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Ambient Weather Weather Station-Complete Review of the WS-1002 Observer

Ambient Weather Weather Station

Consider An Ambient Weather Weather Station

An Ambient Weather weather station is my review of the Ambient Weather WS-1002 Observer. This professional-level weather station is highly touted by many of the owners.

However, there are its detractors as well. I go through and give you a list of pros and cons for this Wi-Fi color home weather station.

I did find that, if you are keenly psyched by the weather this is Your Weather Equipment. You may have a hard time walking away from all of its options.

After a thorough look over, this is definitely a must-be-considered choice for a serious weather station for you.

Ambient Weather Weather Station

Description

The Ambient Weather WS-1002 Observer is the updated version of the WS-1001 Observer. One main thing has been changed. It has to do with the power source for the remote sensor array. I will discuss this in the pros and cons lists.

As I look at other ambient weather station reviews this one Ambient Weather weather station fits well for other reasons.

These reasons should be brought out into the light. Two things that are really inspiring to the avid weather fan are the

  1. the amount of data that is provided
  2. the ability to store, assemble and put together reports of historical significance

These reports over time could become very interesting and valuable for studying your local weather.

Features Including Instrument Sensors

The observer is accurate, precise, and affordably priced; it transmits 915mhz from the outdoor sensor array and indoor temperature sensor
The display console sends and receives internet data using Wi-Fi connectivity

The observer transmits outdoor temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, UV, and solar radiation from the all-in-one sensor array. All in one present the following set of weather instruments to you, for your study.

  • Wind direction vane
  • Wind speed cups (an anemometer)
  • Solar collector to run the sensors
  • Battery compartment for batteries for nighttime operation
  • Thermo-hygrometer with a solar radiation shield
  • UV sensor
  • Solar radiation sensor
  • Rain collecting gauge (self-emptying)
  • Wireless indoor thermo-hygrometer-barometer sensor
  • Bubble level to use to help level out the installation of the remote sensor array.

The observer also transmits indoor temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure from the indoor temperature array
The dew point and rainfall rate and a graph provide detailed trends for barometer, temperature, and humidity from your outside sensors and your instrument’s location.

Display

Ambient Weather Wi-Fi Weather Station

The display console facing the Ambient Weather WS-1002 looks like this. The display features a screen that displays historical archive data in the upper left-hand corner in the form of a graph.

The graph shows the following information. The graph shows the barometer, the temperature, and/or the humidity too.

Also, other key sections of information are presented on the colored console screen.

The numerous sections, present themselves to you as I describe them next.

Clockwise, next, you will see shown the wind direction and wind speed, then also along the top of the screen is the home to a current wind gust speed reading and the current wind speed.

Further down the right side of the console screen, you will find the inside humidity, the outside humidity, as well as the current outside dewpoint would be listed.

Then the calendar event readings, such as day of the week, month and date, and current year are in the lower right-hand corner.

Then, along the bottom, in a clockwise fashion, you will find the rest of how the console screen looks when observed by you.

You will have the current rainfall amount that has happened. Then it will also be listed in a “rain rate of inches per hour”. The current 24-hour rainfall total is listed as well.

Across the bottom towards the left-hand corner, you will find the current barometric pressure in HG.

Below that you will have the daily sunrise time, the moon phase for the day, and then the sunset time of that day as well.

Types of Transmission

So here is a shortlist of the pieces of transmission that are completed daily by the Ambient WS-1002 Observer

  • The weather station console connects via Wi-Fi to the router/internet
  • Sensor Array transmits with RF (Radio Frequency)at 915 MHz, to the display console inside the house
  • Wireless transmission from the remote sensor array to the color display console. Transmission is recommended up to 300 feet of unobstructed transmitting
  • The thermo-hygrometer-transmitter transmits directly to the console. Never set it up outside. The other big thing, is you need to set it up inside at anywhere from 5 feet to 20 feet away from the console for best results.

Dimensions

  • Home display console measures 7.75″ in length x 5.75″ in width x 0.75″ is the height
  • The LCD screen (the liquid-crystal display)for the console is measured at 6.25″ in length x 3.5” wide
  • Wireless indoor thermo-hygrometer-barometer sensor measures 2.5″ in height x 3.5″ in width x 1″ in depth
  • Sensor with Array of Ambient Weather Instruments for outdoors measures 12″ in length x 6″ in width X 14″ in height

Help In the Mounting

When thinking of mounting the Ambient Weather weather station, you will need to know about the pole diameters.

What is the inner diameter (it’s 1-1/4″) and outer diameter (it’s 1-3/8″) of the end that is supposed to connect to a pole? With these dimensions you will be able to connect, to set up your ambient weather mounting.

WS-1002 Observer Mounting Pole PiecesPlease remember that included in the Ambient Weather weather station package are two pieces that will help get the mounting set up for you.

A good idea for a perfect great weather station mount is using the Ambient Weather WeatherMount Weather Station Mount found on Amazon.com.

How Is It Powered

  • Indoor remote sensor: 2 “AAA” batteries
  • Outdoor sensor array: 3 “AA” Lithium or alkaline batteries.
  • The display console which is the heart and soul base of operations is powered by using the supplied 5-volt DC power supply cord. This power cord is approximately 6.5 feet in length

Batteries are not included for any of the necessary powering.

The very important thing to note here. Many people when looking at this weather station assume that the solar panel on the remote sensor array is charging up rechargeable batteries. That is not the case at all. The unit must be powered by batteries.

