If you’re searching for your very first weather station, there are chances that you have become confused by the sheer amount of choices available out there. Although many people rely on Google to get their forecast, home weather stations have become a staple in back yards of many rural, urban and suburban homes.
Searching for the best home weather station is not a piece of cake. There are indeed many factors you should consider before making a purchase. In order to make it easier, we have provided a list of handy features you should check before choosing your meteorological kit.
Features Weather Station Should Have
Most home weather stations have the built-in standard sensors listed below; however, some brands may differ. It doesn’t hurt to double-check the features of the device before buying meteorology equipment. Here are the sensors you should focus on the most:
- Thermometer – measures the temperature outside
- Barometer – gives information about atmospheric pressure
- Humidity Sensor – measures the relative humidity outdoors
- Rain Gauge – tracks precipitation and rainfall
- Anemometer – checks the direction and speed of the wind
- Danger Alert – measures meteorology changes and informs about possible storms and hurricanes
Maximum Transmission Distance
Wireless transmission is quite variable, which depends on the lay of the land or any possible radio interference nearby. Most weather stations have a distance of up to 100m for wireless transmission.
Cable Length
The supplied cable length is normally 30m but will vary from station to station. In general, cable length can be extended, but this can increase your weather system’s overall expense and decrease the integrity of your weather data.”
Desktop VS Wireless Weather Stations
The majority of weather stations are smart devices with a wifi connection so that you can track all the information on your mobile phone. However, non-wireless stations still exist, so make sure you don’t fall into that trap. You surely don’t want to wire your outdoor machine into the computer. Before the final decision, make sure there is a wifi compatible feature so you can synchronize the device with your smartphone and enjoy this facilitation.
Durability
Considering that all the sensors work 24/7 outside with different weather conditions, poorly constructed low-grade plastic devices will quickly deteriorate. It would help if you look for solid materials and avoid all-in-one units, where single housing has all the sensors. Sensors are the most pricey part of the weather stations. If one fails, all of them will have to be replaced even if the rest work just fine.
Weather Station Placement
It’s also essential to know where to place the device once you get it. Many factors can disturb the readings of your weather station. For example, the rain gauge shouldn’t be too low to avoid splashbacks from the ground, causing abnormally high readings.
According to specialists from Techhive, “The temperature and humidity gauge should be placed in a shaded. Additionally, grassy area about eye-level height off the ground, and out of direct rain or snowfall. Never place it near or above concrete, or other heat radiators. It means your bedroom window, too: warm air escaping from your house will throw off its readings.”
Weather Station Display
It’s also important to check the difficulty of the display you’re going to be using. Like with every other installation, you have got to make sure you will be able to understand it and use it correctly. Some of the advanced weather stations show complicated meteorology specifications and inner workings of the weather. If you’re not an experienced, passionate meteorological enthusiast, such displays may only confuse you.
It might be best to look for simple weather stations, from which you can read the basic features listed above, like temperature, wind speed, humidity, etc.
When it comes to the display, you should consider if you prefer a tablet or an LCD screen. The first one is easier to use and simply more fun. Remember that the quality of the display also depends on the wireless device.
The Bottom Line
Buying a home weather station is an excellent investment that will always keep you one step ahead of any changes in the elements. Once you have it, you will be provided with real-time data measured from your own backyard. Constant updates will keep you and your family prepared for any kind of meteorology danger.
Moreover, it will also be easier for you to maintain your smart house – intense wind, rain, storms can cause massive damage to your property, do not let the weather surprise you anymore. Last but not least, staying prepared for changing weather will keep your health in check, so say no more to taking immunity-boosting drugs after getting soaking wet!
