“The most important thing is the weather in the house” - is sung in a famous song, and this statement is true in any living space (apartment, private house, hotel, hotel). In order to maintain a comfortable microclimate for humans, it is necessary to monitor not only the ambient temperature, but also the humidity, atmospheric pressure, and other indicators.
Modern weather stations are able to control these characteristics not only inside the apartment, but also outside. This is convenient because it allows a person to estimate the weather outside in advance and dress appropriately for the weather. Such devices are in demand among farmers and summer residents, since information about weather conditions is very important for them.
Budget devices have limited functionality and can show a small list of weather characteristics (temperature, air humidity, rarely - pressure, wind speed). More expensive modifications are equipped with technological reading devices with a weather forecast function for a short period. According to buyers, home meteorological devices have a higher forecasting accuracy compared to data from Internet resources or television, since they make measurements in a specific place, and not over a large area.
Types of home weather stations
Devices of this type are divided into three broad categories - analog, digital, professional. When choosing which unit is better to buy, it is worth focusing on the tasks that are set for the device.
Thus, mechanical devices have a stylish appearance, but they can only measure indoors, have limited functionality and do not have the ability to predict. Such devices can only show the ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Digital models are more functional. They read the readings of the sensors (both indoors and outdoors), and display all the information received on the display. In mechanisms of this type, screens are used that consume a minimum amount of energy. The weather station can be powered both from the mains and from batteries. Compact size and special manufacturing technology, LED backlight provides low power consumption.
Professional devices from the best manufacturers are capable of taking measurements such as precipitation level, wind direction and strength, humidity. All data is written to the built-in flash drive. It is possible to synchronize the device with a computer or tablet. Meteorological stations of this level are able to form an accurate weather forecast for a long period at a specific point.Apparatus of this type are used to make long-term forecasts. The station with Internet access and equipped with a Wi-fi module accumulates data about the environment and transfers them to the “smart home” system, which in turn adjusts the climatic equipment for a specific situation.
The principle of operation of a household climate station
The device has a sensor that is removed from the base station at a distance of 1 meter or more. It analyzes the main parameters of the ambient air, and transfers them to the control center, where, using special algorithms, they are processed and systematized, on the basis of which a short-term forecast is made. Data transmission can be carried out using a wire or wireless technology.
The measurement of temperature and humidity inside the apartment is carried out using a sensitive element called a thermohygrosensor (located inside the control base). To measure these parameters outside the premises, a remote reading device is used, which transmits readings to the base at a given frequency. Depending on the manufacturer and the level of electronics, the minimum signal transmission interval can be from 5 seconds (wired technology) to a minute or more (wireless technology).
The air pressure is measured by a barometer mounted in the body of the device. The user can set the units of measurement convenient for him.
Criteria for choosing a home weather station
- The number of sensors taking measurements. The more there are, the higher the measurement accuracy. The buyer is also advised to find out what type of measurements a particular sensor is configured for, since the wider the range of measured characteristics, the more informative the purchased device.
- An important selection criterion will be the ability to customize the units of measurement of the device, since most of them are initially set to the scale of indications used in Europe or America, and inconvenient for residents of the CIS countries.
- Wired or wireless data transmission technology. The second implies a large installation range of measuring controllers, as well as the convenience of their location, but the average price of stations with such sensors is higher than the average.
- Type of food. As previously mentioned, the device can be powered by a network, battery or battery. Since such devices consume a small amount of electricity, it seems most rational to buy a device that does not require a stationary installation and connection to the mains. The best option would be to use rechargeable batteries.
- Operating temperature range. Despite the fact that most of the gadgets under consideration can work in any conditions, there are models that read outdoor readings only at positive air temperatures. For Russia, such devices are useless.
- The level of waterproofing and resistance to mechanical stress. Most weather stations have basic characteristics in this area, and the higher these indicators, the more durable the device.
- Availability of additional functions. The main ones will be discussed below.