The batteries it takes are “AA batteries. For outside use, I always recommend Lithium batteries. They last much longer for outside use than regular alkaline batteries do.

The solar panel (when working) is basically powering the sensor array, but when there is no solar energy (like at night time) then the batteries are then powering the sensors.

Ambient Weather Software

The Ambient Weather software provides skill areas, which an Ambient Weather personal weather station owner can use to their advantage.

I am talking about the ability to get real-time, and past weather information generated by the devices the owner of the Ambient Weather WS-1002 Observer has set up on their property.

You are also able to hook up with the following apps or helpmates.

  • Wunderstation Ipad App
  • The Google Assistant program
  • Compatible with Alexa-“Alexa voice command system” using the Echo Dot

You can use the WunderStation iPad app certainly adds another dynamic but it is definitely an option.

However, You can set this up to work in conjunction with both the Google Assistant and Alexa using the Echo Dot Assistant from Amazon

So it works with Google Assistant too.

Link your account to get started: say “Hey Google, Ambient Weather” a weather report is needed.” It is also compatible with Alexa. Enable the skill and get started: say “Alexa, ask Ambient Weather for a weather report.”

This will provide you with your outdoor weather report, but you can ask for your indoor weather report as well by saying, “Alexa, ask Ambient Weather about the indoor conditions”.

Manufacturer Support

For full customer support for the Ambient Weather WS-1002

Ambient Weather may be contacted by either email or by telephone.

  • Call them at 480-346-3380 Monday-Friday 8-3 pm EST MST
  • Email them support@AmbientWeather.com

Pros

  • The WS-1002 has been improved over the Ambient Ws-1001 and what it represented in the weather instrument power source for the remote sensor array. Now in the WS-1002, the solar panel powers the sensor pack when there is solar power being generated. At night or when the solar power panel is not generating enough power, the “AA” batteries take over the job of powering the sensors.
  • You will have access to all data sent to Weather Underground. It may be uploaded in .csv files for storage on your home computer
  • Supports both Fahrenheit and Celsius measurements. Also supports all of the imperial (things are measured in feet, inches, and pounds) and metric measurements
  • NIST time synchronization you will have the correct time. Daylight Savings time updates are done automatically
  • you will be publishing real-time data to Wunderground.com 24 hours a day. It’s “Free” to do this
  • The rain gauge has a very large cup for rain gathering and direct flow in the actual rain gauge below. Because it is a small hole that allows the water through it, almost all any kind of debris cannot enter the rain gauge, thus the rain gauge will not get plugged up with debris.
  • You have the ability to set up then IFTTT type of mobile app inter-connectivity. The If It’s This The Its That apps.

    This simply explains what and why you may be interested in IFTTT. The main IFTTT service is for automatic actions-things that you want to happen every time certain conditions are met without you needing to do anything

Cons For Purchasing the Ambient WS-1002 Observer

  • There isn’t an alarm clock function. Only alert-type functions are all-weather instrument related
  • It doesn’t track lightning activity
  • Large hail storms produce large hailstones that will damage the anemometers probably beyond use because they are made from plastic. So in severe weather conditions, you may experience some equipment failures
  • No current mobile phone app to tie into this live data. The system is only set up to directly communicate with Weather Underground.
  • Unable to set up push notifications to communicate alerts being set off
  • Not a good idea to use in a saltwater/ocean type environment, maybe not use at a beach house
  • You are unable to add other sensors to it, for other locations to be monitored

Summing It All Up

WS-1002-WIFI OBSERVER Ambient Weather WS-1002-WIFI OBSERVER Solar Powered Wireless Weather StationAmbient Weather WS-1002-WIFI OBSERVER Solar Powered Wireless Weather Station

So if you have read all the way through the review, you will either see yourself owning this ambient weather observer weather station or you have decided against it, you now have an opinion.

Now, you may very well be supercharged up by the simple thought of getting your hands on one of these, or you fold up camp with absolutely no interest in pursuing this Ambient Weather weather station.

Either way, you will be making the correct decision for yourself. I look at my job, is to do your research for you and produce points that help you easily decide

This is a serious investment in both times to look after, assemble all the weather data, etc. You will be probably investing at least more than $250 in your purchase as well.

so take your time, read all of the information, and if you decide to purchase, this could be a very good investment in your personal weather education development.

I give this a rating of 4.1 on a 1-5 scale. The weather sensor array is well received by thousands of owners, and the display console and all of its features will bring you much closer to being a professional weather watcher.

A Guide For Purchasing a Wireless Home Weather Station-Top 10 Problems

Wireless Home Weather Station

Making a Decision on a Wireless Home Weather Station

Back before my personal first purchase of a wireless home weather station, I realized I didn’t know that much about a personal residential weather station.

So I Started With What I Did Know at That Time

  • I knew what a storm front was
  • I knew what a high-pressure system was
  • I knew what a low-pressure system was
  • I was sure that I wanted to buy a wireless home weather station because they looked so neat! Just all the benefits that were presented to me, were really cool.
  • I knew that I liked it when the weather changed, and I liked to keep track of weather forecasts

So with this keen interest in weather, I started my research into a personal residential weather station.

I could have a wireless home weather station at my personal home. This was a starting point for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed checking out all of the bells and whistles that were built into many great selections from industry brands such as La Crosse Scientific Technologies, AcuRite, Davis Instruments, Oregon Scientific Instruments, and Ambient to name a quick handful.

