Question 1

Is the outdoor sensor "hi quality"? I have had 2 Acurite outdoor sensors electronics fail in a 1 Yr. I am a full time Rv'r / camp in any weather

Accepted Answer

I bought an Ambient 0900 weather station 6 years ago and took it down today.  The base unit (inside the house) had failed, probably due to a power surge.  Amazingly, other than turning from white to beige, the sensor array was just as functional as the day I put it up.  Even more remarkably, its two AA Energizer batteries (never use Duracell, which leaks!) only needed one change in that 6 years.

I note that this sensor array uses similar construction, including stainless shafts and ball bearings.  It might even be possible to replace the anemometer and wind vane if they should ever break.  As shipped, the user installs those onto the stainless shafts with set screws.

So in short, yes!  I didn't expect much from my last unit, but it certainly went the distance - far more so than my prior Davis anemometer!

Question 2

What differentiates this from higher priced options like the ws-1002-wifi? Software connectivity doesn't matter to me. Are the sensors lower quality?

Accepted Answer

No, they are of equal quality. The console on the WS-1002-WiFi is much nicer with multiple screens and TFT display. This is LCD with color film. The WS-2902 is a very capable unit.

Question 3

Can it only be line of sight ?

Accepted Answer

Wireless devices transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal, generally in the 400 – 900 MHz range. The manufacturer will rate the maximum transmission distance as line of sight. However, the signal will transmit through walls and other obstructions.

The following is a table of reception loss vs. the transmission medium. Each “wall” or obstruction decreases the transmission range by the factor shown below.
Medium	RF Signal Strength Reduction
Glass (untreated)	5-15%
Plastics	10-15%
Wood	10-40%
Brick	10-40%
Concrete	40-80%
Metal	90-100%

RF will not transmit through metal barriers. If you have aluminum siding or a metal roof, it is unlikely the RF signal will transmit through this barrier.
RF will not transmit through earth. For example, if the receiver is placed in the basement, and the earth or ground is obstructing the line of sight transmission, it will not receive the signal.
Interference can be an issue. In general, wireless internet, phones, security systems and other low power devices have little interference effect. Ham Radio and other high power applications may lose data when transmitting.
Helpful Hint: Wireless phones transmit at similar frequencies and power levels as wireless weather devices. If you have a wireless phone (not a cell phone), place the receiver where you would place the weather station receiver and attempt to use the phone where you would place the transmitter. If you can not use the wireless phone, it is unlikely the weather station will work either.

Question 4

Can i use 2 separate display consoles with the ambient weather ws-2902?  i'd like to see readings in 2 different areas of the house.

Accepted Answer

I have two display consoles and it works great. One upstairs and one on ground floor. I can see both on-line and on phone via app. I set alerts in case HVAC issues, which is great benefit as well.  I ordered WS-2902A-CONSOLE-KIT which is what you need.

Ambient Weather WS-2902 WiFi Smart Weather Station

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