To determine the outside temperature, a thermometer was previously used, which was placed outside; to measure other data - pressure, humidity, precipitation, etc., a mechanical barometer was used. Today everything is much simpler: it is enough to purchase home weather stations of various designs in order to always be aware of weather changes.
Many readers have never even heard of such modern devices, but they exist. You can purchase them in specialized stores, and to learn as much as possible about these unique products, we strongly advise you to read this article.
What is a home weather station and why is it needed?
A modern station for determining weather changes is installed in your home and consists of two blocks:
- Display - it is located inside the apartment and shows all the main parameters: outside air temperature, pressure in mm. rt. Art. and humidity percentage, and also warns of precipitation and increased wind.
- The second is a sensor that is located outside the house and monitors all the necessary indicators.
Manufacturers of household weather stations offer users two types of original devices: wired and wireless; in the first case, the display and sensor are connected by wires, but this design is no longer used much.
A wireless weather station differs in that the display receives all signals via a Wi-Fi system from one or more sensors. Experts believe that the most advanced system consists of up to five remote sensors, which are located in different places in a suburban area, for example, not only on the main building, but also on auxiliary ones, in several places along the fence, in order to get a complete picture of the weather outside.
The fact is that a weather station with a wireless sensor installed on a building does not give a complete picture, since the walls of the house heat up and affect the reading of the outside air temperature, even when it is located in the shade. If sensors are installed in different places on the site, the picture of weather conditions will be much more accurate.
In addition to the remote analyzer, another sensor is built into the display, which records the room temperature and humidity inside the room. Manufacturers equip most modern home weather stations, in addition to a built-in barometer, with a clock, calendars, even lunar ones, which is suitable for those who like to garden. You can set the clock manually or via the wireless interface.
The range of models of wireless weather stations is quite wide, you can choose according to your taste: a black and white screen or digital analogues of the latest generation with reproduction of weather conditions in animation mode. Power is supplied from the network or from built-in batteries. Clocks with a built-in weather station for the home with a remote sensor are also sold.
Best Budget Wireless Weather Stations
Almost half of our TOP are budget gadgets. They are the most popular: they are bought by people who do not need fantastic accuracy of sensors, but need the ability to constantly monitor the approximate humidity and temperature in their home, warehouse or office. All these models have built-in sensors and constant errors, which are forgiven by the extremely low price.
Best Budget Weather Station with Wireless Sensor
It is hardly possible to find a cheaper and at the same time adequate home weather station.
What do we get for this price? A standard set of temperature and humidity sensors, a compact case with a large and contrasting display, as well as a convenient magnetic mount for placement on the refrigerator or wall. There are two temperature measurement modes - Celsius and Fahrenheit, which can be switched by pressing one button. The sensor readings are very visible - users write that they are easy to read from any end of the room and from any angle. A useful function of the weather station is the record log. The gadget remembers peak data on maximum/minimum humidity and temperature for 24 and 36 hours. The device runs on one AA battery.
Of course, the accuracy of the sensors can hardly be called fantastic. One customer compared the thermometer readings with a professional analogue...and noticed a difference of 4 degrees Fahrenheit. And the hygrometer gets crazy from time to time and confuses everything.
Anonymous: It gives an error of several degrees, compared to my other perfectly working thermometer. And how can I then trust him to measure humidity? After all, I have nothing to compare the indicators with.
But no one is particularly outraged by this fact. It is often important for store owners, warehouse owners and young parents to know only approximate weather readings. Still, we are not talking about storing chemical reagents, but about banal comfort. Especially for that kind of money. And some users buy 2-3 stations at once and compare their readings, focusing on the intermediate option. This is such a funny “life hack”.
The only serious drawback of the gadget is the lack of backlight. You can view the readings at night only if the light in the room is on. Not very comfortable! But the popular rating of 4.3 stars from 81% of buyers says that you can turn a blind eye to this joint.
Price: 999
The most minimalistic weather station
We thought for a long time whether to include the gadget in our review or not. This is definitely not a full-fledged weather station, but rather a digital watch with a high-quality thermometer inside. But it is very popular among buyers, and using its example we can talk about a whole series of weather devices. After all, there are a lot of similar analogues sold. And all for the reason that not every buyer needs a hygrometer - and no one has yet refused a good thermometer.
The stations show time in 12 and 24 hour formats, have a large monitor and well-designed graphics. This gadget has a built-in standard calendar for the month, date and day of the week. The mount allows you to install the clock-thermometer on the floor, table and hang it on the wall. It's a shame, though, that they only measure temperature in Fahrenheit. But there is a “seconds hand” - a rarity for digital chronometers.
