Weather Stations

[Chris Cooper]

I am thinking about purchasing a weather station for mobile use. I am hoping to collect the current conditions and be able to report back the readings. Should I do it or not? And are they actually useful?

 

[Jeff Duda]

I suppose it depends on what your intent is and how much money you're willing to spend. If it's just for you to know what kind of environment you're in or to make severe weather reports (probably only of wind gusts) for spotting or media purposes, it's probably worth it to get a bargain brand anemometer. However, if you're thinking of something worthy of scientific research quality, be prepared for your costs to go well into the thousands of dollars. However, even a cheaper brand like something from Davis will probably still cost several hundred dollars for mounting, data logging, and wiring on top of the sensor itself.

 

[Chris Cooper]

I was actually thinking about getting a Davis. They seem more modular. I'm looking for more storm reporting and observation than anything scientific. If the opportunity ever arose to do something scientific then I wouldn't mind spending more than a few hundred dollars. I would rather put money into the communication systems.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Mobile weather stations are fun to have, but the home consumer models don't hold up well on the road and the data isn't really useful for anything other than your own curiosity. Nothing wrong with that though. When I had mine, it was interesting seeing temp/dewpoint changes crossing boundaries, and you could see moisture mixing effects in real time.

I had an Inspeed anemometer back in 2004 that held up for a long time, but of course it's only a wind speed device. It was more accurate than one would expect with slipstream effects. I'd consider installing something again if an affordable and compact (low profile) hygrometer/thermometer/sonic anemometer was available. For me, T/Td sensors are very helpful in the winter.

 

[Chris Cooper]

Yeah. I was looking for a anemometer and temp all in one but the come mostly with the rain gauge and everything. I would probably try a cheap one for a bit see if it's any use then move on to bigger and better things.