Features of a Weather Station That Caught My Eye

So as I continued with my searching, I saw very clearly that there were definitely features of a wireless home weather station, that all brands were offering.

Wireless Home Weather Station

With this in mind, I started zeroing in on a few of these features that so intrigued me.

Here’s a Short List of My Top 5 Features of a Home Weather Station

  1. The weather station I liked needs an Anemometer
  2. I really liked the colored screen on the display console
  3. I was wiped away by the future weather forecasts that are calculated for you. Most wireless home weather stations provide a 12-hour forecast
  4. I knew for sure that my personal weather station must be wireless for transmission and that if it could use Wi-Fi to use an app that would be even sweeter
  5. I love rain gauges. So I knew a rain gauge was a must-have for me

My searching lasted a while, and during my searches, I became much more comfortable and knowledgeable in understanding what I was looking at.

Over the last 2 years, I have become much more educated and can with ease share with you, how to best look at purchasing a residential weather station.

So without further adieu here’s my Top 10 list of what to look for.

My Top 10 Things To Be Aware Of When Purchasing a Wireless Home Weather Station

In my experiences with buying a color home weather station I have learned quite a bit about the good things, and some of the limitations with picking a good station for myself.

Here is my list of the top 10 things you need to know about buying a weather station. These are not in any order of importance.

You will need to make up your own decision on where your own priorities lie on these items.

    1. The Display screen on your home console is a point where people have varied opinions on what they like. I found out that there really are two options that the bottom line really is important to the buyer. They are is the screen a real color screen? Or is it a black and white screen? Well actually I have found that the screen really isn’t black and white but rather a grey color. La Crosse Weather Station Display ConsoleWhen the backlight is on they are usually an amber color. Many customers prefer colored screens. The screen is really multi-colored, not a colored facing and it only makes the screen look colored. These types of screens, when viewed from the side or at any angles do not look colored at all. They only work when looked at straight on.
    2. The Accuracy of the Sensor Readings is Very Important

Some of the more inexpensive weather stations, sometimes do not have as great a range, nor do they present a long-range accuracy picture for you.

They don’t last very long. The accuracy can get tilted and inaccurate. The range of accuracy is usually supplied by the manufacturer.

Make sure you read customer reviews to see if people have had problems with the sensors remaining accurate over a period of time.

    1. The Backlight and Brightness on the Display Console Early on in my initial research phases, I was quick to realize that the backlight on the display console is a really big deal for most people. The problems apparently are outlined as follows. Most of these units have a power supply cord. Electrically powered. Most are backed up with battery power. The reason for this is that if the display is only powered by batteries, the backlight will only appear if a button is pushed. Then the screen will light up for only 10 seconds. So this allows you to read the screen, but only very quickly. With it being this way (with only battery power) the batteries will not last very long. If the backlight was on all the time the batteries would discharge quickly. So you will need to consider what way matters to you. The other thing is screen brightness. Most units have a very bright, mid-range brightness and dim setting. You may set which works best for you. Some people sleep in the room where their weather station console is set up, so brightness bothers them. Maybe the display may be set up where this brightness will not affect sleep for someone. All the models may be a little different, so be aware.
    2. Anemometers-the Material That They Are Built With and the Cup Size Conversion for Accurate Wind Speed
      As one of the biggies for weather sensors, I thought that having wind speed provided was very important to me.

I also felt that I would like an accurate wind sensor so that I have accurate wind speeds given to me.

I found out that not all anemometers are created equal. Some companies appear to give you a more accurate anemometer than some other ones.

The materials used would be plastic and metal. Each type of material may give you a very different accuracy range.

I checked the wind speed accuracy out closely, making sure I purchased a home weather station with a good anemometer.

    1. The Actual Physical Size-Do I have Room For this read very carefully the dimensions of the following three things. Number one is how small or large is the display console? Where am I going to keep this? Does it work well with my room? Second, I need to know the actual size of the sensor unit, or the two sensor units. This makes it easier, to effectively mount for the best instrument readings from the weather sensors. Will I have room to wall mount the console or will I need to find a location where I can set it on the surface? I usually set mine up like a picture, standing up, and then I can angle it to get the best clarity for reading it. Third, where and how would I be able to actually mount this sensor suite or the group of sensors that were included with my residential weather station purchase. This does matter in the sense of I decided I wanted the best weather measurements possible. After a site survey, I would need to decide exactly where I could get the best possible readings from my equipment. I decided on a mounting pole, that I would need to mount my weather station from La Crosse.
    2. Data Logging and Storage of Readings History

Another thing that I needed to learn about was how to store the data that the sensors are providing. I needed to figure out how each unit could store history.

And I guess I needed to answer this and if this was even important to me to have that ability. Some weather stations require extra purchases to actually connect as a bridge to your computer for data storage.

Please see the articles below that write about adding data logging, or connecting tools you can use with some weather stations.

Two such weather stations would be the AcuRite 01512 Pro Color Weather Station
and another station I reviewed was the
Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue Wireless Weather Station

You can read these two reviews, to get an idea of what extra purchases would entail for a price, and you can read about them and what they will do for you.

In answer to this question, there are many different ways that the weather stations will have the ability to communicate with your personal computer.

    1. Does It Have An Atomic Clock or Not

The atomic clock appears to be a big point for people. I would say you need to make sure that it has an atomic clock ability.

