Customer Reviews

La Crosse Technology WS-8035U-IT-SAL Wireless Weather Station with Remote Temperature and Humidity Gauge

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I received a well deserved "C" in Meteorology in College, but when I got the Wireless Weather Station, I was stunned at what I had missed and what this device can offer. Quite simply, an outdoor sensor (a small iPod sized `thermo/hygro sensor') placed on an outside post or wall acts as the receptor of information from, yes, the NIST (National Institute of Standards & Technology-Time and Frequency Division) radio station, WWVB, in Ft. Collins, Colorado, daily. Also using the local weather, the sensor transmits tons of information to the very cool looking unit in your house. Here are some of the features you see:

*Controlled Time
*Moon Phase Display
*Indoor Temperature/Humidity Display
*Outdoor Temperature
*Date Display
*A cute Comfort Icon
*a Forecast Icon
*Air Pressure Trend Indicator
*Barometric Air Pressure
*24-hour Air Pressure History
*Humidity Display
*Remote Sensor Number

It can be read in 12 or 24 hour mode. There is a radio controlled alarm that also has a snooze (or off). Maybe you can just watch the news to get your information, but this is more than a weather station for your neighborhood - it is a conversation piece. The only drawback I could find is that the LCD display is not very bright without indoor lighting. But that's a small complaint considering all the cool stuff you get just by glancing at the display on your wall (I put mine among all my wall photos). This would also make a really great gift for anyone - weather-wise or not.

The La Crosse Technology WS-8035U-IT-SAL Wireless Weather Station is relatively attractive, but the functionality is not good enough given its high price. Some entry level models offer most of the same features for a fraction of the cost. In addition, the build quality does not inspire confidence that this product will last very long.

PROS:
++ Attractive unit compared to others
++ After long-term use, battery life is very good
++ Wall mounting or stand options
++ Fairly accurate indoor temperature, humidity, and pressure readings
++ Will eventually sync data with WWVB atomic clock signal from Fort Collins, CO
++ Good max and min memory per each battery charge
++ 24 hour pressure change histogram
++ Included moon-phase read-out

CONS:
-- Installation is time-consuming
-- Difficult to read screen (no backlighting, impossible to see without lights)
-- Forecast icons are misleading
-- Difficult to use multiple sensors (requires you to re-run the setup)
-- You will have to manually set the time and date ... because (see below)
-- It takes TOO LONG (days or up to a week) to sync up with the WWVB signal!
-- The plastic backing and feet feel weak and too thin for the size of the unit
-- Outdoor sensor is made of cheap non-insulated plastic
-- Placement of outdoor sensor is difficult based upon range requirements
-- Batteries fall out easily, requiring you to re-run the setup
-- No setup info is retained when you change batteries
-- No way to power the unit with an AC adapter instead of batteries
-- Very high cost considering the features


LOOKS AND BUILD QUALITY

Many La Crosse weather stations are made from a drab grey plastic. The center portion of this unit is also constructed from that material, but along the sides are two brushed metal wings. Those metal wings enhanced the looks a lot more than I expected.

There are actually two parts to this product: the weather station, which is pictured, and the remote sensor for outdoor readings. The sensor is made of cheap thin plastic that does not look durable enough to be outdoors. There is no kind of insulation in the battery cover. So if you live in colder and harsher climates, you might not get much life out of your batteries or your sensor.

The unit can be hung from a screw or stood up using plastic feet on the back. The plastic backing is not solid, and you can see it flex when you pull the feet out. Just moving the unit makes it tip over and the batteries constantly fall out. You have to reinstall them and re-run the setup each time that happens. The feet just don't provide a stable base for this unit. It's best to hang it if you can.

EXPANSION

The TX29UD is the sensor included with this unit. The TX28U and TX21U are both listed as compatible, and transmit on a 915 MHz range. However, the TX6U may or may not work. It's not explicitly listed as compatible.

