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La Crosse Weather Stations - A Complete Range from Basic to ProfessionalBut how do La Crosse Weather Stations compare with other brands, and which is your best choice?The first part of the question is easily answered - La Crosse Technology specialises in the design and manufacture of home weather stations, and are among the leaders in wireless weather station technology. Based in Minnesota (not a bad place for weather watchers), they have several international branches, and are supported by numerous retailers.
Deciding on the best choice for you may be a little more difficult in this competitive market, and other manufacturers should be considered before your final choice.
But let's get back to what is available in La Crosse Weather Stations.
First up, La Crosse Weather Stations include a strong range of attractively designed display unit/receivers, most of which can be wall or desk mounted. They are matched by reliable outdoor sensors, particularly if they are well looked after. Like their main competitor, Oregon Scientific, La Crosse have many attractive packages aimed squarely at people considering their first home weather station. Their range is large, but it is not always easy to find a model with every desirable feature. Don't let this put you off, because not everyone will require the full suite of features in their ideal home weather station.
La Crosse's website is very strong on information and illustrations of receivers and sensors, so you should be able to find out everything you need to know. The weather stations are backed by comprehensive manuals, although some are clearer than others. Still, problems will be avoided by careful reading of the manual before and during installation.
Visit the La Crosse Weather Stations website to find out more. Bear in mind that the prices you will see there, and those mentioned below, are the manufacturer's suggestions*. I have seen discounts of 33%, even 50%, at some online stores, and you will find links to many of these later in this article. You might also consider checking out La Crosse Weather Stations on eBay, where new current models can usually be found. You can find out what's currently available near the bottom of this page. The range of La Crosse Weather Stations can be divided into four groups, grading from basic to comprehensive. Only the final group provide the full range of sensors.
1. Basic Temperature Stations
These relatively simple units often double as alarm clocks. Most of these have a radio range of 80 feet (24m), which reduces by about 30 (9m) feet for every wall the signal has to pass through. For a bit extra, you can add one or two extra sensors and keep an eye on the baby's room, cellar or greenhouse. They are attractively made and there are three basic types:
Basic Temperature Monitors
You can pick one up for a bit over $20.00, sometimes less at Amazon. Examples are the WS-7013bz and WS-7034
WS-7013bz (left) & WS-7034
WS-7049
, but more importantly the console can pick up sensor signals from up to 330 ft (100m) away over open ground. This puts the cost up to around $80.00, although $70.00 is easy to find, and look out for lower costs on older stock. La Crosse is gradually upgrading its range to better reception standards, so always ask about transmission range before parting with your dollars.
Finally there is the WS-9016 - only 80 ft range but for a shade under $100.00 (discounted to $55.00-$70.00) it will tell you the phases of the moon as well as the time. Some of these more expensive models are bordering on gift ware.
WS-7394 (left) and WS-9016
2. Temperature/Humidity Stations
These are very similar to the group above, but a combined outside temperature- humidity sensor replaces a temperature recorder. The more impressive stations contain radio controlled clocks, usually transmit over ranges up to 330 feet (100m), will show some air pressure data in graph form, and can be programmed to sound an alarm at defined temperatures. All have some form of forecasting function, and most will accept two extra sensors.
Extras include phases of the moon, indoor comfort level, and an approaching storm warning.
You should be able to obtain one of these La Crosse Weather Stations for about $100.00. Worth looking at is the WS-9018 , listed at $129.95, which is computer compatible (click on the link for more information and a very competitive price). The WS-8035 , released late in 2005 at a list price of$99.95, combines long transmission range with a well thought out group of extras. You should be able to find it for $70-$80.00.
The recently released WS-9119 takes the usefulness of temperature-humidity stations a step further. New software improves both the range and accuracy of forecasts by extending the time over which information is displayed (including a 36 hour air pressure graph) and by using both air pressure and temperature data. This allows predictions of everything from fog to snow to strong winds and storms. But don't forget to check the sky too - it's pretty nifty, but weather forecasting is not quite that easy. The list price for the WS-9119U is $159.95 but I have seen it for much less at Amazon.
3. Basic Weather Station
Two of the La Crosse Weather Stations combine outside temperature and humidity data with wind speed, using an anemometer.
While I can see some use for these, and at a manufacturer's recommended price of $159.95 (WS-9035) and $169.95 (WS-7395) they are not too expensive, for not too much more you can add wind direction and a self emptying rain gauge.
WS-9035 (left), and WS-7395
4. Complete Home Weather Stations
At the top of the range are the La Crosse Professional Weather Centers. They are true second generation wireless weather stations, and range in price (manufacturer recommended) from $259.95 to $699.00.
