Today you will not surprise anyone with electronic home or outdoor thermometers equipped with remote sensors. However, progress does not stand still. Additional options, gradually added to the functionality of measuring instruments, turn electronic thermometers into weather stations for the home, capable of measuring temperature, humidity and pressure, analyzing the data obtained, and then making a forecast for 12 hours. Moreover, this forecast is much more accurate than television. Today we will talk about such devices, analyze the technical characteristics, and also make a rating of the best weather stations for the home in 2017-2018.
Read in the article:
Weather stations for the home: purpose and scope
Home weather stations are designed to control the weather and not a long-term forecast, which is sometimes necessary. Such devices are installed in apartments, private houses, as well as in agricultural enterprises, where it depends on the weather whether it is worth starting harvesting or it is worth waiting a bit.
Useful information! Weather stations are equipped with a sensitive thermocouple connected to a liquid crystal display or a wireless sensor. The second option is more convenient, but at the same time its cost is higher.
Weather station for home: principle of operation and device
Such devices include up to five sensors capable of responding to various weather conditions. The scheme must have:
- base unit-receiver and liquid crystal display, to which all data is displayed. The unit's microcontroller collects information from sensors for humidity, temperature, wind speed and strength, and precipitation. Then the data is processed, a forecast is made, lasting 12÷36 hours, which is displayed on the LCD screen;
- sensors. They differ in the fixation of various weather phenomena. Versions - wired and wireless;
- batteries. These are batteries that provide autonomous operation, regardless of the mains;
- software- if you need to connect the model to a personal computer.
Separation of home weather stations by type
Such devices are divided into wired, wireless and professional. The latter are more expensive and require skills in handling such equipment.
Wired devices are often budget options. The functionality is the same as for wireless ones, but the sensor installation range from the unit is limited by the length of the wire. Usually it is 1.5÷5 m. In this sense, the convenience of wireless models, in which this distance reaches 100 m, is difficult to overestimate.
Some technical data and characteristics of home weather stations
What these devices consist of, we figured out. But what are the characteristics of a particular part of the device? Consider the nodes of meteorological stations in terms of functionality. Let's start with looking at what the average person chooses when buying a weather station - a liquid crystal display.
Liquid crystal display: possible execution and functions
The LCD screen displays the data coming from the microcontroller. This implies that the information should be easy to read. After all, such devices are most in demand among the elderly, weather-dependent people, whose eyesight is worse. And with normal vision, there is no need to strain your eyes to see the display. To do this, some models are equipped with a backlight that allows you to easily see the numbers even in complete darkness.
The LCD display shows all the data from the sensors in real time, as well as a forecast of the expected weather in the near future.
How sensors are attached to the receiver unit
Wired connection is gradually losing popularity. Today, wireless weather reading devices are in vogue. This is not surprising. While the wired sensor limits the mobility of the device by the length of the cord, wireless devices can be moved around the apartment at a distance indicated in the technical documentation (from 30 to 100 m).
Another plus of wireless systems is the ability to connect two or more readers. But there is a drawback - with a strong wind, the meter can come off the mount. When installed in apartment buildings, this is fraught with the acquisition of a new one - the old one is unlikely to be found. But there is a way out - sensor insurance with a thin rope or fishing line. In this case, the meter will not fly far.
Providing power to home weather stations
Network devices are not in demand today. Who needs a device that stops working when there is a power outage? For this reason, most people prefer self-powered home weather stations.
Useful information! The meter, if it is wireless, is better to choose with a built-in battery and a solar panel. This will save on the periodic replacement of batteries. For receiver units, it is common to install batteries, such as "AA" or "AAA".
Batteries "AAA" - the most common (little finger) If batteries of standard sizes "AA" or "AAA" are selected, then it is worth purchasing rechargeable batteries and a charger for them. Although they are more expensive, you will see savings in the future - weather stations require decent power, batteries need to be changed often.
Complete set of home meteorological stations
The standard equipment of the weather station includes one sensor containing a sensitive thermocouple and . More expensive models are equipped with sensors for precipitation, wind speed and direction, and pressure. If you need to install several meters, they are purchased separately.
Good to know! Budget wired models do not support connecting additional sensors. The one they come with is the only one.
Home weather station with wireless sensor: additional features
In addition to temperature and humidity, the manufacturer offers other measurements. Weather stations with a barometer are common, which is necessary for weather-dependent people. When installing this option, a person will be ready for changes in atmospheric pressure. A weather station with a barometer can measure pressure in different quantities - Pa, kg / cm3, mm / Hg. Art. All settings are made through the user menu of the device.
Important! A fully equipped digital weather station with wireless sensors is able to create a forecast for 36 hours with an error of 1÷2°С. In terms of precipitation forecasting, no errors were noted during studies of home meteorological stations.
Which weather station to choose for your home: criteria and tips
When choosing such equipment, the first thing to do is to decide on the price category. The functionality of the device will depend on it. Stations from the budget segment are simple and have a minimal set of options. Often this is just a wired thermometer, hygrometer, and sometimes a barometer.
Devices of the middle price category are more high-tech. Thermal sensors that take readings of temperature, pressure and humidity are wireless, while the receiver unit itself has the ability to connect up to five readers for various purposes.
Premium devices are a high price category. These are almost as good as professional ones. Equipped with a full range of functions, including wind speed and direction, altitude measurement through geolocation, which increases the accuracy of the forecast. Such equipment can be connected to a personal computer via a USB port or via Wi-Fi.
Rating of home weather stations with a wireless remote sensor in 2017-2018
Options for home weather stations with wireless sensors are different and depend on the model and manufacturer. Let's figure out what functions are inherent in different brands by paying attention to some of the technical characteristics of the models in our review of the TOP-7 meteorological stations.
Weather station "Gal" and its model "WS 1501"
The design of the device can be called concise, if not Spartan. The set of basic functions, combined with the budget cost, has been making the model popular for several years. A distinctive feature of the manufacturer is considered to be a low percentage of measurement errors. The device displays (without backlight) data on temperature, humidity (indoors and outdoors), clock, calendar and alarm clock. An interesting additional option is to display the phases of the moon on the LCD screen, which will help gardeners in planting vegetables and harvesting. Power - 2 batteries, type "AAA". The charge indicator is not shown on the display.