SETUP

The first thing you have to do is to sync your sensor with the base unit, and figure out where you will place the sensor. When you are done *syncing* the sensor to the base, you can place the sensor outside. You have to give it time before the readings will be accurate. There is an included bracket that can be screwed to a wall.

You need a place where it will stay relatively protected from the elements, so it can't be too far away from your house. You will most likely place it under an awning or over-hang. This unit just hangs in the holster, so it is a challenge to find a place where it won't potentially be taken.

The advertised range of 330 feet is misleading. Each wall cuts the range by at least half. The sensor is designed to be put outside which already cuts the range down to 175 feet. For each additional wall, cut the range in half again. You also have to factor in the distance from the wall, and the building materials. Most people should plan on having the sensor within 40 feet from the base. Placing multiple sensors around a larger property will thus be limited.

Even though this is an atomic clock, it took forever to sync. Manually set the time and plan to do it again for daylight savings time. And when the batteries die, you have to play the waiting game all over again.

There is no place for a power adapter to plug into the weather station. Using regular batteries didn't seem very efficient to me. After long term use, I can tell you the battery life is better than I thought it would be.

FORECASTS AND OTHER DATA

The forecast icons are misleading. The screen includes images like the sun with clouds or raining. Wouldn't it be logical to think that a sun means it's going to be sunny out, a cloud means it's going to be cloudy, and a rain cloud means it's going to rain? No on all counts. The *sun* icon means "the weather will improve." The *cloudy sun* means "the weather is expected to stay fair." And the *rainy cloud* means "the weather is going to get worse."

See section "F" on page 13 of your instruction booklet for information on the forecast icons.

The moon phase data seemed a little more accurate. It came up when I manually set the time and date. According to the manual it's pre-programmed into the unit up to 2029. Still, this info is included on many calendars. Many people may thus not really need this feature

Barometric pressure readings seemed accurate, but the "air-pressure history" cycled for several days before it normalized. Once it shows differences versus the previous 24 hours, you only get enough info to know that it has gone down or up. A read-out would have been better.

Pressing IN or OUT will give you max and minimum readings for temperature and humidity for indoors and outdoors respectively.

THE ALTERNATIVES

Other La Crosse models like the WS-9611U, WS-9013U or the WS-7014CH retail for a fraction of this unit and include most of the same features. I have the 7014 and it is much smaller. Even though it's not a great value, it's still more reasonable than this one.

If you are just looking for quick temperature and humidity readings, many wall clocks that run on 2 AA batteries will give you indoor readings. Several outdoor kits are available. This unit does provide additional data, but many people may not need or want that extra info for the added cost.

Some may want to step up to the pro units for more in-depth data and flexibility. The high cost of those units is prohibitive though.

CONCLUSION

This is still an attractive unit if what you really need is a stylish wall clock with a temperature and humidity read-out. Given the expense I expected much more. Check out the alternatives and hopefully you will either save money for similar features or find an alternative unit with a better feature set.

Happy shopping.

I've had several Oregon Scientific units and was not satisfied with their temp/humid readings: some units close, others way off from actual. Spend a little more for this unit and you will see that you got what you paid for. La Crosse actually has live phone tech support. The barometer feature is very nice. Response time for sensors is rather slow but for the money paid it's OK.

The remote sensor was having about 6% humidity difference when I placed it next to the main station. I tested also with other device and was able to clearly identify that the remote sensor was defective. I sent an email to LaCrosse they told me that a 14% difference is acceptable see below their reply:

HUMIDITY

The Resolution in the manual is the smallest unit a device can measure/display. On our products the Resolution for Humidity is 1%. This means the Humidity will always be read in whole numbers. If the humidity rises .7%, the station will measure 1% change.

The Range is how high or low the sensor will read. Some are 20%-95%, some are 1%-99%. Within that range, the Resolution is still 1% increments.

Accuracy is the capability of a measuring device to provide a correct reading. Tolerance is simply a way of expressing the range of that accuracy.

