- 3 VIDEOS
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
ECOWITT Wittboy Weather Station GW2001, Includes GW2000 Wi-Fi IoT Hub and WS90 7-in-1 Outdoor Solar Powered Weather Sensor, Supports WU/WeatherCloud/Wow/Ecowitt Servers, 915 MHz
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | ECOWITT |
Power Source | Solar Powered |
Special Feature | Dual-Power Supply, Haptic Rainfall Sensor, IPX5 Waterproof, E-mails Alert |
Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
Style | GW2001BU |
Color | White |
Are Batteries Included | No |
Display Type | NO Display |
About this item
- 【Compact & Built to Last 7-in-1 Weather Station】: Ecowitt Wittboy weather station includes Wi-Fi Hub and 7-in-1 outdoor weather sensor. The integrated outdoor weather sensor collects accurate temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, light and UV levels as well as rainfall data and transmit them to the wittboy Wi-Fi hub. The live data can be viewed on WS View Plus or Ecowitt APP after Wi-Fi configuration.
- 【Haptic Rain Sensor】: Compared with traditional rain gauge sensor, WittBoy is equipped with a Haptic Rainfall Sensor at the top that accurately measures rainfall volume in detail: featuring rain detection and rain stop interpretation functions. This special sensor does not vibrate, it is not affected even by harsh weather conditions, and it’s designed to keep working with accuracy in any context.
- 【Other Features】: Meets Waterproof IPX5 Standards, and it is made from Thermal Insulation Materials. Equipped with a built-in solar panel & backup batteries; Long transmission range up to 150m (500ft) of distance if there are obstacles within the range and up to 300m (1,000ft) of distance in open space. The bird spikes included allows you to say goodbye to the birds interference.
- 【Support Pairing With Ecowitt Developed and To Be Developed Sensors】: Except for pairing with Wittboy outdoor sensor, wittboy Wi-Fi hub can connect with all ecowitt developed and to be developed sensors, such as up to 8 × WH51 soil moisture sensors/ WN31(WH31) thermo-hygrometer/ WN36 pool thermometer/ WN34 thermometer, up to 4 × WH41/WH43 air quality sensors/ WH55 water leak detector, 1 × WH40 rain gauge sensor/ WH45 air quality sensor/ WS68 anemometer sensor and so on.
- 【Easy to Install & Configure Wi-Fi】: Just install the weather station on the mounting tube and base and see how stable the device stays. This stability is critically important for the accuracy of the sensors and the reported data. It is easy for you to complete the Wi-Fi configuration according to the including quick start. There are three Wi-Fi configuration methods available.
- 【Support Uploading to Internet】: When finished Wi-Fi configuration, Wittboy is capable of sending your sensor data to select internet-based weather services, such as Ecowitt Weather, Weather Underground, Weather Cloud, Weather Observation Website (WOW) or Customized Website(Supports uploading to your customized website, if the website has the same protocol with Wunderground or Ecowitt).
- 【Graph/History Records on the Website & Email Alerts】: supports uploading all the sensors data to our free Ecowitt Weather server(ecowitt.net) to view all the data graph and download the history records on the website; Email alerts functions available for wittboy weather sensor.
- 【NOTE】The daily rain deviation of WS90 is very small in the long run, but under certain conditions the deviation could be larger: As the rain drop size and wind speed can have different impacts on the sensor output which lead to this variance. The WS90 product suffer from this imperfectness. If you are very demanding on rain data accuracy, we recommend you purchase WH40 and use it with WS90. If there is no precise requirement on data of each rain, then WS90 is just fine.
Frequently bought together
Similar items that may ship from close to you
- Ecowitt GW1100 Wi-Fi Weather Station Sensor Gateway with Temperature, Humidity and Atmospheric Pressure 3-in-1 Probe Sensor(1X GW1100 WiFi Gateway)FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- ECOWITT WH51 Soil Moisture Sensor Soil Humidity Tester - Accessory Only, Can Not Be Used AloneAmazon's Choicein Soil MetersFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Tempest Weather System with Built-in Wind Meter, Rain Gauge, and Accurate Weather Forecasts, Wireless, App and Alexa EnabledAmazon's Choicein Weather StationsFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- ECOWITT WH40 Wireless Self-Emptying Rain Gauge Sensor, Rainfall Collector - Accessory Only, Can Not Be Used AloneAmazon's Choicein Rain GaugesFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Ecowitt WS68 Wireless Anemometer Sensor, Solar Powered Wind Speed and Direction Sensor - Accessory Only, Can Not Be Used AloneFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
Product details
- Package Dimensions : 9.25 x 6.26 x 4.69 inches; 2.2 Pounds
- Item model number : GW2001BU
- Date First Available : August 9, 2022
- Manufacturer : ECOWITT
- ASIN : B09TZZTYPK
- Best Sellers Rank: #49,242 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
- #92 in Weather Stations
- Customer Reviews:
Product Description
Ecowitt Wittboy GW2001 Weather Station, Include GW2000 Wi-Fi Hub and WS90 7-in-1 Outdoor Solar Powered Weather Sensor, 915 MHz
The All-in-1 Intelligent Weather Station
- Your private weather station will pick up data of temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, light and UV levels, as well as rainfall, and report it to you through ecowitt app or the ecowitt.net website.
