Ambient Weather WS-108 Handheld Weather Station with Digital Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer, Clock & Compass Review
Ambient Weather WS-108 Handheld Weather Station with Digital Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer, Clock & Compass Feature
- The Handheld Weather Station includes a digital clock, thermometer, altimeter, compass, and barometer (relative and absolute with sea-level correction), and a weather forecaster.
- The Handheld Weather Station is big on features and functions, yet small on price and size, and features a convenient carabiner clip for simple carrying and quick access. Perfect for hiking, camping, running, biking, skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, climbing, boating, kayaking, and outdoor activities, the portable weather center is a perfect backup to your GPS.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an explanation about how altimeters work in general and is applicable to all altimeters. Altimeters are often misunderstood because they do not measure your actual position on the earth (true altitude) such as a GPS, but measure the air pressure and predict the altitude based on this measurement. This is referred to as "Pressure Altitude". Pressure Altitude is profoundly affected by the true altitude and to a lesser extent, changes in the weather, often referred to as barometric pressure changes. Thus, your Pressure Altitude can change without changing your position. These changes can be as great as a few hundred feet (the changes due to weather are more pronounced at higher altitude). To offset the difference between Pressure Altitude and True Altitude, you must calibrate the device at a known altitude, whenever convenient.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: The temperature sensor is housed inside the unit and not exposed to the elements. The temperature is slow to respond because the entire housing must reach a steady-state temperature. This is referred to as the 'thermal mass time constant'. In addition, the unit will read artificially high temperature if placed in direct sunlight (due to the solar radiation energy). To receive a true measurement, place in a shaded area and out of contact with your body, and wait several minutes for the temperature to stabilize.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: The forecast icon is based on the rate of change of barometric pressure. The rate of change of barometric pressure is a trend and may be one of several tools to predict weather 24 to 48 hours in advance. In general, if the rate of change of pressure increases, the weather is improving (sunny). If the rate of change of pressure decreases, the weather is degrading (cloudy or rainy). If the rate of change is relatively steady, it will read partly cloudy or partly sunny. The reason the current conditions do not match the forecast icon is because it is a prediction 24-48 hours in advance. In most locations, this prediction is only 70% accurate and it is a good idea to consult the National Weather Service for more accurate weather forecasts. In some locations, this prediction may be less or more accurate and requires you are stationary (not changing altitude).
Altimeter:
Working Range: -2,296 to 29,500 feet
Calibration compensates for barometric pressure effects
Resolution: 3 feet
Units: feet and meters
Maximum history altitude record
Altitude climb measurement
Altitude rate of change calculation
Barometer:
Relative and sea-level barometer
Units: inHg and mbar
Digital Compass:
4-bearing mode display
External magnetic field calibration
Magnetic declination setting
Accuracy: +/- 3 degrees
Magnetic compass for use in the Northern Hemisphere only
1 degree resolution
Units: degree and 16 compass point direction (N, NNE, NE,...)
Thermometer:
Range: 14 to 140 deg F
Units: degC and degF
Digital Clock:
Quartz Clock
12 and 24 hour format
Hour, Minute
Weather Forecast:
Forecast 12 to 24 hours in advance
Icons indicate sunny, partly cloudy, cloudy and rain (at a fixed altitide)
Other Features:
30 second super bright LED backlight
Adjustable bezel dial
Description:
Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.0 x 0.6 inches
Battery: 1 x CR2032 (included). Easy to replace.
One year Ambient Weather Warranty.
