I’ve narrowed my search down to the WMR100 and WS-2315. The Oregon looks like it has better range and I think all the units are wireless. The La Crosse outdoor units are cabled and wondering if that is a problem?
Looking for pros and cons on these two stations. Also if you have another recommendation in this price range that would be great.
Thanks for your time
I suggest the WMR100 (actualy the WMR200 if you can get a hold of it, as that has data logging)
beinig USB, less problems, and the sensors are a bit better quality
even better quality sensors is the Irox/Nexus station (but updates are not as fast), and it has a data logger too
I just set up my new WMR100 at the ranch here in Colorado. It works great but the trial version of WD doesn’t see it with the USB hookup. I have tried every com port but none seem to work. Does anyone have advice? I want to buy the full version, but I need to know it’s going to work first.
Which version of windows is your computer running?
Are you familiar with the device manager in most versions of windows?
If yes does any device have an explanation mark against it or red mark?
Again if yes if you unplug the usb cable from your weather station does the error clear?
Automan.
I think the std answer for the OS unit is to get the unit swapped for the serial connected cable. Depending on the OS and the PC hardware M/Bd etc, sometimes it works fine and on others it can be a problem. Apparently the retailers will usally change the connection method without cost or at low cost.
EDIT: Thanks for the correction Niko… :oops: Foot in mouth trick… #-o
I think you may be confusing Oregon Scientific with Davis. AFAIK there is no Serial version of the WMR100.
If you do have Vista on your PC the following thread may help
Automan.
the wmr100 is USB
which means no com port number needs to be selected
the separate running wmr100.exe gets the data
check that program
(double click that icon in the system tray)
but also, though, sometimes the wmr100 console needs completly resetting (power down and then power up again (batteries removed too), for a minute, then re power up and then restart the wmr100.exe separately running program
Whether it be the OS or the LaCrosse, let me know as I can get my hands on both, at a cheap rate.
I and many others on this site have used the La Crosse weather stns especially as a first Wx Stn or as a backup. Also they do seem a bit more vulnerable then other breeds but the accuracy is pretty good compared with other instruments beside them. My console needed sending back after 2 weeks - it stopped talking to the PC on the serial port - a fault I guess that could strike any new purchase. The second unit I received lost part of the viewing screen lcd display segments. The leaf switch for the rain bucket is another sensitive device - easily replaced but an item prone to faults. Also the wind signals can get false values but mine seems fixed now. I am still enjoying the equipment and have enhanced its effectiveness with alts… I even had problems with spiders and webs tieing up my wind anemometer propeller!! I have a friend who purchsed a second unit with spare components…
But, if you are not so much a hobbyist, then the Oregon Scientific should be an install once and use forever, bar batteries and regular cleaning of rain buckets etc. They also have different radio signal characteristics, but I hard wired my unit for very frequent data transfer - about 20/min. Also - PC’s, you should have a 2.4GHz processor and at least 1GB Ram, Vista may need 2GB. If you have a webcam or plan for one, then that takes extra processing power - but still inside the previous specs. My machine is a limiting device - a 1.1GHz AMD Duron but does have 1GB DDR.
Good luck with the planning and purchase…
TokKiwi
I would recommend the La Crosse Systems. As many have found they are a cheaper unit and do have
their weak points although there are now many La Crosse units in the field and the data accuracy
is very good.
I think value for money they are great.
I have only ever used the Oregon WMR928NX and i would highly recommend Oregon as a low’sh budget
I paid about
I have a LaCrosse 2010 and bought a WMR100 for my mother. I can tell you the quality of the Oregon is much better than the LaCrosse. I replaced the LaCrosse with a VP2 but left the LaCrosse installed.
The anemometer (on the 2010 it has cups instead of the little propeller) failed within the first 8 months then the outside temp/hydro quit and finally the rain gauge. I did replace the anemometer which was about half the price of the whole station. So if you take into account the replacement parts the value goes down pretty quick. If you search this forum you will see others have had problems with the anemometer due to corrosion on the bearings in the 2300 series. Just my opinion and experience, YMMV.
–Dave