I have no preference on the frequency of the weather station. I am thinking 915 MHz is allowed more broadcast/output power than 433 MHz here in the USA by law so maybe that is why I am getting better performance with it. Maybe Fine Offset has a better antenna setup on 915 MHz than they do on 433 MHz. I am just happy I have 5 bars and no signal loss with the WS-2902A at 915 MHz vs. occasional signal loss with my previous 433 MHz weather stations.
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Re: New WS-2902A reception issues
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Re: New WS-2902A reception issues
I am thinking 915 MHz is allowed more broadcast/output power than 433 MHz here in the USA by law so maybe that is why I am getting better performance with it.
That is true if you are running spread spectrum. Otherwise you're under the same power restrictions.
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Re: New WS-2902A reception issues
I am thinking 915 MHz is allowed more broadcast/output power than 433 MHz here in the USA by law so maybe that is why I am getting better performance with it.
That is true if you are running spread spectrum. Otherwise you're under the same power restrictions.
I'm curious how Davis achieves 1000' when everyone else struggles to get much over 100' range?
Is it simply a matter of better radios and throwing more $'s into the RF design? Does running spread spectrum increase range or just bandwidth?
What's Davis's secret to 1000'?
Spread spectrum techniques (e.g. frequency hopping). If you do that, the FCC will let you use more power in the 915MHz range.
Acurite's Atlas Elite will be doing the same.
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Re: New WS-2902A reception issues
I am thinking 915 MHz is allowed more broadcast/output power than 433 MHz here in the USA by law so maybe that is why I am getting better performance with it.
That is true if you are running spread spectrum. Otherwise you're under the same power restrictions.
I'm curious how Davis achieves 1000' when everyone else struggles to get much over 100' range?
Is it simply a matter of better radios and throwing more $'s into the RF design? Does running spread spectrum increase range or just bandwidth?
What's Davis's secret to 1000'?
Spread spectrum techniques (e.g. frequency hopping). If you do that, the FCC will let you use more power in the 915MHz range.
Acurite's Atlas Elite will be doing the same.
Thanks, I assume that implementing that technology is a significant cost adder?
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Re: Ambient "nailed it" with the WS-2000!!
I bought my WS-2000 direct from AW for $219.00 + 20.00 S&H which was identical to Amazon's old $239.00 Prime price..
Well price at Ambient is still $219.99 but shipping is now $32.19 so looks like that went up. Still better than Amazon's new price as you said. A few dollars doesn't break the bank but I like to feel like I'm getting a deal. Since I don't really need this as I have a station I'll just forget it and be happy with my still new WS-2902A. Who knows maybe I'll be able to splurge on Davis VP3 for Christmas by waiting (I don't really believe that though).
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Re: New WS-2902A reception issues
I am thinking 915 MHz is allowed more broadcast/output power than 433 MHz here in the USA by law so maybe that is why I am getting better performance with it.
That is true if you are running spread spectrum. Otherwise you're under the same power restrictions.
I'm curious how Davis achieves 1000' when everyone else struggles to get much over 100' range?
Is it simply a matter of better radios and throwing more $'s into the RF design? Does running spread spectrum increase range or just bandwidth?
What's Davis's secret to 1000'?
Spread spectrum techniques (e.g. frequency hopping). If you do that, the FCC will let you use more power in the 915MHz range.
Acurite's Atlas Elite will be doing the same.
Thanks, I assume that implementing that technology is a significant cost adder?
It's definitely more complex than just transmitting on a single frequency. For example, the transmitter and receiver have to get themselves synchronized and then follow the same hopping pattern.
This link has some interesting information and blog entries about decoding the Davis signals: https://github.com/dekay/DavisRFM69/wiki/RF-Protocol
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Re: Ambient "nailed it" with the WS-2000!!
Well price at Ambient is still $219.99 but shipping is now $32.19 so looks like that went up. Still better than Amazon's new price as you said.When I bought my WS-2000 on Amazon (ordered Oct 31 / delivered Nov 1), the Amazon price was still $239.99. The Ambient Weather direct price was the $219.99 + $20 for shipping, so it was about a wash. So I upped my shipping by $8.99 for overnight delivery and paid $248.98. Bummer to see the price bounce all around like this.
Wonder if Amazon or AW will host "black Friday / Cyber Monday" deals. Would be something to watch for.
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Re: 2902a display with 1002 sensor array
I have not calibrated the 2902 display, nor the 1002 display except for relative pressure.
You'd think the display should just show what the sensors are sending ... odd.
You'd think the display should just show what the sensors are sending ... odd.
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Re: 2902a display with 1002 sensor array
Perhaps assume that the 1002 console is correct and only try to Calibrate the 2902a display to the same as the 1002 and see how that works. Then if you feel the need to Calibrate to a more accurate source you can do so later, but first get them too agree.
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Re: 2902a display with 1002 sensor array
Problem is that the 2902 display isn't always different. Right now this second, for example, both show temp of 46.8. An hour ago they were about 1.8 degrees off from one another.
