PERSONAL WEATHER STATIONS: Queries and Advice

Roycropper63 · 29-11-2016 9:27pm

Hi folks.

Have 2 questions that some one might help with. Have a sempre weather station bought in aldi / lidl a few years back and it just stopped working. New batteries made no difference,. Can't see any reset on it..any ideas?

Bought an Oregon basic one and I have the outside temp sensor in a concrete shed like the old one..any suggestions on how to keep it outside and dry? Do most people put it in a plastic tub? Thanks

Meteorite58 · 30-11-2016 7:10pm

Have included pictures of my homemade Stephenson's screen with temp sensor and cheapo manual thermometer - still saving up for the proper Max / Min Thermometer

( can get plans and ideas from looking around the net). Preferably you need your temp sensor in a well ventilated shade. At least a box like structure with holes or slits in it and it is recommended to position it 1.2m to 2m above ground level ( placed above a well maintained grass area and away from concrete buildings and footpaths and preferably not in a sheltered area so as not to unduly influence the temp. Good idea to keep the box like structure painted white.

FO4xb33.jpg?1

Phoenix3 · 01-12-2016 6:17pm

Lidl have a weather station on 12th Dec for 49.99 euro/If you search you will find a result for The Mirror newspaper who showed it in an article on Christmas gifts.
It includes a wind vane and rainfall gauge.
I would be interested in comments on it.

joujoujou · 05-12-2016 2:21pm

I have earlier version of it. Clone actually, different brand printed on it, without rain gauge.

Bought it on ebay.

Transmitter unit (that's the one with wind gauges) died after 2 weeks of use. Got another one (seller agreed to sell me one 50% off) and that one works until now, almost nine years.

Bear in mind that all the screws must be changed to stainless ones (very cheap on ebay alright) immediately, otherwise you wouldn't be able to access battery compartment after a couple of weeks - factory given screws are pure crap, will rust extremely quickly.

ronn · 19-12-2016 3:19pm

Anyone get the lidl weather station, how are they getting on with it, would anyone recommend it,

joujoujou · 19-12-2016 4:05pm

Hardly available now. A few lidls around me I checked today all out of stock.

Anyway, as expected (cos I got one) it works with my previously installed (see above) wind gauge.

And, surprisingly, it looks like all the screws are now stainless!

Bad one - this one cannot synchronize with DCF77, despite my very efforts. All other stations I own have no problems with time sync at all. Won't return it though, for 50 quid it's a bargain.

ronn · 23-12-2016 10:42am

joujoujou wrote: »

Hardly available now. A few lidls around me I checked today all out of stock.

got one today in lidl in Moore st, there's 7 of them left,

corsav6 · 27-12-2016 3:19pm

ronn wrote: »

Anyone get the lidl weather station, how are they getting on with it, would anyone recommend it,

I got one as an Xmas present, all up and running now. Simple setup and installation.
Stats seem accurate, pressure and humidity are the same as our local ME station.
According to the specs the max windspeed it can record is 108km which is very low for my location. We're on the Atlantic coast so would really need 180km plus readings for stormy weather.

From what I have read online it seems to be a rebranded Ventus W155 weather station which gets mixed reviews.

ronn · 27-12-2016 11:12pm

I'm struggling to find a spot to put my weather vane,
My house faces south towards mountains, I'm hoping to put it up on my facia,

billy the squid · 08-01-2017 8:33pm

Hello all

Am hoping someone might have the answer to my problem

I got this weather station from lidl (see attachment) as a birthday present at halloween. My problem is with the humidity reading on the outdoor sensor. It is saying the humidity is 20 percent when it should be 80 or 90.

It worked fine until around christmas.

Just wondering has anyone else had this problem

billy the squid · 08-01-2017 8:35pm

Dont think file attached. Here it is to be sure

Lumi · 09-01-2017 8:21am

billy the squid wrote: »

Dont think file attached. Here it is to be sure

The outdoor sensor may have developed a fault because your temp reading also looks off.
Try taking the batteries out for a min and replacing them.
Try new batteries
Check for any debris/insects

Let us know how you get on.

