Good accuracy
I have the Oregon Scientific WMR100 which comes with a rain collector a combined wind/temperature/humidity sensor a display unit and various mounting hardware. I tested its accuracy in several ways including pouring carefully measured amounts of water (from a rain gauge) through the rain collector comparing the temperature readings with a very accurate thermometer and holding the wind sensor out the window of a car at 40 mph. The results were impressive. I had previously tried these tests on a LaCrosse weather station as well as one from Radio Shack neither of which was completely accurate. The Oregon Scientific WMR100 was right on the mark for measuring preciptiation and also for temperature. The temperature was down to minus 15F one night and lithium batteries still worked fine. The outdoor temperature sensor is slow to respond to rapidly rising or falling temperature but this is probably a good design feature to avoid over-reaction to direct sunlight if it's not in the shade. The wind speed readings for 40 mph on the odometer ranged from 40 to 45+ on the display unit but doing this out the window of a car may not be 100% reliable as a test! The display unit sits firmly on a table (well weighted in the bottom) yet is easy to use as a hand unit. It is a little inconvenient to have to scroll through the settings to see everything -- for example the readings for rainfall UV and barometric pressure do not display simultaneously and it is necessary to use the control buttons to change between these settings in order to see them all. The manual is good in explaining everything. The construction is very sturdy considering that it's made of plastic and the mounting pole is even metal. All in all I am very satisfied with it and certainly would recommend it over LaCrosse for a number of reasons. From what I would expect for something at this price I would give it 5 stars.
Update July 2 2008: After several months the temperature and humidity signals were no longer coming through to the display unit without constantly having to reset the sensor (on the roof!) so I returned the whole weather station under warranty as instructed by Oregon Scientific's Customer Service Department listed in the warranty. After more than 7 months and many inquiries they had not sent me the new unit yet saying that it was "back ordered" and would be sent when available.... in a few months! I then contacted the Oregon Scientific retail store where I had purchased the unit and with no hesitation they told me that they backed the product and would send a replacement. So if you buy buy from a retailer who will back the product or directly from the company's retail store. Don't depend on Oregon Scientific's Customer Service Department! The Oregon Scientific retail store in Tigard Oregon was very helpful in dealing with the problem because I had purchased it there in the first place and they still had a copy of my receipt on file. My only regret is not having called them first when the problem began.
Update July 24 2009: This weather station is still working wonderfully!More detail ...
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