The reason for this is that the entire calendar function, you know the Time, Date, Year part of your console readings needs to be set with the world computer set time. Also many have automatic time changes that happen twice a year included.

This will ensure that it is always accurate, plus when the time changes in March and in October, then you are covered. Hassle-Free for you!

    1. Snow Collects in the Rain Gauge Collection Tray

With many weather station owners living colder climate winters it has become increasingly more important than the rain gauge has a good track record on rain/precipitation collection and disposal.

This is very important to keep an accurate recording of rain, snow amounts properly. Any number of things can clog up the collection tray.

Things like, bird poop, flying seeds from local shedding trees, and then maybe also, leaves in the autumn getting stuck in the tray. This would cause it not to work anymore.

Please be aware of you need to keep the rain gauge free from debris, it can become a functioning problem, for the home weather station owner.

    1. How Well Does The Forecaster Program Perform

Many of the weather stations today are offering forecasts that are updated continuously by your weather station.

AcuRite 01512Pro Color Weather Station

The forecasts are calculated by using your local home weather station’s sensor readings to figure out a weather trending pattern for you.

“Fairweather is on the way”, or “It’s going to be raining”.

So you can have your very own weather forecast by looking at your display console and reading the forecaster display section.

These forecasts often use attractive colored weather icons

Forecast Weather Icons
Forecast Weather Icons

to present you with what it thinks you will be experiencing in the next 12 hours.

Basically a local weather forecast for your location.

But how accurate is the forecast program? Many people are very happy with their results however, some people find this offering to be somewhat lacking according to their standards.

These local forecasters use some very colorful icons to highlight the upcoming weather conditions for your locality.

Most of these forecasters use the basic rising and lower barometric pressure, plus wind and temperature changes to give you what should be your 12-18 hour future weather conditions.

This is in a general sense obviously.

Be diligent in your research on the forecaster program you are looking at.

All three main manufactured choices for a home weather station offer the forecaster on their models. AcuRite, La Crosse, and Davis Instruments offer forecasters.

  1. How Well Does the Aspirating Fan Work

Checking out a weather station for the home can bring you another choice you may not be aware of. Many of the 5-in-1 sensor suites offer an aspirating fan with the sensor unit.

This fan is run by solar power and will be telling you it will be keeping the temperature reading at a realistic and accurate temperature reading.

You see, heat will build up in the sensor suite and cause the readings to trend towards reporting to you a false reading.

Not to your surprise, your outdoor temperature readings will transmit to you at inflated readings. Some aspirator fans reportedly work really well. Others, well maybe not?

You will need to decide on your own research, considering this matter.

My Summation on Buying a Residential Weather Station

I believe you can see, that buying a station from the many choices that many companies offer, can be a challenge.

I am sure if you read some of my reviews you will soon start understanding what all of these personal stations have to offer you.

Many of the home weather stations are very similar. Sometimes there are only one or two differences from another offered model.

Weather Interest George Loves Weather

You need to decide for yourself the following things. From this list, if you use the list, you will be successful in tracking down the best choice for you today.

  • You need to decide which company you trust the most for quality and performance
  • You need to figure out a price range you are comfortable with spending at this time
  • you will need to decide where your interest level is right now. I put together a little, simple info-graphic to help you decide where you are.

After you decide on these three things you can easily decide which personal weather station you are most comfortable with at this date.

Good Luck with your research, I sincerely hope that this article may help you out in purchasing your very own home weather station.

Read More About Buying Your Own Weather Station-View Related Posts Below

AcuRite Reviews
These are the detailed reviews of some of the best sellers from the AcuRite people.
La Crosse Reviews
If you are a new fan of weather, La Crosse weather stations would make a great entry place for you

Ambient Weather WS-1201-IP Observer-We Take a Close Look

Ambient Weather WS-1201-IP Observer Reviewed-A Close Look

After looking closer, the best thing about the Ambient Weather WP-1201-IP Observer is the things that it can connect to.

In the world we live in today, being connected is very important to many people for many reasons.

So what I’m saying is you are supplied with ongoing weather stats like current temps, current wind speeds, current barometer readings, current wind direction, and the UV and solar radiation as well.

All of those from outdoors, then you will also get your indoor temperature, your barometric pressure, and relative humidity as transmitted to you from your indoor array.

Please see below our look at the display console and what it presents to you. A very attractive colored screen that brings to you a screen filled with interesting weather readings, that will keep you updated often throughout your day. I believe the remote updates the readings every 14 seconds to the console, as it always is monitoring and talking to your console.

Types of Instruments

This weather remote sensor is transmitted back to the weather console inside your home without having to deal with any wires. The transmission is totally wireless and is transmitted at 915 MHz RF.

Ambient Weather WS-1201-IP Observer

The instruments in the array remote sensor unit are the following, a weather anemometer, a temperature sensor, a barometer, and a rain gauge which is automatically self-emptying.

It also collects UV rays and solar strength through the solar charging panel on the sensor unit.

Display Console of the Observer

The remote sensor unit is updating your console with information from these sources. the provided instruments and sources of information are the wind vane, wind cups, the solar collector battery compartment, the LED transmitter indicator.

It also possesses a reset button Thermo-hygrometer with solar radiation shield UV sensor, Solar radiation sensor, Rain collector (self-emptying), and a bubble level used for installation purposes.

All of these are behind the scenes providing you with the following information on the screen in the comfort of your home.