"Gal WS 1501" - a good budget option Weather stations in the EA2 line
When choosing this brand, you should carefully study the functionality of models, of which there are many in the line. Each of them has its own characteristics and additional options that may come in handy. The most multifunctional device from the line can be called the EA2 EN209 model, which has a color display. Of the additional options, we note:
- warning of the onset of frost, ice;
- the ability to connect a sauna temperature sensor;
- sound warning of a drop in atmospheric pressure;
- clock, calendar, alarm;
- short or long display backlight.
Meteorological complexes "La Crosse" and model "WS9057"
Precise instrument with virtually no error. There are all the functions necessary for forecasting, including the calculation of precipitation. The cost is a little let down, obviously overpriced for such a device, but here the overpayment for the Swiss brand.
Among the shortcomings - the lack of illumination and the designation of the presence of precipitation. Even if it is snowing, the rain icon is displayed on the LCD.
Weather station "Oregon": differences from other devices
Oregon is one of the pioneers of adding projectors to watches or electronic thermometers. It is quite interesting when the projection from the screen suddenly turns out to be located on a large wall. At night, this does not interfere with sleep, and if necessary, you do not need to strain your eyes to see these eyes. The farther the device is from the wall, the larger the projection. Reviews about this model on the Internet are quite good.
Another innovation is the platform for wireless charging of tablets and smartphones. Support for three wireless sensors at a distance of up to 50 m. Power supply - AC adapter or 2 AAA batteries.
Weather stations "Oregon" - a solid middling Weather weather stations "AcuRite 02027 Color Weather Station with"
"AcuRite 02027 Color Weather Station with" is not even a station, but a whole weather complex that predicts the weather, taking into account many indicators. The color display provides data on the strength, speed and direction of the wind, humidity, precipitation. The function of connecting to a personal computer, tablet or smartphone via Wi-Fi allows you to organize the data, making the forecast more accurate. Supports manual switch-off from summer time to winter time and clock synchronization with the Internet.
Uniel weather station with UTV-41 model
Attractive design coupled with versatility make the models popular. The location is only desktop, it will not work to hang the device on the wall. Data is displayed on the screen in the form of luminous numbers, which eliminates the need for backlighting. Of the minuses, only a rare data exchange with a wireless sensor.
"Uniel UTV-41" - a well-deserved second place in our ranking "RST" is the leader of today's review
Swedish devices, one of the best models of which consumers call "RST 02785". Communication range with sensors is up to 100 m. The range of measured outdoor temperatures is from -50 to +70°С, indoors - from 0 to +50°С. The ability to connect to a PC provides a more accurate forecast for the next 36 hours. Of the additional options, in addition to the usual calendar - the zodiac.
"RST" - the best in today's review The average cost of various home weather stations in the Russian market
You can buy a weather station for your home in household appliances and electronics stores or on Internet resources. The second option is even more cost effective. However, you should pay attention to the seller's guarantees for the return of defective devices and maintenance during operation. Consider at what cost you can buy a weather station (prices are as of January 2018).
| Make and model | Temperature range (from/to), °С | Additional functions | Transmitter reception radius, m | Cost, rub. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -50/+60 | Clock, alarm clock, regular and lunar calendar | -40/+60 | Calendar, alarm clock, data saving | 30 | 1000 | |
| -50/+60 | Clock, alarm clock, regular and lunar calendar, data storage | 30 | 700 |
It turns out that if necessary, it is not difficult to buy a home weather station with a remote sensor inexpensively, the prices are quite reasonable. The main thing is not to grab the first device that turns up, but to devote some time to the choice.
Summarize
A home weather station is without a doubt a necessary and useful device. This is more convenient than the outdated mercury thermometers. The main thing is to approach the choice carefully and deliberately. Only in this case, the weather station will serve for a long time, helping not only to navigate in clothes according to the weather, but also in short-term forecasts for the next day.
We hope that the reader has gathered the necessary information for himself from today's article. Questions, as they arise, can be asked in the comments below - our team will be happy to answer them. Write, share your experience in using weather stations for home. After all, your comment can help less experienced home craftsmen.
And finally, a short but informative video
The modern reality is such that meteorological services do not always give us accurate readings of temperature, air humidity and pressure. Today you can independently learn the weather forecast and all the main indicators of the environment. To do this, you need to buy a weather station and a barometer. These devices complement each other, but in fact can be combined in a single package. We will talk with you today about how to choose good weather stations and barometers in more detail. There are a huge number of such devices on the modern market of electronic household appliances. All of them deserve your attention, but only the best weather station and barometer should be in your home.
Functional
To begin with, it is worth deciding on the main functions of a cool weather station and barometer, which you will definitely need. Most models on the market have a standard structure. They are a remote sensor, as well as the station itself with a barometer. On it you can see all the main indications of certain parameters of the external environment. This can be not only temperature, but also humidity and ambient pressure. On some devices there is a display and it displays information about the time, as well as current characteristics. The remote sensor should be mounted on the outside of the building. In this case, most of the technology involves the connection of the sensor and the station itself using a wireless communication channel. This is very convenient, since no extra wires will be scattered around the apartment. The station comes with one sensor, but, as a rule, the functionality can be expanded by installing up to five additional devices of this type. The control unit itself can stand on a horizontal surface, or be hung on a wall. It all depends on how convenient it is to place it in your apartment. The best weather stations and barometers may have other characteristics as well.
Additional functions
As we noted earlier, cool weather stations and barometers can have additional functions. It is worth dwelling on them in more detail. Some modern devices are equipped with solar panels. They allow you to charge the battery in almost any conditions. This is very convenient if a person takes such equipment with him on the road. There may not be an outlet nearby. Some displays may show an animated weather forecast. Most often, standard representations of the sun, clouds, rain, and so on are used here. This small convenience is also worth considering when buying. Even such inexpensive weather stations and barometers are perfect for every home. When choosing them, pay attention to which lane you live in, because the middle lane is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Based on these parameters, it is worth choosing the extreme limits for measuring inexpensive weather stations and barometers.