- All-in-1 Weather Station : Temperature, humidity, wind direction/speed, light and UV levels.
- Near-Zero Maintenance : All-in-1 weather station with no moving parts.
- Dual-Power Supply : Solar power autonomy & Backup battery
- Haptic Rainfall Sensor : More accuracy Anti-vibration design
- Get Live Data Instantly : View live data on Ecowitt app
- Get Alert E-mails : on your own defined alert condition, mails can be triggered to notify you the alert.
- Support A Bundle of Sensors : Ecowitt developed or to be developed sensors are all supportd.
- Light, Compact Yet Robust : Install it outdoors and let it do its weather station magic.
- Easy integration Third Party : With its unique data exchange protocol, it can be integrated easily with third party systems.
- Long Transmission Range : Data can be picked up and received throung hub GW2000 in 150 meters.
- Ecowitt was established in 1996, starting from hardware development, based on various sensors to collect the most realistic and reliable data, based on real data to continuously improve the software and hardware algorithm, Ecowitt has many years of experience, the future will also have a broader range of hardware and software, including cloud application solutions, such as intelligent integration of micro-environmental climate linkage control solution.
Ecowitt Wittboy Wi-Fi Weather Station
Includes Wittboy Wi-Fi Hub and All-in-1 Outdoor Solar Powered Weather Sensor
What You Get :
- 1 × Weather Sensor
- 1 × Wi-Fi Hub
- 1 × Ethernet Cable
- 1 × Power Adapter for Hub
- 1 × Bird Spike
- 1 × Quick Start Manual
|
|
|
---|---|---|
GW2000 Wi-Fi HubSpecification :
|
WS90 All-in-1 Smart Outdoor SensorSpecifications :
|
Coming with Bird Spike Accessory
|
Publish to Internet Weather Services
- ✔ Weather Underground : Provides local & long-range weather forecasts, weather reports, maps & tropical weather conditions for locations worldwide.
- ✔ WOW : A UK based weather observation website.
- ✔ Weather Cloud : A large network of weather stations reporting data in real time from all over the world.
- ✔ Ecowitt Weather : Ecowitt’s new weather server that can host a bunch of sensors that other services don’t support at this time.
- ✔ Custom sites (using either Wunderground or Ecowitt protocol.)
Ecowitt GW2000 Wi-Fi Hub Can Pair with All Ecowitt Developed and Developing Weather Sensors
Three Methods of Wi-Fi Configuration
Method A :
- Step 1 : connect your phone with the wi-fi hub once it is powered on;
- Step 2 : enter ' 192.168.4.1 ' on your browser to open embeded web page;
- Step 3 : Log in ( no password required ) and then enter your SSID and WI-Fi password to finish the Wi-Fi configuration.
Method B :
- Step 1 : Plug in the ethernet cable to connect this hub to the Wi-Fi router, find its assigned IP address via DHCP;
- Step 2 : Enter the IP address on the phone's browser to open the embeded web page;
- Step 3 : Log in ( no password required ) and then enter your SSID and WI-Fi password to finish the Wi-Fi configuration.
Method C :
- Step 1 : Download Ecowitt APP on your phone;
- Step 2 : Follow the instruction as the APP will walk you throught the setting process.
Please NOTE : Method C are highly recommended way to configure Wi-Fi because it is very handy to operate.
Explore the Environment around You
Whether you're a weather enthusiast or simply someone who needs to know what weather it is now, WittBoy can be a new and unique weather station for you to protect your family and your property with the instant alerts alarm.
Product guides and documents
Videos
Videos for this product
3:41
Click to play video
Ecowitt Wittboy GW2001 First Use Guide
ecowittweather
Videos for this product
0:14
Click to play video
Ecowitt Wittboy GW2001 Weather Station
ecowittweather
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, accuracy, and ease of setup of the weather station. For example, they mention it works well, provides similar readings to other stations, and is easy to set up. They appreciate the compactness, and graphs. That said, opinions are mixed on the quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the weather station. They mention that the sensor works well, the software works well and is easy to set up. Some say that the weather stations works great except for rainfall measurement. However, most are happy with the reliability and accuracy of the device.