I can try calibration, but I doubt that will fix a drifting issue. And how would I calibrate wind speed and rain fall data without a known speed wind generator and I guess a measuring cup of water?
I can try calibration, but I doubt that will fix a drifting issue. And how would I calibrate wind speed and rain fall data without a known speed wind generator and I guess a measuring cup of water?
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Re: 2902a display with 1002 sensor array
And as I posted that, the 1002 stayed at 46.8 and the 2902 jumped up to 47.3 then back down to 46.9 haha
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Re: ObserverIP Firmware
The module on the ObserverIP is a HopeRF RFM31B module that can be changed. It is less than $10.
They come in a range of frequencies including 433MHz.
www.hoperf.com/upload/rf/RFM31B.pdf
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
They come in a range of frequencies including 433MHz.
www.hoperf.com/upload/rf/RFM31B.pdf
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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Software Defined Radio with the WS-2902A
I have a WS-2902A and like it very much. I looked at the ObserverIP, but I didn't want to fight yet another proprietary device. So, I decided to explore using a software defined radio to receive the signal from the WH65B (the sensor array for the WS-2902A). I also bought a WH25 to get indoor temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. I have it working pretty well at this point. So, I thought I'd describe the pieces of it in case anyone was interested in doing this, too.
o Setup a Raspberry Pi. You might fined these helpful. Of course, you could use some other kind of Linux capable hardware.
https://thisdavej.com/create-a-lightweight-raspberry-pi-system-with-raspbian-lite/
https://github.com/weewx/weewx/wiki/Raspberry-Pi
o Get an rtl-sdr device. I'm using a cheap dongle from Ebay, but I've removed the case and glued heatsinks to the two hot chips. The first two have provisions to sink the heat to the case.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011HVUEME
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GDN1T4S
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=DAB+FM+DVB-T+RTL2832U+R820T2+SDR&_sop=15
o Install rtl_433. You'll need to build it from master to get support for the WH65B.
https://github.com/merbanan/rtl_433
https://github.com/merbanan/rtl_433/blob/master/BUILDING.md
o Install WeeWX using setup.py. This puts WeeWX in /home/weewx instead of /etc
http://weewx.com/docs/setup.htm
o Install weewx-sdr. Until my issues are resolved, you'll have to do some editing. I can describe this further if anyone gets this far.
https://github.com/matthewwall/weewx-sdr
https://github.com/matthewwall/weewx-sdr/issues/34
https://github.com/matthewwall/weewx-sdr/issues/33
These are the general steps and some pointers to get you started. You probably should be familiar with the Linux command line and hopefully enjoy this kind of thing.![:-)]( "Smile")
o Setup a Raspberry Pi. You might fined these helpful. Of course, you could use some other kind of Linux capable hardware.
https://thisdavej.com/create-a-lightweight-raspberry-pi-system-with-raspbian-lite/
https://github.com/weewx/weewx/wiki/Raspberry-Pi
o Get an rtl-sdr device. I'm using a cheap dongle from Ebay, but I've removed the case and glued heatsinks to the two hot chips. The first two have provisions to sink the heat to the case.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011HVUEME
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GDN1T4S
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=DAB+FM+DVB-T+RTL2832U+R820T2+SDR&_sop=15
o Install rtl_433. You'll need to build it from master to get support for the WH65B.
https://github.com/merbanan/rtl_433
https://github.com/merbanan/rtl_433/blob/master/BUILDING.md
o Install WeeWX using setup.py. This puts WeeWX in /home/weewx instead of /etc
http://weewx.com/docs/setup.htm
o Install weewx-sdr. Until my issues are resolved, you'll have to do some editing. I can describe this further if anyone gets this far.
https://github.com/matthewwall/weewx-sdr
https://github.com/matthewwall/weewx-sdr/issues/34
https://github.com/matthewwall/weewx-sdr/issues/33
These are the general steps and some pointers to get you started. You probably should be familiar with the Linux command line and hopefully enjoy this kind of thing.
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If these three were all priced the same, which would you order first?
Hello,
As a means of introduction to this forum, I'm hoping for some advice from those familiar with Ambient instruments, but who has never owned a PWS. After studying the matter of which station to purchase, Ambient appears like a solid choice, and from which the following three candidates have emerged: WS-2000, WS-8478, and the WS-2902.
Price notwithstanding, I've ordered preferences for them intuitively, but would love to hear your thoughts before going further (assuming that you're familiar with each of them). And truth be told, the WS-8478 and WS-2902 were nearly tied for second place.
https://www.ambientweather.com/amws2000.html - ($220+shipping); today, UPS Ground shipping from Ambient shows $37; $256.99 total without tax.
https://www.ambientweather.com/amws8478.html - ($200+shipping); today, UPS Ground shipping from Ambient shows $44.38; $244.37 total without tax.
https://www.ambientweather.com/amws2902.html - ($153+shipping); today, UPS Ground shipping from Ambient shows $37.00; $189.99 total without tax.
Amazon looks kind of pricey, even when factoring in shipping. Also, from what I've been reading, prices for both the merchandise and shipping frequently fluctuate making any Black Friday specials tricky to pin down.
