is also sitting in the open air with nothing between the two, then data will be transferred even if the units are 1000’ apart. Note that “line of sight” is not the same as “ideal conditions”, there are several examples of low-powered transmitters and receivers getting a signal through for miles. However, in the real world of your backyard, there may be trees, power lines, metal buildings, and walls between the transmitter and receiver, any and all of which may reduce the transmission range.
Most wireless weather station manufacturers offer radio repeaters that will boost a low signal to give it a longer range. The repeater will be tuned to each manufacturer’s units and may be used to extend the range up to several miles.
08. I Know That It Has Been Raining But My Rainfall Gauge Does Not Indicate Any Precipitation Or Gives A Lower Than Expected Indication. What Should I do?
The tipping bucket rain gauge is an ingeniously simple and reliable instrument with very little that can actually go wrong. Quite often, lower than expected readings occur simply because Mother Nature does not always spread rainfall evenly over a small area. This is particularly noticeable during short cloud bursts. How often does a friend across town call and complain about forgetting her umbrella while it is sunny and clear at your house?
One way to verify that your rainfall gauge is working is to slowly pour a measured amount of water through the device, about 100ml over a period of 5 minutes. If the water flows too fast, most of it will spill out without tipping the bucket, but a slow pour should yield a measurable result.
Rain gauge funnels also seem to attract wildlife. Birds and insects have been known to nest in rain gauge funnels, or debris may block the funnel screen. If birds roosting in your rain gauge becomes a problem, you may consider installing bird spikes which will keep birds from landing on your gauge without interfering with raindrops being collected.
9. What If I Am Not Getting A Rainfall Reading And I Just Installed The System?
You may be able to remove the cover and funnel from the rain gauge by gently pulling the cover off (be careful not to pull the whole rain gauge off of the weather station). Inspect that there is no debris or damage preventing the tipping mechanism from working. Manually tip the mechanism with your fingers. A slight clicking should be heard as the counter engages. If the manual tips do not register on your display console, there may be failed switch or wiring defect. Contact the customer service number for your device’s manufacturer. In most cases, the rain gauge is easily replaced in the field and will require no calibration.
10. The Air Temperature Reading From My Station Is Much Higher Than The Old Dial Thermometer I Have Had In The Yard For Years. What Is Happening?
False high-temperature readings are common in roof-mounted installations, even when the manufacturer’s instructions are followed. Most will specify that the unit is to be mounted several feet above the surface of a roof, or above a paved surface. Since these materials absorb a lot of solar energy which radiated and heat. Generally, the air temperature sensor is mounted far enough above the radiation source (the roof or pavement) that air movement (wind) will normally correct the reading. However, during periods of low or no wind, surface radiation may heat the air immediately around the sensor to the point that it appears to be a false reading. If raising the sensor mounting higher is not practical, consider placing a lighter-colored material immediately under the sensor. This will cause the surface to reflect rather than absorb solar radiation. If neither of these steps is acceptable, the only option is to find an alternate mounting location or accept that the air temperature reading will be high during low wind conditions.
11. The Barometric Pressure Displayed On My Console Is Obviously Too High Or Too Low. What Will Cause This?
The electronic pressure gauge which acts as the barometer in your weather station is a rather simple and reliable device. It is made up of a force collector and a strain gauge. The Strain gauge measures the change in electrical resistance of a metal or semiconductor as mechanical force is applied to it. These are calibrated at the factory and generally not user adjustable.
However, erroneous readings are often the result of installers forgetting to input the altitude or making the input in feet rather than meters.
Keep in mind that barometric trends are often more useful than the actual numerical reading. If pressure is higher than it was an hour ago, the weather is likely clearing. If the pressure is steady, the same weather conditions will continue, and a falling barometer indicates that a storm may be approaching. If the barometer falls rapidly, the storm may be a violent one!
12. How Does My Weather Station Generate A Weather Prediction? Is There Any Way To Generate A More Detailed And Reliable Prediction Than The Standard Icons?
