Ambient Weather WS-1002-WiFi Observer
- Value
- Design
- Functionality
- Durability
- Usability
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Highly durable sensor arrays
- Internet connectivity
- Wireless capability
- Availability of alarms
- UV and solar radiation protection
Cons
- Wi-Fi signal can be blocked easily
- Does not work in very cold areas
Weather stations are cool for many reasons such as making a decision on what to wear for the day, knowing when to go for a jog and many other applications. It is common to find some people relying on the weather stations to help decided when to plant or harvest. Well, instead of always relying on the forecast as offered by the meteorological departments on a national scale, get localized weather conditions forecast when you buy the Ambient Weather WS-1002-WiFi Observer.
Ambient Weather WS-1002-WIFI Observer Overview
The station combines the use of a wireless transmission capability important today for the transmission of the sensor data to the console. With such capabilities, it is easy to see why many people over the years are now attracted to using advanced weather stations. It is not just about using a wireless unit, the accuracy at which the model delivers the data is important too. Well, that is what you would be getting when you choose to buy the latest Ambient Weather WS-1002-WiFi Observer weather station.
The model comes from a company that has been making the best models of weather stations over the years. If you check out the reviews about the model, it is easy for you to see that it delivers on its features. The colorful LED console is quite a great feature on an affordable model. Many would always think that a wireless model would be quite expensive, but you can still save when buying this model.
Wi-Fi connectivity would often need that there is an internet connection for the devices to communicate. You are in luck when buying this weather station, as it does not need any internet connection for the sensors to transmit the data to the console for the user to view. You will be amazed by just how fast the console would be getting the updates. This will ensure that you learn more about the different weather condition trends outdoors.
The design of the model makes it have multiple applications for both indoors and outdoors. Some people might just think it is great only for outdoors. You can have it measuring the indoor temperatures so that you can take the appropriate cooling or heating measures. You can expect to find more uses for the weather station whenever you have used it for a while.
The Sensors
As part of making sure that you get to learn more about the different weather conditions, the manufacturer made sure you get a couple of the best instruments. Such instruments in the model include having a thermometer for both indoor and outdoor use, barometer, rain gauge, and anemometer.
The instruments have the special sensors that will help in the overall detection of different weather conditions. Taking the temperature sensor as an example, it can take a recording of the temperatures ranging from -40 degree Fahrenheit to 149 degree Fahrenheit. With such a range, it should be easy to detect some of the changes in different weather conditions.
The sensors are quite sensitive, so it is important that you are careful on how you handle them. Luckily, the manufacturer supplied them covered with a solar and UV radiation shield. The shield will always make sure that you end up having the accurate results at all times. The shield keeps the sensors in the right working conditions. Whenever you are mounting the weather station, make sure that you get to follow the instructions as given to ensure the shield remains in place.
Transmission
As mentioned earlier, the model delivers the sensor data through a wireless connection. You would no longer have to worry about laying any cables just to receive the data while indoors. The problem of laying the cables is what often drives people from a great model. You will simply have to set up the weather station within the manufacturer stated range and you are good to go. For this model, it uses the 915 MHz frequency for transmission for up to 300 feet as the range.
The range could be significantly reduced whenever there are a few barriers around. Some of the common barriers that could make it hard for signal penetration include metal, ground or earth.
The model is designed to ensure that it delivers regular updates all the time to the console. The 14-second real time updates will ensure that you can learn about the different changes in weather conditions all the time.
The Display
If you like a big display with the right set of data, then expect to find them on the Ambient Weather WS-1002-WiFi Observer weather station. The 6.25 by 3.5 inch display delivers the best colored set of data from the sensors. The desktop design that comes with the model should make it feel and look familiar. You simply have to mount it on the wall or on your desk and supply it with power whenever necessary. The brightness on the console will easily adjust itself depending on the time of the day.
The settings are quite easy to play around with. You can choose between different options that can work for you. Most people would change what they want to be shown on the console and what to be hidden. This means that you do not end up cluttering the console with unnecessary data.