Additional features
Since weather stations are complex electronic devices, they can perform not only the functions assigned to them, but also perform additional tasks. These tasks include:
- built-in clock with an alarm (sometimes a calendar);
- devices with built-in projectors (such devices, when a certain button is pressed, project an image onto a wall or other flat surface, allowing the user to read readings not only during the day, but also at night);
- gadgets that combine the functions of an electronic photo frame and a weather station (in this version, an alternate demonstration of weather parameters and images recorded by the user on a memory card is realized);
- devices controlled by a remote control or using a smartphone;
- models with built-in radio or USB speaker;
- models that combine a landline telephone and a weather station.
Weather stations can be divided into several categories depending on the type of electronic device, as well as the requirements of the user. Let's make an overview of popular models and find out which device is better.
Rating of quality mechanical weather stations
RST 05116
This is one of the most popular and high-quality models on sale in Russia. The product is made in Switzerland from high-quality components, the elements are assembled by hand. Products undergo thorough control at all stages of production.
The device has a stylish design and consists of three blocks that measure the environment - thermometer, barometer, hygrometer. The wood-finish case, yellow dials reminiscent of antiques from antiquity - all this makes the device a decorative element that attracts attention in any interior. The dials have gradation indicating the optimal values of the air parameters, and the arrow will show the actual value of the criterion under consideration.
The second name of the device is "Kruzenshtern", given by the name of the vessel, known for the well-coordinated work of the crew and achieving high rates of speed. The manufacturer, calling his product such a big name, wanted to say that the device being sold has the same characteristics - long and reliable, high-quality work. The device is designed to be mounted on a wall. Since this is a mechanical type weather station, it does not require connection to the network or the installation of an additional battery, therefore, recharging is not required.
Specifications:
Index | Value |
A type | mechanical |
Nutrition | not required |
Wall mount | there is |
Body material | wood |
Measured indicators | temperature, humidity, pressure |
Measured pressure range, mm Hg Art. | 720-780 |
Measured temperature range, ° С | -40, +50 |
Overall dimensions, mm. | 90x120x430x25 |
Weight, gr. | 930 |
Average price, rub. | 5 500 |
RST 05116
Advantages:
- does not require connecting to the mains or installing batteries;
- a wide range of measured indicators;
- attractive appearance, antique finish;
- popular model.
Disadvantages:
BRIG + M-47
The survey is continued by a Russian-made weather station. Unlike the previous model, the product is produced in black "baroque" or brown. To ensure durability, only high-strength wood species are used in the production. Like the RST 05116, it has three dials showing humidity, temperature and pressure.
The station is hung on the wall and has special mounts for this. The dial of the barometer is the largest, its diameter is 90 mm, the diameter of the other dials is 70 mm.
Specifications:
Index | Value |
A type | mechanical |
Nutrition | not required |
Wall Mount | there is |
Body material | wood |
Measured indicators | temperature, humidity, pressure |
Measured pressure range, mm Hg Art. | 710-800 |
Measured temperature range, ° С | -20, +50 |
Measured humidity range,% | 0-100 |
Overall dimensions, mm. | 145x360x40 |
Weight, gr. | no data |
Average price, rub. | 4 000 |
BRIG + M-47
Advantages:
- inexpensive price compared to the previous model;
- attractive appearance;
- does not require mains power or battery installation;
- visual display of atmospheric pressure;
- since the device is manufactured in Russia, it is easy to find it on sale in both stationary and online stores;
- available in two different colors.
Disadvantages:
- small range of measured temperatures.
TFA 20.2047.54
This representative of home weather stations immediately attracts attention due to its unusual design. The product is made in the form of a globe on a stand, inside of which the elements for measuring humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure are located in a chaotic manner. In addition to the dials, inside the globe there are geometric spherical and straight figures that form a single system.The station, like a real globe, can rotate around its axis. There is no external reading device, all measurements are carried out only indoors.
