What is a Home Weather Station?
Have you ever wanted to have more detailed information on the weather in your immediate area? Tired of reading weather forecasts from several sources? Want to properly plan for your garden and special events? Sounds like you are looking for a Home Weather Station. Today's technology lets you bring the weather station up close and personal. It is now possible for everyone to own and operate their very own Scientific Weather Station.
How Personal Weather Stations Work
A weather station is a combination of measuring and recording devices used to monitor atmospheric conditions and study weather patterns. Standard equipment that comes with most home professional weather monitoring systems are: Thermometer, Barometer, Hygrometer, Anemometer, Wind Vane and Rain Gauge. A weather station is made up of two components: Central Unit and Sensors.
The Central Unit calculates the sensor readings which are received either by hard wired LAN or Wireless connection. The Console will record historical data such as Highs and Lows, programmable alarms, data analysis and graphs. Weather stations will also calculate dew point, wind chill, UV index, heat index, density altitude, evapotransporation and many other parameters.
The Sensors usually consist of an anemometer (measures wind speed and wind direction), a self-emptying rain gauge, temperature, humidity and barometric pressure sensors. Most weather stations also measure indoor temperature and humidity. Some weather stations include solar radiation, UV, water proof probes, additional temperature and humidity sensors, leaf wetness, soil moisture and lightning detectors. There are many options for sensors to suite any need.
Additional options for a PWS (Personal Weather Station): multiple consoles, Rain Gauge Heater, Water Proof Probes and Data Logger Software to collect, store and post historical data to Internet sites. Another neat addition that is becoming more popular as prices drop is the addition of a weather cam so you can visually see the weather conditions along with the data.
Most of all owning and operating a home weather station is a fun hobby. There are many manufactures and products available on the market. We will post product reviews from the top brands such as: Davis, La Cross, Oregon Scientific, Conrad, Rainwise and ELV. Remember to have fun with it and keep looking to the sky.
