Topic: Weather instruments with advantages.

[Richard Hole]

Hi

I have researched a number of different types of weather instruments and found that the ones below were good value and accuracy. I am wondering what you think about the following and if you know of any other types that are as accurate for a lower cost.

I am hoping to become a reseller of them. However, I am not worried about making money. I would just like to see more people get accurate weather measurements.

There is a very accurate digital thermometer that stores the min and max values. It is much more accurate that the cheaper ones as it is accurate to 0.2 degrees. It would be good for calibration.
Please see http://www.eutechinst.com/brochures/portables/ecoscantemp6.pdf and http://www.eutechinst.com/brochures/portables/ecoscantemp5.pdf   

There are also highly accurate mercury thermometers that are affordable and other instruments at http://www.novalynx.com/site-map.html

Taylor have some lower cost thermometers that could be worth getting, even though they are not as accurate as the one above. They are at http://www.taylorusa.com/consumer/thermo/indoorth.html

I am also thinking of ordering and reselling some anemometers at http://www.inspeed.com/anemometers/Pole_Mount_Anemometer.asp
They are low cost and have a long cable between the anemometer and the display that stores the maximum wind speed.

I have also invented a simple non electronic wind vain and meter that stores the maximum wind speed and has other advantages. I am happy to give people a free trial of the system. It is at http://www.advantagein.com/wind/

Also, I have a weather organisation at http://www.weather.org.au/ . I would be interested in swapping links with those who are interested. Any comments will be appreciated.

Your help will be appreciated,
Regards Richard.

[Michael Bath]

Hi Richard and all,

Have you come across any instruments that include dew point ?  I realise there are hand held Kestrals but those are quite expensive . I'm really after a DP/temp sensor cabled to a small LCD display that can be set up permanently and survive the heat of being left in the car.   The aim is to have a continuous readout of outside dp and temp while driving.

regards, Michael

[Richard Hole]

Hi Michael

I just did a search on Google and found http://www.nova-gas.com/onov/253.htm . There are also other links at http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=dew+point+digital+readout&meta=

I calculate the dew point in Microsoft Excel by using a formula incorporating the wet and dry bulb temperature readings.  The graphs are automatically uploaded to the Internet at http://weather.org.au/tolga/ . Please let me know if you find a suitable instrument to measure dew point.

Also please let me know what you think of the other instruments I described in the last email when you get a chance.

Your help is appreciated,
Regards Richard.

[Michael Bath]

Hi Richard,

Those products all seem rather high priced and aimed at a level above your average weather enthusiast? I guess most people looking at weather monitoring will go for the complete weather station in the $500 price range or less.

The temp/dew point sensor I'm looking for would have to be less than $100. There are basic in/outdoor thermometers with LCD displays under $40 - something like that which will not matter much if the unit dies while permanently left in a hot car all the time.

MB

[Richard Hole]

Hi Michael and those interested,

I am thinking of getting the Taylor Model 1458 described at http://www.weatherconnection.com/product.asp?itmky=96615 . This is just one of many overseas places that retail them. This thermometer has the advantage that a probe can be connected to the remote transmitter unlike any other thermometers that I know. Normally similar thermometers have the sensor inside the housing of the remote transmitter which would mean the sensor would not respond rapidly to temperature changes. Do you think the Taylor Model 1458 should be good and do you know of any other thermometers like it? I do not know of an Australian distributor that sells them.

Highly accurate thermometers like the http://www.eutechinst.com/brochures/portables/ecoscantemp5.pdf are good for calibration purposes though as they are accurate to 0.2 degrees. The lower cost thermometers like the Taylor one are plus or minus one degree.

The mercury thermometers are much cheaper and only about $70 US from the company I listed. They are accurate to about 0.2 degrees. However, the company has gone out of stock of one type I wanted. If you know of any companies with thermometers for a similar price and accuracy, please let me know.

Your help is appreciated,
Regards Richard.