"...First and foremost, reliability is a key factor when it comes to temperature and humidity sensors, and the Ecowitt sensors have proven to reliable...." Read more
"...Piezo Rain: The piezo rain function does work quite well and is able to detect very small amounts of rain that the traditional rain gauge is not..." Read more
"...I combined it with a smart home automation system and it has worked flawlessly...." Read more
"...barometric pressure readings as well as humidity and interfaces with numerous Ecowitt sensors, such as wind, rain, and multiple temperature sensors..." Read more
Customers like the accuracy of the weather station. They say it gives similar readings to their Ambient Weather station, and they are not getting any erroneous readings. The wind readings are consistent, and the rain gauge is just ok. The temperature and humidity sensors are reliable and can be calibrated. It is able to detect very small amounts of rain, and reporting is configurable for these.
"...to setup, many accessories and devices that you can add and reasonably good accuracy...." Read more
"...The piezo rain function does work quite well and is able to detect very small amounts of rain that the traditional rain gauge is not able to detect...." Read more
"...Also, the rain gauge is just ok...." Read more
"Accurate and can be calibrated. Has been very reliable so far...." Read more
Customers find the setup of the weather station to be easy. They mention that it has many accessories and devices that can be added, making it very easy to put together a decent weather station.
"...Setup was easy - just select the channel, go into the App for the Hub, and it will detect the device...." Read more
"This is a really nice weather station for the money. Super easy to setup, many accessories and devices that you can add and reasonably good accuracy..." Read more
"...Setup is instant, with only batteries required for everything to work flawlessly...." Read more
"Love that this install so easily, is small and easily concealed...." Read more
Customers like the accessories and devices that you can add to the weather station. They mention that it provides many functionalities in one, and that it has a great gateway.
"...Super easy to setup, many accessories and devices that you can add and reasonably good accuracy...." Read more
"...Because this sensor provides so many functionalities in one, its power consumption is much higher compared to the more basic sensors...." Read more
"Great Gateway..." Read more
Customers appreciate the compactness of the weather station. They mention that it is small and easily concealed.
"Love that this install so easily, is small and easily concealed...." Read more
"I chose this weather station because it is compact, has no moving parts, and has an option for a display console...." Read more
"Very accurate and compact" Read more
Customers like the graphs provided by the weather station. They mention that the phone app also has graphs.
"...The app also provides a handy graph or chart displaying the historical temperature data, allowing me to monitor trends and changes over time...." Read more
"...The phone app also has graphs...." Read more
"...The Ecowitt App is good , gives you some graphics etc.. but interface it's very far from others (AWN) or the same weather underground...." Read more
Customers like the versatility of the weather station. They mention that it's natively supported in Home Assistant for cloudless monitoring, and it integrates with the Hubitat home automation hub.
"This is natively supported in Home Assistant for cloudless monitoring (or use the app if you don't mind sharing the data with the world)...." Read more
"Great for home assistant, I bought an ambient weather station but was having issues with the cloud integration...." Read more
"Easy to setup and use. integrates with Hubitat home automation hub...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the weather station. Some mention that it's a very nice weather station for a beginner weather enthusiast, and an excellent weather station hub. However, others say that it under reports any actual rain.
"...For the money it is a very nice weather station for a beginner weather enthusiast or a backup to professional weather stations." Read more
"...The Humidity is lucky to be within 20%. The rain gauge reports rain when there is only drizzle and then way under reports any actual rain...." Read more
"...Also it interfaces with Ambient weather products as well. A great buy for the weather enthusiast." Read more
"...(mine is mounted to the wall of a shed and registers a rain event if I slam the door)..." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
First and foremost, reliability is a key factor when it comes to temperature and humidity sensors, and the Ecowitt sensors have proven to reliable. Once paired with the hub, they update frequently, much more often than battery-operated devices running on zwave or zigbee networks. In the past, these other sensors would simply stop reporting, or update only every 10-15 minutes. These update approximately every 60 seconds so I always have access to the most up-to-date information. The app also provides a handy graph or chart displaying the historical temperature data, allowing me to monitor trends and changes over time. I am using this to help hone in my HVAC system, and know the temperatures of different rooms around the house.
Setup was easy - just select the channel, go into the App for the Hub, and it will detect the device. From there, you can setup the name, order in the app, and view the data.
While the Ecowitt sensors can function perfectly well as standalone products for monitoring temperature and humidity throughout the house, I opted to integrate them into HomeAssistant so I can now leverage the data in automations and display it on customizable dashboards, adding an extra layer of functionality.