More expensive models
Of course, more expensive models of devices of this kind have more features. Here, the matter is not limited to standard weather readings. Some cool weather stations and barometers are able to show the weather forecast within a radius of 30 kilometers relative to their location. The wind speed and direction can also be displayed here. Graphs may appear on the monitor that show the amount of precipitation. You have already understood that with such equipment you are not afraid of any bad weather. Some weather stations require the use of additional memory, which allows you to record weather readings online. Some models have corresponding interfaces that allow you to connect the weather station to a personal computer without any problems. The most common interface is a USB connector. This is very convenient for further processing of the received information. Well, we have already mentioned that a wide variety of sensors can be present here. A home weather station can warn a person with appropriate messages that heat is coming soon or, on the contrary, frost. It will also be useful to those people who depend on the vagaries of the weather. It is able to warn of pressure drops.
Manufacturers
As for the manufacturers of such equipment, there are a lot of them on the modern market. This is not strange, because the demand for popular weather stations and barometers is constantly growing. Of course, most of the equipment comes to us from China. You should not bet on it when buying. It is better to give preference to European models or Japanese ones. They are distinguished by excellent build quality and a wide range of functionalities. Among the manufacturers, it is worth highlighting the companies La Crosse and Weller. Please pay attention to them when buying.
After you have familiarized yourself with the main types of weather stations, their functional differences, I bring to your attention a rating of the best models of inexpensive and medium-expensive price segments. The rating is based on the opinions of industry experts, and feedback from the owners of these devices.
Rating of the best weather stations
Well, I think you have already figured out all the functions, it remains to choose only the best model, that's just a nuance, there are a huge number of them. Therefore, now I will present a rating of the best weather stations that have conquered the market and become the best choice in terms of price-quality ratio.
The best weather stations under 3000 rubles
- Ea2 EN208
- OREGON BAR208HG
- OREGON BAR388HG
- OREGON BAR806
- OREGON BAR386
The best weather stations under 5000 rubles
- Oregon Scientific RAR500N
- ASSISTANT AH-1978
- Ea2 AL808
- TFA 3510641050 IT WEATHER BOY XS
- TFA 351116
The best weather stations under 10,000 rubles
- RST 32705
- RST 02787
- TFA Spring 35112901
- TFA 35107810 IT DIVA PLUS
- Oregon Scientific WMR89
The best weather stations under 15,000 rubles
- Netatmo Urban Weather Station
- TFA 351110 CRYSTAL CUBE
- Oregon Scientific WMR200
- Kweller S-8200
- Oregon Scientific LW301
The best weather stations under 20,000 rubles
- La Crosse WS2801
- La Crosse WS2800
- RST 02929
- RST 01921
- Netatmo Urban Weather Station
There are many types of digital weather stations on the market today. The principle of their work is almost the same. Pressure, current temperature, humidity, forecast for tomorrow and other information is displayed on the built-in display.
Batteries, an accumulator or a 220 V mains supply are used as power. The price range for meteorological stations varies over a wide range. Most often, the price depends on the manufacturer and on the number of built-in functions.
In this article, we will figure out how to choose a home weather station, consider all the nuances that you should pay attention to before buying this device.
Budget options for weather stations
Everyone knows that comfortable weather consists of optimal temperature conditions, atmospheric pressure, air humidity and precipitation. It is to measure these indicators that weather stations are designed. But models that have a low cost are limited in functionality.
Typically, inexpensive weather stations include functions such as measuring temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. But in general, such a set of functions will allow you to make a weather forecast for the next day.
All information is displayed on the built-in display, in the form of numbers. But some models provide animation in the form of pictures (rain, cloudy, sunny, snow).
The sensor that is responsible for the temperature in budget models is most often wired. And this means that to install such a weather station, you need a hole in the wall, or in the mounting foam that was used when installing the double-glazed window, in order to bring the sensor outside.
The measurement error is usually one tenth of a degree. The temperature can be displayed in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
In other words, if you have a small budget allocated for the purchase of a weather station for your home, you can purchase an inexpensive, functional model that will notify you of the upcoming weather, and this will be an excellent choice.
If you want your weather station to have more features, then you should consider a model in a different price range.
Weather stations of the middle price range
Before choosing a home weather station, first you need to decide on the functions that your future home weather station will have. Middle-class weather stations differ from their "younger brothers" in that all sensors are wireless (on average, the range of such models is about 100 meters).
Installation of such a weather station is very simple, you do not have to drill a hole in the wall or window frame to run the wire with the sensor through it. To install such a model, you only need to hang the sensor on the street, and the station itself in the house.
Also, most of these devices have several sensors that are responsible for their measurement of any quantities that you can install sensors at different points, which will give more accurate readings and forecasts.
But wireless weather stations that are designed for the home have one drawback - they can only run on batteries or rechargeable batteries, so you have to monitor and maintain the charge level.
In addition to the standard functions of the mid-range weather station, two interesting functions are added: a display backlight that depends on the weather and a measurement of air humidity. There are also models that have a built-in projector that displays all the display data, on the ceiling or on the wall.
Of the additional functions of weather stations that belong to the middle class, one can also note the zodiac and lunar calendar. This feature will be useful for those who are fond of astrology.
Professional weather stations
The most expensive models tend to be professional weather stations. Such devices have great functionality and additional options.
With the help of additional options, you can find out not only temperature, date and time, air humidity, atmospheric pressure, weather forecast for the day ahead, but also information such as wind direction and speed, using a special sensor that is installed outside the house, which will give more accurate predictions.
Also, some models of weather stations have a remote control, a USB port, which is used to connect to a PC, to update the software and to analyze the received data.
As for the general features and functions that all classes of weather stations have, regardless of cost, these include: calendar, clock and alarm clock. We hope our article helped you with the question of how to choose a home weather station.