They monitor temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed and direction, and rainfall with their automatically emptying rain gauges. The most expensive also has a sunshine recorder. Sensors are solar powered, usually with battery backup, most units have some data saving capacity, and most can be easily linked to a computer.
But I don't believe we have seen the best of La Crosse Weather Stations just yet.
WS-2315CH
The recent release of the WS-3610 has added a powerful, well designed weather station to the range (check out the link for more information). It has a redesigned touch screen display, increased memory, and a 330 feet (100m) radio range (a cable option is also available). WS-3610
I am impressed with the stronger looking sensors, and a major advance is the inclusion of heat shielding on the temperature/humidity sensor. It could be better, but it's so much better than none. One compromise which I am not sure about is the absence of solar cells on the sensors, which are battery operated. Like most "wireless" sensors in the less expensive end of the market, the transmitter is in the thermo sensor, which collects data from the wind and rain sensors via short cables. This is only a concern if location problems require separation of the wind or rain sensors due to shadowing or sheltering.
The display console comes in a choice of finishes, and includes everything necessary to connect the system to your computer, including Heavy Weather software.
Overall, this may become the flagship of the La Crosse Weather Stations range, and it is well priced at $339.95.
Summing Up
La Crosse Weather Stations provide the biggest range of temperature and weather stations of all manufacturers. Depending on your location and set up options, you may well find exactly what you are looking for in the La Crosse range, and if you do you are unlikely to be disappointed. Updates on new models and hints on getting the best possible performance will be included in "Watching Weather" , a free monthly newsletter (why not sign up now?).
Despite all the above, there are other very good home weather stations out there, and you may find something more suitable in the ranges from Oregon Scientific , Davis Instruments. , and several others. They are definitely worth checking before you make your final decision.
Would I buy one of the La Crosse Weather Stations? Yes, I would, on the understanding that they are neither toys nor robust commercial systems. They are strong competitors in the market, and include several models which offer very good value, particularly to the first time owner or where funds are limited. And no matter what home weather station you buy or own, its performance is only as good as the way it is set up.
The article on Setting Up. will help you identify just what your system will need to work around your home. You will also find that a little extra work at the beginning in weatherproofing moving parts, battery compartments and cable connections will pay off big time in minimising or preventing problems in data transmission. The article on Troubleshooting will help solve most problems (but if all else fails there's always the manual!).
Whatever your choice, you will have entered the exciting world of weather observation and recording.
Good Luck
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La Crosse Home Weather Stations on eBayEvery one of these La Crosse Home Weather Stations is available from eBay - right here and right now! These listings are the best and easiest way to find La Crosse Home Weather Stations and related articles from eBay. All Weather Stations in the following lists are available right now. See something you like? Then move fast and place your bid. If not, bookmark this page or the Home Weather Station Auction Index, because if what you're after isn't here now, it almost certainly will be later.
When you click on a link below you will be taken straight to an eBay page showing that item. All items will open in a new window, making it super easy for you to check any La Crosse Home Weather Station that interests you. I hope you find exactly what you need, at a super price.
* all articles on auction courtesy of Ebay.
*Product links and pricing. The products I mention are, in my opinion, the best of the range in each category. But this doesn't mean they are just what you are looking for, and it is always worth following the link to the manufacturer's page. But don't buy from there - in almost all cases much better prices are available from both shopfront and internet based retailers. At all times eBay and Amazon are worth checking out, and you will notice many of the links go to Amazon. Amazon has built a very sound reputation for customer service, given the huge amount of business that passes through their website, and many products are accompanied by clear descriptions, alternatives, and reviews from customers. These can be very helpful, and I shop at Amazon myself. But prices can change very quickly there, so if you have made up your mind on a product and you see a good price there, grab it before it goes. Where possible, I provide links to other retailers where their prices are competitive. Some may be better than they seem if the prices include delivery and, where needed, batteries - check the terms they offer. Finally, I stand to make small commissions on some of the products I recommend. A lot of work goes into building and maintaining a site like this, and I am not ashamed if I recoup some of the costs, and even make a little money on top. That being said, I will and do recommend sellers where I will not make anything for myself. One of these is Ambient Weather , a useful retail site with good supporting information. But if you visit there, don't forget to come back!
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Last update 12/17/2006
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Basic Temperature Plus Weather Forecasting
Getting closer to a weather station in that they measure air
pressure with a barometer built in to the receiver/console.
This allows them to act as basic weather forecasters with
around 75% accuracy. Perhaps the best of them is the 
Two of the best equipped units lack easy computer connection.
Others are fine provided long range radio connection is not
needed, as they use sensors with a range of only 80 feet (24m).
If this is acceptable to you then the
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