Temperature Range: -40°F to 150°F| Wireless Range: 1000ft
The Davis Instruments Vantage Vue is an all-around professional piece of equipment. Unlike many of the colorful consoles we tested, the Vantage Vue features a brick of a display meant to be used in the field. This quality construction and durability are further matched by pro-status performance. The Vantage Vue produced accurate measurements consistently during testing, while the user-friendly buttons made it a breeze to navigate the console. Additionally, this option offers a large chunk of daily data and historical records to chew through.
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While we love the performance of the console, it rocks an 80s computer vibe geared toward a scientific crowd. Looks aside, we highly recommend the Vantage Vue for those who want rugged durability with professional performance.
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When testing weather stations, we conducted in-depth research and chose the best options on the market. We designed our test plan to determine how accurately each product measured weather conditions based on nearby local weather stations. We spent hours installing, operating, and recording data, then analyzed our results. Each product was meticulously evaluated based on real-life experience.
Our testing of weather stations is divided across five different metrics:
For this category, we have Review Editors Carissa Stanz and Ross Patton. Carissa is a science-minded scholar with an interest in meteorology. She has a keen eye for product detail and boasts over four years of developing objective tests in other categories, including lifestyle, home, and outdoor products. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from OSU and tackles every review from a scientific perspective based on critical hands-on use. In addition to conducting reviews for dozens of outdoor and tech products, Ross completed his formal education at the University of Nevada, Reno where he majored in Environmental Science. During his studies, Ross focused on the weather and climate of the Sierra Nevada where he created global climate models using the data measured by local weather stations and SNOTEL sites. Between the two of them, Ross and Carissa have the knowledge and experience required to provide you with an in-depth weather review.
We put all the products through a side-by-side comparison to properly and accurately rank each one. We evaluate all weather stations via accuracy, ease of use, durability, aesthetics, and features.
The various costs of home weather stations have a massive range. If all you’re looking for is a basic and accurate digital temperature and humidity display with an inconspicuous sensor, there is no reason to spend more than the cost of the ThermoPro TP62 Digital. If you want a larger display that is easy to read that also records daily minimums and maximums but is still affordable, the La Crosse Technology C85845-1 is a great choice. The AcuRite Iris 01022M is a bit higher on the price scale but is a large leap toward high performance from the basic models. The Ambient Weather WS-2000 offers tons of features, add-ons, capabilities, and high performance, but it is one of the most expensive models in our review. Finally, if you are looking for a professional-grade model with a massive range and a durable display, the Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue is worth the investment.
A weather station is only as good as it is accurate. This is why we calibrated each device and then put them through a five-day weather test — with the help of a few local weather stations. We monitored measurement accuracy with particular attention to the humidity, temperature, and wind readings. Additionally, we consider other measurements the stations offer, including barometric pressure and forecast.
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After tallying up the results, the Ambient Weather WS-2000 and Ambient Weather WS-2902C. These stations recorded the most accurate data across the board. The manufacturer claims a small variation in accuracy, which is common. However, more often than not, the variation was not a factor in achieving precision.
Not far behind the Ambient Weather models are the Iris and Vantage Vue. Their sensor arrays proved their worth in accuracy as their data was almost as spot-on as the Ambient Weather with minimal variation. We feel all three would be a reliable source for localized weather.
The ThermoPro performed remarkably well in recording temperature despite its nominal price and less enhanced sensor. Testing revealed the Netatmo and Newentor gave a decent performance in this category. We especially liked the Netatmo for reporting on outdoor humidity.
To assess durability, we examine how well each sensor and display are manufactured. We consider whether or not the sensors would stand up to inclement weather and if the consoles are likely to break.
The majority of sensors were on par. With the exception of the two Ambient Weather models, the Vantage Vue, and Iris, weather station sensors should be placed out of direct sunlight. We were particularly concerned with the Netatmo, as this device appeared to be more susceptible to malfunction should it be exposed to harsh conditions.
The Iris, Vantage Vue, Ambient Weather WS-2902C Osprey , and the Ambient Weather WS-2000 all require direct exposure to the elements. They feature solar panels that require sunlight for operation and rain gauges designed to collect rainwater for measurements. Additionally, the wind speed and direction instruments are built to withstand some abuse, and we found all three of these stations to be equally durable.
