****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This review is for an Ambient Weather WS-3000-X5 unit received at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review. Now that we have that bit of business out of the way, on with the review!The WS-3000 is a multi-function, multi-sensor Thermo-Hygrometer, Dew Point, Heat Index Wireless Monitor with Graphing, Alarming, and Radio Controlled Clock that comes with 5 wireless remote sensor units. Also included are: AC adapter for base unit, micro-USB cable, screws for mounting remote units, nylon zip ties, mini-CD with PC software, operation manual.Base station:Powered by an included AC adapter, the base station displays temperature and humidity for up to 5 remote sensors. Optionally, it can also display dewpoint and/or heat index, alternating with temperature. The display’s backlight can be set to turn off between specified hours, if you wish. You can set audible alarms for high/low temperature and/or humidity. Each remote sensor can have its own set of alarm limits.There is also a color graph that can display temperature, humidity, dew point or heat index for up to 8 sensors for the last 12, 24, 48 or 72 hours. Each sensor is graphed in a different color.There are buttons on the front for Graph, screen brightness control, and Menu.On the side are slots for a micro-SD card (not included) and micro-USB (for connecting to a computer). If a micro-SD card is installed, data for the sensors is logged to CSV files at configurable intervals.Remote sensors:The remote sensors have a small LCD display (no backlight) that shows temperature, humidity and channel number. Each remote sensor unit takes 2 AA batteries (not included) and can be located up to 300 feet from the base station (in unobstructed situations), or, typically, up to 100 feet from the base station. Screws are provided for mounting the sensors to a solid surface, and nylon zip ties are included for suspending them (preferably not in direct sunlight). The transmitter channel number and temperature units (C or F) are set via DIP switches in the battery compartment. Mine came already set for channels 1 – 5 and Fahrenheit units.Setup:After connecting the AC adapter to the base station and putting batteries in the remote sensors, the base station display should begin showing readings for each of the sensors. I had to take the batteries out of 2 of the remote units momentarily before they would establish communications with the base station, but they have fine since.All of the setup can be accomplished via the buttons on the base unit, but it is MUCH easier to accomplish by connecting the base unit to a Windows computer and running the included software. I would really like to be able to change the channel descriptions to something more meaningful than "CH 1", "CH2", etc. With 5 remote sensors, it's hard to remember where each of them are located.Conclusion:I can see many situations where it would be useful to monitor temp and humidity remotely for 5 locations, and this unit is perfect for those situations.