Sometimes what is happening with the weather now will not be as important to you as what the weather will be doing in the near future. If your display console displays a weather prediction, the unit generates that prediction based on an algorithm that uses current weather condition factors as well as some past data. Each manufacturer will use its own algorithm, which is based mostly on barometric pressure trends. For years, sailors at sea were able to make reliable predictions based on their ship’s barometer and the conditions they saw around them. More sophisticated algorithms will take other weather conditions into consideration, but barometric pressure is usually the most closely tracked trend.
Your local TV station or favorite weather website may provide a more detailed forecast than the simple “Sunny”, “Cloudy”, “Partly Cloudy”, “Rainy” or “Snowy” icon displayed on your personal console. Although these outlets use an algorithm that is rather similar to that used by your personal weather station, they have the advantage of a much larger data set, including readings from hundreds of weather stations just like yours, pulse-Doppler radar, radiosonde data, and some of the most sophisticated computers on the planet.
It pays to follow the predictions from commercial and government sources to compare with your personal forecast. In the end, whether it is from the biggest computers at the NOAA or a Boy Scout reciting “Red Sky At Morning…” on a camping trip, any forecast is simply a guess based on past observations and the available data. The more you observe the weather with your station, the better you will become at anticipating environmental conditions for your location.
This section is tailored for Weather Station troubleshooting for Davis Vantage Vue and Davis Vantage Pro2. However, there are common issues that will apply to any personal weather station. Even if the specifics are not the same, the information may help while enjoying any of our weather stations.
The most accurate information should be in the owner’s manual for each station. If the manual is lost or mislaid, most manufacturers have PDF copies online for you to download.
1. How Can I find The Product Number And Manufacturing Code For My Station?
Davis weather stations typically provide years of trouble-free service, however, from time to time some things can still go wrong.
Whether you contact the company via telephone, email, or online chat, they will need two pieces of information in order to give the best service. These are the exact Product / Part Number and Manufacturing Code of the station component.
The Product / Part Number is the main Davis catalog number needed to identify and fix your problem. The Mfg Code is the serial number and manufacture date for each unit that will also help the technician ensure that the correct parts are installed for your weather station. Both can be found on the label of your unit.
The label for the Vantage Vue ISS is located on the underside of the unit. Other sensor transmitters will have the label on the internal transmitter board cover, which will be obvious once the outer door is opened. Labels for consoles are on the back or underside of the unit. Data logger labels are on the side of the unit which faces into the console when installed (the logger must be removed to see the label).
TIP: Before mounting the Integrated Sensor Suite, copy the label data onto a Post-It note and place the note on the back of the console. Then you will not have to get the ladder out if you need to contact the Service Center.
2. When Do I Need To Reboot The Console And How Do I Do It?
Sometimes the console will display a Fault Code or will malfunction apparently. Usually, these conditions can be corrected or cleared by simply resetting or rebooting the console.
The Vantage Vue and Vantage Pro 2 consoles do not have a designated “reset” switch. So, initiating a reboot requires completely powering down the unit by removing all power sources, i.e. the main power cord and the batteries. Leave the power disconnected for at least 10-20 seconds before restarting.
Listening To The Number Of BEEPS When Rebooting
It is a good habit to listen for the beeps as the unit reboots. These serve as an indication that the reboot is successful. The Envoy console will beep once, the VP2 twice and 3 beeps for the Vue console. Add one beep to the sequence if there is a data logger installed.
Vue and VP2 consoles will not display data until the unit exits “Set Up” mode. Most units will exit Set-Up automatically after 10 minutes, but older firmware may display “Receiving from” on the ticker line at the bottom of the display. Simply exit Set-Up by giving the Done button a ‘long press’.
3. Why Do My Console Appears To Be Dead Or Unresponsive.
If there are no texts or icons displayed on the LCD screen, most like the cause is a power failure. Check both the 5v AC adapter and the three ‘C’ cells in the battery compartment. If the console works on batteries but not on the adapter, assume that the adapter is defective. If the unit powers up using the adapter but not on batteries, check the following:
Ensure batteries are installed with correct polarity
If possible, check each cell with a multi-meter to verify the charge – 1.2 to 1.3v. If a multi-meter is not available, try installing fresh batteries.
Inspect battery holder to ensure that springs are not loose or other parts are disconnected.
