Shopping for anemometers, any advice?

[AndrewMoore]

I have an idea for a school project regarding how buildings affect wind patterns and wind speed, but I do not have an anemometer, much less know where to buy one. Any advice on where to buy? I'd like to spend less than $200 (I plan on keeping the instrument after the project), but any amount slightly higher may be worth it. Thanks!

 

[David Wolfson]

It sounds as if you will want to move the anemometer easily to different locations. I'd suggest a hand-held meter. Ambient Weather (ambientweather.com) is an excellent source for all sorts of instrumentation. They sell a basic hand-held wind meter for less than $30 that has a tripod mounting thread. If you're into weather apart from your project, though I'd look at a multi-function hand-held in the Kestrel line. You shouldn't go wrong with that vendor whatever you decide on. Good luck!

 

[John Fertsch]

www.inspeed.com - I bought my magnetic mount anemometer for my jeep - they also have pole mounts as well and or build your own kits - have had mine now for about two years - been thru three replacement cups due to debris hitting mine...

 

[Jeff Duda]

I have a Windscribe sonic anemometer from Davis that I purchased for $80 (although I see the price on the website is more expensive now). It's pretty nifty, and is reasonably accurate.

 

[Jarrod Barnett]

www.inspeed.com - I bought my magnetic mount anemometer for my jeep - they also have pole mounts as well and or build your own kits - have had mine now for about two years - been thru three replacement cups due to debris hitting mine...

Same here. I use the Vortex magnetic mount.

 

[David Plummer]

It sounds as if you will want to move the anemometer easily to different locations. I'd suggest a hand-held meter. Ambient Weather (ambientweather.com) is an excellent source for all sorts of instrumentation. They sell a basic hand-held wind meter for less than $30 that has a tripod mounting thread.

I'm starting to look at hand-held anemometers as well. Do you (or anyone else) have experience with the Ambient Weather brand? I've been looking at them and La Crosse Technology, both are in the $30-35 price range. I know they wouldn't be Kestrel-quality, but I'm trying to find an adequate anemometer while reigning in my spending. I'm not familiar with either brand, though, so I'm curious if anyone has personal experience.

 

[John Fertsch]

i have on of their hand held anemometers for 20 bucks - relatively accurate - just tells speed and temp...

 

[J Tyler]

I'm also running the Inspeed magnetic mount. My attitude was, I use mine to give wind speed reports to the NWS. I know the Inspeed isn't as accuate as the ultra expensive units, but if it is off 1-2mph, that is still MUCH closer than I can estimate. At $80, it is a great bargain.

I did not want a hand held because I don't think I want to be standing outside, or sitting in my truck with the window down holding it out the window when flooding rain and 60mph winds are blowing. Mine sits on the roof and I look at a little digital display that also keeps the highest gust displayed.

 

[AndrewMoore]

Thanks for everyone's help! It's very much appreciated!