It's worth noting that the Ecowitt GW2000 Wi-Fi Hub does have some limitations regarding the number of devices it can accommodate. For the WH31 Indoor Sensors, the hub supports up to 8 devices, which is more than sufficient for my needs. However, for the WH32 Outdoor Sensor, I believe only one device can be connected per hub. It's essential to review the hub documentation before making a purchase to ensure it meets your specific needs and device requirements. You could also purchase another hub to pair more devices - Each of them have a channel select in the battery compartment which is how it registers to the hub.
In the future, I may also bring in their soil sensors for better lawn care as well.
Current Devices:
- GW200 Hub, Wired (Can also use Wireless)
- 1x WH32 Outdoor Sensor
- 5x WH31 Indoor Sensor
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2023
First and foremost, reliability is a key factor when it comes to temperature and humidity sensors, and the Ecowitt sensors have proven to reliable. Once paired with the hub, they update frequently, much more often than battery-operated devices running on zwave or zigbee networks. In the past, these other sensors would simply stop reporting, or update only every 10-15 minutes. These update approximately every 60 seconds so I always have access to the most up-to-date information. The app also provides a handy graph or chart displaying the historical temperature data, allowing me to monitor trends and changes over time. I am using this to help hone in my HVAC system, and know the temperatures of different rooms around the house.
Setup was easy - just select the channel, go into the App for the Hub, and it will detect the device. From there, you can setup the name, order in the app, and view the data.
While the Ecowitt sensors can function perfectly well as standalone products for monitoring temperature and humidity throughout the house, I opted to integrate them into HomeAssistant so I can now leverage the data in automations and display it on customizable dashboards, adding an extra layer of functionality.
It's worth noting that the Ecowitt GW2000 Wi-Fi Hub does have some limitations regarding the number of devices it can accommodate. For the WH31 Indoor Sensors, the hub supports up to 8 devices, which is more than sufficient for my needs. However, for the WH32 Outdoor Sensor, I believe only one device can be connected per hub. It's essential to review the hub documentation before making a purchase to ensure it meets your specific needs and device requirements. You could also purchase another hub to pair more devices - Each of them have a channel select in the battery compartment which is how it registers to the hub.
In the future, I may also bring in their soil sensors for better lawn care as well.
Current Devices:
- GW200 Hub, Wired (Can also use Wireless)
- 1x WH32 Outdoor Sensor
- 5x WH31 Indoor Sensor
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023
As the item description suggests, however, the sensor itself is not able to work alone, and must be combined with an Ecowitt gateway or display console. Luckily, you most likely do not need to purchase a new console or gateway if you have an existing one available. I am using the HP3500 series (HP3501) display console, and it works fine with the WS90 with the latest firmware upgrade. I have also tried this with the older GW1100 USB gateway, and it was also able to read directly from the sensor (after the firmware upgrade). There is a compatibility chart on the website if you are uncertain whether your existing console/gateway is compatible.
Although there is very little documentation stating so, the WS90 does not really work out of the box unless you have one of their newer gateways. As mentioned previously, you will need to make sure you are on the latest firmware version for your gateway/console device (which can be downloaded from the website), otherwise, you will not see any data from the sensor as the sensor type is quite new and has not yet been integrated with most older firmware versions. Furthermore, if you are replacing an older sensor array, old data from that array can conflict with this array, hence causing unexpected readings.
So that I can cover all the quirks, I have written out my setup procedure for this array. This assumes you have connected your gateway/console to the Ecowitt portal already (including setting up the long/lat coordinates on the console and adjusting your pressure differences for a relative barometric measurement).
Upgrading firmware for console/gateway:
You must be running the latest firmware version in order to read data from the WS90. For graphical consoles, you need to download the firmware on the website and upgrade the firmware via the embedded SD card slot. Gateways can be upgraded by using the WSView app.
Deregistering old array:
If you have an existing array, turn off the data reporting in the console/gateway's array settings page. This will stop the old array's data from conflicting with the new array sensor. Note that taking out the batteries from the battery compartment is not sufficient since many sensor arrays have a battery/capacitor backup and will keep transmitting data even when the batteries are taken out and is left in the dark. You may be able to deplete the battery/capacitor backup using the contacts inside the battery compartment, if applicable (although not necessary if you are able to turn off the reporting for the sensor ID in the settings page).
If you have a traditional rain guage/collector, that sensor can remain on as rain tracking is separate for the sensor types. If you have a graphical console and would like to read data from haptic rain sensor instead of the traditional rain sensor, you will need to select the Piezo Rain option from the rainfall data priority settings to get the proper readings. Note that while data from both sensors will be uploaded to the Ecowitt portal, the console can only display one rain sensor type at any given time. You can switch between the rain gauge types without losing any data as the console is tracking both sensor types in the background. You can also see the accumulations for both types and change the rain display settings by holding the Rain button for 2 seconds.