Macy0161 · 13-01-2017 9:36am

Found my old N96GY Maplin station that had to be moved due to some work on the land. Been sat, under cover, but exposed to insects for a year or so. What issues could I be look at/ where should I be paying attention too?

Any linux software I can hook it up too? Have an old PC that I installed linux on and is now gathering dust in much the same way as the weather station!

billy the squid · 16-01-2017 11:26pm

Lumi wrote: »

The outdoor sensor may have developed a fault because your temp reading also looks off.
Try taking the batteries out for a min and replacing them.
Try new batteries
Check for any debris/insects

Let us know how you get on.

Outdoor temp is off as i took it inside to see if drying it out might help. I suspected water might have gotten into it.

Lumi · 16-01-2017 11:40pm

billy the squid wrote: »

Outdoor temp is off as i took it inside to see if drying it out might help. I suspected water might have gotten into it.

Ok - if you have a look about half way down the first page on this thread http://sandaysoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=8823&sid=ae17da7dd6ffe57dde8b112d3901e18c there are instructions on how to prise the sensor case open and check for/ repair water damage
If that fails you'll have to order a replacement sensor from Maplin.

youcancallmeal · 05-10-2017 4:06pm

Anyone got any recommendations for a cheap and cheerful weather station?
I'm considering this https://www.gearbest.com/home-smart-improvements/pp_694866.html

joujoujou · 05-10-2017 10:58pm

Don't.

Same station Lidl was selling recently, got 2 of them. Outdoor sensors loose connection after couple of days, even if located centimetres away from main unit. To reconnect, station must be reset (batteries out and in, time, date etc. set up again). Display is unreadable when not lit,and light stays on only when unit is permanently plugged in to mains.

31-10-2017 6:34pm

I bought this weather station just over a year ago, it has worked quite well except that it loses its time settings if the power is interrupted and defaults to GMT/UTC.

It is a generic Chinese model so the picture is of the Ambient weather version.

Recently I noticed that the minimum temperature reading seemed a bit high and when checking found it to be at least 4C higher than it should be. On warm days, it appeared to be nearly correct.

Eventually I decided to check the sensor.

I found that there was a 10k thermister and the leads to it were rusty, so on Ebay I found these

Actually, they're the size of matchheads.

Swapped out the one in the sensor unit and now the weather station is reading accurately again.

Hope some people find this info useful, it's the difference in €200+ for a replacement unit or less than €10 replacing a thermister.

KAGY · 04-11-2017 9:47am

Macy0161 wrote: »

Any linux software I can hook it up too? Have an old PC that I installed linux on and is now gathering dust in much the same way as the weather station!

I know I'm nearly a year too late, but if it's still sitting there waiting you could try weewx (weewx.com)
A full PC might be a bit of an over kill.
I'm using it here running on a raspberry pi http://weather.whitehillenv.com/

Macy0161 · 04-11-2017 10:19am

No, both PC and weather station still gathering dust, but this might be the nudge I need!

giveitholly · 26-12-2017 1:43pm

Quick question,Santa brought me a weather station,how far off the ground should I set it up to get best results?

26-12-2017 1:51pm

giveitholly wrote: »

Quick question,Santa brought me a weather station,how far off the ground should I set it up to get best results?

For temperature and rainfall sensors, about 1 metre or so, just be sure to be clear of local shading and concrete/tarmac (if possible) ad these can affect temperature accuracy.
Wind sensor, as high as possible and clear of obstructions.

Here are the recommendations from wunderground

giveitholly · 26-12-2017 2:44pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

For temperature and rainfall sensors, about 1 metre or so, just be sure to be clear of local shading and concrete/tarmac (if possible) ad these can affect temperature accuracy.
Wind sensor, as high as possible and clear of obstructions.