Along with the measurement instruments, we considered how well each display was likely to operate properly. Virtually all the displays are comparable, with the exception of the Vantage Vue and the AcuRite 02081M, which rank at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Vantage Vue is, without question, a hefty and rugged display; this makes it a good option for fieldwork or weekend exploring. Meanwhile, we were concerned the 02081M screen could experience malfunction more easily than other models due to the ripples that form if the screen is accidentally touched. Given the screen’s design, we could see how some might mistake this for a touchscreen device when it most certainly is not.
The next factor we considered was the user experience. From sensor installation to reading the forecast, we weighed in on how easy each station was to use. To start, the majority of weather stations simply require popping a few batteries into the compact sensor and clicking a few setup buttons on the display console, like the C85845-1, 308-141B-INT, and 02081M.
Other options like the Ambient Weather models and the Iris took some more dedication. There are a few parts that require assembly to build the sensor. However, the Ambient models came with exceptionally helpful directions that made this process a breeze. Once the unit is mounted, taking in the data is exceptionally straightforward.
Both Ambient Weather displays come pre-programmed and automatically connect to the sensor array. Once the setup process is completed, the Ambient user interface is well organized and readily displays a large amount of data that doesn’t require endless clicking for information retrieval.
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The Iris’s display is similar to Ambient Weather’s in terms of helpful organization and accessible data. We especially appreciate the navigation button panel on the Vantage Vue. While we quickly discovered that building this sensor was more tasking than others, the user interface made it all worthwhile.
Nobody wants to stare at an eyesore in their home. This is why we assess the appearance of the displays. To score this metric, we use our expert panel of tech product judges to subjectively award points to their favorite models.
It’s hard to top the tablet display of the Ambient Weather WS-2000. With an LCD screen, easy-to-use controls, and custom display settings, this device is definitely easy on the eyes in more ways than one. In our opinion, the Ambient Weather WS-2902C is also an attractive console, featuring alluring colors that aren’t distracting and a display that isn’t too bulky.
Meanwhile, captivating graphics of the Iris pop without being too cartoonish or childish. We really liked the sleek design of the two La Crosse models, which could integrate seamlessly into many types of home decor. While the Netatmo doesn’t have an actual display, the module is attractive, featuring a sophisticated appearance that isn’t too showy.
The Vantage Vue is more of an acquired taste. Given the outdated look, the scientific model has a very professional appearance that some may not be so keen on. However, those who are nostalgic for old technology will probably dig this feature. The 02081M also has a very distinct, colorful display that may appeal to some more than others.
In our last metric, we examine what features each product had to offer. What all the weather stations had in common was they could be used as a wireless device that collected temperature and humidity measurements.
However, some options certainly outshined the competition in this category. For example, the Ambient Weather models are capable of taking UVI and light readings. We appreciate their IFTTT capabilities that give us the option of linking to smart home devices. These two models can also send data to Weather Underground and Weather Cloud to help monitor the weather.
One of our favorite features of the Ambient Weather models is their branded smartphone app. The Ambient app allows you to view real-time data from other home weather stations on an interactive map, automatically generates graphs, and even has a social media page where you can share your photos and conditions with fellow enthusiasts.
The Ambient Weather WS-2000 tablet has a Micro SD slot that allows you to save data to be uploaded to a computer that is in a format that is ready to import to Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. This version also comes with a temperature, pressure, and humidity sensor that is separate from the tablet that also transmits to the tablet and the Ambient Weather app. We found this element to be especially useful because you can place this sensor in your utility room to ensure that temperatures are staying above freezing and pipes are staying thawed in those cold winter months — even if you’re looking at the data on your phone from the tropics.
At 1000 feet, the Vantage Vue possesses an exceptionally long range while the graphs readily display weather trends. Meanwhile, the Iris can detect and report lightning up to 25 miles away. Watch the real-time weather ticker, and the display will alert you with a message when lightning is in the area. Additionally, Iris, Vantage Vue, and Ambient Weather all report on wind and rain, which no other models we tested offered. At least not without an additional purchase like the Netatmo. The Netatmo was unique in that it was the only weather station that operated via an app. The app was filled with an array of data and was useful in monitoring weather trends.
Weather stations are effective in obtaining accurate measurements of the weather in your exact location. Some models offer more data than others which may or may not pertain to your needs. This is why we tested a range of the best products. We hope you find our results useful in your quest for the best weather station.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
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