For gateways, you must use using the WSView Plus or the Ecowitt app in order to read Piezo Rain values. The older WSView app will show the basic weather information, although the piezo rain information will be missing from the view.
Upgrading firmware on WS90 (optional, but recommended):
Unbox the WS90 sensor array and peel back the silicone wrap on the sensor and USB port. Download the firmware from the Ecowitt website and connect the sensor to the computer using a microUSB cable (not included). Note that there are a few different variations of the firmware, with different mist/rain sensitivities. Choose the one best suitable for your location and follow the instructions to upgrade the firmware.
Mounting the array:
The array uses a 3/4" ID or 1" OD pole. The fit should be snug to prevent the sensor from moving around when it's windy. On some poles, the fit maybe somewhat loose. To fix this, wrap a few rounds of masking or electric tape around the top of the pole and ensure the fit is snug.
Using a smartphone with a compass app, put your phone next to the W marker next to the wind sensor opening, with the front of the phone facing the N marker. Slowly rotate the sensor along with the phone while keeping the phone to the left of the W marker, until the phone's compass read 0/360 degrees. This will ensure that the wind direction reporting is correct.
Install batteries:
Install 2x AA batteries by unscrewing the battery plate and replacing it afterward. Either rechargeable NiMH or alkaline/lithium can be used.
Connecting 12v/1A DC power supply (optional):
If the installed location is affected by snow, you will need to connect a power adapter on the sensor to prevent snow accumulation. This is not needed unless temperature drops below freezing with snow accumulation blocking the wind port openings.
Change the battery threshold alerting (optional):
Depending on the type of batteries installed, you may want to change the alerting threshold on the Ecowitt portal so you can be alerted when the internal batteries need to be recharged/replaced. This can be done by clicking the cogwheel and the bell icon on the battery panel, and setting the following alert:
Battery: Haptic Array(Battery) less than or equal:
For NiMH, set the value to 2.4v, for alkaline/lithium, the value should be set to 2.7v.
Once all the steps are done, the console/gateway should pick up the data automatically from the WS90 sensor.
Here are my thoughts of this sensor after using it for a month:
Readings: The readings are very good and is comparable to the old sensors I have before. I like the fact that the sensor has a built-in radiation shield so no additional components are needed to get an accurate temperature reading. The wind readings are also quite consistent, although the faster 8.8s reporting period may make the wind readings a bit more jumpy compared to the older legacy sensors.
Piezo Rain: The piezo rain function does work quite well and is able to detect very small amounts of rain that the traditional rain gauge is not able to detect. However, because of this, dense evening fog can sometimes register a 0.02" of rain on the sensor. If this is bothersome, you may want to flash the firmware with lower moisture sensitivity to avoid this problem. Combined with the faster 8.8s reporting period vs the 49s reporting period on the traditional rain gauge, the reported values can end up to be slightly different as the piezo rain gauge is quicker to react to changes compared to the traditional rain collector, but they are close enough as far as trend reporting.
Battery Life: This sensor is powered both by the AA batteries and the built-in supercapacitor that provides the primary source of power. Because this sensor provides so many functionalities in one, its power consumption is much higher compared to the more basic sensors. I have asked the manufacturer how long a set of AA batteries are expected to last on this sensor, and I was given an answer of ~9 months, depending on weather conditions.
Compared to my old wind/UV/light sensor, I have not replaced the battery on that unit for over 3 years and it was still going strong. That being said, battery life appears to be affected especially by rain, and rain alone can cause power consumption to go up by 3-4x. Under dry conditions, the solar panel is usually self-sufficient to keep the built-in supercapacitors fully charged even on overcast days.
A fully charged supercapcitor (5.3v) is generally sufficient to keep the sensor running for 2-3 nights on especially dark days, but one night of rain is all it takes to fully drain the supercapacitor down to 2.3v (the lowest it will go). Once the supercapacitor reaches the battery voltage, it will also start to use the battery as backup power. The sensor will report the numerical voltage values for both the supercapacitor and the batteries back on the Ecowitt portal, and you can alert on these alerts and see historical values just like any other weather attributes.
Although the solar panel does not charge the AA batteries that are inside the battery compartment, creating an alert with the specific voltage values should allow you to change out / recharge the batteries before the sensor runs out of power. If the location where the sensor is installed is mostly dry, then it is very likely that you will get much more than 9 months of battery life as the solar panel itself is sufficient to power the sensor without tapping into the batteries. If you live in an area that rains consistently around the year, then your results is probably going to look much different. For reference, it takes about 5 hours of "somewhat cloudy / partial sun" light to fully charge the supercapacitor from empty back to full. It takes about 2 hours of the same intensity of light to recharge a partially discharged supercapacitor assuming dry weather. Overcast days are also generally sufficient to maintain the charge as long as it does not start to rain.
