Home Electronic Weather Stations

By Bob Woodson

WX4MMM

Considerations

• Cost

• Accuracy

• Wired vs Wireless

• Station Setup

• Connect to the Internet

Cost/AccuracyBrand Price

Outside Temp

Outside Humidity Sensor

Wind speed

Rain Collector

Radiation Shield

Wireless

Davis-WX Wizard III

$195 +/- 1 deg NoYes

+/- 5%Optional Optional No

Davis-Vantage

Pro 2$595 +/- 1 deg

Yes

+/- 3%

Yes

+/- 5%

Yes

4%Yes

Yes

916.5 mhz

Peet Bros-Ultimeter

2100$399 +/- 0.5 deg Optional

Yes

+/- 3mphOptional Optional No

Rain Wise MKIII

$695 +/- 1 degYes

+/- 2%

Yes

+/- 2%Optional Yes

Yes

418 mhz

La Crosse WS-2510

$699 +/- 1.8 degYes

+/- 7%

Yes

+/- 3%

Yes

+/- 3%Yes

Yes

433.92 mhz

Texas WX Weather Report

WRL-25

$1,499 +/- 1 degYes

+/- 3%

Yes

+/- 1%

Yes

+/- 1%Yes No

Wired vs Wireless

• Wired– Less expensive than

wireless– Not subject to

intermittent data loss– Lightning strike can

follow the wired sensor to console and PC

– Sensor signal can be reduced as the cable length increases

– Bury the cable deep enough so won’t be cut by lawn mower or aerator

• Wireless– More expensive

than wired– Don’t have to drill

hole in wall– Sensor signal can

be reduced by cordless phones and other other appliances

– Require a solar powered system and batteries

– Transmission distance may be an issue

Station Setup

• Anemometer– Sensor should be 33 above ground

• Outdoor Temperature Sensor– Shielded from direct radiation– Sensor should be 5 feet above

ground

• Rain Gauge– Approximately 2 feet above ground

• Barometer

Connect to Internet

• Serial port or USB port connection

• Software compatible