HOME WEATHER STATION REVIEWS

What's So Good About The Davis Vantage Pro2 Home Weather Station?

Overview:

The Davis Vantage Pro2 Home Weather Station has been available for several years now, and sets the standard for value in home weather stations. With a transmission range of up to 1000 ft (300+m), robust and reliable sensors providing temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed and wind direction in the standard models, rapid data update and a host of functions and alarms accessible from the console, it provides everything you'll need in a weather station at a reasonable price - less than $500.00US if you shop around.

 While the standard model uses wireless transmission of data, cable versions are available. The Vantage Pro2 Plus includes solar radiation and UV sensors, while additional probes and sensors can provide information on soil or water temperature, soil moisture and leaf wetness, essential to turf farms and horticultural operations, and a welcome source of information to those of us with large gardens.

All data can be linked to a computer, allowing automation  of irrigation equipment and sprinkler systems through a huge range of alarms built into the console. No more sprinklers going in the rain! You can also put your weather information online in real time.

Unless you have a strong commitment to weather watching, the Vantage Pro2 is probably not the best starter home weather station. There are many cheaper brands and models, but the standard of circuitry, strength of the hardware and signal range are all lower than Davis weather stations and unless they are well looked after they are likely to be less reliable and have a shorter working life.

There are also more expensive brands available, some of which use different types of sensors, while other features include longer transmission ranges (although signal boosters are available with the Vantage Pro2). Other purpose built systems are available for large gardens and agricultural businesses.

So although the Davis Vantage Pro2 will not suit everyone's requirements, it is undoubtedly the best value where a reliable, flexible and reasonably priced home weather station is required.

LATE NEWS. A new home weather station was introduced in late 2009 which provides a strong challenger to the Vantage Pro2 as the ideal home weather station for the serious weather enthusiast. It's the Davis Vantage Vue - same company, same standards, same specifications and with a list price  $200 cheaper. 

The main differences include no connectivity to Davis's more specialized sensors, a reduced range of individually settable alarms mor appropriate to a home rather than a horticultural weather station, and a decreased forecasting period (24 rather than 48 hours. With a redesigned console and a whole new sensor system, it's easy to set up, and very keenly priced in the market.

You can find out more at the Vantage Vue page

Features and Benefits:

• Wireless transmission distance of up to 1000 ft (305m)

• Frequency hopping signal - minimises interference from other radio sources

• Fastest overall data update interval of all commonly available home weather stations

• Over 70  user settable alarms - can be linked to automatic irrigation and sprinkler systems

• Sophisticated weather forecasting system - based on location, air pressure, humidity, temperature, wind and rain

• Data logger which can save up to 6 months of information

• Can be easily linked to a computer - put your weather online in real time

• Easy assembly

• Technical support and repairs through USA based manufacturer

• Numerous accessories and options available for upgrading or use in extreme or remote locations.