The device will be of interest to children, since its design makes it possible to visually study the mechanical method of measuring environmental indicators. Here you can see how, under the influence of temperature or humidity, a special spring changes its compression ratio.
The device is made of metal, the ball is made of plexiglass. The device is installed on a table. Since the manufacturing plant is located in Germany, the assembly of the product is carried out on high-tech equipment, at all stages of production, the products undergo thorough quality control, only high-quality materials are used.
Specifications:
Index | Value |
A type | mechanical |
Nutrition | not required |
Wall Mount | not |
Body material | metal, plexiglass |
Measured indicators | temperature, humidity, pressure |
Measured pressure range, mm Hg Art. | no data |
Measured temperature range, ° С | -15, +55 |
Measured humidity range,% | 20-100 |
Overall dimensions, mm. | 126x126x200 |
Weight, gr. | 565 |
Average price, rub. | 15 500 |
TFA 20.2047.54
Advantages:
- unusual appearance;
- high-quality materials of manufacture.
Disadvantages:
- the device is expensive for the price;
- the pressure is measured in terms that are not used in Russia - HectoPascals, which is why the user has to translate these values into a convenient system.
Digital models
Electronic home stations can be with an external reader (show the weather conditions both indoors and outdoors), and without it (data is displayed only indoors). In turn, devices with an external sensor can work both via wired and wireless technology. Let's consider the most popular ones.
Digital weather stations with external sensor
Wireless stations
La Crosse WS9057
This is one of the most popular models of external sensor stations and wireless technology. According to buyers, it is highly accurate. The external sensor can be installed up to 100 meters from the main base. The sensitivity of the receiving device is automatically adjusted depending on the type of terrain, interference in the interaction area, etc. The manufacturer allows the simultaneous connection of several sensors (up to three).
The frequency of updating information from an external sensor on the display is every 4 seconds. Indoor data is updated every 15 seconds. The display itself is divided into thematic sectors that display the following data: temperature (inside and outside), atmospheric pressure (outside), humidity (inside and outside), date and time, phase of the lunar cycle, weather phenomena (clear, precipitation, etc.) ). Weather information is transmitted with high accuracy in any weather and ambient temperature. There is a possibility of forecasting the weather for the near future.
The device can be installed on a table, or placed on a wall (there are special mounts). It is possible to select units of measurement for any of the parameters. In addition, you can also set the frequency of data update, displayed lunar phases. The device is self-contained; AA batteries or rechargeable batteries are used for power supply. In addition to these functions, there is also the ability to save weather data in the device's memory, a built-in clock with an alarm clock, a daily and lunar calendar. The device also reflects the level of comfort of the state of the environment for humans.
Specifications:
Index | Value |
A type | digital |
Nutrition | batteries, accumulators |
Wall Mount | there is |
Body material | plastic |
Measured indicators | temperature, humidity, pressure, moon phases, weather phenomena |
Measured pressure range, mm Hg Art. | no data |
Measured temperature range, ° С | on the street -40, +60; indoors -10, +60 |
Measured humidity range,% | 1-99 |
Overall dimensions, mm. | 190x190x37 |
Weight, gr. | 120 |
Average price, rub. | 3 700 |
La Crosse WS9057
Advantages:
- large list of measured values;
- remote wireless sensor;
- the device is priced higher than most competitors with similar characteristics;
- there is a forecasting function;
- autonomous work on batteries or rechargeable batteries.
Disadvantages:
RST 88779
Another representative of the RST brand, the popularity of models of which is due to high quality and durable work. The device is made of soft plastic, the control elements are finished with chrome. The weather station can be installed on the table or hung on the wall.
According to the manufacturer, the device is equipped with a high-precision barometer, the readings of which can be tracked on a graph. Information from remote sensors (1 piece in the delivery set, it is possible to install 2 more pieces) is transmitted to the display, which reflects the following information: indoor and outdoor temperature, atmospheric pressure, indoor and outdoor humidity, animated lunar calendar (on which you can track the ebb and flow), current date and time, calendar.