And finally, a video review of home weather stations:
Probably, every person has found himself in a situation where, relying on good weather predicted by weather forecasters, you find yourself under a downpour, and even with a squally wind to boot. Indeed, the situation is not pleasant, especially when you go to work and have to sit all day in wet and wrinkled clothes.
In the modern market of climate technology, such a useful gadget called a home weather station has appeared for a long time. This device shows the main weather characteristics and accurately predicts the weather for the next 12-36 or 48 hours.
To date, there are many manufacturers of home weather stations of different levels and price categories. Most of our compatriots find it difficult to choose the best weather station for their home in their price range. This publication will discuss what a good weather station is and what functionality and capabilities it should have.
What a good weather station should be able to do
All potential buyers of home weather stations know that weather stations are divided into two large groups: analog and digital. The set of functions that a good weather station should have depends on the type of device.
Mechanical meteorological control stations
The classic analog weather station includes three main instruments:
- Thermometer.
- Hygrometer.
- Barometer.
Barometers that are used in analog instruments can be mercury and pointer. The aneroid barometer (pointer instrument) has two arrows: one indicates the current pressure, the other is set by the user to the value of the previous measurement. The dynamics of changes in the position of the arrow relative to the previous value, with a high degree of probability, will make it possible to make an adequate short-term weather forecast for the next 3-5 hours.
Mercury barometers are dangerous for domestic use, and besides, it is difficult to calculate the dynamics of pressure changes from them.
Conclusion 1: A good analog weather station should have an aneroid barometer.
The thermometer, in the weather station, can be: alcohol, mercury or mechanical. The mercury device was mentioned above, so we do not consider it. The alcohol thermometer has a good response time to changes in room temperature, but not the best design. The pointer thermometer, which uses a bimetallic spring as a sensor, perfectly responds to any changes in air temperature, and also has a wonderful retro-style design.
Conclusion 2: A good analog weather station should have a dial thermometer.
The hygrometer, in mechanical climate control devices, works in the same way as a thermometer, but with a difference in material. Instead of a bimetallic spring, modern devices use a synthetic hydrophobic material that changes its size depending on the humidity of the air.
As a child, I had two irrational dreams - to go to Australia because kangaroos live there and to have a weather station. I don’t remember why I needed it, but for some reason I need it. I never got to Australia, because it was too far to fly, but I finally got home weather stations. And, just three. We bought three home stations at random and started testing.
Appearance and design
All stations are budget from 1500 to 2500 rubles. With almost the same set of sensors and functions.
Sample #1 - ea2 ultra metal- the most stylish, concise, in a metal case. Weather forecast for the next 12 hours. Here, all the settings buttons are placed on the back panel.
Sample #2 - TFA- the largest in size looks somehow too cheap and simple, and if you don’t know that it is the most expensive of all, then you might think that this is some kind of frivolous cheap model. But this model has a display with temperature and pressure indicators on the outdoor outdoor unit.
Sample #3 - hama- also looks good, but somehow everything is not thought out and the plastic buttons on the case creak when you press them.
Why does an ordinary person need a home weather station?
- Accuracy at a specific location. We already have weather from Yandex and Google, which give 80% reliable forecasts. But this is a “hospital average” forecast for the entire city, since the data are averaged. In fact, if the city is large, then the sun may shine at one end, and it may rain at the other.
- Children and respiratory diseases. Humidity is very important for the health of young children. If the house is too dry, then dry air irritates the larynx and nasal passages, dries out the mucous membrane and, as a result, resistance to bacteria and viruses decreases, and provokes respiratory diseases. Pediatricians advise that if the humidity in the room drops below 50%, then you need to urgently turn on the humidifier.
- For weather dependent people. I have problems with blood pressure and react to pressure and humidity. Therefore, I need a weather station to know the cause of headaches, whether they are related to the weather or not.
- Hobby. For many people, “watching the weather” becomes a part of life. One of our experts, Sergey Dmitrievich, has 5 barometers hanging at home, and every morning he compares the “stop overboard” against them.
- Pupils. If your child is fond of natural sciences, then this will be a useful gift for a future Nobel laureate.
- Just “talk about the weather”. The most frequently discussed topic with friends, relatives, and an excellent occasion to start a conversation with unfamiliar people is, of course, about the weather. And you can always show off your erudition and keep up the conversation.
- Museums, and private collectors, where it is important to control the humidity and storage conditions of paintings, such a device will also be useful.
- If you live in extreme areas, for example, near mountain ranges, where the weather changes too rapidly, then no Google forecast will help you. You need your own weather station.
Setup and installation
In general, it takes a long time to install all the stations, but the instructions are clear. It took us about 15 minutes. Here are a couple of points that we advise you to pay attention to:
- Time is pulled up by radio, so you need to set the correct time zone.
- To set the barometer correctly, you need to set the altitude above sea level.
- If you take out the batteries, then all the settings will “fly off” and you will have to reconfigure everything. Therefore, immediately put good powerful batteries.
What is important to know when setting up?
After tuning, be prepared that the first days the station will show “cloudiness”. The station will start reading the real weather forecast only after 2 days. Why it happens?
We asked experts to comment on our test drive and explain why weather stations work this way.
To determine the weather forecast, home weather stations compare current data from sensors - pressure, humidity, temperature - with the average values for your area. Such an average rate will be different for, for example, a mountainous area and a seaside town. Therefore, the station takes several days to collect enough data on weather changes at the installation site. Maximum reading accuracy is reached after about a week of data collection
What does the home weather station measure (show)?
It is clear that all weather stations determine the room and outside temperature.
The amount of precipitation (rain or snow);
- air pressure (barometer);
-relative humidity (hygrometer).
- the current phase of the moon.
But semi-professional weather stations are already able to calculate:
- The wind-cold index is a way of measuring the severity of the weather, the subjective feeling of a person while being exposed to frost and wind at the same time. This function is generally a fire for such cold-allergic bastards like me. In order to know in the morning, in general, stick your nose out into the street in severe frosts with high humidity and strong wind, or it is better to stay at home.