Note: Storing the unit with old batteries may allow them to leak and damage the battery holder.
If all or most of the characters on the display are lit but will not clear or respond to button presses, the display may have locked up. This usually occurs when powering up the unit or if the AC adapter experiences a power spike. The usual remedy is to reboot the console as described above.
There may be other symptoms of misbehaving display which are too detailed to discuss here. If problems do not go away after checking the power supply and rebooting, contact Davis Instruments Customer Support.
4. The Console Appears To Be Working But There Is Missing Data.
If the console has powered up correctly and is displaying time/date and inside temperature/humidity/pressure, there is likely a problem with the sensor transmitter or the sensor itself. Generally, each transmitter will carry data from multiple sensors, so if all the data from one transmitter is missing, the fault is likely the transmitter. If only one sensor reading is missing, the fault is probably the sensor itself.
5. The Console Displays A ‘Low Battery” Warning.
There are two Low Battery warnings on the Davis Instrument console; Transmitter low battery and Console low battery.
The console will run fine with no or low batteries. Because of the danger of old batteries leaking, it may be a good idea to remove them when the Low battery warning is displayed. (The warning will continue to display if the batteries are removed.) Although the console will continue to operate without battery back-up, if there is a power loss the unit will go off-line and require a reboot when power is restored. Since there is minimal power drain of the batteries, it is recommended that batteries are installed even if the AC adapter is the primary power source. Rechargeable batteries are not recommended because their voltage profile is significantly lower than alkaline cells.
The sensors have three power sources. The “main power” is a non-rechargeable lithium CR123 cell, a type commonly used in digital cameras. This cell normally contains enough power to last 6-9 months by itself, but the sensor suite also has a small solar panel that will power the transmitter during a sunny day. Any excess power produced by the solar panel is collected by a super-capacitor (supercap) which is capable of storing an incredible amount of electrical energy for its size. The supercap could store enough energy to power the transmitter for a full day, but the solar panel cannot provide enough power to fully charge it on winter days with short daylight hours.
The power sequence is Solar, supercap, and then lithium cell. When the solar panel and supercap cannot provide power through the night, the lithium cell is drained and therefore eventually will require replacement when indicated on the console display.
6. My WeatherLink Logger Is Not Displaying Readings On My Computer. How Do I Troubleshoot It?
The data logger itself is a relatively simple, rugged, and reliable unit that rarely fails. In 98% of WeatherLink faults, the trouble lies with the computer, external problems such as wireless interference or noisy AC mains, or the logger connection is loose. This Weather Station Troubleshooting guide assumes that the logger is being used with a Vantage Vue or Vantage Pro2 console. Troubles may also occur when the logger is connected to an Envoy console, but since the Envoy does not have a screen of its own, all data is displayed on the PC, and troubleshooting must be modified accordingly.
That being said, the first step to Weather Station Troubleshooting logger problems is a simple reboot, of both the console and the computer to which the logger is connected. This assumes, of course, that the logger is properly connected to the console and the USB port of the computer.
Weather Station Troubleshooting protocols assume that the logger is properly connected at both ends and has performed properly in the past. There are some important considerations if you are having problems with a new installation. Although WeatherLink is designed to be compatible with third-party software, it is highly recommended that the software on the CD shipped with the logger be installed on the PC and used for the initial installation. Once the logger is communicating with the PC using the provided software, you can proceed to install third-party software with the assurance that the system is working properly.
Whenever there are issues related to viewing weather data on the PC, there are some basic steps that should be observed:
Ensure that the console is displaying all the data. If not, the fault may lie with the console or the ISS. Troubleshoot these faults before proceeding with Weather Station Troubleshooting the logger or the PC.
If the console display is functioning, unplug the USB from the PC for 10-20 seconds to force a reset, then replug and wait an additional 10-20 seconds before retrying the program.
Close and restart the software program.
Restart and reboot the PC.
Reboot the console and check that the logger is firmly installed.
7. I Have An Older Davis Instruments Weather Station. Can I still Get Support For The Unit?
For owners of the prior generation of Davis Weather Monitor II, Weather Wizard III, and the original Vantage Pro (which Davis refers to as the VP1), please understand that these units are now a decade old or in many cases, even older, which is well beyond their anticipated service life. Many of these units are still in service, which is a testimony of how well Davis builds their weather instruments, but the technology has moved beyond these units.