Thanks so very much for any replies.
Kind regards,
Kelly
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Re: If these three were all priced the same, which would you order first?
One other related aspect, one that I've much to learn about, has to do with linking data from the PWS to remote servers. I was thinking these three choices could all connect to our local (household) WiFi independently from any other devices; e.g., PC running Windows 10, etc., and moreover, nothing additional would need to be purchased to satisfy connection requirements for wunderground, awekas.at, pwsweather.com, etc. - Can each of these three instruments connect to remote servers solely through our non-static IP router?
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Re: If these three were all priced the same, which would you order first?
the ws2000 is the newest; the 2902 has been super popular since it came out; not sure about the 8478
the 2000 and the 2902 for sure do not need to be connected to your PC to send data to WU/PWS; not sure about the 8478...
watch the prices carefully, the ws2000 jumped 50 dollars a few days ago for no apparent reason on Amazon..
the 2000 and the 2902 for sure do not need to be connected to your PC to send data to WU/PWS; not sure about the 8478...
watch the prices carefully, the ws2000 jumped 50 dollars a few days ago for no apparent reason on Amazon..
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Re: If these three were all priced the same, which would you order first?
@wase4711 - Thank you for the reply. What precipitated my second question was from reading the somewhat arcane thread:
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=34922.msg356428#msg356428 that mentions a laundry list of needed bits for hooking with the Citizen Weather Observer Program
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=34922.msg356428#msg356428 that mentions a laundry list of needed bits for hooking with the Citizen Weather Observer Program
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Re: If these three were all priced the same, which would you order first?
Forget the WS-8478. Too many cons. The only thing it has over the WS-2902A is extra sensors...but you can add sensors to the WS-2902A via the ObserverIP (they don't show up on the display though).
Cons of WS-8478:
- No Solar Radiation (UV index only)
- Not compatible with ObserverIP (which means you can't expand to report to CWOP or other services as it is not compatible with 3rd party software)
- No additional display sold
- Not a popular seller
- Because it isn't popular nobody has it on this forum. I think it has been discussed only a couple times. Therefore no user community support.
- Its ugly
- No replacement parts... Only the entire a outdoor module is available, whereas the Osprey sensor has separate parts available or you can get the whole thing too and much cheaper.
See also:
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=33476.msg356874#msg356874
I really see no reason to even consider the WS-8478. If you want the extra sensors then get the WS-2000. Even before the WS-2000 was available for me the WS-2902A and its expandability, solar, popularity, just made it the obvious choice. The WS-8478 was never a consideration for me.
The WS-2000 is the most complete feature rich and newest model. So WS-2000 all the way unless you are more price sensitive or if you don't care for extra sensors on the display. I suppose some people may prefer the WS-2902A screen even though it has poor viewing angles (some people say the digits are larger and easier to read from farther out). The only tiny thing missing in the WS-2000 display console is RF strength indicator for outdoor sensor array.
I'm happy with my WS-2902A but I'm waiting for the WS-2000 display console to go on sale separately.
Cons of WS-8478:
- No Solar Radiation (UV index only)
- Not compatible with ObserverIP (which means you can't expand to report to CWOP or other services as it is not compatible with 3rd party software)
- No additional display sold
- Not a popular seller
- Because it isn't popular nobody has it on this forum. I think it has been discussed only a couple times. Therefore no user community support.
- Its ugly
- No replacement parts... Only the entire a outdoor module is available, whereas the Osprey sensor has separate parts available or you can get the whole thing too and much cheaper.
See also:
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=33476.msg356874#msg356874
I really see no reason to even consider the WS-8478. If you want the extra sensors then get the WS-2000. Even before the WS-2000 was available for me the WS-2902A and its expandability, solar, popularity, just made it the obvious choice. The WS-8478 was never a consideration for me.
The WS-2000 is the most complete feature rich and newest model. So WS-2000 all the way unless you are more price sensitive or if you don't care for extra sensors on the display. I suppose some people may prefer the WS-2902A screen even though it has poor viewing angles (some people say the digits are larger and easier to read from farther out). The only tiny thing missing in the WS-2000 display console is RF strength indicator for outdoor sensor array.
I'm happy with my WS-2902A but I'm waiting for the WS-2000 display console to go on sale separately.
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Re: If these three were all priced the same, which would you order first?
@galfert - Thank you for the reply.
Does the WS-2000 require all of the extra devices mentioned at: https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=34922.msg356428 in order to stream data to the Citizen Weather Observer Program server?
Does the WS-2000 require all of the extra devices mentioned at: https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=34922.msg356428 in order to stream data to the Citizen Weather Observer Program server?
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Re: If these three were all priced the same, which would you order first?
Yes, the WS-2000 requires additional 3rd party software running on some other device to be able to report to CWOP. For expanding the capabilities of the WS-2000 you can follow the same methods described for the WS-2902A. The outdoor sensor array on the WS-2000 is the exact same as in the WS-2902A, therefore same methods to expand work.
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