Customers note the convenient color backlighting with adjustable brightness, as well as the built-in forecasting function, and the weather data is displayed in the form of animated pictures. Another feature of the gadget is built-in intelligence, which calibrates the device depending on the location of the sensors. The station, analyzing the data of all sensors, automatically adjusts the time and date. In accordance with the factory settings, the time zone is initially set in Moscow time, it is possible to set any other. There are built-in smart features such as a power saving system. Drivers will be interested in the function of warning about the possibility of icing on the roads. The device is powered by batteries, rechargeable batteries, or power supply (adapter is not included in the delivery set).
Specifications:
Index | Value |
A type | digital |
Nutrition | batteries, accumulators, power grid |
Wall Mount | there is |
Body material | plastic |
Measured indicators | temperature, humidity, pressure, moon phases, weather phenomena |
Measured pressure range, mm Hg Art. | 637,5-787,5 |
Measured temperature range, ° С | on the street -50, +70; indoors -9.9, +50 |
Measured humidity range,% | 20-99 |
Overall dimensions, mm. | 170x130x18 |
Weight, gr. | no data |
Average price, rub. | 5 500 |
RST 88779
Advantages:
- regardless of how much the device costs, you can find many positive reviews from buyers on the network who do not regret their choice;
- wide functionality;
- high-quality performance and accessories.
Disadvantages:
Best Wired Sensor Station
TA 298
This representative of a little-known TA company is distinguished by the presence of a wired sensor. The model is a compromise between expensive devices with a wireless sensor and cheap devices without a sensor, which measure the temperature only indoors.
The device is divided into three zones, each of which is responsible for its own indicator: temperature inside and outside the room, humidity outside the window. The portable sensor can be carried up to a distance of one and a half meters. Users note that a thin wire can be passed between the frame and the window sash, which will not interfere with its free opening and closing. The gadget can be hung on a wall or placed on a flat surface. The device is powered by an AAA battery. The manufacturer offers a 1 year warranty for its products.
Specifications:
Index | Value |
A type | digital |
Nutrition | batteries |
Wall Mount | there is |
Body material | plastic |
Measured indicators | indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity |
Measured temperature range, ° С | inside - 0-50, outside - -40 + 70 |
Measured humidity range,% | 10-99 |
Average price, rub. | 630 |
TA 298
Advantages:
- budget price;
- attractive appearance;
- long wire for remote sensor.
Disadvantages:
- a small number of measured indicators.
Weather stations without external sensor
Such devices have a built-in sensor and display temperature, humidity and other parameters on the screen only indoors.
Xiaomi Mijia Temperature And Humidity Electronic Watch
The model in question from the famous Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has a stylish design. The delivery set includes the station itself, a set of fasteners for installing the device on various surfaces, and an instruction manual.
The main part of the screen of the gadget is occupied by the clock, under which are the values of the humidity level in the room and the temperature of the ambient air. Next to them is an emoticon that becomes cheerful or sad, depending on the comfort of the environment for a person. There are no buttons on the body of the device, all settings are made after synchronizing the device with the Mi home application. The connection is made via Bluetooth data transmission.
The display of the gadget uses special E-ink, which does not have a harmful effect on the user's eyes, has low power consumption (saves battery power) and is clearly visible from any viewing angle.
A significant drawback of the device is the lack of backlighting, which makes it impossible to read its readings at night. Once every half hour, the screen is refreshed in an unusual way - black pixels turn white, and vice versa. Despite the fact that it looks strange, you should not be intimidated by this phenomenon - this is a feature of E-ink displays.