Update: 9/2/23: It has been about 9 months since I have purchased this item, and so far the NiMH rechargeable batteries are doing well at 2.54v (1.27v each) without recharging them since the installation. For rechargeable such as NiMH, this is still relatively a high state of charge especially given NIMH also self-discharges itself after some period of time. I would say the NiMH batteries would probably last a least a few years given how it has fared so far, and the supercapacitor has only been drained on days where it's relatively dark with rain throughout the day. Even with the rain, the daylight generally is sufficient to recharge the supercapacitor partially such that the batteries are only used for about an hour or two towards the early morning timeframes.
Overall, I think this sensor is a great value and works well. Although the specific quirks can be better documented and explained.
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2023
As the item description suggests, however, the sensor itself is not able to work alone, and must be combined with an Ecowitt gateway or display console. Luckily, you most likely do not need to purchase a new console or gateway if you have an existing one available. I am using the HP3500 series (HP3501) display console, and it works fine with the WS90 with the latest firmware upgrade. I have also tried this with the older GW1100 USB gateway, and it was also able to read directly from the sensor (after the firmware upgrade). There is a compatibility chart on the website if you are uncertain whether your existing console/gateway is compatible.
Although there is very little documentation stating so, the WS90 does not really work out of the box unless you have one of their newer gateways. As mentioned previously, you will need to make sure you are on the latest firmware version for your gateway/console device (which can be downloaded from the website), otherwise, you will not see any data from the sensor as the sensor type is quite new and has not yet been integrated with most older firmware versions. Furthermore, if you are replacing an older sensor array, old data from that array can conflict with this array, hence causing unexpected readings.
So that I can cover all the quirks, I have written out my setup procedure for this array. This assumes you have connected your gateway/console to the Ecowitt portal already (including setting up the long/lat coordinates on the console and adjusting your pressure differences for a relative barometric measurement).
Upgrading firmware for console/gateway:
You must be running the latest firmware version in order to read data from the WS90. For graphical consoles, you need to download the firmware on the website and upgrade the firmware via the embedded SD card slot. Gateways can be upgraded by using the WSView app.
Deregistering old array:
If you have an existing array, turn off the data reporting in the console/gateway's array settings page. This will stop the old array's data from conflicting with the new array sensor. Note that taking out the batteries from the battery compartment is not sufficient since many sensor arrays have a battery/capacitor backup and will keep transmitting data even when the batteries are taken out and is left in the dark. You may be able to deplete the battery/capacitor backup using the contacts inside the battery compartment, if applicable (although not necessary if you are able to turn off the reporting for the sensor ID in the settings page).
If you have a traditional rain guage/collector, that sensor can remain on as rain tracking is separate for the sensor types. If you have a graphical console and would like to read data from haptic rain sensor instead of the traditional rain sensor, you will need to select the Piezo Rain option from the rainfall data priority settings to get the proper readings. Note that while data from both sensors will be uploaded to the Ecowitt portal, the console can only display one rain sensor type at any given time. You can switch between the rain gauge types without losing any data as the console is tracking both sensor types in the background. You can also see the accumulations for both types and change the rain display settings by holding the Rain button for 2 seconds.
For gateways, you must use using the WSView Plus or the Ecowitt app in order to read Piezo Rain values. The older WSView app will show the basic weather information, although the piezo rain information will be missing from the view.
Upgrading firmware on WS90 (optional, but recommended):
Unbox the WS90 sensor array and peel back the silicone wrap on the sensor and USB port. Download the firmware from the Ecowitt website and connect the sensor to the computer using a microUSB cable (not included). Note that there are a few different variations of the firmware, with different mist/rain sensitivities. Choose the one best suitable for your location and follow the instructions to upgrade the firmware.
Mounting the array:
The array uses a 3/4" ID or 1" OD pole. The fit should be snug to prevent the sensor from moving around when it's windy. On some poles, the fit maybe somewhat loose. To fix this, wrap a few rounds of masking or electric tape around the top of the pole and ensure the fit is snug.
Using a smartphone with a compass app, put your phone next to the W marker next to the wind sensor opening, with the front of the phone facing the N marker. Slowly rotate the sensor along with the phone while keeping the phone to the left of the W marker, until the phone's compass read 0/360 degrees. This will ensure that the wind direction reporting is correct.