What the Console Displays

It gives you a graph that provides detailed trends for barometer, temperature, and humidity

It gives you the minimum and maximum conditions with time and date stamps, historical archived data, the sunrise, sunset, and moon phase are also displayed to keep you informed daily on these happenings around you.

ambient-weather-ws-1200-ip-observer

Furthermore, on the lower-right side of the screen, you will see the temperatures presented as outside current, with relative humidity levels, the temp both indoor and outdoors.

Then at the bottom of this area is the dew point spelled out for you in percentage currently with the temperature at 99%.

Software

The sensor array updates every 14 seconds. The maximum wind speed (gust) and average wind speed are continuously sampled within the 14 second time period,

It connects easily with all of the following

Ambient Weather NetworkThe AmbientWeather.net service connects to IFTTT, the platform that allows devices and services to work together seamlessly for you in your home.Here are a few things you can do with IFTTT

  • Turn off your Rachio sprinklers when it rains, there is too much wind, or below freezing.
  • Close your Hunter blinds when the sun is too intense.
  • Close your garage door when it is too windy.
  • Blink your hue lights when it starts raining.
  • Connect to other web services, such as Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest

For more information on the IFTTT connection please go to IFTTT Ambient Weather.

The Ambient WS-1201-IP also will connect well with the following three services as well.

  • Google Assistant
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Weather Underground Network

 

Manufacturer Support

You may call them Monday-Friday 8 am to 3 pm Arizona timefor Returns and Exchanges call 1-480-346-3388

Or email to support@AmbientWeather.com

Also, they have an extensive contact us (for whatever) page which may be found by going here, Ambient Customer Care.

Dimensions of the Ambient Weather WS-1201-IP Observer

Display Console: Frame Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.75 x 5.75 x 0.75″ LCD Dimensions (LxW): 6.25 x 3.5″ Outside Sensor Array: Is approximately (HxLxW): 14 x 12 x 6″

How Powered

  • Base station: Input 5V DC; 110V-240 V 50-60 Hz wall charger included Power Consumption: 7.5 Watts
  • Indoor Remote sensor: Uses 2 AAA batteries
  • Outdoor sensor array: uses 3 AAA alkaline batteries

Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA Batteries, 8 CountEnergizer Ultimate Lithium AAA Batteries, 8 Count

Batteries that are needed are not included in the purchase. They will need to be purchased separately.

It is highly recommended to use Lithium batteries for the outside remote unit. Lithium batteries have a much longer shelf life than regular alkaline batteries. They will stay charged much longer in the very cold weather.

Specifications:

    • Indoor Temperature

Indoor Temperature Range: 32 to 140 °FIndoor Temperature Accuracy: ± 2 °FIndoor Temperature Resolution: 0.1 °F

  • Outdoor Temperature

Outdoor Temperature Range: -40 to 140 °F (with lithium e2 Energizer batteries)Outdoor Temperature Accuracy: ± 2 °FOutdoor Temperature Resolution: 0.1 °F

  • Indoor Humidity

Indoor Humidity Range: 10 to 99%Indoor Humidity Accuracy: ± 5%Indoor Humidity Resolution: 1 %

  • Outdoor Humidity

Outdoor Humidity Range: 10 to 99%Outdoor Humidity Accuracy: ± 5%Outdoor Humidity Resolution: 1 %

  • Barometric Pressure

Barometric Pressure Range: 8.85 to 32.50 inHgBarometric Pressure Accuracy: ± 0.08 inHg (within range of 27.13 to 32.50 inHg)Barometric Pressure Resolution: 0.01 inHg

  • Solar Radiation

Solar Radiation (Light) Range: 0 to 400,000 LuxSolar Radiation Accuracy: ± 15%Solar Radiation Resolution: 1 Lux

  • UV

UV Range: 0 to 15UV Accuracy: ± 1UV Resolution: 1

  • Rain

Rain Range: 0 to 394 inRain Accuracy: ± 10%Rain Resolution: 0.01 in

  • Wind Direction

Wind Direction Range: 0 – 360ºWind Direction Accuracy: ± 1ºWind Direction Resolution: 1º

  • Wind Speed

Wind Speed Range: 0 to 100 mph (operational)Wind Speed Accuracy: ± 2.2 mph or 10% (whichever is greater)Wind Speed Resolution: 0.1 mphWind Speed Calculation: Average wind speed in 16 second update periodWind Gust Calculation: Peak wind speed in 16 second update period

Pros for the Ambient Weather WS-1201-IP Observer

✅ Has an automatic Daylight Savings Time setting. It can be either on or off. For the US only✅ Bubble level included for accurate mounting✅ Can be viewed from different angles✅ The colored screen which many people find as a big plus✅ Is easy to set up✅ Consistent accurate readings (please see specifications section)✅ Connects to 2 different weather communications situations. Weather Underground and Ambientweather.com✅ Can be used with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant✅ Can be used with ITFFF App

Cons

❌ It has a very weak design for hanging it up. It uses two very small screws which aren’t large to hold the console. It will work better as a desktop or shelf sitting situation❌ It doesn’t have a battery backup on the console, so you lose some settings when the power goes.❌ A word of warning, some customers report a very hard time connecting with on the telephone, they had to use voicemail a lot. Not satisfied with that.❌ Best customer service comes from email. A bit leery of that. Be aware of this situation has occurred to some people.

Consumer Ratings

Often when I am looking to buy something, I will read a few reviews from people who have purchased the product already. Sometimes I am surprised by what I find.