Here are the recommendations from wunderground

Cheers thanks

sdanseo · 14-01-2018 5:07pm

Just realised I replied to the wrong thread. Replying here instead.

Thinking about one of these lately.

Anyone got any experience mounting on your typical 3-bed Semi? No real unsheltered part of the garden - lots of trees - so it would probably need to go on the chimney?

joujoujou · 15-01-2018 12:53am

I'd recommend 2 metres or higher than top of a chimney, but temperature readings could be affected anyway, especially when chimney's in use.

JCX BXC · 15-01-2018 1:30am

Anyone ever have battery issues on the Davis Vantage Vue transmitter?

Oneiric 3 · 15-01-2018 2:15am

JCX BXC wrote: »

Pity my not old Davis has given up.

Any idea what might be wrong with it? Mine packed in Feb last year, but got talking to a guy from 'Scaled Instruments'. He was able to identity the problem immediately. (a part of the transmitter went).

Robxxx7 · 15-01-2018 9:21am

JCX BXC wrote: »

Anyone ever have battery issues on the Davis Vantage Vue transmitter?

Changed my battery about 6 months ago after about 3 years use ... all been fine for me.

JCX BXC · 15-01-2018 9:23am

Robxxx7 wrote: »

Changed my battery about 6 months ago after about 3 years use ... all been fine for me.

Changed mine on Wednesday after a years use, died again Saturday.

JCX BXC · 15-01-2018 9:24am

Oneiric 3 wrote: »

Any idea what might be wrong with it? Mine packed in Feb last year, but got talking to a guy from 'Scaled Instruments'. He was able to identity the problem immediately. (a part of the transmitter went).

It's battery issues for me, bought a new one Wednesday and it died on Saturday. Hopefully it's an easy fix.

Robxxx7 · 15-01-2018 9:34am

JCX BXC wrote: »

Changed mine on Wednesday after a years use, died again Saturday.

something obviously not right there .. did the low battery indicator disappear as it can take a few hours(or overnight) for the indicator to clear ..

Otherwise it could be an issue with the solar panel/supercap --where its not being used during the day and hence battery being used instead .. battery should only be used at night time really ..

JCX BXC · 15-01-2018 9:54am

Robxxx7 wrote: »

something obviously not right there .. did the low battery indicator disappear as it can take a few hours(or overnight) for the indicator to clear ..

Otherwise it could be an issue with the solar panel/supercap --where its not being used during the day and hence battery being used instead .. battery should only be used at night time really ..

I had read about the low battery indication, resets at midnight, which it did do once I replaced the battery. So was gone Thursday and Friday and back Saturday

However, both times temperature and humidity readings went way off, temperature went to exactly -67.8c both times and humidity to 100%. Completely dead now and not transmitting any data.

I fear it is an issue with the solar panel/supercap, which doesn't seem easy to replace. It's outside the years warranty however consumer law should cover me.

Robxxx7 · 15-01-2018 10:06am

JCX BXC wrote: »

I had read about the low battery indication, resets at midnight, which it did do once I replaced the battery. So was gone Thursday and Friday and back Saturday

However, both times temperature and humidity readings went way off, temperature went to exactly -67.8c both times and humidity to 100%. Completely dead now and not transmitting any data.

I fear it is an issue with the solar panel/supercap, which doesn't seem easy to replace. It's outside the years warranty however consumer law should cover me.

Does sound like the solar/supercap could be at issue ..hopefully you can get it fixed .. be interesting to hear the outcome once its repaired or replaced

garroff · 15-01-2018 1:32pm

I have same problem. If sun is shining all indications work fine. No sun.....no
external temp etc.
I have to change battery every 2 weeks.
Solar charger on front does not look good. Probably cost a leg and an arm to replace.
Anyone do a replacement and how much did it cost.?

joujoujou · 15-01-2018 3:11pm

Officially no solar panel is listed on ebay nor Davis websites. But seeing prices of other spare parts I would rather make a sort of PSU unit for remote sensor cluster and solder wires to battery terminals in it.