Despite its very large dimensions (8 by 6 inches), the watch runs on just one AA battery. In terms of compactness, they are inferior to most mobile weather stations. But they can be used as an interior element - the product looks very good.
Some users complain about the watch not working properly. Most often they begin to sag after a few weeks of use. In the worst case, the gadget showed a lag of 5 minutes 4 weeks after purchase. It’s a similar story with a thermometer: the measurement error is +-1 degree Fahrenheit. By the way, no worse than the previous device.
But a large monitor, low cost and constant access to important information make this product extremely popular.
Steve writes: The clock size is perfect for my workshop. I needed a watch whose screen I could see from anywhere in the room - and I got it. The temperature error is about 1 degree, I would definitely buy another one of these!
Price: 1999
Compact weather station for home
This model is very similar to the first weather station that we wrote about above.
Only the shape of the gadget and its color have changed (black, red and blue versions). The product looks more attractive: it is clear that the developers wanted to add gloss to it and turn it into an element of home interior. It has also become more compact. True, the characteristics of the display slightly suffered from this reduction in the device - it somehow shrunk, and the placement of numbers became not so convenient for perception. As for the magnetic mount, temperature and humidity sensors, they remained in place. Maybe they are more accurate now? We will look for the answer to this question in user reviews.
The range of the temperature sensor is not amazing. It is limited to 0 degrees Celsius on the lower scale and +50 degrees on the upper scale. It's a similar story with the hygrometer. Officially, the sensor stops working at humidity levels above 95% and below 20%.
Topdoc writes: At first, the device determined humidity almost perfectly accurately - the error was 4%, but by the second week of testing it was already as much as 9% compared to the other hygrometer
We also often came across information about defects in batches. From a “broken” monitor to a hygrometer that cannot show odd numbers. But the principle still works here - “don’t care about the jambs, it’s so cheap.” The model sells well - and its cute appearance only adds to its popularity.
Price: 2699
Weather station with wireless thermometer
A very interesting model of a remote wireless thermometer. You will be offered one external sensor for measuring temperature outside and from one to three monitor sensors for measuring indoors. The final cost of the gadget will depend on their number. These compact gizmos can be hung in different places of the house: they will display data on the temperature level inside and outside on a miniature display. This way, all family members can find out about the weather, each in their own room.
The developers write that the external sensor is protected from moisture. But it’s still better to hang it in a dry and dark place: it will last longer. All elements of the device are powered by two AAA batteries. If these are batteries, then the device will be able to live on them for a whole year or even longer.
The remote element measures temperatures from -40°F to +149°F. The "Home Sensor" operates from 32°F to +140°F. Official measurement accuracy is +/- 2.0°F, although we found critical reviews and about large errors. The average signal transmission distance is 120 feet. True, the signal does not pass through the ground and solid metal. A little tip: if you have a large house or property, you can purchase several units of the product. One remote will "read data" from one transmitter on one side of the house, and the second remote will be able to "read" from a second transmitter.
This gadget is especially appreciated by car enthusiasts - it is good in the car. What shortcomings did customers note? Cheap plastic and a display that can easily be scratched. Inconvenient display of three-digit numbers. Glitches of the main sensor at humid temperatures. Otherwise, everyone praises the simplicity and convenience of the device. In short, we recommend purchasing.
Price: 2649
Principle of operation
To obtain the necessary information, a mobile version of a remote sensor is used, which is located outdoors at a distance of up to 100 m; the data coming from the device is processed by an electronic system built into the display, so the indoor weather station periodically displays weather changes to the user. Some models of the best weather stations can be connected to a desktop PC or laptop.
As an example, let’s consider the operation of a budget weather station with a barometer and a remote sensor. The main parameters that it measures:
- The temperature and humidity of the indoor air is measured using a highly sensitive thermo-hygrosensor built into the receiver body.
- Changes in atmospheric temperature are produced by a temperature sensor, which is located outside the apartment; data is transmitted at intervals from 5 seconds to several minutes - this depends on the model. In this case, a radio channel or Wi-Fi system is used.
- Atmospheric pressure is measured by a built-in electronic barometer in units that are set by the user, available options: mm. rt. Art., kPa and kg/sq. cm.
Based on the collected data over a certain period of time, the device independently compiles a weather forecast and displays it on the display in the form of weather symbols.
Such a mobile system is designed for minimal electrical energy consumption, which is especially appreciated by budget-conscious users. A display intended for an apartment or any room must be equipped with internal backlighting so that the contrasting image makes it easier to read the readings at any time of the day.