I often have to remind myself of my reason for considering this product. Is it important to have every review match well with a 4 or 5-star rating? Maybe? or Maybe not?

I find that the lower-priced items will receive many more reviews because many more of them are sold and thus many more people are willing to share their experiences.

With this Ambient product, I have found that it has a reasonable amount of reviews for how much it will cost you. Then I find, the price does compare favorably with other personal weather stations which provide the same range of services and instrumentation for the customer.

I believe as long as we are comparing other brands with the Ambient WS-1201-IP, I will take the Ambient based on the strength of all of the positive things it is giving me.

All of these features are tremendous and the icing on the cake is the software abilities that come along with it. It is a winner.

I rate this Ambient Weather WS-1201-IP Observer unit at a personal 4.2 stars. I believe it rates out well because of the large things it can do for me.

Then as a very psyched-up weather fan towards this excellent weather station, I am well pleased.

Ambient Weather WS-2902 Pro Weather Station Reviewed

Top Professional Choice-Ambient Weather WS-2902 Reviewed

After a thorough look over, the Ambient Weather WS-2902 Pro Weather Station is definitely a must-have. 

If you are as keenly psyched by the weather as I am then this is YOUR equipment.

I was looking at the ambient weather WS series and they appear to be very competitive in the personal weather stations space online.

As I explored this internet weather station it most assuredly does have some very nice features included in it.

Let’s take a closer look at the Ambient Weather instruments that are included in this personal weather station.

Ambient Weather WS-2902 Pro Weather Station Features

The pro station measures the following for you. It measures wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, outdoor temperature, and humidity, as well as solar radiation and UV wave levels.

Also included for additional measurement inside the console are temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure.

The weather station also calculates the dew point, the wind chill factor, and the heat index. Also measured by the Ambient Weather instruments, the peak wind gusts, and light levels.

This unit has a weather forecaster as part of its programming. When in use the weather forecasting uses the following icons. The five weather icons are Sunny, Partly Cloudy, Cloudy, Rainy, Stormy, and Snowy.

The forecast icon is based on the rate of change of barometric pressure. Please allow at least one month for the weather station to learn the barometric pressure over time.
See the picture of the real console below

Ambient WS-2902 Forecaster Weather Icons

Types of Instruments

It comes equipped with an anemometer, and rainfall gauge, a barometer, and an outside ambient weather thermometer.

These readings are housed and generated from the separate sensor unit which is located outside of your residence.

Instrument Sensors

This unit comes with a wireless all-in-one integrated sensor array (the Osprey) measures wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, UV and solar radiation.

Then for you and your indoor curiosity, your display console measures the following indoor measurements: indoor temperature, humidity, and barometer

Ambient WS-2902

Types of Transmission

The transmission uses a Wi-Fi Console and transmits at RF Frequency: 2.4 GHz

As I said earlier it is Wi-Fi connectable with the option that enables your station to transmit its data wirelessly to the world’s largest personal weather station network, Weather Underground.

In addition to Weather Underground, the weather station supports uploads to WeatherBug and Weather Cloud.

It will send real-time data to the WeatherBug website. This is what is going on with WeatherBug.

Weatherbug backyard tracking stations empower weather enthusiasts to get their name on the map and have their tracking stations’ data seen by millions of users via the WeatherBug application.

It also will send real-time data to Weather Cloud website. Weather Cloud makes managing your device not only easy but fun. You may access the app from your computer, tablet or smartphone to enjoy the same user experience across all devices.

Questions & Answers

Question: How do you empty the rain gauge?
Answer: It is self-emptying. The rain gauge gets emptied by itself (without using power)

Question: Does this require an internet connection to set up or function?
Answer: It does not require an internet connection

Question: How far above the ground should it be installed?

Answer:  As an example considering the wind: the wind gauge should be mounted four times the distance of the differential height of the tallest obstruction
Example: House = 20 ft tall, pole = 5 ft tall. 

Question: Does it come with a pole?

Answer: No it does not

Question: Can I set up the WS-2902 weather station with my Samsung Android tablet?

Answer: Yes you can

Question: So does this model require the weatherbridge to update live data to ambientweather.net?

Answer: No. It does it on its own.

Display

Ambient Weather WS-2902 Pro Weather Station
Its dimensions are approximately

  • Display Console: Frame Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.50 x 4.50 x 0.75”, LCD Dimensions (LxW): 3.00 x 6.75”.
  • And the Osprey separate outside sensor unit is this size. Sensor Array, appx. (HxLxW): 15 x 11 x 10″.

It is a Color Film LCD display.  This color is easy on the eyes and a very attractive feature to look at and to find the readings you are looking for.

Manufacturer Support

The directions for the Ambient WS-2902 are best obtained by reading the service manual from Ambient, you may click here to access the manual PDF in Full.

The customer service is quick and responsive to both emails and phone calls. Customers report that “They Care”.

How Powered

Solar-powered with battery backup

  • 3 “AAA” batteries as backup batteries (these are not included).
  • For the Osprey Sensor WI-FI Unit, you may Insert 2 “AA” batteries, non-rechargeable batteries into the unit for power.