- The evaporation rate and how wet the soil is keeps a “rainfall diary”, which is important for agriculture, farmers and gardening enthusiasts alike.
- In expensive models, you can remotely view the temperature, for example, in the country. Install a weather station there, and data will come to your smartphone.
But simple home weather stations up to 2000 rubles, of course, do not do this.
In principle, all stations from our text are more or less the same in terms of functionality. But in terms of response speed in our test, ea2 won, it predicted rain the fastest.
rain prediction
On September 22, the weather changed abruptly by lunchtime, the clouds pulled in, and it was even visually clear that in a couple of minutes it would start to rain.
First rain predicted sample #1 ea2, after 3 minutes hama showed “drops” on the display, but TFA stubbornly showed “bright sun”.
Test impressions
After using it for a month, I will say that this is an excellent choice for basic needs and even more. The device gives 3 main parameters:
1.Pressure, which is especially important in our usual units mm. rt. pillar
2.Temperature. The base station is responsible for the temperature inside the room, the remote unit - outside. Both indicators are displayed at once, conveniently. Thermometers outside the window are increasingly becoming a thing of the past, and watching the weather in the iPhone widget is not always revealing and accurate. And then the exact weather outside the window, looked and dressed according to the weather before going out. The internal temperature is also important for us, for the child we try to maintain an optimal temperature regime: now you know when you need to open the window and ventilate, for example.
In fact, it was a pity for us to hang the remote unit completely outside, so for now we have identified it on the balcony, it is covered with us, but the windows are always open there. Now we know approximately the temperature outside and the exact temperature on the balcony, where we sometimes store food.
3. Humidity. It would be worth putting it in first place, because we have a very dry microclimate in our apartment, we suffered for a long time, and now we have purchased an air humidifier and, in conjunction with the weather station, it works well, it turns out to maintain a comfortable mode, and it feels better. Since our son is allergic, the humidity in the apartment should be at least 50%. Now that we have a weather station, we see that as soon as the humidity drops below 35%, we urgently need to turn on the humidifier.
In addition to the above, there are such useful functions as:
- Clock/date
- Alarm clock (we do not use it, but the presence itself is nice and can be useful)
- Predicts weather with 70% accuracy. Visually reflects different modes (clear, cloudy, etc.)
- Lunar calendar - shows what phase the moon is in 🌙. One can argue on the topic of usefulness, but let it be, why not).
- Other various small and not significant functions for us are trifles, but I like such detailed customization.
In general, the device after the initial 15-minute setup is easy to use, what you need. It works very simply, clearly and reliably, without an Internet connection, etc. chips. For us, this is a plus, since we are already entangled with phones, laptops, smart watches, etc. The only thing that may be missing is the backlight, but not critical - we usually sleep at night))
In general, 5 out of 5 on a 5-point scale, the first month the flight is normal, we will use it. An optional gadget at first glance, has improved the quality of our lives. And this is a good idea for a gift to friends and acquaintances, on the eve of the holidays.
Distinctive features of the ea2 station.
Changes in barometric pressure over the past 12 hours are displayed in a “bar graph”. The pressure is measured in mm. and inches Hg. column and hectopascals. There is a memory min. and max. humidity and temperature.
Where could I buy? http://ea2world.ru/product-category/weather-stations/
Rating of weather stations for home - TOP 10
Most weather devices in existence today fall into three categories. This digital thermometers, home weather stations And third-party devices with any weather functionality. Well, something like a smart scale with a built-in thermometer or gadgets with a weather forecast function.
Home weather stations are the most popular among consumers. Firstly, they allow you to control the "weather in the house." This is very important for young parents, inhabitants of cold, humid or dry regions, and simply for connoisseurs of comfort. Secondly, they save a person from having to turn on the TV or go to the Internet to find out if rain, drought, sunstroke or a storm awaits them today.
In this article, we will compare the most popular wireless weather station models. And also - we will try to find the perfect gadget for every taste, wallet and needs. But first, let's figure it out: how does it work, and according to what characteristics should a wireless weather station be chosen?
How do home weather stations work?
Digital weather stations have replaced "analogue barometers", which predicted the weather very conditionally, using barometric pressure alone.
Electronic "predictors" combined several sensors at once. Weather gadgets use a barometer (measures pressure), a temperature sensor and a hygrometer (monitors air humidity). Moreover, the barometer is always used in the singular, and there can be as many digital thermometers and hygrometers as you like. This gives the customer the ability to measure temperature and humidity in multiple rooms.
Such a set is quite enough for constant monitoring of the level of comfort in the room, as well as for an accurate weather forecast for several hours. A few words about the algorithm underlying digital forecasting. A temperature sensor and a hygrometer indicate to artificial intelligence general natural indicators: hot-cold, rainy-snow-lack of precipitation. And the old barometer tells how these factors will change within 12-24 hours. After all, one can accurately judge by pressure drops - a hurricane will come to us, rain or the weather will remain unchanged.
For more accurate forecasting, additional sensors are connected to weather stations. For example, a weather vane to determine the direction of the wind. This is not an iron ranch cockerel, but plastic futuristic turntables, like those we see on airfields. There is also an anemometer - it also allows you to measure the wind speed, only with the help of a small vertical measuring fan. The most hipster weather stations are complemented by a rain gauge. But they are extremely rare.
All these "additions" will significantly increase the price of your purchase, but will make monitoring and weather forecast extremely specific.
What to look for when buying?
The weather station is not so complicated. Most often it consists of "bases", which processes and displays all the necessary data, as well as remote sensors. In the cheapest gadgets, the sensors are located inside the station itself, but this is not a good option.
What about price range? A normal weather device can be purchased at prices ranging from $9 to $270 each. Moreover, the category of “semi-professional stations” with all kinds of windmills, solar panels, etc. starts from a hundred dollars.
