When you purchase a weather station, it will also include a component called the outdoor sensor suite.
The location in which you choose to install your weather station is of the utmost importance because the right location will improve the accuracy of your weather station.
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There are many choices of weather station mounting systems and it can be hard to determine which one you should use.
Fortunately, you can read our guide below to learn about some of the more popular mounting solutions.
Mounting on the Ground
Ambient Weather EZ-48 Weather Station Tripod and Mast Assembly
For those who happen to have a large yard or open land, this may be the best location for you to install your weather system.
You could mount the system using a tripod and fix it according to the mounting stipulations. You can use a mounting pole or a tripod with stakes to improve stability.
Pros:
- This method allows you to mount the weather station by yourself if need be.
- You’ll be able to access the sensor unit easily for regular maintenance.
Cons:
- The ease of access to the weather station could make it a target for trespassers.
- This installation requires lots of space with no obstructions.
- The sensor cannot be mounted in a shady location.
Concrete Mounting on the Ground or Roof
If you have an outdoor area with a large concrete space on the ground or have a flat concrete roof, this may be a good option for you.
For this method, you will need one of the weather station mounting systems that has a non-penetrating mount. As I featured in the previous section on this page.
A couple of things you may want to add for thought would be if, the ground doesn’t have concrete and the roof doesn’t have concrete, but they rather would be simply dirt and a tarred roof, or shingled roof then you would very much want to consider adding these two accessory items to either of your situations. To have the mount anchored in place is very important.
These mounts are created especially for use on flat roofs. Almost every non-penetrating mount will include a cinder block platform.
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Ambient Weather EZ-245-SK 24Ambient Weather EZ-46-3 Tar Pad Kit for Roof Tripod Installation
Pros:
✅ It’s easy to install since no penetration is necessary.
✅ It’s easy to care for and can be quickly relocated if needed.
✅ You can install the entire weather station yourself.
Cons:
❌ High winds and severe weather can cause damage or alter the station’s positioning.
❌ It can be difficult to add more mast if you have a system with individual units.
Mounting on a Pitched Roof
Ambient Weather WEATHERMOUNT2 Weather Station Mount
If you don’t have a ton of space or a flat concrete roof, then you may want to consider pitched roof mounting. Simply drill some holes into the tar pads first, then mount the sensor suit’s stand.
Pros:
✅ It will be harder for anyone to access the weather station since it it permanently mounted to a high roof.
✅ The weather station will not be easily damaged by high winds or severe weather.
Cons:
❌ Installing the unit with this type of mounting system takes more time.
❌ Unless you are an expert, you will require some professional assistance.
❌ It can be difficult to access the system for maintenance.
❌ You’ll need to make sure to reseal the holes you create in the roof during installation. If not, you may experience water leakage when it rains.
This is a type of mounting system that will take extra time for you to deal with. We have a great suggestion for a pitched roof mount which could serve this purpose for you and your pitched roof. You can take a look at this mount now.
Mounting on Eaves
Ambient Weather EZ-30-12-100 Stable Mounting Kit with Mast For AcuRite Weather Stations, 1.00
Most people choose to mount their weather systems on eaves. There are some sensors that even work best when they are mounted on an eave.
So, if you don’t have a lot of space and are unable to use pitched-roof mounting for any reason, eave mounting can be a great idea.
Eave mounting requires a special type of sensor suit stand that includes a horizontal offset that will allow you to install the unit correctly.
Pros:
✅ Doesn’t require much space.
✅ Ideal location for sensitive sensors.
✅ Works great for weather stations that have a low transmission distance.
Cons:
❌ You may need professional help with the installation.
❌ You must use a sturdy mount and install it correctly.
The overhang and gutters may be blocked by stands that have smaller offsets.
Mounting on a Chimney
Ambient Weather EZ-29-24 Chimney Mounting Kit with Mast
Lots of people opt to install their weather station onto their chimney. This is a viable option for those who have a weather station with a high transmission distance because it will reduce any interference from nearby obstacles.
You’ll need to use a chimney mounting pole for this installation. There are some poles that are meant to be permanently mounted to the chimney by directly drilling into them, while others implement straps that attach the poles to the chimney’s vent.
Here’s a suggestion for a good mount you can use as a Chimney Mount.
Pros:
✅ There are fewer obstacles when the system is placed in this location, so the data is likely to be more accurate.
✅ It will be difficult for anyone to tamper with the unit.
✅ This method does not require a lot of space.
Cons:
❌ You may need professional help with this installation.
❌ If this is a working chimney, the heat from a fire could melt parts or at the very least the heat on the parts could skewer the effectiveness of these finely tuned weather instruments. Your weather station will be affected in its ability to collect accurate data.
❌ It will be hard for you to reach the system to perform maintenance.
These are just a few of the weather station mounting systems available. Be sure to do your research to find the right one for you.