All La Crosse Technology Products have a Humidity Accuracy of +/- 7%. So in a side be side comparison of our indoor and outdoor units, up to 14% difference is considered within Tolerance. (indoor read 7% low outdoor reads 7% high). All electronic devices have similar tolerances.

Please Refer to case number 94811 in all future correspondence.

The Lacrosse Weather Station is an amazing product. I receive accurate temperature, barometric pressure and humidity. It is fun to watch the weather change and the 'forecast' feature of the station. Highly recommended to any interested in weather. Five stars!

This is a great product. Provides indoor/outdoor temperatures, humidity, barametric pressure, time and moon phases. The only thing missing is a lighted display to see at night.

I can only think of one reason not to. Lacrosse makes the professional models with wind speed, wind chill, rainfall amounts that can be transferred to your computer via their software for about 20 bucks more at least at the time of my purchase. Was the best seller on amazon.com.

This is an excellent device though. I frequently check the outdoor temp with computer and almost always are exact or within a degree. Humidity readings are also very close. I wouldn't bet my family fortune on the barometric pressure forcaster but it is quite accurate. Syncs real easy which is nice. (The whole setup process is really easy). The negative is I wish I would have spent the extra 20 bucks for wind and rainfall amounts.

2 years later:

Probably won't be seen but thought I'd review after two years of usage: Above I gave five stars after two years there are plenty of pros and cons. Mostly pros the machine still works in mint condition. I doubt anybody would know its two years old. The outside sensor is still intact and only changed batteries once. It keeps connected all the time never had to reset. A fun instrument to have around. Keeps better time than any clock you could possibly have

The cons: Going to rain hardly does. The outside temperature when first purchased was very accurate to weather channels but as time wore on and sun beat down the outdoor temperature is very inaccurate during the daytime. However its very accurate at night. For example it says outside its 63 whereas my computer says 61. So very accurate at night. Very inaccurate during the daytime mostly due to sunlight increasing the temperature to extremes. IE 85 outside when its 71.

Conclusion: Two years and going strong. Watch where you locate it during daylight hours. Is very durable and keeps excellent accurate indoor readings. I'd say 4 stars.

This wireless weather station provides the necessary data to determine what coat will be needed, if an umbrella will be required for the day, if we will experience a humid day and the weather trend for the the coming hours. This is a very useful and helpful tool for our daily living. Enjoy.

I'm a La Crosse weather station fan. This unit is by far the best of the three I've bought (for myself and for family members) with its easy-to-read display, moon phases, barometric pressure graph, forecaster, and atomic clock in addition to both indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity. It even displays a frowning face if the humidity, inside or out, is too low for comfort.

Set up is easy and takes mere minutes. The only tricky part is paying attention to the order in which you install the batteries. You install the remote sensor outside (screws included for mounting), and the indoor receiver wherever you choose, although the directions recommend placing it near a window. The range is about 300 feet, but, of course, walls and other obstacles can decrease it. Once set to the proper time zone, the atomic clock automatically sets the time and date overnight, provided that you've located it in an area that gets good reception. Check the alarm before you walk away! It arrives set to go off, which can scare the heck out of you!

I've mounted my display on the wall (screw/nail NOT included), although it can sit on a desk or shelf with its two fold-out feet. The display is an LCD black on gray which can be difficult to see at times, although the brightness can be set using the controls. The indoor unit is fairly large -- about 10" high and about 7" wide.

This makes a wonderful gift for anyone who likes to know more than the basic information about weather.

-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann

I bought this product and installed it a week after I got it. Three days later we had a driving rain (winds 40+ mph) and the remote (external) sensor got wet from the rain. The sensor was under my deck about 6 feet above the ground. I called La Crosse, had to leave a message because their customer service lines are swamped. I also sent an e-mail.

The next day the rep called and told me their sensor are not waterproof! Imagine that, an external sensor and it is not waterproof. They refused to replace it, but offered to sell me another (not waterproof) sensor. Basically, they told me to drop dead.

Terrible company that is just fronting cheap Chinese products.