For example, the VP1 and the Vantage Pro 2 use significantly different data protocols, and therefore are not compatible with each other. This means that you cannot replace your VP1 console with a newer unit, and a serviceable VP1 console, whether cabled or wireless, will not receive and display data from the newer ISS.
Davis Instruments Cabled vs. Wireless
One of the biggest issues faced by owners of older weather stations is parts support. Spare parts for these units have not been manufactured for years, although it may be possible to find “new old stock” on the shelves of some larger service centers.
Some of the sensors used in older units are still standardized parts and can be directly replaced with current parts. One exception is the temperature /humidity sensors for the VP1 and the WMII. These parts are distinct from each model, but share the problem of unavailability. It is technically possible to replace the temperature/humidity sensor with a simple temperature sensor. Since there is no humidity reading, dew point and heat index functionality will be lost as well, but in some cases, this is an acceptable means to extend the life of an older system.
The anemometer of the 6410 VP2 is fully compatible with the VP1. A faulty rain gauge may be repaired by replacing the reed switch, or replaced with a 7852 standalone rain gauge. The 6450 solar gauge and the 6490 UV meters from the VP2 are fully compatible with the VP1. However, the pressure sensor, which is built into the console mainboard, is not replaceable.
Repairs to transmitter boards and consoles are theoretically possible, but the uncertainty of parts replacement tends to make repair prohibitively expensive and unpractical.
8. How To Clean Your Davis Vantage Vue
9. How To Replace Vantage Vue Transmitter
10. Not Registering Rainfall
First, you have to check if something is stuck in the hole like twigs or trash. If it’s clean, then check for blockages like spiderwebs that might prevent it from communicating with the ISS.
11. Display Is Blank
Your unit is not receiving power. Check the power adapter connections and batteries, replace them if needed.
12. Display Unit Shows Dashes Instead Of Weather Data
The ISS isn’t transmitting properly or the console is not receiving. It can also be caused by calibration numbers not properly set, calibrate if necessary.
13. Display Locks Up
Reboot the console by unplugging AC and removing the battery and plugging again. If this happens frequently using AC power then plug it into a surge suppressor or use batteries to make it last longer.
8 Most Common Weather Station Problems
You do not need to be a science or weather geek to appreciate the advantages of adding an electronic weather instrument to your home. Weather affects just about everything we do, and even the local weather information from TV or radio is aimed at an incredibly wide area. When you are planning activities, you need to know what the weather is doing right in your own backyard. Watching and accurately tracking the local weather can be great fun and may even help your kids to develop an interest in science and nature.
The electronic weather stations on the market today are informative, simple to install, and easy to operate systems, but the fact is that things do not always go the way we want them to. The system is designed to give years of trouble-free service, but it is important to keep in mind that they are sensitive electronic instruments that live outside in the weather. If you left your laptop computer turned on and sitting outside on the picnic table overnight during a rainstorm, you would be shocked and amazed if it was working the next morning but we expect the sensor suite of our weather stations to live outside through the stormiest conditions.
To be fair, weather sensors and their housings are designed to be exposed to the weather and your laptop probably is not, but over time, exposure may have a detrimental effect on your system. Weather station problems can be divided into two distinct categories: Problems that show up during or soon after installation, and problems that appear after the system has been in use for a period of time.
1. The Weather Station Is Giving False, Inaccurate, Or No Data The First Time I Turn It On
Although the installation process for most home weather stations is designed to be simple and straightforward, things can and do go wrong. Some homeowners opt for a less expensive system, especially if it is their first weather station. Many less expensive units are of higher quality than expected, but they fall short on information in their user manuals and installation guides. Make every effort to read and understand the instructions before you begin the installation.
Sensor suites with separately housed components tend to be more versatile because the individual sensors can be mounted for the greatest accuracy, however, self-contained units are much easier to install. With a self-contained unit, all of the connections between the individual sensors and the transmitting unit are made at the factory, whereas the connections between separately housed components need to be made by the installer. (TIP: Whenever a wire may be in wet conditions, ensure that at least part of the run loops below the end connections so that water clinging to the wire will run to the low point and drip off rather than running into the connections, electricians refer to this as a “drip loop”.)
