From the workplace to the restaurant and virtually anywhere else, the weather has always been a great subject to discuss. We are not the only ones fascinated with Mother Nature’s unpredictable phenomena. TV channels and websites have dedicated attention to the subject and make quite a fortune out of it. But why wait for weather updates when you can step into the game yourself? Monitoring weather conditions requires sophisticated equipment, so you need to be ready with your
arsenal of tools.
The first thing to ask yourself is just how much data you need showing up on your
laptop every morning or afternoon. If you have the right station, this could be a piece of cake. With the ability to give accurate information on the weather, these stations are excellent for monitoring whatever is looming in your backyard. You can decide whether you want to measure the wind, sun, rain, or snow. All you need to do is put a little more money on the line for accurate performance.
Consider the amount of time you will need to assemble the station. If you get an assembled one, you can just install it, and the data will start pouring in. But if you get one that requires assembly, consider the time it will take to get the job done. Since most of these stations are easy to assemble and will take you less than an hour to set up, this shouldn't be a big deal at all.
Most importantly, consider how easy it will be for you to read the measurements. The reading consoles should be well lit for easy use. Although it might sound like a typical consideration any designer would pay attention to during the manufacturing process, some stations are not as easy to read. If the layout or display is not up to standards, or lacks an
AC adapter or ports for plugging into a socket, it might prove difficult to use. This means having a battery or other peripheral accessories handy.
It's about time you checked out our review of the tried and tested weather stations around, but you need to look at the features first.
Price
If you look at the efficiency weather stations come with, you might expect the equipment to cost a lot. Luckily, this is not always the case. For between $50 and $350, you can get a great weather station, but be ready to spend a little more for a high-end product.
If you want a station with impressive features such as wireless connection or good digital displays, you'll probably have to pay a few more bucks. Similarly, if you want one made from sturdy material, the cost will also spike. And if you have your eye on the most sought-after brand in the market, be ready to pay more for the outstanding quality.
Beware the several cheap weather station offers on the market. Since these low-cost stations lack essential features such as ideal display and proper data transmission, you'll be wasting your money. The lack of these and other essential features means you won't get the best out of these stations.
Features
Reading the fluctuations in weather patterns can be quite a task, but it shouldn't be a pain in the neck when you have a station that has what it takes to get the right readings.
These are some of the features to focus on:
- Forecast - Weather stations can offer a variety of estimates. You can choose from real-time, 12-hour, and 24-hour forecasts. This depends on how sophisticated your equipment is, which is essential for the accuracy and efficiency of the station.
- Measurements - From thermometers and rain gauges, to anemometers and wind speed gauges, you can always have the advantage of measuring virtually any weather aspect you want if you have the right equipment in your collection.
- Data Transfer - Look at where you're going to position your station and how effective it will be in transmitting the data home. Consider the speed, and how far your equipment can transfer the necessary data.
- Power Source - The power supply to keep your equipment running is essential. If you have a station that runs on batteries, you'll have to charge it occasionally, but if you have sockets around, an electric weather station will get the job done.
- Warranty - Check whether the company assures you of a reliable product that will perform best and last you long enough. Some of these stations come with warranties, so you can buy without any doubt.
Construction and Design
For any weather station, the construction and design go a long way in determining how good it is for the job. When making your purchase decision, these are some of the different constructions to consider in these stations.
Basic weather stations
These weather stations offer the essential data, such as humidity, air temperature, wind speed, and barometric pressure. The design is perfect for taking measurements outdoors and transmitting the readings indoors for display. If you are just starting out, or want to monitor the weather to help you plan your daily dressing or outdoor activity, this type of station is for you.
Advanced stations
The advanced type of station takes the concept of weather monitoring a notch higher. It comes with wireless systems that rely on Internet connectivity. It may also include a weather camera that can be handy for reading developments such as cloud formations and other types of weather segments from the comfort of your living room. This type is ideal if you want to add a little comfort and efficiency to your work.
Commercial stations
These experimental stations come with several electronically measured gauges, with the data downloaded to a computer to be analyzed. These power stations can be quite expensive for ordinary weather enthusiasts, but are great for die-hard meteorologists.
Wired vs. wireless
Weather stations can be divided into wired and wireless types. The wired ones can be handy for accuracy, and it's almost impossible to jeopardize the data with connectivity problems, but they usually require manual installation. The wireless type is useful over long distances, and the information will be preserved. Not to mention, you can collect data from different locations at once.
Performance and Ease of Use
Weather stations are built to perform, and the equipment is quite good at getting the job done. This is due to several factors.
Fast data transmission
With the use of Internet connectivity, you can make the most of some of these stations without having to deal with wires. This also helps get the job done quite efficiently over long distances, and enables you to monitor an extensive range at once. Some of the stations also offer updates as frequent as every two and a half seconds.
Versatility
The other exciting thing about these stations is the full range of opportunities you can get in your weather monitoring. With the ability to read virtually any element of the weather in your locality, you can always have something to study with your station if you have it well equipped for the task.
Display
Some weather stations come with LCD screens for better display, and backlit screens for easier reading. Even better, if the station has an adjustable backlight, you have options for the display that you want.
Outdoor and indoor monitors
Another impressive feature about these stations is that you have a variety of choices.You can either install them outdoors, or use a remote to study the weather from indoors. You can use the station to the level of your expertise.
Power
With some stations relying on battery power and others working best with electricity, the choice is all yours. It depends on the type of energy you prefer to use. Consider your options before making the purchase.
We looked at highly specialized brands that know how to build reliable monitoring instruments to find the best options. We compared prices against the amount of information each observer offers, and how easy they were to read and set up. Durability and reliability were also major factors. Within these five models, there is enough diversity that you can find a weather station that fits your curiosity and budget, so let’s jump into it.
The weather station you choose is up to personal preference. How much do you want to know about your local area's forecast? Whatever level of reliability you're looking for, these expert brands have the best weather station options that you can try out. If you have not found one for you, browse the other choices from the recommended brands. You will not be disappointed.