Kinds
There are the following types of weather stations:
- Devices with wires, the sensor is taken outside the room, but it is connected to the station by wire.
- Wireless products.
- Weather stations for professionals.
- Internet devices.
The first type is gradually disappearing from store shelves, although their parameters are in no way inferior, but the second option is much easier to install and use, so users try to choose wireless weather stations. They are not limited in any way and the indoor unit can be moved to any room at the request of the users.
Wi-Fi models have the following advantages:
- They can forecast the weather a day or more in advance.
- When the sensors are configured correctly, they show wind speed.
- Different models have individual distances from the indoor unit to the outdoor sensor, but they all vary between 3-100 m.
- Manufacturers of such equipment have a tendency to bundle products with media containing software. These are small disks in appearance; they can be used to establish a connection with a computer or smartphone.
- The temperature range for remote sensors is -30—+50 °C, and the time range is from 5 seconds to 5 minutes.
- Atmospheric pressure is shown in any user-friendly units of measurement.
If the selected weather station runs on batteries, the display indicates the charge level, which must be monitored in order to replace the energy source in time.
Main features, pros and cons
All models of similar equipment can perform the following functions:
- Temperature measurement indoors and outdoors. Units of measurement are degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
- Measuring air humidity, with an external and internal hygrometer built into the indoor unit.
- Precipitation data for a certain period - this function is available only in premium devices.
- Wind direction and speed can be measured in all valid units of measurement.
- Short-term weather forecast.
- A diagram of changes in temperature and humidity over a certain period.
- The device memory stores the maximum and minimum temperature and humidity values.
- Shows the degree of battery discharge.
This all applies to the advantages of the equipment, but the main disadvantages are:
- minor discrepancies between the reference and actual measurements, which is not a big drawback for users; the tendency to increase or decrease the main values is much more important;
- sub-zero temperatures significantly reduce the charge in the batteries, which can only be solved by insulating the battery compartment.
Remember that you should only buy products from a trusted manufacturer that has service centers in Russia.
What to pay attention to
Choice by price
When purchasing a budget device, the owner receives an internal module in the form of a monochrome display with a built-in barometer and thermometer, plus an external sensor with a wired connection. The screen displays the current time, temperature, and atmospheric pressure. If you have an external sensor, you can see the same climatic parameters for the street. The weather forecast for the next half of the day is indicated on the screen by symbols.
Sensor range
In mid-price range devices, the functionality has been expanded. The kit includes wireless sensors with different ranges. When purchasing a weather station for a country house, you should calculate the distance from the external sensors to the internal module and choose devices with a range of at least 100 meters. True, such a device will cost more.
Additional features
The color display with smart backlight allows you to determine the forecast for the near future by the color of your screen.
Some modules can project the necessary information onto the ceiling, wall or any other surface at the request of the owner. To do this, just turn the built-in projector in the desired direction.
Models with advanced functionality consume a significant amount of electricity. Regular batteries last for a couple of months. A good option would be to have a built-in battery that can be recharged from the mains. Ideally, powered by a solar battery.
Professional weather stations are equipped with additional sensors and devices that allow you to determine the direction and speed of the wind and give an accurate forecast for the next 12 hours and several days. In addition to monitoring climate data, the touch screen shows the date, time, moon phases and altitude. By touching the screen, you can switch channels from external to internal sensors to track the climate parameters in your home. Such equipment is equipped with a USB port that allows you to connect the device to a PC. This provides additional opportunities for accurate forecasting by checking Internet data.
Weather station in the “Smart Home”
Integration of a digital weather station into the Smart Home system allows you to automatically adjust the climate in residential premises depending on weather conditions. Using the data from the home weather forecaster’s external sensors, the smart home will increase the temperature in the heating system due to the predicted cold snap, reverse the onset of heat, and the smart curtains will automatically close on a hot sunny day. Based on the hygrometer readings, the smart home will turn on the humidifier. Such integration will save up to 40% of heat and electricity costs.
Sensors
Now the age of wireless communications is coming, so the choice of users is sensors that transmit signals wirelessly, as with household appliances: previously there was mainly a mechanical control system, but now everyone is trying to purchase equipment with an electronic analogue.
When installing the sensor in an apartment building, consider securing it in case of strong winds using a thin rope or thick, strong fishing line. Up to 12 analyzers can be connected to the station.
Where did the weather station begin?
The first instruments to help people predict the weather were the weather vane and the barometer. The first indicated the direction of the wind, the second warned of an approaching storm. The craftsmen gave them a very attractive appearance.
