Looking for wireless weather station

fordmantpw · Jan 4, 2015

We are wanting to get a wireless weather station to tell us rain fall amounts, temp, wind speed, etc. We want something that will also upload the data to the internet as well so that we can view it online, share with friends/neighbors, etc. I don't want to spend a fortune...I would like to stay under $200-$250, but I also don't want to spend money for junk that I will need to replace in a year or so.

I would prefer not to connect the display device to my PC to upload the data, although, if I could get an additional device for that, I could connect it to another machine that I have that stays on all the time. That machine is downstairs in a closet, which is why it would need to be an additional display/device.

Does anyone have any input or experiences? I like the Davis systems, but they are a bit out of our price range.

Thanks for any and all help!

Happy Gilmore · Jan 4, 2015

Good post! I've been thinking about one for the last few years. Interested as well.

Zockel · Jan 4, 2015

I have an older model of the Accurite with monochrome display. It does all you ask and has been working flawlessly for well over a year on first set of batteries. Three of my friends got the same unit and are pretty happy as well.
The newer model with color display is 170 on Amazon. Search for AcuRite 01036 Pro Color Weather Station.

B7510HSD · Jan 4, 2015

fordmantpw said:
We are wanting to get a wireless weather station to tell us rain fall amounts, temp, wind speed, etc. We want something that will also upload the data to the internet as well so that we can view it online, share with friends/neighbors, etc. I don't want to spend a fortune...I would like to stay under $200-$250, but I also don't want to spend money for junk that I will need to replace in a year or so.

I would prefer not to connect the display device to my PC to upload the data, although, if I could get an additional device for that, I could connect it to another machine that I have that stays on all the time. That machine is downstairs in a closet, which is why it would need to be an additional display/device.

Does anyone have any input or experiences? I like the Davis systems, but they are a bit out of our price range.

Thanks for any and all help!

I use Davis Stations for both of my weather web sites..I have a VP2 at one and the Vantage Vue at another both have been flawless! The only andvantage of the VP2 is the separate rain gauge but the Vue being one piece is easier to locate! If you are interested PM me I can give you a link to way better prices...
Renton Weather - Home

oosik · Jan 4, 2015

I have a wireless wx station by Oregon Scientific. Model WMR 968 - - $249. This model is no longer in production but there are several that have replaced it. I bought the unit in 2008 and other than replacing batteries about every third year it has performed flawlessly.

The unit has its own display that I have located in my living room - some 75-80 feet from where the monitors are located outside.

IXLR8 · Jan 4, 2015

I am running the Davis Vantage Pro 2, installed it Feb '06. I just started getting an error message that Davis can't explain, but unit works fine so I am ignoring it. I have the monitor station in the dining room and it is connected to a laptop that runs all the time. The laptop uploads the data to WeatherUnderground, where anybody can see it. I also have my webcam uploaded to the same WU site so they come up together.
Weather | Personal Weather Station: ISTARTKK2 by Wunderground.com | Weather Underground

Mendonsy · Jan 4, 2015

Zockel said:
I have an older model of the Accurite with monochrome display. It does all you ask and has been working flawlessly for well over a year on first set of batteries. Three of my friends got the same unit and are pretty happy as well.
The newer model with color display is 170 on Amazon. Search for AcuRite 01036 Pro Color Weather Station.

That same model is only $130 direct from Accurite.
Weather Station with Wind and Rain

DutchHenryBrown · Jan 4, 2015

I have the AcuRite 01010 model works fine, not sure if it does all the OP wanted but I'm happy. :thumbsup:

B7510HSD · Jan 4, 2015

IXLR8 said:
I am running the Davis Vantage Pro 2, installed it Feb '06. I just started getting an error message that Davis can't explain, but unit works fine so I am ignoring it. I have the monitor station in the dining room and it is connected to a laptop that runs all the time. The laptop uploads the data to WeatherUnderground, where anybody can see it. I also have my webcam uploaded to the same WU site so they come up together.
Weather | Personal Weather Station: ISTARTKK2 by Wunderground.com | Weather Underground

I have heard that you can send the whole station in and they will refurb it complete for around $125 not bad and basically what I hear is it is like new when you get it back!

EddieWalker · Jan 4, 2015

I had the Oregon Scientific weather station and it worked great for a couple of years, but then it became erratic and unreliable. I guess it lasted two yeas max, maybe a little less. While it was working, it was great, but for what it cost, I've decided to go back to the old fashioned tube with markings on the side and a thermometer next to it. That's worked flawlessly forever and what I used to compare the Oregon to while it worked.

Eddie

Country Geek · Jan 4, 2015

I had Oregon Scientific units, and they never seemed to last.

I currently have a Davis Vantage Vue with the Weatherlink dongle. It works great and the company stands behind it, but honestly, I paid waaaay too much for it because I didn't do enough searching for alternatives. I now recommend that people get the AcuRite models discussed above. People I know with AcuRite gear are very happy with it and they paid a lot less than I did for my Davis gear.