Please be aware these (are not included in your purchase, as they must be purchased separately

Pros

✅ Very easy to set up
✅ Sets up ready to share information with the AmbientWeather.net weather site.
The Ambient Weather skill provides Ambient Weather personal weather station owners with the ability to get real-time, and past weather information generated by the devices they have set up at AmbientWeather.net
Enable the skill and get started: All you need to do is say ‘Alexa, ask Ambient Weather for a weather report.’
This will provide you with your outdoor weather report, and you can ask also for your indoor weather report as well by saying, ‘Alexa, ask Ambient Weather about the indoor conditions.’
✅ Also works with Google Assistant The Ambient Weather Google Assistant app provides Ambient Weather personal weather station
✅ Gives owners the ability to get real-time, and past weather information generated by the devices they have set up at AmbientWeather.net as well
✅ Excellent support via their Ambient Weather Facebook page
✅ It comes with a built-in bubble level to level the weather station unit on first install

Cons

❌ The Osprey sensor is made to be easily installed on top of a pole, but when it comes to attaching to the side of a pole, or the side of a wall, it is a much more difficult job to do. Special brackets will need to be used for this. This will require extra purchases to accomplish.
❌ The Compass rose is difficult to view. the direction indicator is not seen easily.
❌ Some of the space on the console could be used better.
❌ The color screen the way it is constructed makes it difficult to view from different angles.

Consumer Ratings

The purchasers of these units from Ambient are very high on this unit. They love how easy it is to set up. They say the manual, while very helpful, isn’t always needed that much. Some say it is built so that you may set it up intuitively.

Ambient Weather WS-2902 10-in-1 Wi-Fi Professional Weather Station with Internet Monitoring, Compatible with AlexaAmbient Weather WS-2902 10-in-1 Wi-Fi Professional Weather Station

The Ambient WS-2902 is a great answer to what a great internet weather station should and would look like. This ambient weather WS series represents one of the newer models that ambient has on the market today.

Previous Acurite, Davis Pro, and Lacrosse owners were very pleased with dipping their toes into the Ambient world with this model of ambient weather.

With the price point being very competitive for everything that you are getting from Ambient, this unit will match up well with your weather Geek.

Whether it’s you and your Geekness or maybe a Father for a Father’s day gift. Or a brother, or grandfather, or maybe even a sister or an aunt.

This will make a great selection to bring home to that special person you know, who loves weather as I do.

Kestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter/Digital Psychrometer

Kestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter

Review of the Kestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter

The workload for the Kestrel 3500 pocket weather meter covers much territory. Whether you are a scientist on an exploratory trip, or a policeman out doing your daily job, you will find this weather tool to be of major benefit to you.

Instruments Of the Kestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter

  • Thermometer
  • Anemometer
  • Rain Gauge
  • Barometer
  • Relative Humidity
  • Software

How the Measurements are calculated

1.  Wind Speed-This will be the average over the previous three seconds. The reading will be accurate for the airflow either through the front or rear of the unit.

2. Maximum Wind Gust-This reading will be the average of the last three wind speeds registered since the unit was turned on.

3. Temperature-This is the reading from the thermistor, which is located at the end of the coiled leads (in the open cavity) below where the impeller is located.

In order to get the quickest response, either wave the unit back and forth lightly or face it in the wind. This will get you a quick reading.

You may also get water and snow temperatures because the unit will allow you (it is waterproof) to submerge it into either the water or the snow.

4. Wind Chill-As defined by the US National weather service, is the combination of temperature coupled with wind velocity that will get you a feels like Wind Chill reading. This is calculated by the unit as the same temperature if either the temperature is 45 degrees or above, and if the wind is below 3 mph. Either Way

Kestrel 3500 Night Vision Handheld Anemometer - Kestrel 3500NVKestrel 3500 Night Vision Handheld Anemometer – Kestrel 3500NV

5. Relative Humidity- this is defined by the national weather service and meteorologists as “the amount of moisture in the air compared to the amount of moisture the air can hold for the given temperature, represented as a percent”.

This reading should be taken in the shade. The response time will depend on how quickly you are getting the temperature reading.

6. Heat Stress- the combo of higher temperature and the present humidity.
– a combination of temperature and humidity. Anything below 75 degrees will just be the temperature that is currently present.

7. Dew Point- in understanding this always remember this information: If the temperature and dew-point are the same, dew will form. If this happens below freezing frost will form.

You can be assured that if the dew-point is very close to the temperature then know that it is humid out right now. This is calculated by mixing the relation of air temperature with the humidity measurement.

8. Wet Bulb Temperature- this is not a widely known reading. It is a mixture of temperature and humidity levels. It deals with the evaporation rate present currently.

Know this, if the wet-bulb temperature is very close to the air temperature, the air is humid.

Instrument sensors

This instrument will measure the following environmental conditions:

• wind speed

• heat stress index

• maximum wind gust

• dew point

• average wind speed

• wet bulb temperature

• temperature (air, water, snow)

• barometric pressure

• wind chill

• altitude

• relative humidity

Manufacturer/Support

 

Kestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter / Digital Psychrometer Altimeter AnemometerKestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter / Digital Psychrometer Altimeter Anemometer

Every Kestrel is designed and manufactured at NK’s (Nielsen-Kellerman) facility in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania Near Philadelphia, Pa.

The address for Nielsen-Kellerman is

21 Creek Circle, Boothwyn, PA 19061

Phone: (610) 447-1555

Fax: (610) 447-1577

Web: www.kestrelweather.com

Email: kestrel@nkhome.co

replacement parts such as the impellor are readily purchased by going here, Kestrel Replacement Impeller for/All Kestrel Models

Features

with Backlight

• clock

• 3-hour pressure trend

• data hold function

• backlight

• automatic power-down function

• waterproof and

Dimensions

The actual size of this tool is 4.8 x 1.9 x 1.1 in.