When buying, pay attention to the maximum number of sensors that can be connected to the device. An indicator of 5-12 analyzers characterizes the coolest devices. But most often simple analyzers with 2-3 slots are sold.
important and nutrition issue. Some weather stations operate only from the network. But we prefer wireless models: they can be carried around the house, find more convenient places for them, etc. For the operation of wireless devices, finger batteries are used, from 3 to 6 pieces. This set should be enough for several months (sometimes even for a year!), Otherwise, the quality of the products can be doubted. Well, the coolest option is Li-On batteries. With them, you do not have to spend money on consumables in the form of batteries.
Let us also mention separately sensor power supply. They can run on small round batteries or on special solar panels. There is also an option with wired sensors, but this is not a very smart waste of money. We recommend that you pay attention to self-charging devices. As practice shows, ordinary batteries in sensors "fly" very quickly.
Be sure to check the level moisture protection And shock resistance of sensors. Not bad if the design provides for the "defense" of the device from insects and small animals. Even more important is the distance at which the base station receives the signals of the analyzers. The norm for the signal radius is 30-70 meters.
It also plays a certain role weather forecast term issued by the machine. However, some manufacturers promise to predict it 1-2 weeks in advance ... which is practically impossible from the point of view of science. Realistic time seems to be 24-32 hours.
On the second and third planes are display graphic characteristics and equipment of the device projector, which outputs data to any flat surface. Backlight, font size, color image - these are the secondary advantages of your weather station. Much more important is the temperature regime at which the analyzer copes with its work. Some devices break down at an air temperature of -5, and some work even down to -30. Hot topic for all northerners!
Best Budget Wireless Weather Stations
Almost half of our TOP are budget gadgets. They are the most popular: they are bought by people who do not need the fantastic accuracy of sensors, but need the ability to constantly monitor the approximate humidity and temperature in the house, warehouse or office. All these models have built-in sensors and constant error, which are forgiven by the extremely low price.
Best budget weather station with wireless sensor
You can hardly find a cheaper and at the same time adequate home weather station. AcuRite 00613 is only $9. What do we get for this price? A standard set of temperature and humidity sensors, a compact body with a large and high-contrast display, and a convenient magnetic mount for placement on a refrigerator or wall.
AcuRite has two temperature measurement modes - Celsius and Fahrenheit, which are switched by pressing one button. The readings of the sensors are visible very well - users write that they are easy to read from any end of the room and from any angle. A useful function of the weather station can be called a log of record indicators. The gadget remembers peak data about maximum / minimum humidity and temperature for 24 and 36 hours. The device runs on one AA battery.
Of course, the accuracy of the sensors can hardly be called fantastic. One AcuRite customer compared a thermometer to a professional thermometer...and noticed a difference of 4 degrees Fahrenheit. And the hygrometer from time to time generally rages and confuses everything.
Anonymous: Gives an error of several degrees, compared to my other perfectly working thermometer. And how then can I trust him to measure humidity? After all, I have nothing to compare the indicators with.
But no one is particularly outraged by this fact. It is often important for the owners of shops, warehouses and young parents to know only approximate weather readings. Still, we are not talking about the storage of chemical reagents, but about banal comfort. Especially for such money. And some users buy 2-3 AcuRite stations at once and compare their readings, focusing on an intermediate option. This is such a fun "life hack".
Of the serious shortcomings of the gadget - only the lack of backlight. You can view readings at night only if the light in the room is on. Not very comfortable! But a popular rating of 4.3 stars from 81% of buyers says that this joint can be ignored.
The most minimalistic weather station
We thought for a long time whether to include the gadget from La Crosse in our review or not. This is definitely not a full-fledged weather station, but rather a digital clock with a high-quality thermometer inside. But La Crosse Technology is very popular with buyers, and its example can tell about a whole series of weather devices. After all, there are many such analogues for sale. And all for the reason that not every buyer needs a hygrometer - and no one has yet refused a good thermometer.
La Crosse Technology WT-8002U Digital Wall Clock shows time in 12 and 24 hour format, has a large monitor and well thought out graphics. This ~$19 gadget has a standard calendar for the month, date, and day of the week built into it. The mount allows you to install the clock-thermometer on the floor, table and hang on the wall. It's a shame, though, that they only measure temperatures in Fahrenheit. But there is a "second hand" - a rarity for digital chronometers.
Despite the very large dimensions (8 by 6 inches), the watch runs on just one AA battery. In matters of compactness, La Crosse lose to most mobile weather stations. But they can be used as an interior element - the product looks very good.
Some users complain about interruptions in the clock. Most often, they begin to lag after a few weeks of use. In the worst case, the gadget gave a backlog of 5 minutes 4 weeks after purchase. A similar story with a thermometer: the measurement error is + -1 degree Fahrenheit. By the way, no worse than the previous device.
But a large monitor, low cost and constant access to important information make this product extremely popular.
Steve writes: The size of the watch is perfect for my workshop. I needed a clock whose screen I would see from anywhere in the room - and I got it. The temperature error is about 1 degree, I would certainly buy another one of these!
Compact weather station for home
This model is very similar to not the first weather station from AcuRite, which we wrote about above. Only the shape of the gadget and its color (black, red and blue version) have changed, even the price has remained almost the same - a little less than $ 9. The product looks prettier: it is clear that the developers wanted to add gloss to it and turn it into an element of home interior. And AcuRite 00325 has become more compact. True, the characteristics of the display slightly suffered from this reduction in the device - it somehow shrank, and the placement of the numbers became not so convenient for perception.
As for the magnetic mount, temperature and humidity sensors, they remained in place. Maybe now they have become more accurate? We will look for the answer to this question in user reviews.
The range of the temperature sensor is not admirable. It is limited to 0 degrees Celsius on the lower scale and +50 degrees on the upper one. The story is similar with the hygrometer. Officially, the sensor stops working when the humidity is over 95% and below 20%.
Topdoc writes: At first, the device determined the humidity almost perfectly accurately - the error was 4%, but by the second week of testing it was already as much as 9% compared to another hygrometer
And we often came across information about marriage in parties. From a “broken” monitor to a hygrometer that can’t show odd numbers. But the principle still works here - “don’t care about jambs, it’s so cheap.” Like the 0613, the AcuRite sells well - and its good looks only add to its popularity.