JCX BXC · 15-01-2018 3:45pm

The vantage Vue is all encompassed in one unit making it awkward to service it.

Oneiric 3 · 15-01-2018 5:20pm

garroff wrote: »

I have same problem. If sun is shining all indications work fine. No sun.....no
external temp etc.
I have to change battery every 2 weeks.
Solar charger on front does not look good. Probably cost a leg and an arm to replace.
Anyone do a replacement and how much did it cost.?

Exactly the same problem I had last year. Like yourself and JCX, the battery died after a few days, and eventually the ISS died altogether.

I got in contact with Ryan Wilhour from Scaled Instruments:

https://www.scaledinstruments.com/

and within a few hours he identified the problem, it was the 'SuperCap' as RKK suggested above.

https://www.scaledinstruments.com/product/davis-7370-093-pro2-super-capacitor-supercap/

Pretty cheap, but given that my Davis (Pro 2) is over 10 years old, I just went ahead and purchased a new ISS transmitter:

https://www.scaledinstruments.com/product/davis-7345-976-pcba-for-pro2-wireless-iss-or-iss-plus-us/

and temp/humidity thermometer, which were far cheaper than what I would have got them on either the Davis site or any other 3rd party sites.

I don't know about the Vantage Vue as it does look like a more complex machine, but send Ryan an email (address at bottom of his webpage) and he will advise and point you in the right direction. Very helpful guy.

George Sunsnow · 17-01-2018 11:19am

I’ve a Davis vantage pro 2
In the last year I’ve had to replace the main transmitter board at a cost of €230

I’ve had 2 rain buckets in 12 years and Ive had the battery problems mentioned

This morning the temp and humidity sensor has died
It’s the most practical and useful part of the unit

To replace that is closer to €300

I will not be doing that
I’ll either use this as an opportunity to try the Davis clone an Oregon Scientific wmr 300
It’s on offer in places at €338
It looks good but poor support reviews
Tbh Ive never had to call Davis support
So Id be delighted to try it

Another option is this including a webcam and seems very good value but Ive never heard of it
I’ll do some research and have also asked the weathershop people for more info

https://www.weathershop.co.uk/bloomsky-weather-stations/

I’ve been dealing with them for 15 years

George Sunsnow · 17-01-2018 11:24am

Oneiric 3 wrote: »

Exactly the same problem I had last year. Like yourself and JCX, the battery died after a few days, and eventually the ISS died altogether.

I got in contact with Ryan Wilhour from Scaled Instruments:

https://www.scaledinstruments.com/

and within a few hours he identified the problem, it was the 'SuperCap' as RKK suggested above.

https://www.scaledinstruments.com/product/davis-7370-093-pro2-super-capacitor-supercap/

Pretty cheap, but given that my Davis (Pro 2) is over 10 years old, I just went ahead and purchased a new ISS transmitter:

https://www.scaledinstruments.com/product/davis-7345-976-pcba-for-pro2-wireless-iss-or-iss-plus-us/

and temp/humidity thermometer, which were far cheaper than what I would have got them on either the Davis site or any other 3rd party sites.

I don't know about the Vantage Vue as it does look like a more complex machine, but send Ryan an email (address at bottom of his webpage) and he will advise and point you in the right direction. Very helpful guy.

How did you get those in from the states without vat?
They are much more expensive here
I’m vat registered so can buy minus the UK’s 20% vat

Villain · 17-01-2018 11:41am

George Sunsnow wrote: »

This morning the temp and humidity sensor has died
It’s the most practical and useful part of the unit
To replace that is closer to €300

I've replaced that before, no where near that cost though e.g. http://www.weatherspares.co.uk/davis-vantage-pro2-iss-digital-temperature--humidity-sensor-sht31-413-p.asp or http://www.ebay.ie/itm/DAVIS-VANTAGE-PRO-2-HUMIDITY-TEMPERATURE-SENSOR-7346-SPARE-PARTS-WEATHER-STATION/282027222172?hash=item41aa21e49c:g:X3gAAOSwtJZXWB3z

