Initial Assessment
The Ambient Weather WS-4000, an all-in-one sensor suite, mirrors the design of the WeatherFlow Tempest. This weather station boasts a compact design and
integrates a thermometer, barometer, and hygrometer into its console, a feature not offered by the Tempest. Setting up the WS-4000 is straightforward, though it requires a 1-inch mast, a detail that might be surprising for users accustomed to the standard 1.25-inch masts used by other weather stations. The device includes an in-home console and uses the Ambient Weather Network for connectivity, offering a free service with optional subscription upgrades for extended data and map layers.
Installation & Setup
Setting up the WS-4000 is a relatively painless process, as the device comes with a quick-start guide. The most unexpected aspect of the installation is the 1-inch mast requirement, differing from the 1.25-inch masts common to most recent weather stations. For testing, a 1-inch wooden dowel from a hardware store was used. The need for a 1-inch mast might catch those replacing existing weather stations off guard, highlighting the importance of this detail in the product description. The setup also involves installing two AA batteries (included) in the sensor suite to ensure backup power, supplementing the solar panel on the station.
App and Network
The Ambient Weather Network app is a key component, recommended for the weather stations within a connected home. The Ambient Weather Network service is free to use, supporting integrations with IFTTT and Amazon Alexa. The app interface is clean and user-friendly, and it has remained largely consistent over recent years, providing easy navigation and access to data. More detailed information can be found in reviews of other Ambient Weather stations. The app's features and smart home capabilities contribute significantly to the appeal of this home weather station for users wanting to integrate weather data into their smart home systems.
Sensor Performance
The WS-4000 excels in providing accurate data for temperature, humidity, and wind conditions, thanks to its sonic anemometer. This technology is more sensitive and, in the reviewer's opinion, more accurate compared to the traditional cup and vane anemometers. The sonic anemometer's accuracy is less affected by increasing wind speeds, offering reliable performance up to approximately 85 mph. Additionally, its small footprint allows it to blend better into the yard, making it less conspicuous than other, larger weather stations. The console can also accommodate extra sensors that automatically display their readings.
Rain Gauge Issues
Despite its strengths, the WS-4000's haptic rain gauge presents a notable issue. The haptic rain sensor's performance is not as accurate as expected. This design requires perfect leveling for correct rainfall measurement. It struggles to accurately measure light rain or drizzle, which was observed during the tests. The haptic sensors, while innovative in theory, have often proven to be less reliable than other rain gauge designs. Despite the rain gauge issue, all the other aspects of the weather station show excellent performance.
Buying Recommendation
The WS-4000 is recommended, especially for users of other Ambient Weather stations looking to upgrade. It is essential to consider the Ecowitt Wittboy Pro, which shares a similar design but is offered at a lower cost, for first-time buyers. The reviewer plans to conduct further, long-term testing, particularly during the rainy season. This will help assess the haptic rain sensor's performance under various conditions, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its overall value. If the measurements are not highly accurate, every other aspect of this weather station is excellent.