Weather station with wireless thermometer
Very interesting model of a remote wireless thermometer. Ambient Weather WS-04 is sold in several trim levels - at prices ranging from 14 to 23 dollars. In each, you will be offered one external sensor for measuring the temperature outside and from one to three monitor sensors for measuring indoors. The final cost of the gadget will depend on their number. These compact gadgets can be hung in different places of the house: they will display data on the temperature level inside and outside on a miniature display. So all family members will be able to learn about the weather, each in his own room.
The developers write that the external sensor is protected from moisture. But it is still better to hang it in a dry and dark place: it will live longer. All elements of the device are powered by two AAA batteries. If these are batteries, then the device will be able to live on them for a whole year and even longer.
The remote element measures temperatures from -40°F to +149°F. The "home sensor" operates from 32°F to +140°F. The official measurement accuracy is +/-2.0°F, although we found critical reviews and large errors. The signal transmission distance is average - 120 feet. True, the signal does not pass through the ground and solid metal. A word of advice: if you have a large house or facility, you can purchase multiple units. One remote will "read data" from one transmitter on one side of the house, and a second remote will be able to "read" from a second transmitter.
This gadget was especially appreciated by motorists - it is good in the car. What are the shortcomings noted by the buyers? Cheap plastic and a display that can easily be scratched. Inconvenient display of three-digit numbers. Main sensor glitches at wet temperatures. Otherwise, everyone praises the simplicity and convenience of the device. In short - we recommend to purchase.
Quality compact weather stations
In this section, we will talk about more expensive gadgets. They will cost from 20 to 100 dollars and will provide you with the possibility of high-quality monitoring of weather data in different locations. The error of these devices will become smaller, and they will also have analyzers of a new type.
Weather station with animated display
This device from La Crosse was one of the first weather gadgets with a color and animated display. With all sorts of clouds running across the screen on the eve of cloudy weather and the bright sun icon on the eve of the heat. At first it was sold at an inflated price of $120. But now you can buy such a weather station for only 39 bucks. I won’t say that its functionality is amazing, but there are several very important advantages.
First, the range of the external sensor is 300 feet. This is enough to work at the largest industrial facility or in a large house. Secondly, a barometer is already appearing here, and with it an approximate forecast of the weather for several hours in advance.
The outdoor sensor measures temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure (powered by 3 AAA batteries), while the indoor sensor measures temperature and humidity (2 batteries). Moreover, it also calculates the level of comfort in a room for a person based on humidity. All data is displayed in real time, and peak rates are recorded in days. A bonus of the device is a digital calendar, atomic time and screen brightness adjustment. All this, of course, does not cost $ 120, but the price of 39 bucks seems profitable to us.
77% of users called the device "useful". Most, however, write about the dim screen in the daytime and the "mirror effect" of the front panel. There were also those who were pissed off just by animated icons.
Jaco writes: The sun and clouds all over the screen are useless and distracting!
But at night, the device looks attractive and even adds comfort to the house. The picture is read well from any angle, and setting the time and date from the satellite saves the owner from manual work. Surprisingly, we found almost no complaints about the quality of the sensor! Our verdict - for 25-39 dollars the device can and should be bought. With the caveat that more advanced models have already appeared on the market.
Compact weather station
Simplicity is not about the Ambient weather station. The first glance at the instrument display causes a feeling of slight intimidation: so much different data is displayed on it. It is impossible to understand them in a few seconds. The interface is clearly not intended for intuitive reading, but for careful familiarization. Is it bad? If you need simple, approximate and quick information - yes. If the buyer is looking for a detailed weather report, then this is a plus, not a minus.
The WS-1171B is available in black and silver for $38. It is sharpened for different purposes: the developers recommend buying it to winemakers, food cellar owners and even farmers. It monitors indoor and outdoor temperatures, air humidity and dew points, monitors barometric pressure (memorizing the local sea level) and predicts the weather. In addition, the gadget shows the history of all measurements in the form of accurate charts. This is cool, considering that cheaper devices only remember peak readings.
The accuracy of forecasts here is average - it is completely tied to the readings of the barometer. A bonus to the device is an atomic clock with an alarm clock and a very good night illumination. The black-and-white screen is very contrasting, only the icons and numbers are too small. With poor eyesight, they will have to be considered closely.
We really liked the external sensor of the device. It is equipped with a mini-display with information on the level of humidity and temperature. This is a very compact and cute device. The range of measurements cannot but rejoice. Humidity is captured from 1 to 99%. The external thermometer operates from -40.0°F to +149°F (+/-2°F accuracy). Internal - from +32 and with the same level of accuracy. This is better than all the devices described above. Ambient loses to them only in usability and design.
In the comments, people note the possibility of manual calibration and the alarm clock function. They write that the signal transmission distance of 330 feet only works in open space - in the case of obstacles, they are reduced to 100 feet (also not bad). Of course, the device lacks slots for third-party sensors - with such good functionality, they would be very useful. Especially winemakers, owners of greenhouses and warehouses. We also found complaints about the water resistance of the external sensor. Although those affected by moisture write that drying the case and batteries brought the device back to life. If not for all these disadvantages, the product could earn the status of a "semi-professional" gadget. However, he still falls short of it.
semi-professional station
A cool thing that can already be called a semi-professional weather station. And for only $46. True, it specializes in a very narrow function - measuring the level of precipitation. The device analyzes air temperature and rain activity. It will tell you how wet the soil is, register insufficient or extreme rainfall in your area. According to the developers, this feature is very important for gardeners, sports ground workers, farmers, gardeners, environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts, and even officials. They recommend it, including owners of toll roads, so that they monitor the safety of their roads.