Install batteries:
Install 2x AA batteries by unscrewing the battery plate and replacing it afterward. Either rechargeable NiMH or alkaline/lithium can be used.
Connecting 12v/1A DC power supply (optional):
If the installed location is affected by snow, you will need to connect a power adapter on the sensor to prevent snow accumulation. This is not needed unless temperature drops below freezing with snow accumulation blocking the wind port openings.
Change the battery threshold alerting (optional):
Depending on the type of batteries installed, you may want to change the alerting threshold on the Ecowitt portal so you can be alerted when the internal batteries need to be recharged/replaced. This can be done by clicking the cogwheel and the bell icon on the battery panel, and setting the following alert:
Battery: Haptic Array(Battery) less than or equal:
For NiMH, set the value to 2.4v, for alkaline/lithium, the value should be set to 2.7v.
Once all the steps are done, the console/gateway should pick up the data automatically from the WS90 sensor.
Here are my thoughts of this sensor after using it for a month:
Readings: The readings are very good and is comparable to the old sensors I have before. I like the fact that the sensor has a built-in radiation shield so no additional components are needed to get an accurate temperature reading. The wind readings are also quite consistent, although the faster 8.8s reporting period may make the wind readings a bit more jumpy compared to the older legacy sensors.
Piezo Rain: The piezo rain function does work quite well and is able to detect very small amounts of rain that the traditional rain gauge is not able to detect. However, because of this, dense evening fog can sometimes register a 0.02" of rain on the sensor. If this is bothersome, you may want to flash the firmware with lower moisture sensitivity to avoid this problem. Combined with the faster 8.8s reporting period vs the 49s reporting period on the traditional rain gauge, the reported values can end up to be slightly different as the piezo rain gauge is quicker to react to changes compared to the traditional rain collector, but they are close enough as far as trend reporting.
Battery Life: This sensor is powered both by the AA batteries and the built-in supercapacitor that provides the primary source of power. Because this sensor provides so many functionalities in one, its power consumption is much higher compared to the more basic sensors. I have asked the manufacturer how long a set of AA batteries are expected to last on this sensor, and I was given an answer of ~9 months, depending on weather conditions.
Compared to my old wind/UV/light sensor, I have not replaced the battery on that unit for over 3 years and it was still going strong. That being said, battery life appears to be affected especially by rain, and rain alone can cause power consumption to go up by 3-4x. Under dry conditions, the solar panel is usually self-sufficient to keep the built-in supercapacitors fully charged even on overcast days.
A fully charged supercapcitor (5.3v) is generally sufficient to keep the sensor running for 2-3 nights on especially dark days, but one night of rain is all it takes to fully drain the supercapacitor down to 2.3v (the lowest it will go). Once the supercapacitor reaches the battery voltage, it will also start to use the battery as backup power. The sensor will report the numerical voltage values for both the supercapacitor and the batteries back on the Ecowitt portal, and you can alert on these alerts and see historical values just like any other weather attributes.
Although the solar panel does not charge the AA batteries that are inside the battery compartment, creating an alert with the specific voltage values should allow you to change out / recharge the batteries before the sensor runs out of power. If the location where the sensor is installed is mostly dry, then it is very likely that you will get much more than 9 months of battery life as the solar panel itself is sufficient to power the sensor without tapping into the batteries. If you live in an area that rains consistently around the year, then your results is probably going to look much different. For reference, it takes about 5 hours of "somewhat cloudy / partial sun" light to fully charge the supercapacitor from empty back to full. It takes about 2 hours of the same intensity of light to recharge a partially discharged supercapacitor assuming dry weather. Overcast days are also generally sufficient to maintain the charge as long as it does not start to rain.
Update: 9/2/23: It has been about 9 months since I have purchased this item, and so far the NiMH rechargeable batteries are doing well at 2.54v (1.27v each) without recharging them since the installation. For rechargeable such as NiMH, this is still relatively a high state of charge especially given NIMH also self-discharges itself after some period of time. I would say the NiMH batteries would probably last a least a few years given how it has fared so far, and the supercapacitor has only been drained on days where it's relatively dark with rain throughout the day. Even with the rain, the daylight generally is sufficient to recharge the supercapacitor partially such that the batteries are only used for about an hour or two towards the early morning timeframes.
Overall, I think this sensor is a great value and works well. Although the specific quirks can be better documented and explained.
Not sure about the units though: I switched units and still obtain the same readings, which appear to be in imperial units... that part is still opaque.
Huge array of sensors covering almost everything I could imagine.
I wondered why they didn't put the barometer in the outside unit, but I guess it isn't a big deal that the baro readings are from the gateway.
Just be aware of that if/when you buy; the outdoor unit doesn't have a barometer.
