Wireless home weather stations use radio waves to transmit their weather measurements from the remote sensors to the indoor display console. These professional wireless weather stations are easy to install and have the flexibility to change the location of the console without having to drill a new hole and move the cable. Wireless home weather stations typically cost more than cabled weather stations but the price of convenience is often worth spending the extra money. Cabled weather stations are also at a much greater risk of a lightning strike so the added safety of a wireless connection is a significant benefit.

Before making your weather station purchase, you should consider several issues related to wireless digital weather station technology. The first is transmission range, a rating of the maximum distance the remote sensors and inside console can reliably communicate. Electronics wireless weather station manufacturers usually specify a transmission range rating based upon "open air," meaning a direct line of sight path with no obstructions (walls, etc.) between components. The manufacturers provide the rating in that manner because every installation is unique, with different building materials and sensor configurations. In general, to estimate the "effective range" or the effective communication distance between those components when going through walls, etc. in a typical installation, a good rule-of-thumb is 1/2 to 1/3 the distance of the "open air" range. For example, if a unit has an "open air" range of 330 feet, the maximum "effective range" between remote sensors and inside console will likely be between 165 to 110 feet. To make a more realistic estimate of the distances required between components in your installation, please review the weather station set up information elsewhere on this site.

Another issue that needs to be considered with wireless weather stations is radio frequency interference (RFI). Generally speaking, this is not a major issue, as there are millions of wireless home weather stations operating without problems. But RFI could affect your installation and you should try to choose a dealer who will allow you to return a unit if an interference problem cannot be resolved.

Finally, the altitude where your wireless digital weather station is going to be installed can also be an issue with regard to the accuracy of barometric pressure measurements. You should be aware that many wireless home weather stations are limited to operating at 6,000 feet or below. If your electronics wireless weather station is going to be installed at a higher altitude be sure to check the unit's specifications before making your purchase.

 

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