Hello,

Thank you for your patience over the last few of months.
I am pleased to confirm that I have now completed testing the
Oregon Scientific WMR88 Weather Station and have a preliminary review.

You may recall that a couple of months ago, I began testing the
Oregon Scientific WMR88 Weather Station here at Weeley Weather UK.
The Weather Station was installed alongside the La-Crosse WS2300 Personal Weather Station.
Before testing began, a number of Quality Control tests were performed.

Testing was done over a 5 Month period, during which a number of notable Weather Events took place.
This includes the ‘Indian Summer’ experienced during the last days of September and into October.
Also the remnants of ‘Hurricane Katia’ which brought High Wind Speeds and Destructive Weather.
The testing period has also included the Mild Winter we experienced during the tail end of 2011 and into 2012.
Both Stations were subject to the Cold, Icy and Snow Conditions experienced at times during the Winter Months.

During these events, the WMR88 performed remarkably well and as accurate at the La-Crosse Station used at Weeley Weather UK.

This Review will now be split into Sections, starting with reliability.

Reliability and Build Quality

The Oregon Scientific WMR88 has been a very reliable station during the entire testing period and before the testing began.
The Station uses AA Batteries as a Power Supply for the External Sensors/Instruments. The batteries have maintained their supplied voltage and battery levels as indicated in ‘Cumulus Weather Station Software’.
Wireless Communication over the 443mHz Frequency is used between the Instruments and Base Unit/Console.
No drop-outs or gaps in Service were recorded or noted during testing.

The Build Quality of the Station and Supplied Instruments is to a high level, with no recorded or noted breakages or damage.

Summary:

It is fair to say that throughout this review, I am reminded of the Price Bracket for which this Station is sold within. This leads me onto my conclusion for this Section, I feel that the Oregon Scientific WMR88 has the build quality and reliability normally seen on more expensive Weather Station Setup’s and I would happily recommend this Station for use.

Accuracy

The Oregon Scientific WMR88, has continually provided Accurate and Reliable Information since its first use in August 2011. Throughout this time, it has been setup and run, Identically to the La-Crosse WS2300 Weather Station used here at Weeley Weather UK.

During Testing, I have often noticed the following observations:

Temperature: Within -1C/+1C of La-Crosse WS2300
Humidity: Within -5/+8% of the La-Crosse WS2300
Rainfall: Within -1mm/+3mm of La-Crosse WS2300 – Often More Accurate due to Bucket Design
Wind Speed: Within 0/5mph of La-Crosse WS2300 – Often More Accurate due to Wind Speed Detector Design
Pressure: Within -3/+3hPa of La-Crosse WS2300

Below are Graphs showing Data from the Oregon Scientific WMR88 & La-Crosse WS2300

Max Temperature Comparison (1st January to 31st January 2012)

Min Temperature Comparison (1st January to 31st January 2012)

Mean Temperature Comparison (Two Weeks March 1st to 14th 2012)
Temperature in Degree’s C shown on the Left Hand Side

Measured Precipitation Comparison (Rain Days Only March 1st to 14th 2012)
Precipitation Measurement in MM is shown on the Left Side

Max Gust Speed Comparison (Two Weeks March 1st to 14th 2012)

The Graphs Confirm that the Two Stations record very accurate and consistent Data.

The Oregon Scientific WMR88 supplies data within the following limits:

Temperature: -30C to 60C (Accuracy within -/+ 2C)
Measuring Interval: 102 Seconds
Wind Speed: 0.0 to 125mph (Accuracy within -/+ 6mph)
Measuring Interval: 56 Seconds
Humidity: 5% to 95% (Accuracy within -/+ 7%)
Measuring Interval: 102 Seconds
Pressure: 700 to 1050hpa (Accuracy within -/+ 10hpa)
Measuring Interval: 60 Seconds
Rainfall: 0-9999mm (Accuracy within -/+ 1mm)
Measuring Interval: 102 Seconds
Forecast: Period next 12/24hrs (20 to 31 Mile Radius)

The La-Crosse WS2300 supplies data within the following limits:

Temperature: -29.9C to 69.9C (Observed Accuracy within -/+ 1.5C)
Measuring Interval: 8 Seconds
Wind Speed: 0.0m to 110mph (Observed Accuracy within -/+ 5mph)
Measuring Interval: 8 Seconds
Humidity: 1% to 99% (Observed Accuracy within -/+ 5%)
Measuring Interval: 15 Seconds
Pressure: 300 to 1099hpa (Observed Accuracy within -/+ 6hpa)
Measuring Interval: 8 Seconds
Rainfall: 0.0 to 999mm (Observed Accuracy within -/+ 2mm)
Measuring Interval: 8 Seconds
Forecast: Period next 12/24hrs (Observed Coverage 2 to 8 Mile Radius)

Both Stations offer very good levels of Accuracy and Performance.

Summary:

These Two Stations have proven to provide reliable, concise data throughout this testing period which is not so surprising.
Both are produced by well established Specialist Manufacturers in this area.
The Data provided by the Oregon Scientific has been free error since first install in August 2011.
Unlike some stations in this price range, the Oregon Scientific WMR88 appears to be well shielded from Interference from nearby Conflicting Devices.
The Oregon Scientific WMR88 has again in my opinion, proved itself as Accurate as the La-Crosse WS2300 Station.

Setup and Software

The Oregon Scientific WMR88, like any Weather Station it requires Assembly and Setting Up.
As previously mentioned in a earlier Blog Post, This was incredibly simple and quick for this Station.
For the purpose of this review, I shall include some items from the Blog Post.

As it stands today, the Location and Instrument Setup has remained the same as it was when first installed last August.
No Batteries have required changing in any of the Instruments and no Resets has been required or performed on them or the Base Unit.

Installation:

After unpacking and taking a quick look through the ‘Quick Setup Guide’ provided, I was soon aware of just how easy it would be to setup.
For the purposes of Accurate Testing and Site Location, I installed the Oregon Scientific WMR88 Thermo-Hygro Sensor Unit within around 15/20cm of the La-Crosse Station – See Photos Below:

With that installed, I hooked up the Base Unit to the Mains with the provided AC Adapter and installed the supplied batteries in the Themo-Hygro Sensor Unit.
I checked the Base Unit and it had immediately picked up the Signal from the Sensor Unit!
It is worth noting that the Oregon Scientific is ‘Wireless Only’ Transmission where as the La Crosse is both ‘Wireless and Wired’. I use a Wired connection for the La-Crosse.

Next was the installation of the Oregon Scientific Tipping Rain Bucket within 10/15cm of La-Crosse Tipping Bucket – See Pic Below:

Once installed, I tested the Rain Bucket by pouring a Tiny Amount of Water into the Notably Wide Surface Capture Area and was happy to see that the Base Unit was displaying recorded Rainfall, so I then knew it was working properly.
It is worth noting that the Oregon Scientific is ‘Wireless Only’ Transmission where as the La Crosse is wired only.
I use a Wired connection for the La-Crosse.

Finally left was the installation of the Oregon Scientific Wind Vane and Anemometer onto the Roof, within close distance of the La-Crosse Sensors.

Above is a Photograph of the Oregon Scientific Wind Vane and Anemometer. See below for Location Image.

Above is a Photograph of the Oregon Scientific and La-Crosse Wind Vanes and Anemometers on Location.
Attaching the Oregon Scientific and La-Crosse Wind Sensors was very easy. This is thanks to a simple click, lock and U Bolt System for the Oregon Scientific and a U Bolt System for the La-Crosse (La-Crosse Wind Sensors are already attached to mounting bracket).
You will notice that the La-Crosse has a different Wind Anemometer to the Oregon Scientific.
The La-Crosse uses a Turbine to measure and record Wind Speed where as the Oregon Scientific uses a 3 Wind Cup Setup.

The final item to setup was the Base Unit.

The Base Unit features a Full LCD Backlight Display, providing all the Recorded Data Parameters and Status of all the outdoor Instruments.
It was intended to be used as a Stand-Alone Unit to be used to full utilise the Station without the need for a PC.