Here we meet a very original moisture level sensor built into the rain collector. He monitors every millimeter of fluid growth in the reservoir and draws conclusions about the intensity of rains. When full, the device is automatically emptied and continues to calculate. As a result, you will receive information about how long the rain lasted, whether it harmed your soil, whether it exceeded the seasonal norm, etc. The precipitation diary will tell you about all the observations of the device for the last 10 days.
As a bonus, a digital clock and an average temperature sensor are built into the device. The gadget runs on AA batteries (3 pieces), which last about a year. Users praise this product for its build quality and endurance:
I installed it outside the house 9 years ago - and it works like that: in the heat, and in snow storms, it does not care. Change batteries when you need to - that's the whole secret
True, many criticize this model in comparison with previous versions of the rain gauge from the same manufacturer.
James writes: The temperature sensor did not display the minimum and maximum recorded temperatures, so I passed it without even trying it
Quite often there are reviews of marriage in the switching of a remote sensor and a base station. The base regularly "loses" the rain gauge from view, and the device has to be rebooted. Users say that this problem goes away only when the sensor is completely replaced. And this is a waste of money. Therefore, when buying a device, we recommend that you thoroughly test it for the presence of such a marriage.
Hot Selling
One of the best-selling products in this price category, despite the decent price of $54. This is a fairly high-quality device, without unnecessary functions, which fulfills all the declared capabilities.
Here for the first time we meet with a suspended temperature and humidity sensor, which can be placed anywhere - even hang on a tree branch. It transmits a signal at a distance of up to 100 m. The base station of the device with a color monitor is very well made: all the icons are conveniently located, large numbers are read without any problems.
The temperature sensor outside works even at -20 Celsius, and the barometer and humidity analyzer allow the device to make accurate weather forecasts for 12 and 24 hours. This is the first gadget in our review that monitors the phase of the moon and automatically adjusts the clock for "summer time". The developers claim that they used more advanced technologies in their device than in the past AcuRite. The weather station is powered by a 5V adapter or three AA batteries.
A cool thing is the “weather trends” service. The device analyzes recent changes in humidity and temperature and tries to guess how they will develop next. If recently there has been a constant drop or increase in parameters, then a colored arrow on the monitor will tell you about this.
Users note good remote work:
I installed the sensor 15 meters from where my wife left the monitor - and it works
And, what is rare, compliance with an accurate weather forecast.
Bruce F. Don't know how he does it, but the weather matches the official forecast every time I check it this month!
Working at low temperatures, intuitive interface and good user reviews - we can call this device the best in the category of quality devices.
Semi-professional weather stations
It's time to talk about devices that meet the most serious requirements of customers. If you're willing to spend money for accurate weather data and the ability to connect a large number of sensors, then take a closer look at the following two models.
Weather station with custom design
This expensive thing ($148) boasts the most advanced external sensor system in our review: 5 in 1. They monitor temperature and humidity levels, wind speed, direction and rainfall. All these analyzers are installed in a single outdoor system, reminiscent of a futuristic spaceship. There is also a lightweight plastic windmill, and a container for collecting moisture. A bunch of sensors works 24 hours a day, and it is covered by a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
The main monitor of the device works on the principle of a system of widgets, each of which is responsible for its own topic (temperature, humidity, wind, etc.). Here comes a very modern format for informing the user: if the device anticipates changes in the weather, then you receive a short pop-up message about it. The only thing missing is a connection with a smartphone so that these SMS messages can also be sent there.
Despite the bulkiness of the external sensor, users note the ease of installation. The device will also tell you about the level of atmospheric pressure, the level of comfort indoors, report the weather forecast for 12 and 24 hours. The windmill works very well, which measures the wind speed up to 159 kilometers per hour and remembers the last two directions of the elements. And the rain analyzer will remember the duration and intensity of rains in each month and in each season.
The owners of the gadget praise its color monitor, they even call it the “best monitor” in the entire AcuRite line. According to them, the device does not need to be calibrated. Only the precipitation meter has to be adjusted to the terrain. We found almost no critical reviews for AcuRite 5in1. Unless the distance of the “connection” of the base and sensors did not always correspond to the officially declared one. And so - immediately 85% of buyers were satisfied with their purchase.
The most powerful station
This gadget, of course, has no competitors in our review. The price of the Vantage Pro may be intimidating (it costs $495), but this wireless weather station is worth the money. The device's sensors are powered by solar energy, and the wireless range can reach up to 1,000 feet. An anemometer with a 40-foot cable and a calibrated rain collector are included with the instrument. Temperature and humidity sensors have radiation protection, which greatly increases their accuracy. The error of indications here is reduced to a minimum! Tested in experiments with professional thermometers and hygrometers.
The "brain" of the device can also be called powerful. It can be used even for scientific purposes - the device analyzes daily, monthly and annual indicators of all meteorological data. The console turns on with the included AC adapter or with three C-batteries (not included, sadly).
That's just the display of the gadget can not be called simple and understandable. Before us is a black and white screen with a low contrast image. You cannot look at it from the other side of the room: you will understand these schemes only with a detailed and careful study. So as a nice family informer about the weather outside the window, such a product cannot be used. And the installation of the device will not seem easy compared to the previous heroes of our review. The developers obviously did not pursue the convenience of the device, but the quality of measurements.
By the way, the quality of the sensors implies constant care for them. Fine technology can deteriorate quickly. In regions with a harsh climate, the meters "fly" once every 2-3 years, and their replacement will be expensive. By the way, most of the negative reviews about the product are devoted to this feature.
But there are still more laudatory comments. For example, people praise the ability to connect a gadget to a PC. And also - slots for any third-party weather sensors up to solar radiation meters. The memory of the device can become infinite if you connect it to special weather services on the Internet, experienced users share their secrets. And some do not spare $ 500 and immediately buy 2-3 devices for measuring weather data at several sites. They sincerely believe that half a thousand bucks is a good price for such a pumped device.
We join in their admiration, but we still can't call the Vantage Pro2 the best home weather station. Like any professional gadget, it is not simple enough and understandable for the mass consumer. And the price makes it inaccessible to the most budget buyer. This is the case when a wide functionality may be overkill for most of us!