It weighs 3.6 oz.

How Powered

Use only new CR2032 coin cell batteries. Wipe the battery clean of any fingerprints and insert the positive (+) pole up, angling the battery downward and pressing it firmly into place. You can get up to 300 hours of use from one battery. These are not the easiest batteries to find around. Amazon does stock them HERE.

Pros

✅ Model 3500 NV has night vision

✅ Can be used by gun owners to help with wind deflection. Can improve accuracy when shooting from long range

✅ Fully waterproof and has passed mil-spec drop testing

✅ Cover offers good protection for the unit

✅ A small package but a powerful versatile weather meter.

Cons

❌ Does not have the Night Vision. Night Vision is only on the 3500 NV model

❌ Does not have logging data capabilities you have to cycle through all the different variables, one at a time

❌ Does not have the ability to set up temperature alerts

Consumer Ratings

Customers have openly offered that Kestrel offers very good phone support. It is quick, responsive, and accurate in getting your problem solved. They come highly recommended for all of their product lines. This model isn’t any different. It is currently looking at a 4.7-star rating on Amazon as an example.

That is really impressive in the sense that the 4.7-star review rating is out of a 5.0 for the perfect rating.

They are very accurate, and with the support that is offered purchasing a Kestrel 3500 would be very difficult to beat. Top of the line for a weather meter of the pocket variety. It does fit very well in a pocket too.

Price

Customers look at the cost as either an investment or an expense. In this case, it is an investment in your purchase. The quality is unmatched in the market. The support is top of the line and the service provided by the product is excellent as well.

It is built to last. When you compare the quality difference of the Kestrel compared to competitors the Kestrel faces. The quality difference far exceeds any price differences you may find in the market currently.

A market competitive price and better than built-in quality. A market advantage for them.

Kestrel 3500NV Weather Meter / Digital Psychrometer with NV BacklightKestrel 3500NV Weather Meter / Digital Psychrometer with NV BacklightKestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter / Digital Psychrometer - YellowKestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter / Digital Psychrometer – Yellow

Using A Hand Crank Weather Radio

This Is Great For Emergencies

Kaito Voyager Pro KA600 Digital Solar NOAA Weather Emergency Radio with AlertKaito Voyager Pro KA600 Digital Solar NOAA Weather Emergency Radio with AlertA hand-crank weather radio may be an old device but it is still as useful as it used to be.

This tool is highly recommended to be included in your emergency kit because of the awesome perks it provides.

Most advanced tools are missing these advantages today. We believe this outdated radio is still packed with features that you’ll need in case of an emergency.

Using a hand crank weather radio during calamities can greatly help the situation. It is compact and lightweight which allows you to store it easily anywhere.

Whether you put it in your bag or in your pocket, you’ll have no problem with bringing this radio with you anywhere.

You Won’t Need Batteries

This tool is also free from batteries or electrical outages because it is manually powered. Another way to recharge this radio is through solar power. Other Benefits of having a hand crank weather radio are the following.

NOAA Weather Radio

You’ll have access to weather alerts by NOAA weather radio. If you’re stranded in a building with no electricity because of a thunderstorm or flood, it is important to know what is going on outside.

These national weather radio stations will give you the latest updates about the current situation and whether it is now safe or not to go outside.

Because of the radio’s electricity and battery independence, you’ll easily get these updates without worrying if you’ll run out of power soon.

Here’s A List Of Benefits

  • A hand-crank radio has built-in flashlights. The tendency is, without electricity, everything’s dark at night. It can get extremely difficult for you to move around the house or the building to check on your other family members, especially the children. With the help of the radio’s flashlight feature, you’ll have a source of light that never goes out of energy. Having this lighting source can help you with eating in the dark as well. In case of calamities, you’ll have to keep everyone safe and help calm them down.
  • A hand-crank radio also has USB chargers for phones. With the electricity down, you won’t have any energy source for your phone to charge. Many people will not realize this until it is too late to do anything about it. Be Prepared! Keep in touch with your loved ones by charging your phone through this radio. As your parents might be worried about you from another place, give them the assurance that you are safe by never running out of battery power for your phone. It is also greatly beneficial for using your cell phones if you need to call authorities for an emergency during natural disasters.
  • Solar panels are also one of the most common features of hand-crank radios. This allows the user to have another charging option for his or her radio. If you want to continuously use your radio at night, you can recharge it in the daytime, so you won’t have to manually charge it anymore when using it.
  • Water-resistant hand crank radios are also now available in the market. This makes it a really great tool for calamities or camping trips. Having a tool that can withstand the weather is a great advantage because most electrical devices now would not survive water or rough treatment.

Calamities Happen Often

Calamities can happen all the time. NOAA Weather RadioWith the changing weather, we wouldn’t know when natural disasters will occur.

That is why it is better to be prepared and ready for your emergency kit to go through catastrophic events like thunderstorms, floods, and snowstorms that can keep you stranded in your house or your office’s building.

Think Twice and Please Don’t Dismiss

A hand-crank radio is old-fashioned but it is one of the most important tools that to have in dangerous events. It is convenient and gives you features that can be very useful.

This radio may be outdated but it is still as powerful and helpful as the latest devices that you’ll find today.