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For the Dough–I find it hard to beat

I had the similar unit without the PC link before that I picked up at Sams Club. I used the wireless part and was deeply disappointed. Only had the unit 90 feet away (but inside the garage) and it lost the receiver link countless times. Finally tired of it. SO, I saw this one WITH the PC link and after studying the unit found it did much better using the cable connection and even gathered data from the receiver faster and WAY MORE OFTEN than using the wireless mode.

Using the cable connection actually allows you to place the anemometer nearly 64 feet from the base unit. (32 feet to the main Hydro/Thermo unit and another 32 feet to both the rain gauge and anemometer).

I have timed readings from 4 to 8 (max) seconds using the direct cable. (Where previously the time was like 16 to 120 seconds using wireless).

The link to the software was easy although the software is so-so. I installed WUHU and upload to Weather Underground 24/7 and so far–FLAWLESS and easy to do. (KAZBULLH6)

Accuracy is IMPRESSIVE. I have an airport just 1.5 miles from here and listen in on the tower. They report weather readings (wind/temp/altimeter) to aircraft, and I look at my base station and I’m usually right on the money with what they report (especially on the barometer).

So I am impressed with the accuracy and ease of setup and functionality–and I am picky. I can’t see how the Davis Vantage Pro commands the price it does when this appears to do the same thing with the same accuracy. Don’t misunderstand, Davis is great stuff but the money…Huh? Overpriced in my opinion by allot.

What I don’t like: I have to push any button for the back-light to come on and its only on for 15 seconds. Not good. I use AC power and ought to be able to keep it on all the time. And, pushing “any button” changes “something” on the screen. All I wanted was the light on.

I do not like that when the unit searches for the Atomic clock (between midnight and 0600) the unit will not let the weather software (PC) download as often. I open up WUHU in the morning and there are NUMEROUS Reports “could not receive data from base station” between those hours.

I DO like the PC interface…I keep the screen on all day (I have a dedicated older computer for just this)and can see all the readings on the screen (so the back-light is not “really” a big deal–but it bothers me).

One other function I don’t care for is using the AC adapter; if the power goes out–it’s out. Even if you have batteries in it. You must unplug the adapter to use the battery in the main unit. So even if you have batteries in it, but loose power running on the adapter, it’s down. It’s too bad batteries would not simply take over on power fail. Now you have to reset your time, and pressure (for your altitude).

So If it weren’t for those things–a five star to be sure…but one could argue, for the money, it certainly could rate 5 stars.

Oh, and another comment posted that the outdoor components seemed like cheap plastic–I can assure you they are not. The old station I had still had it’s components mounted out in my yard for over two years. And here in Bullhead city, AZ, it gets to 120 degrees in July. They showed no signs of fatigue or damage–UV or otherwise.

UPDATE 12/09/2009. I’ve found I am sick of the fact you just CANNOT see this unit without a flashlight or turning the light. It’s in a low light area…I don’t like having a LIGHT SHINING ON IT all the time…so figure to put it in a bright area or you WILL have trouble seeing it. It’s just too bad you cannot keep the back-light ON in this all the time. I would re-rate this to 2 stars.

Update (2/9/2012):

The featured review for this product, La Crosse Technology WS-2308AL Professional Weather Station, Aluminum Kitchen Jul 8, 2005, was written by Capt Dials.

The average rating for this item is 4.3 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.