Weather Station Buying Guide
Weather stations come in many shapes and sizes, offering a wide variety of functionality at many different price points. If you're interested in a weather station but you're not sure which would be best for you, keep reading and we will go through the key questions, step by step.
Purpose
The first question to ask yourself is 'what is its purpose?'
A home weather station measures weather conditions constantly. This lets you monitor local weather patterns more closely than is possible from regional weather reports, i.e. radio or TV. For some people, monitoring the local climate is simply a hobby. Others may use weather stations to stay informed about weather conditions relevant to their work or other interests.
Measurement
The second question to ask yourself is 'what do I want to measure?'
Weather stations can collect various types of data. The most basic units will monitor temperature and air pressure, while more advanced units can gauge humidity, wind speed and direction, rainfall, UV radiation and more. Many other metrics can be derived from these, such as dew point, wind chill and relative humidity.
Alarms
If you need to be notified of weather conditions as soon as they happen, then consider a weather station with an alarm system. Certain stations like the Davis 6250 Vantage Vue can be programmed with alarms to warn of dangers like high winds, heavy rainfall or extreme temperatures.
Data Logging
Some stations can log their data, either to internal memory or by pushing it through to an online service. Once the data is online you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection, either through an app or a normal web browser.
Location
The third and final question to ask yourself is 'where can I install it?'
The locations available to you are important. To guarantee accurate data, a weather station needs to be:
- As exposed as possible
- Away from any ambient heat sources
- Still close enough to communicate with its base station
- Clear of shade from trees or buildings, if you would like to measure the wind and sun
Each manufacturer has their own specifications per model, but for the purpose of choosing a location, use common sense.
Mounting and Installation
Many people choose to install their weather station on a roof. This can be a great choice, as many weather stations can be fitted onto tripods and poles designed for TV antennae and satellite dishes.
Still need more help?
Our staff are experienced experts and would be more than happy to talk about options for you. From commercial units to tabletop stations, we have the weather station to fit your needs. Please call or email us today.