Also, the rain gauge is just ok. It has given me a few false alarms, mainly for dew in the morning, but they are nothing to fret over, as they were incredibly minor.
Top reviews from other countries
Given how well it is performing, I decided to buy the Wittboy for my other location as I didn't really need a display, given that the GW2000 hub has a very detailed web UI with plenty of options to fiddle with.
Setup was very easy - simply turn on the WS90 sensor, then connect the GW2000 to your router (I did mine via Ethernet) and you'll start getting data within seconds. All you need to do then to view your data online is sign up for an account at ecowitt.net and link your weather station to your account. There is also an Ecowitt app for iOS/Android to view your data as well.
You can also upload data to Weather Underground, WOW, Weathercloud as well as custom sites such as PWS Weather.
The web UI for the GW2000 is easy to use and navigate, and gives you options for customising your local network, weather services, device settings, unit settings, sensor calibration, and rain totals (including offsets and editing rainfall amounts). You can also view which sensors are attached (and their signal strength) and also which sensors are compatible with the GW2000. Live data is viewable in the web UI as well.
The GW2000 hub can be updated over the air (OTA) through the web UI, however the WS90 needs to be connected to your PC via a micro USB cable (not supplied) and a specific program used to upload the latest firmware to the device. Not ideal, but understandable as the WS90 (unlike the hub) can only transmit data rather than receive it. Firmware updates for the WS90 are usually released every 3-6 months, so make sure you have relatively easy access to the sensor to perform these updates.
Sensor data is very accurate, from what I have observed. You may need to calibrate the haptic rain sensor to receive the most accurate results from it, but after this is done it's pretty much set and forget. I've included my rainfall offsets, they may or may not work for you.
Overall, I'm extremely happy with this station. Minimal maintenance, no moving parts and accurate and consistent data with the option to add plenty of additional Ecowitt sensors should you feel the need.
Reviewed in Australia on February 4, 2024
Given how well it is performing, I decided to buy the Wittboy for my other location as I didn't really need a display, given that the GW2000 hub has a very detailed web UI with plenty of options to fiddle with.
Setup was very easy - simply turn on the WS90 sensor, then connect the GW2000 to your router (I did mine via Ethernet) and you'll start getting data within seconds. All you need to do then to view your data online is sign up for an account at ecowitt.net and link your weather station to your account. There is also an Ecowitt app for iOS/Android to view your data as well.
You can also upload data to Weather Underground, WOW, Weathercloud as well as custom sites such as PWS Weather.
The web UI for the GW2000 is easy to use and navigate, and gives you options for customising your local network, weather services, device settings, unit settings, sensor calibration, and rain totals (including offsets and editing rainfall amounts). You can also view which sensors are attached (and their signal strength) and also which sensors are compatible with the GW2000. Live data is viewable in the web UI as well.
The GW2000 hub can be updated over the air (OTA) through the web UI, however the WS90 needs to be connected to your PC via a micro USB cable (not supplied) and a specific program used to upload the latest firmware to the device. Not ideal, but understandable as the WS90 (unlike the hub) can only transmit data rather than receive it. Firmware updates for the WS90 are usually released every 3-6 months, so make sure you have relatively easy access to the sensor to perform these updates.
Sensor data is very accurate, from what I have observed. You may need to calibrate the haptic rain sensor to receive the most accurate results from it, but after this is done it's pretty much set and forget. I've included my rainfall offsets, they may or may not work for you.
Overall, I'm extremely happy with this station. Minimal maintenance, no moving parts and accurate and consistent data with the option to add plenty of additional Ecowitt sensors should you feel the need.
The only sensor item missing seems to be air pressure.
It does read the rain, seems reasonably accurate. Not quite sure about wind direction yet. Need to add that to my dashboard yet.
For those residing in snow-free areas, this device might seem like an ideal choice.
However, my experience in a snowy environment was markedly different and quite underwhelming. The unit's performance was significantly hampered by snowfall. UV readings became unavailable, the piezo precipitation measurement ceased functioning, and, most critically, the solar array failed to charge the condenser. This issue led to the rapid depletion of the backup battery, which was drained within a matter of weeks.
To specifically prevent this, I purchased an optional external power supply. The product description led me to believe that this would help in melting the snow accumulated on the unit's top surface. Unfortunately, this was not the case. After reaching out to Ecowitt's customer support, it was clarified that the heating element is designed only to prevent snow build-up in the central part of the unit, where wind measurements are taken. It does nothing to prevent snow accumulation on the top part of the unit, which directly affects the UV, piezo, and condenser charging functionalities.
Based on my experience, it appears that this product is better suited as a summer weather measurement unit, lacking the necessary design features to cope effectively with winter conditions.