Perhaps the most important connection is the one between the sensor suite and the base unit. If the system has a wired connection and both the sensor suite and the base unit are powering up properly, recheck the connections at either end. If they are made properly, the connecting wire itself may be faulty.
There are potentially more things to go wrong with a wireless system, but this is more than offset by the increased range and ease of installation. Some units will have a manual channel selection switch, ensure it is set the same on both the sending unit and the base station. If both the sensor suite and base unit appear to be powering up properly but not communicating, bring the sending unit inside and place it near the base station. Power down both units by removing the batteries and disconnecting the charging units, leaving them powered down for twenty minutes to allow residual power to drain and the memories to reset.
Replace the batteries in the order prescribed in the installation manual (improper battery installation order may cause the units to fail to synchronize). Leave the units in proximity to each other for at least three hours to allow for full synchronization. If this does not work, try the entire procedure again with new batteries. Although the batteries may be fresh from the factory, a bad cell may have slipped by.
For Davis Vantage Pro2 and Vantage Pro2 Plus Console
2. The Base Unit Is Displaying Obviously Inaccurate Data When I First Install The System
The system may be displaying accurate data, but in a unit that you are not familiar with. Some weather stations are set to display metric units by default. Your owner’s manual will give instructions to change the display units, or there may be a simple menu function on the display.
If the wind gauge is giving faulty data, the anemometer may be fouled or unable to rotate freely. Check it by hand, there may be a particle of packing material blocking the rotation. If the wind direction is wrong, the sensor may need to be turned to align with true North.
3. After Giving Trouble-Free Service For An Extended Period, Suddenly There Is No Display On My Base Unit
If the display is completely dead, it is most likely the result of a power interruption. If the base unit is battery powered, the display will usually begin to fade as the cells begin to lose power, but in some cases, it will simply turn off suddenly if the battery voltage is insufficient.
If the unit is powered by AC or an AC adapter, check the connection. While we cannot recommend using any power supply adapter other than the one provided by the manufacturer, they are relatively universal units, and you may be able to find a comparable unit in an electronics store. Many weather station base units are equipped to operate with an AC adapter but have a battery backup. The batteries may be rechargeable or simply dry cells.
If the base station is operational using fresh batteries but not the adapter, your AC adapter may be faulty. Should the unit be operational with the adapter but not the batteries, the batteries need to be replaced. Under normal usage, the batteries should have a long service life, but it is a best practice to renew them when they begin to weaken since older dry cells can leak corrosive chemicals which will cause further damage to the unit. Failure to display using either the batteries or the adapter may still indicate faulty batteries. Replace them before contacting your manufacturer for warranty service.
4. Low Battery Warning On The Console
There are two very distinct types of Low Battery warnings which the operator may see displayed on the base station console, a warning for low power levels in the base station and low batteries in the sensor suite transmitter. These alarms can again be split into two types: genuine or real low battery conditions and spurious or false alarms.
At first evaluation, a low battery warning for the base station may not be that big of a deal. In many cases, the batteries are simply a backup and the base station will run just fine on AC power, even if the batteries are not installed. The unit will reboot itself if AC power is lost and the batteries are not installed. However, it is not a best practice to leave low-powered batteries installed. As batteries age, they may be subject to leaking their corrosive contents and causing damage to the base unit electronics. Replacing the batteries annually or even semi-annually (perhaps coordinated with the changes in daylight savings time, like smoke alarm batteries) is the choice made by some weather buffs. At the very least, remove the old batteries when the console indicates a low battery condition to prevent damage.
Dealing with a low battery condition in the sensor suite is a more difficult and involved situation, simply because it will require actually gaining access to the sensor suite. Observe common-sense ladder safety if the installation is on a rooftop or pole. It is a good practice to familiarize yourself with the power supply configuration on your sensor suite as each manufacturer will employ a different system. Some will employ simple alkaline batteries as primary power for the sensor transmitters while others may have a three-layer system of backups – primary power being solar backed up by solar rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors which are further backed up by long-life disposable batteries.