Medieval weather vanes still decorate the roofs of European cities. Later they were supplemented by a barometer, thermometer, hygrometer and anemometer, which form the basis of any weather station.
How to choose a weather station
All models are structurally composed of a base, the task of which is to process incoming data and display it on the display, and analyzers installed outdoors. The cost of each model differs markedly; it depends not only on the number of sensors: simple products have no more than three, but also on the material and filling of the display, where a compact control unit and other very useful components can be located.
Some stations are powered only from the network, but wireless analogues are now preferred, which can be moved to any convenient place in an apartment or private house. For stable operation, AA batteries are used, which are inserted into a power supply designed for 2 and sometimes 6 pieces. A more expensive option is Li-On batteries, with them you don’t have to spend money on purchasing batteries.
The sensors are also powered by batteries, but you need to choose ones with finger-type analogues, and the best option is self-charging devices, since the battery quickly loses its charge, regardless of the company that manufactured them, and they have to be changed frequently. Pay attention to protection from moisture and resistance to mechanical stress, as well as from attacks by insects and small rodents.
You should not believe advertising that such products predict the weather 1-2 weeks in advance; this is impossible, according to experts; it is realistic to buy equipment that will give an accurate forecast 24-36 hours in advance and no more. Display graphics come in second place, and backlighting, font size, color images are all secondary advantages of the equipment. What is more important is the temperature regime at which your equipment continues to operate, because many analyzers break down already at -5 degrees, and the best can withstand even below -30 °C.
High-quality compact weather stations
In this section we will talk about more expensive gadgets. They will cost from 20 to 100 dollars and will provide you with the opportunity to high-quality monitoring of weather data in different locations. The error of these devices will become smaller, and they will also feature new types of analyzers.
Weather station with animated display
This device was one of the first weather gadgets with a color and animated display.
With all sorts of running clouds across the screen on the eve of cloudy weather and a bright sun icon on the eve of heat. It was initially sold at an inflated price of $120. But now you can buy such a weather station for only 39 bucks. I won’t say that its functionality is amazing, but there are several very important advantages. Firstly, the operating distance of the external sensor is 300 feet. This is enough to work at the largest industrial facility or in a large house. Secondly, a barometer already appears here, and with it an approximate weather forecast for several hours in advance.
The external sensor measures temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure (powered by 3 AAA batteries), and the internal sensor measures temperature and humidity level (2 batteries). Moreover, it also calculates the level of comfort for a person in a room based on humidity. All data is displayed in real time, and peak indicators are recorded in daily data. The bonus of the device is a digital calendar, atomic time and adjustable screen brightness. All this, of course, does not cost $120, but the price of 39 bucks seems like a good deal to us.
77% of users called the device “useful.” Most, however, write about the dim screen in the daytime and the “mirror effect” of the front panel. There were also those who were annoyed by the animated icons.
Jaco writes: Sun and clouds all over the screen - useless and distracting!
But at night the device looks attractive and even adds coziness to the home. The picture is readable from any angle, and setting the time and date from a satellite saves the owner from manual work. Surprisingly, we found almost no complaints about the quality of the sensor! Our verdict is that the device can and should be purchased. With the caveat that more advanced models have already appeared on the market.
Price: 4990
Compact weather station
The first glance at the display of the device causes a feeling of slight fear: so much different data is displayed on it. It is impossible to understand them in a few seconds. The interface is clearly intended not for intuitive reading, but for careful familiarization. Is this bad? If you need simple, approximate and quick information - yes. If the buyer is looking for a detailed weather report, then this is a plus, not a minus.
The device is designed for different purposes: the developers recommend buying it for winemakers, food cellar owners, and even farmers. It tracks indoor and outdoor temperatures, air humidity and dew points, monitors barometric pressure (memorizing local sea levels) and predicts the weather. In addition, the gadget shows the history of all measurements in the form of accurate diagrams. This is cool, considering that cheaper devices only remember peak readings.
The accuracy of the forecasts here is average - it is completely dependent on the barometer readings. A bonus to the device is an atomic clock with an alarm clock and very good night lighting. The black and white screen has a lot of contrast, but the icons and numbers are a bit small. If you have poor eyesight, you will have to look at them closely.
We really liked the device's external sensor. It is equipped with a mini-display with information on humidity and temperature levels. This is a very compact and nice device. One cannot but rejoice in the range of measurements. Humidity is captured from 1 to 99%. The external thermometer operates from -40.0°F to +149°F (+/-2°F accuracy). Internal – from +32 and with the same level of accuracy. This is better than all the devices described above.