George Sunsnow · 17-01-2018 11:44am

Villain wrote: »

I've replaced that before, no where near that cost though e.g. http://www.weatherspares.co.uk/davis-vantage-pro2-iss-digital-temperature--humidity-sensor-sht31-413-p.asp or http://www.ebay.ie/itm/DAVIS-VANTAGE-PRO-2-HUMIDITY-TEMPERATURE-SENSOR-7346-SPARE-PARTS-WEATHER-STATION/282027222172?hash=item41aa21e49c:g:X3gAAOSwtJZXWB3z

Ah cool thanks
The unit I googled included the housing etc not just the circuit
I presume that circuit pulls out of the board like a tiny plug and in likewise

Villain · 17-01-2018 11:49am

George Sunsnow wrote: »

Ah cool thanks
The unit I googled included the housing etc not just the circuit
I presume that circuit pulls out of the board like a tiny plug and in likewise

Yep very easy to change, I have had two fail on me!

George Sunsnow · 17-01-2018 12:01pm

Owning weather station
Expensive business !

onmebike · 18-01-2018 12:27pm

I have a WH1090 weather station and my anemometer has gone bust. It's totally seized.

Does anybody know how generic these parts are? Here's what my weather station looks like:

It's not a Maplin product, but Maplin have a spare parts page for their own devices and have something that looks somewhat similar.
https://www.maplin.ie/p/maplin-replacement-wind-speed-sensor-for-n96fy-n82nf

The thing is, I don't know how generic/similar these devices tend to be.

joujoujou · 18-01-2018 3:13pm

Welcome to the club - mine seized last month.

Maplin's anemometer looks 100% identical and current price's real bargain! Even if it's not identical inside, you would swap internals without hassle - all you'd need is PH1 screwdriver.

Edit: I'm pretty sure N96GY accessories would fit directly.

KAGY · 23-01-2018 10:04pm

If you use aliexpress I got a replacement on this store

http://s.aliexpress.com/6VJVna67
I replaced the wind direction for 11
Shipping is another 5 I think. Looks identical

Edit: Maplin look cheaper, but mostly out of stock, I think they were too when I checked in Dec

garroff · 24-01-2018 12:50pm

In the post this morning...Davis Vantage Pro front solar charging unit + the box that holds this unit+ 2 capacitors.
Total cost $70 , including standard postage from Scaled Instruments USA.

George Sunsnow · 31-01-2018 10:16pm

Got a new OS Wmr 300
Up and running and tweeting
It’s side by side currently with the Davis so as to compare
So far they’re matching exactly
They even look alike

Wind vain needs leveling which needs someone holding a ladder so won’t be done tonight for health and safety reasons

That means gusts are throwing the vain around giving Alice in wonder land wind directions
Very exposed to the east , northeast south southeast southwest and west
Less so northwest and sheltered north
Compromises

Anyhow you can follow if you’d like
Set every 30 mins and maybe 15 during significant weather

https://twitter.com/arklowweather/status/958810287779479554

JCX BXC · 04-02-2018 11:04pm

Weather station seems to have come back to life with all the sun over the past few days, no backup battery in it though as it's completely dead and I'm fairly sure there's a supercap issue so I've no intention of putting one in until I get to Davis.

Davis support has been underwhelming so far, got an email reply after a week informing me that I have to ring them to organise a repair, they don't have an Irish number, but have a British and American number. Tried to call the British number, but they're only open 8am-4:30pm MON-THURS and 8am-1:30 on Friday, so they're fairly hard to find time to call. I'll ring when I get a chance.

Working for the moment anyway, while there's relatively sunny conditions.

George Sunsnow · 04-02-2018 11:27pm

Is it a vue?
Just a battery issue?

PERSONAL WEATHER STATIONS: Queries and Advice

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