Setting up the desired Instrument Units, Time/Date, Sensor Channels and Pressure Calibration is all done via this Unit.

Installation of the Base Unit for the Oregon Scientific was very quick and straight-forward.
I used the provided AA Batteries and AC Adapter to Power the Console, ready for use.
Connection to the PC is made via a Mini USB Cable.

Finally, The Console was connected to the Weather PC, ready to be used.
The Station is provided with Weather OS which is produced by Oregon Scientific on a CD/DVD for use with this Weather Station.
This is primarily used for displaying the Data from the Station as well as configuration.
I personally found this software to be more of a hassle, than a useful item. Connectivity was also an issue.
I would not recommend this software for use with this Station.

Also provided, is a limited version of Virtual Weather Station.
I intially used this to test communication with the Base Unit and associated Sensors.
After connection was successful, I ceased use of this software.
I refuse to pass judgement on this software, as it was not fully tested.

The Software I used during Testing and continue to do so now, is Cumulus. This Software is provided by Steve Loft of Sandaysoft.
Cumulus is the primary software used by Weeley Weather UK.

Cumulus works flawlessly with the Oregon Scientific WMR88, with no reported or encountered issues.
The Software has been run 24/7.
Data is read from the Console roughly every 8seconds, though Data Received by this Console is less frequent.
It is important to note that, when you run this Station when connected up to a PC, you will need to run it 24/7 or you will have Gaps in your Data. This is because the Oregon Scientific WMR88 does not have a built in History Logger.

Compared to the La-Crosse WS2300, This Station is at a disadvantage. Primarily this is because of the lack of a History Logger and secondly because of the sometimes Long Delays in Data Receipt.

Summary:

Overall, The Oregon Scientific WMR88 was really easy to assemble and install. All the Instruments are supplied with Sturdy and Durable Plastic Fittings and Wallplug/Screws. The Users Guide was very concise and helpful with guiding me through the Setup Procedure.
Installation took me around 5/10mins which I consider to be achievable by most.

Once installed and configured, the Station is virtually trouble free with the only expected work being a Battery Change in the Outdoor Sensors. I’ve so far not been required to change any of the supplied Instrument Batteries since August 2011.

I would recommend using this Station with Weather Station Software such asor. Both Software Fully Support this Station.

Final Summary on the Oregon Scientific WMR88 Weather Station

So here we are, the final section of my lengthy review. I want to start by personally thanking you for taking the time to read through this and reach this point. I’ve taken my time with this review and ensured that it remains fair, unbiased and accurate.

When I was asked last July by a Representative of Oregon Scientific to Review one of their New and Upcoming Stations, I was very pleased to have been selected to undertake such a important task.

Throughout this review and testing period, I have thought a lot about the difficulties involved in developing and producing a Reliable, Accurate and Affordable Station. I think it goes without saying that, Oregon Scientific have produced such a Station which is Affordable, Reliable and Accurate. I present to you the WMR88!

I am pleased to announce that I would recommend this Weather Station to anyone who is thinking or considering observing the Weather. This Station is a great and relatively affordable way to take a first step on the Weather Station ladder.
It has the required Features and Reliability to cater to the needs of the Beginners.

I would like to stress though, that if used 24/7 with a Weather Station Software… it is more than worthy of use with the various Weather Station Networks and its own Website to serve your local community.

It is worth mentioning that, while I do recommend this Weather Station for the Beginner… I would recommend considering a La-Crosse WS Series Station or any of the Davis Weather Stations for the Intermediate to Pro Weather Observer.

I say this for the following reasons, Both the Davis and La-Crosse Stations offer Improved Accuracy, Frequent Data Intervals and Reliability.

I still feel that Oregon Scientific have performed a remarkable job of producing a Weather Station of this Quality and Accuracy for the small asking price given. I would like to thank them personally for the opportunity to Review and Test their Weather Station.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please do feel free to get in Contact.

You can do this via email via admin@weeleyweather.co.uk or post a comment in the box below.

Many thanks for your time, I hope you have found this review to be useful and concise.