In the comments, people note the possibility of manual calibration and the alarm function. They write that the signal transmission distance of 330 feet only works in open space - in the case of obstacles, it is reduced to 100 feet (also not bad). Of course, the device lacks slots for third-party sensors - with such good functionality they would be very useful. Especially winemakers, owners of greenhouses and warehouses. We also found complaints about the water resistance of the external sensor. Although those affected by moisture write that drying the case and batteries brought the device back to life. If not for all these disadvantages, the product could have earned the status of a “semi-professional” gadget. But still he falls a little short of it.
Price: 1850
Semi-professional station
A cool thing that can already be called a semi-professional weather station. True, it specializes in a very narrow function - measuring precipitation levels. The device analyzes air temperature and rain activity. It will tell you how hydrated the soil is and record insufficient or extreme rainfall in your region. According to the developers, this function is very important for gardeners, sports field workers, farmers, gardeners, environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts and even officials. They recommend it also to owners of toll roads, so that they monitor the safety of the surface of their highways.
Here we find a very original moisture level sensor built into the rain collector. He monitors every millimeter of fluid growth in the collector and draws conclusions about the intensity of rain. When full, the device automatically empties and continues calculations. As a result, you will receive information about how long the rain lasted, whether it damaged your soil, whether it exceeded the seasonal norm, etc. The precipitation diary will tell you about all the observations of the device over the last 10 days.
As a bonus, the device has a built-in digital clock and an average temperature sensor. The gadget runs on AA batteries (3 pieces), which last for about a year. Users praise this product for its build quality and durability:
I installed it outside the house 9 years ago - and it works just like that: in the heat and snow storms, it doesn’t matter. Change batteries when necessary - that's the whole secret
True, many criticize this model in comparison with previous versions of the rain gauge from the same manufacturer.
James writes: The temperature gauge did not display the minimum and maximum temperature recorded, so I passed it without even trying
Quite often there are reviews about defects in the switching of the remote sensor and the base station. The base regularly “loses” the rain gauge from view, and the device has to be rebooted. Users say that this problem goes away only when the sensor is completely replaced. And this is a waste of money. Therefore, when purchasing a device, we recommend that you thoroughly test it for such defects.
Price: 4490
Rating
We present to your attention a top review of models from manufacturers from different countries, some of them have Swiss precision and impeccable reliability.
La Crosse WS9057
pros
- Accurate readings of temperature, pressure and humidity
- Large display, easy to read data
- warns about precipitation in advance
Minuses
- not found
From 3710 ₽
Before purchasing a model, users must determine in advance its installation location, since the basic location is only on the wall.
Uniel UTV-64
pros
- powered by mains or batteries
- the display provides complete information
- animated weather forecast
Minuses
- does not show pressure in mm. rt. Art.
From 1148 ₽
This model can be wall or table based and the data transmission signal is made via radio.
HAMA EWS-800
pros
- communication range up to 100 m
- large informative display screen
- low temperature measurement
Minuses
- no measurement in mm. rt. Art.
From 1725 ₽
RST 02523
pros
- Modern design, slim body
- Big screen, good font
- Multiple sensors can be used
Minuses
- not found
From 5150 ₽
The animated weather station has a super thin body with elegant legs and advanced functionality. Basic placement on a table or nightstand.
Netatmo Urban Weather Station
pros
- fairly simple connection and settings
- original appearance
- accurate forecast for a day or two
Minuses
- does not work without an internet connection
From 11390 ₽
The weather station developed by French specialists is a huge step forward among all existing weather stations for home use.
Buro H103G
pros
- two temperature sensors outside and inside the display
- unique compactness
- democratic price
Minuses
- not found
From 595 ₽
An excellent budget weather station for all segments of the population.
BRIG+ M-47 new
pros
- retains its original appearance for many years
- high precision instruments
- great gift for a colleague's anniversary
Minuses
- not found
From 4500 ₽
RST 05301
pros
- excellent and accurate device
- excellent quality of materials
Minuses
- not found
From 3940 ₽
This home weather station from the Coat of Arms of the Russian Empire series will decorate any interior, from a civil servant's office to an office.
Ea2 BL502
pros
- Batteries last 6 months
- simple operation, accurate data
- easy maintenance
Minuses
- control buttons are on the back
From 1790 ₽
Oregon Scientific BAR806
pros
- nice design, compact
- high quality assembly and reliability
- presence of a solar panel and operation from it
Minuses
- not found
From 2100 ₽