Some of the three-layer backup systems have a reputation for giving spurious low-battery warnings. This often occurs as the system switches from one power source to another, and should reset within 24 hours. There have been reports of genuine premature battery failure due to moisture “tracking” between battery poles, causing a short circuit condition that discharges the batteries. Since this usually occurs in older units, the recommended repair is the application of an insulating grease between the contacts to prevent the tracking.
5. The Unit Displays A Fault Code Or Simply Displays In An Erratic Or Unexpected Manner
If you do see a fault code, make a note of the code, and if you can, the conditions which caused it. If the screen displays nonsensical numbers of figures, usually the condition can be corrected with a simple reboot.
The base unit may have a reset button, its location will be indicated in the user’s manual, but a more effective reboot may occur after removing the batteries, disconnecting the AC adapter, and waiting 20-30 seconds before repowering. Rebooting will clear 90% of all base unit faults.
6. Loss Of Communication Between System And Data Logger
Some systems are intended to be used with a home computer or laptop taking the place of the base station console, while other manufacturers offer the option of connecting the base station to a computer for data logging. Personal weather station networks like Weather Underground or NOAA’s Citizens Weather Observation Program (CWOP) will require a data logging system along with an Internet connection. Data loggers are relatively robust, trouble-free pieces of equipment, but problems can and do occur.
If the data logger is being used in conjunction with a base station console, ensure that the base station is displaying correct data before beginning to troubleshoot the logger. The following Weather Station Troubleshooting protocol is based on the supposition that the logger software has been communicating with the computer previously. Communication failure in a new installation is more likely to require warranty or technical support from the manufacturer (although attempting the Weather Station Troubleshooting steps cannot hurt).
Logger communication failure can be caused by reasons ranging from very simple to relatively obscure, but most often they can be corrected using simple Weather Station Troubleshooting tricks which apply to most electronic and PC-related devices.
Start by unplugging the USB for 10-20 seconds and replugging. Allow a further 10-20 seconds for the device to reboot.
Close then reopen the program.
Reboot the computer.
Reboot the console, ensuring that the logger is firmly connected to the console.
In most cases, these four “first steps” will resolve the issue, at least temporarily. However, a temporary solution is usually not a satisfactory solution because the purpose of the data logger is to continuously record data without the need to be attended to. If the “first steps” do not resolve the issue, the baud rate or the logger mode may need to be reset on the console. These steps will be covered in your owner’s manual or you may seek assistance from customer support.
If the condition is corrected but reoccurs hours or even days later, you may be experiencing USB dropout. Changes in the computer’s power-save settings may lead to USB dropout causing the unit to power off the USB during power-save modes. A more common cause of USB dropout is USB interference. The conditions which lead to USB interference are not well understood but have been documented in many cases. USB connections are more sensitive to outside interference than traditional connections like serial ports. A change to the physical desktop environment may lead to a mysterious USB interference situation.
7. There Is An Erratic, Faulty, Or No Display From Just One Of Two Of The Sensors
Even an all-in-one sensor suite is made up of individual instruments, and some of them are mechanical and exposed to the weather, and electronic faults can occur in the sensor software as well as in the base station. Since many sensors are solar-powered, rebooting may not be as straightforward.
A solar-powered sensor will have a battery backup. In some cases, the battery will depend upon the solar panel for recharge, in other designs, the power plan will be for the solar panel to provide primary power, excess solar power will go to charging the batteries, and there will be a non-rechargeable cell to back up the rechargeable batteries. These cells will have a long service life, but in certain regions where there are limited daylight hours the backup cell will require more frequent replacement. Refer to your user’s manual.
Debris and normal wear and tear can prevent the anemometer vanes and the wind vane from spinning freely, leading to faulty readings. In most cases, a faulty condition can be observed from ground level before the need to climb to the sensor suite.
Another sensor that is particularly susceptible to mechanical interference in the rain gauge. One of the most common problems stems from the fact that the funnel of the rain gauge is very attractive to nesting birds. Some manufacturers provide screens or bird deterrent devices, but they are still subject to insect or debris infestation. Your owner’s manual will describe the proper procedures to disassemble the rain gauge to remove any foreign objects. Ensure that the bucket assembly rocks freely.