The console is still Wi-Fi enabled so that it can get the data from the sensors and still transmit them to the Wunderground site. It is from this website that you can end up learning more about the different weather conditions from other places. The other users would be located in different places. Their information would be important for someone looking to travel to such locations any time soon.
The alerts are crucial to ensure that you end up with the best ways of dealing with a weather conditions. The alerts would tell you when to expect heavy rains, when to dress lightly and much more.
Setup Process
Setting up your Ambient Weather WS-1002-WiFi Observer weather station is something that you would want to be smooth without too many issues. Some people would end up having nightmares setting up other models of weather stations, but all that changes when you choose this one.
To help with the whole set up process, the manufacturer has included several accessories important for mounting the whole weather station. Some of the accessories include an extendable tripod, rechargeable batteries, and the weather station mounting hardware.
As for the process, you can start with assembling the outdoor sensor array, then proceed to attach it to the metal tripod. Whenever you find yourself unsure of how to proceed with the installation, the manufacturer has a guide that could help you do so.
Power source
The Ambient Weather WS-1002-WiFi Observer weather station is primarily powered by a solar panel. The solar panel is still important for the charging the 3 AA batteries included in the weather station. The work of the batteries is to keep the weather station running even at night. This means that you would always end up with the right readings all the time.
Maintenance
The maintenance of any weather station should be enough to make someone want one or even stay away from a model. The Ambient Weather WS-1002-WiFi Observer weather station comes with simple parts, which should be easy to service whenever you need to do so. You should not be worried about the maintenance costs as the model is designed to ensure that it can also last for a long time.
As part of simply maintenance, you could clean your weather station more often. By simply using a cotton swab, it should be easy for you to clean the rain gauge. Clean the rain gauge every 2 to 3 months to make sure it delivers accurate results.
The manufacturer also often introduces some new updates to the console firmware. The only downside is that you cannot make the updates online. You would have to install such updates from the memory card.
The interior parts will not always need cleaning, but if it comes to that, it is crucial that you take the time to learn about the different ways of cleaning. The manufacturer would often offer such tips on how to clean the sensitive parts of the weather station.
Software
As part of helping your further analysis of the different data from the sensors, you can download and install the EasyWeather IP software. Once you have installed the software on your PC, make sure the PC and weather station console are both connected to the house router. This should help the two easily communicate without using any cables. The installation process is quite easy as you simply follow the instructions given in the manual and you are good to go.
- Setting up the sensor data to be displayed is easier than on the console
- Get to set alarms on your PC too just like the console
- You can calibrate the sensors from the software
- Easy layout of the sensor data for easy understanding
- You might have to update the console firmware to keep the two communicating
Accessories
Other than the mounting accessories that you get with the weather station, you will still be happy to know that there is a weather-watching cam as part of additional accessory. The AmbientCamHD camera is also wireless so that you can get to view the different outdoor conditions in the comfort of your home.
Amazon.comWarranty Rules and Time
The manufacturer offers you a 1 year limited warranty on this weather station. The warranty is given on the defects in materials and workmanship. The manufacturer states that the warranty is only valid to the original purchaser of the weather station. You have to contact the company for directions on how you can get the product serviced.
Pros
- Many users find the model to deliver accurate sensor data on the different weather conditions
- With a 300 feet range, you should feel that it is quite impressive for data transmission wirelessly
- It comes with multiple sensors for detecting and sending the data to the console
- The presence of a UV and solar radiation protection should help protect the sensors from reporting incorrect data.
- The console is easy to use so that you can easily understand the represented data
Cons
- The wireless signal needs a clear line of sight to operate. The worst can be when there is a metal or ground barrier between the sensors and console
- Sometimes the wireless connection can get disrupted by bad weather
- The model does not work best in the Arctic Circle as it is not designed to be freeze proof
Ambient Weather WS-1002-WiFi Observer rivals
FINAL THOUGHT
It does not matter whether you are just a beginner or some hardcore enthusiast of watching the weather, this model will always find a way of making you learn about the weather conditions. Over the years, the model has proven to have the best traits you would want in a weather station. You can always expect it to deliver on accuracy, multiple application, reliability and still at an affordable price.