Specifications:
Index | Value |
A type | digital |
Nutrition | batteries |
Wall Mount | there is |
Body material | plastic |
Measured indicators | temperature, humidity |
Measured temperature range, ° С | 0-60 |
Measured humidity range,% | 0-99 |
Overall dimensions, mm. | 110x55x10.1 |
Weight, gr. | 60 |
Average price, rub. | 1 700 |
Xiaomi Mijia Temperature And Humidity Electronic Watch
Advantages:
- budget price;
- the Internet weather station, when synchronized with the phone, constantly checks the relevance of the time, showing its exact values;
- high quality display.
Disadvantages:
- does not show measurements outside the room;
- a small list of analyzed indicators.
HAMA TH-1304.0
This is the most popular budget model. Despite the low cost (350 rubles) and the absence of a watch, the device clearly performs the functions assigned to it - it measures the humidity and temperature inside the room. According to users, the measurement accuracy is at a high level, there are no errors in comparison even with expensive competitors.
Information on the display is shown in large numbers and symbols, visible even from afar. For the convenience of the user, an emoticon is displayed on the screen, which changes its mood depending on whether the conditions in the room are comfortable. Temperature values are stored in the device memory and can be viewed by the user at any convenient time. The device can be hung on the wall (there are special mounts), or installed on a flat surface.
Specifications:
Index | Value |
A type | digital |
Nutrition | batteries |
Wall Mount | there is |
Body material | plastic |
Measured indicators | temperature, humidity |
Measured temperature range, ° С | 0-50 |
Measured humidity range,% | 20-95 |
Overall dimensions, mm. | 82x100x11 |
Weight, gr. | no data |
Average price, rub. | 350 |
HAMA TH-1304.0
Advantages:
- budget price;
- compact size;
- large symbols that allow you to see the meanings from a long distance (which is important for older people);
- autonomous work;
- high measurement accuracy.
Disadvantages:
- does not measure weather values outside the room;
- small list of measured parameters.
Oregon Scientific BA9004.0
The ranking is completed by a futuristic model from the Russian manufacturer Oregon Scientific. A striking distinctive feature of the meteorological station is the presence of a rectangular crystal, inside of which pictograms are formed, each of which denotes a certain weather condition.The device highlights one of three values depending on what is happening outside the window: "clear", "cloudy", "precipitation". The highlighting of a specific icon is carried out based on the forecast made by the device independently. The forecast is based on the programmed average observations over a long period of time in the past. According to buyers, the prediction function is not very accurate.
The main screen of the device shows the time and indoor temperature. Above the device is a sensor that reacts to movements. In order to switch the display mode from the clock to the temperature or vice versa, just swipe your hand over it. The gadget control keys are located on the bottom of the device. There is a mode switch for the device, as well as enabling and disabling the precise time function.
Specifications:
Index | Value |
A type | digital |
Nutrition | circuit |
Wall mount | not |
Body material | plastic |
Measured indicators | temperature, weather phenomena |
Measured temperature range, ° С | 0, +50 |
Overall dimensions, mm. | 177х112х40 |
Weight, gr. | 1120 |
Average price, rub. | 4 500 |
Oregon Scientific BA9004.0
Advantages:
- attractive appearance, unusual performance;
- there is a function of tracking the exact time.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- difficulties in finding a product on free sale.
Conclusion
Considering the popular models of household weather stations, we can conclude that most of them have similar functionality. Almost all of them measure with high accuracy. Depending on the tasks set by the buyer, choosing the right model is quite simple.
We recommend not overpaying for expensive devices if you just need to control the parameters of the ambient air in the apartment. According to buyers, you can save a lot by buying a device with a wired sensor instead of a wireless one, if you have the opportunity to place the station on the windowsill and do not bother with the wire running from the device to the window.
As our rating has shown, digital stations are not inferior in quality to mechanical measurements, while many of them are much cheaper in cost. This review presents models in the price range of up to 10,000 rubles, since more expensive devices are usually not used in everyday life. This is due not only to the high cost, but also to the presence of additional functions that an ordinary person does not need.
We hope that our article will help you make the right choice!