Sure they aren't as "professional grade" or durable as the Davis gear but let's be real, you can afford to replace an AcuRite setup 2-3 times for the price of a Davis setup. Heck for the price of Davis's "bargain" refurbishment mentioned above, you can buy a whole brand new AcuRight setup.

Both Davis (with the $$$$ WeatherLink Dongle) and AcuRite can upload data to the internet without a PC.

DennisArrow · Jan 4, 2015

We have used a weather direct for several years that in addition to the data collection, reached out to the weather service and got forcasts...........It has been great for maybe 5 years now; but recently the outside temperature sending unit went bad and there is not a replacement available for the outfit.........So........

Grandkids gave me an Accurite Professional Weather Center unit for Christmas........though only a couple of weeks of use now, could NOT BE HAPPIER...........It has already learned the weather patterns so it gives a durn good forcast for the day or night, does all that the OP requests, and all kinds of neat data collection, display, and correlation.............really glad the weather direct went out as this is so much better...........God bless........Dennis

fordmantpw · Jan 5, 2015

Thanks for the help everyone! I'm leaning toward Accurite for the cost, but keep the input coming!

Billrog · Jan 5, 2015

One of the kids bought me an Acu-rite about 5 yrs. ago does everything you asked for and I've replaced the rechargeable battery once.

Humblebub · Jan 5, 2015

I installed a Davis Instrument Weather Wizard III 21 years ago. It is not wireless, thus not current tech, but it still works perfectly.

JRobyn · Jan 5, 2015

I've been using a LaCrosse C84612 station that we got at Costco about 14 months ago. I think it was a Costco-only item, but they have many other similar models widely available. I think ours was about $70. Has performed well for the most part. Birds like to drop sunflower seeds into the conical rain gauge feeder that stop it up (has happened twice). The wind sensor quit transmitting to the outdoor temp/hygro "base", but LaCrosse customer service promptly sent me a replacement. It comes with a small wireless internet gateway and LaCrosse hosts a website where data is stored and accessible via computer or smartphone.

- Jay

Msamt · Jan 5, 2015

I have the davis wireless. Flawless operation for 2 years.

Skeeter Madness · Jan 5, 2015

fordmantpw said:
Thanks for the help everyone! I'm leaning toward Accurite for the cost, but keep the input coming!

I bought an Accurite from Lowe's for $99 and this thing is amazing! Great range on the sensor module (330') and you don't have to wait for it to find the sensor signal. They sell a color model with a couple less features that is also really nice. I bought my brother that one for Christmas on sale at Costco for $75. Hope this helps.

Scooby074 · Jan 5, 2015

Both dad and I have Davis Vantage Pro2s.

Love them. Mine is 2 years old now, Dads is about 4. Theyve been flawless. You can upload to the internet with Weatherlink USB, with the PC on or use the standalone WeatherlinkIP if you want to not have to run a PC to upload (its a standalone data logger with internet connectivity). Using weatherlink USB a PC (or laptop or equivalent) must be running to push the data up to WeatherUnderground (or equivalent). I use the WeatherlinkUSB

Were in some particularly harsh environments here with dads particularly bad due to high winds and ocean salt spray, and the Davis never misses a beat, other than loosing a cup on the anemometer in an ice storm (a $5.00 fix).

They arent cheap, but they are very well made in the USA. And you can buy basically all the parts to rebuild one should the need arise. They are not chicom disposable units.

Check ScientificSales.com out of new jersey. They had the best prices by far when I bought mine. If you get a good price, the differential between a $100 disposable and the Davis isnt nearly that bad. Currently ScientificSales has the Davis Vue2 Wireless for $385

This was the weather on Dec.25 this year. Yup, 17*C.

B7510HSD · Jan 5, 2015

Scooby074 said:
Both dad and I have Davis Vantage Pro2s.

Love them. Mine is 2 years old now, Dads is about 4. Theyve been flawless. You can upload to the internet with Weatherlink USB, with the PC on or use the standalone WeatherlinkIP if you want to not have to run a PC to upload (its a standalone data logger with internet connectivity). Using weatherlink USB a PC (or laptop or equivalent) must be running to push the data up to WeatherUnderground (or equivalent). I use the WeatherlinkUSB

Were in some particularly harsh environments here with dads particularly bad due to high winds and ocean salt spray, and the Davis never misses a beat, other than loosing a cup on the anemometer in an ice storm (a $5.00 fix).

They arent cheap, but they are very well made in the USA. And you can buy basically all the parts to rebuild one should the need arise. They are not chicom disposable units.

Check ScientificSales.com out of new jersey. They had the best prices by far when I bought mine. If you get a good price, the differential between a $100 disposable and the Davis isnt nearly that bad. Currently ScientificSales has the Davis Vue2 Wireless for $385

This was the weather on Dec.25 this year. Yup, 17*C.

Vantage Vue can be had for around 257.00 the VP2 can be had for around $385.00