| In this age of digital technology, with | | | | (typically in the 433 MHz band) to transmit |
| instant access to up-to-the-minute data, | | | | measurements from the weather sensors to the |
| forecasts, and images from the National | | | | indoor console, eliminating the need to |
| Weather Service (NWS) and innumerable other | | | | string cable and drill holes. The maximum |
| online sources; with timely reports from | | | | "unobstructed" (or "line of sight") range |
| local broadcasters and cable television | | | | between the sensors and indoor console can |
| networks; with personalized forecasts and | | | | vary between models, from 80 to 1000 feet. |
| storm alerts sent directly to your email, | | | | However, their "effective" range is |
| pager, or cell phone; why would anyone need a | | | | determined by the building materials their |
| home weather station?The answer to that | | | | signals must penetrate (walls, siding, roof |
| question lies right there in your backyard, | | | | structure, etc.) and by sources of radio |
| where the weather conditions you experience | | | | interference. As a rule-of-thumb for a |
| at home are often not the same as any of | | | | typical installation, the effective range is |
| those resources might suggest. We know that | | | | about a third of the rated unobstructed |
| all too well living here in southwest | | | | range.Weather station sensors need to be |
| Virginia, as weather conditions up on the | | | | placed or "sited" properly to provide |
| mountain ridges can be completely different | | | | accurate measurements. Once installed, |
| from those down in the valleys. Fortunately, | | | | sensors transmit their data to the indoor |
| keeping an eye on local weather conditions | | | | console, which updates the display and |
| using your own state-of-the-art weather | | | | records the readings at an interval set by |
| station has never been easier or more | | | | the manufacturer. This interval may vary |
| affordable. Whether simple or elaborate, home | | | | depending on the type of measurement |
| weather stations will provide you with | | | | (temperature, wind speed, rainfall, etc.) or |
| information that cannot be obtained anywhere | | | | may be fixed at one interval rate regardless |
| else. And having the ability to glance over | | | | of the type (every minute, every three |
| at your weather station console from the | | | | minutes, etc.).Some home weather stations are |
| comfort of your couch or armchair is not only | | | | capable of interfacing with a computer, |
| convenient, but fascinating as well.Depending | | | | either included as part of the package or |
| on desired features and accessories, | | | | available as an optional accessory. A |
| electronic weather station prices can range | | | | computer-linked weather station offers not |
| from as little as $30 to as much as $3,000 or | | | | only real-time display of weather |
| more. Available in either wireless or cabled | | | | measurements on your computer monitor, but |
| versions, these highly accurate weather | | | | also provides for advanced data collection |
| instruments monitor a variety of weather | | | | and graphical weather analysis. And with a |
| conditions: temperature and humidity (both | | | | dedicated internet connection, you can even |
| indoors and out), atmospheric pressure, | | | | post weather data to your own weather web |
| precipitation, wind direction and speed, dew | | | | page or become a part of the process by |
| point, wind chill, and heat index - all | | | | sharing your readings with the Citizen |
| displayed within the comfort of your home! | | | | Weather Observer Program (CWOP), which |
| More advanced weather stations offer enhanced | | | | forwards the information in a format that the |
| features such as faster sampling rates, | | | | National Weather Service can use. Even if |
| extensive data graphing and history, and | | | | your weather station isn't connected to a |
| additional sensors ranging from ultraviolet, | | | | computer, you can still participate as a |
| solar radiation, and evapotranspiration to | | | | volunteer Skywarn "spotter," providing your |
| soil temperature/moisture and leaf wetness. | | | | local NWS weather forecast office with |
| All electronic weather stations include a | | | | important weather measurements and severe |
| clock and many of them are radio controlled, | | | | weather reports.Interest in weather is nearly |
| resetting themselves daily to the official | | | | universal and the information that home |
| U.S. government atomic clock located at Fort | | | | weather stations provide, combined with |
| Collins, Colorado.Cabled weather stations use | | | | additional relevant study, can offer you an |
| a cable to connect their weather sensors to | | | | opportunity for a rewarding lifelong hobby. |
| the indoor console. Drawbacks include the | | | | Most have discovered that their home weather |
| risk of lightning (must use lightning | | | | station has given them a better understanding |
| arrestors) and having to drill a hole in the | | | | of weather, which has heightened their |
| wall to link the two, but cabled units are | | | | interest in other aspects of the natural |
| generally less expensive than wireless units. | | | | world. After all, weather observation is not |
| Wireless weather stations use radio signals | | | | just confined to where you live. |