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Thermo-hygrometers and simple weather stations: Difference between revisions

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Thermo-hygrometers have been available for many decades but consumer devices with reasonable accuracy and a compact size are present on the market for less than 15 years. Previous digital devices have been relatively expensive while analog devices were bulky and could not operate in certain environments, such as outside.
Thermo-hygrometers have been available for many decades but consumer devices with reasonable accuracy and a compact size are present on the market for less than 15 years. Previous digital devices have been relatively expensive while analog devices were bulky and could not operate in certain environments, such as outside.


For all intents and purposes, thermo-hygrometers and very simple weather monitoring stations have the same capability and features. Slightly advanced devices have wind and precipitation monitors that are not useful for energy consumption and comfort evaluation, they have special purposes outside of the current scope.  
For most intents and purposes, thermo-hygrometers and very simple weather monitoring stations have the same capability and features. Slightly advanced devices have wind and precipitation monitors that are not useful for energy consumption and comfort evaluation, they have special purposes outside of the current scope.


== A simple weather station benefits ==
== A simple weather station benefits ==


Compared with traditional thermometers or hygrometers, a thermo-hygrometer combines both all-important data gathering in a single device. This matters as even small differences in the location of sensors or time of measurement could make assessment about indoor or outdoor conditions much less reliable.
Compared with traditional thermometers or hygrometers, a thermo-hygrometer combines both all-important data gathering in a single device. This matters as even small differences in the location of sensors or time of measurement could make assessment about indoor or outdoor conditions much less reliable.
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A simple weather station combines the features of a stand-alone thermo-hygrometer as well as a remote sensor with similar capabilities. Bundling two such devices is convenient, cost-effective and brings much more flexibility for monitoring, being the recommended approach.
A simple weather station combines the features of a stand-alone thermo-hygrometer as well as a remote sensor with similar capabilities. Bundling two such devices is convenient, cost-effective and brings much more flexibility for monitoring, being the recommended approach.
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== Good weather stations ==
== Good weather stations ==


While there are many brands and models, a good product should have the following capability:
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|style="vertical-align:top" |
<div style="margin: 0; margin-right:10px; border: 1px solid #dfdfdf; padding: 0em 1em 1em 1em; background-color:#F8F8FF; align:right;">
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While there are many brands and models, a good product should have the following capability:
* slim, versatile design, can be hanged, wall-mounted or placed on its stand
* slim, versatile design, can be hanged, wall-mounted or placed on its stand
* battery operated, so that it can be placed just about anywhere
* battery operated, so that it can be placed just about anywhere
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For instance, our cold perception is amplified when experiencing damp environments such as mist or fog, while a hot perception becomes unbearable when humidity is high since our body temperature cannot be lowered by perspiration and evaporation.
For instance, our cold perception is amplified when experiencing damp environments such as mist or fog, while a hot perception becomes unbearable when humidity is high since our body temperature cannot be lowered by perspiration and evaporation.
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Indoor Temperature !! Relative Humidity !! Comments
|- style='background: #00ffff;'
| 20-29 (Celsius degrees) || 35 || slightly dry, may be uncomfortable for some people
|- style='background: #00ff00;'
| 20-29 (Celsius degrees) || 40-60 || common comfort zone
|- style='background: #ffff00;'
| 20-29 (Celsius degrees) || >60 || high risk of mold growth, risk of goods damage
|- style='background: #ff9900;'
| 20-29 (Celsius degrees) || >70 || serious issues for health and goods
|-
|}


Every person has a different comfort zone or array of temperature/humidity values where he or she can comfortably live and a fringe area where comfort starts to drop as values diverge from the ideal condition.  
Every person has a different comfort zone or array of temperature/humidity values where he or she can comfortably live and a fringe area where comfort starts to drop as values diverge from the ideal condition.  
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Some people prefer slightly cooler environments but with low humidity while others may enjoy bot hot and humid places. There is little that can be done to change personal preferences even if they adjust somewhat during life.
Some people prefer slightly cooler environments but with low humidity while others may enjoy bot hot and humid places. There is little that can be done to change personal preferences even if they adjust somewhat during life.


== Indoor or Indoor/Outdoor monitoring devices ==
== Indoor/Outdoor monitoring devices ==


The device can be standalone or part of an array of measurement devices. In case it is part of a distributed measurement system, a larger area can be covered and monitored for indoor comfort. Some thermo-hygrometers can have a separate sensor that can transmit wirelessly data to the main unit, giving the important capability of monitoring outdoor climate conditions of humidity and temperature.
The device can be standalone or part of an array of measurement devices. In case it is part of a distributed measurement system, a larger area can be covered and monitored for indoor comfort. Some thermo-hygrometers can have a separate sensor that can transmit wirelessly data to the main unit, giving the important capability of monitoring outdoor climate conditions of humidity and temperature.


Setting up a thermo-hygrometer is straightforward. Units that have a remote sensor have to be placed considering the reliable operating range, usually less than 10 meters in buildings, and have a pairing procedure.  
Setting up a thermo-hygrometer is straightforward. Units that have a remote sensor have to be placed considering the reliable operating range, usually less than 10 meters in buildings, and have a pairing procedure.
 
[[Image:Exterior Sensor Mounting.jpg|Exterior Sensor Mounting]]


Outdoor placed sensors have to be protected with a top cover so that water does not enter the unit but can be drained easily if it condenses inside. The units should be placed at a small distance from exterior walls and sun to avoid wrong measurements.
Outdoor placed sensors have to be protected with a top cover so that water does not enter the unit but can be drained easily if it condenses inside. The units should be placed at a small distance from exterior walls and sun to avoid wrong measurements.
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