8. The Data On The Screen Does Not Match The Weather I Am Observing
A common question crops up on cold days and the weather station is indicating high humidity. Many people associate high humidity with the uncomfortable sticky feeling they experience in hot, tropical climates, but high humidity can and does occur during cool conditions.
Humidity is a measurement of how much moisture is in the air, and it is expressed in two ways, absolute humidity, and relative humidity. Absolute measured by a device called a hygrometer and is the total amount of moisture in the air often expressed as grams per cubic meter. In general, the warmer the air is, the more moisture it can hold, so relative humidity is an expression of how much moisture is in the air versus how much moisture the air can hold at that temperature.
Evaporation occurs most readily during conditions of low relative humidity. High temperatures with high relative humidity are less comfortable because the human body depends on evaporative cooling. The high relative humidity is actually more common at lower temperatures. Since cool air cannot hold as much moisture, it takes a lower amount of absolute humidity for the air to reach 100% relative humidity or saturated. When the air is saturated, precipitation generally occurs.
9. In Brief…
Usually, the customer service representative will be able to quickly help you to troubleshoot your system and will be helpful if he determines that your issue is warranty related. Before you contact customer service, keep the following in mind:
If the Weather Station is giving false, inaccurate, or no data the first time you turn it on, there is likely a problem with the wired or wireless connection or the power source.
Data that is obviously inaccurate displayed on the base unit when you first install the system may occur because the display is set to unfamiliar units (possibly metric) or there may be leftover packing material fouling the mechanisms.
Faded, erratic, or no display after the system has been in service for a while may indicate power supply issues.
A low-battery warning for the base station console may be a minor issue if the unit runs properly on AC power, but old batteries should be removed to prevent damage from leaking batteries. Servicing sensor transmitter batteries will depend on the power configuration of the particular system.
Fault codes, erratic displays, or just nonsensical data can often be cleared by doing a full reboot of the base unit.
Loss of communication between the data logger and the home computer can usually be resolved with simple Weather Station Troubleshooting techniques
If there is faulty or no data from just one or two sensors, there may be a power or mechanical issue in the sensor suite rather than the base station.
Use your weather station to not only observe your local weather but also as a tool to understand weather and climate in general.
How To Clean And Maintain Davis Vantage Vue Weather Station
Since before man learned to walk upright, he has been concerned about the weather. Weather observation through a weather station may actually precede Astronomy as the oldest science.
A wind sensor is a common reading in home weather stations. Most use a simple cup anemometer which has the advantage of sensing wind speed accurately from any direction and quickly responding to gusts. The propeller-type anemometer is highly accurate and compact, making it a natural choice for handhelds, but its accuracy depends upon keeping its axis aligned with wind direction.
A wind vane will digitally indicate wind direction, but the unit’s base must be mounted and firmly held at true North. Most mounting instruction packets include information for converting magnetic North readings from a handheld compass to true North.
Gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners need to follow rainfall amounts. An analog rain gauge is a deceptively simple device; it is simply a straight-sided vessel with an open top. Periodically, the observer will record the depth of water in the vessel after a period of time, the results being inches of rainfall. When making the observation, he will also tip the accumulated water out of the gauge.
Temperature is measured using an electronic device called a thermistor, which is a resistor whose resistance depends upon temperature. As the temperature changes, so does the voltage of the thermistor circuit, and this is interpreted by the unit as a temperature reading.
Along with software-based measurements, data logging is an important feature in a weather station. Simple handheld wind gauges often forgo data logging, but more fully-featured models often retain a significant amount of data for later recording, and some can even attach to a computer or smartphone to download readings.
Selecting a home weather station and learning about the different sensors can be exciting and fun, but deciding where and how to install the station is even more important to get the most out of it.
Rain gauge funnels also seem to attract wildlife. Birds and insects have been known to nest in rain gauge funnels, or debris may block the funnel screen. If birds roosting in your rain gauge becomes a problem, you may consider installing bird spikes which will keep birds from landing on your gauge without interfering with raindrops being collected.
