WeatherWise weather station

In recent months, over 25 of these weather stations have already been installed across the country. Most of these were replacements for faulty Meteohelix weather stations, but there are also about nine new installations (Westende, Deinze, Merelbeke, Stekene, Sluis-NL, Yvoir, Humain 2x, Maspelt).

At the RMI synoptic station in Humain, two stations have been set up, each with a different type of sensor, to compare them with the official measurements taken in a Stevenson screen. We can simply call the temperature measurement results "very good."

Our first priority is to replace defective weather stations to keep our network as operational as possible, but soon these will also be available for anyone who wants to strengthen our network and contribute.

The electronics of the weather station, which we developed, are offered at near cost price. The installation is also handled by our team members, so it presents no issues for those purchasing it. There are only a few rules to follow:

• The weather station data is shared on our club's website. By "data," we mean air and grass temperatures and precipitation (if applicable). Additional temperatures are optional (e.g., specific height measurements in a vineyard).
• The module uses the Sigfox network; the data from the weather stations are also received in our club's Sigfox account. An annual fee is due to the network operator (Citymesh), which we pass on at cost price; currently, this is about 8.50 euros per year, though our club has little control over it. If the operator changes its pricing, this will also be passed on. Non-payment of the fee will lead to the weather station being blocked.
• We only sell to locations where the measurements also add value to our network. Measurements in a small, fully enclosed garden do not add value, and we believe a different weather station that meets only the observer’s needs would be more appropriate—and budget-friendly. There is little benefit in measuring with 0.2° accuracy when setup errors can introduce errors of several degrees under sunny conditions.

The thermometer screen is purchased separately and is not included in the prices below; the same applies to the rain gauge.

Below is an overview of the prices for the electronics and associated sensors for several different configurations (calculated on November 10, 2024, subject to change due to component price fluctuations):

Good to Know...

• The temperature sensors have a standard accuracy of 0.15°C but are calibrated to achieve better than 0.10°C.
• Temperature sensors have a cable length of 2m (20cm needed inside the box); they are also available with a 3m cable length, which may make soil temperature measurements easier. The price difference is around 10 euros more per sensor.
• The temperature sensors have an IP68 rating, meaning they are perfectly suited for soil temperature measurements (as we also do on the RMI site in Humain).
• For the rain gauge, we have been using the aerodynamic type from Davis for some time; this rain gauge provides quite good results for an acceptable price (around 170-180 euros).
• Currently, we are using the Meteoshield from Barani as thermometer screen; target price is 220 euros (excluding 21% VAT and shipping from Slovakia).
• Our weather stations are typically mounted on a 7x7cm wooden pole with a galvanized metal spike that goes into the ground. For an additional 30 euros (NOT included in the prices above), we provide everything (spike, assembled pole, pipes for ground sensors, all necessary mounting hardware, etc.) and handle installation.
• We sell the WW-stations at cost +15%; this 15% covers any future repairs (though we hope to minimize these).
• Invoices are available.
• Commercial use (and not sharing data) is also possible, but different terms and prices apply. In that case, please contact us.
• Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]