When it comes to home weather stations, the La Crosse Technology C85845-1 Color Wireless Forecast Station stands out as a favorite among enthusiasts. This device offers a blend of functionality, accuracy, and aesthetic appeal, making it a valuable addition to any home. In this review, we will delve into the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this weather station, covering aspects such as accuracy, connectivity, durability, display, and sensors.
Introduction
The La Crosse Technology C85845-1 is a comprehensive weather station designed to provide detailed weather information right at your fingertips. Priced at $49.98, it offers a range of features including customizable alerts, weather forecasts, temperature and humidity readings, dew point, heat index, and more. With a sleek, modern design and a large, colorful display, this weather station is both functional and visually appealing.
Accuracy
Temperature and Humidity
One of the most critical aspects of any weather station is its accuracy. The La Crosse Technology C85845-1 excels in this area, providing precise indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity readings. Users have noted that the device records high and low values for temperature and humidity, which auto-reset daily. This feature ensures that you always have the most up-to-date information.
Barometric Calibration
The weather station also includes dynamic forecast icons with trend arrows, which require a 7-10 day period for barometric calibration. This calibration period is essential for the device to provide accurate weather forecasts. While some users might find this waiting period a bit long, it is a standard requirement for most high-accuracy weather stations.
Connectivity
Wireless Sensor
The La Crosse Technology C85845-1 comes with a wireless sensor (TX141TH-B), which requires 2 AA batteries (not included). This sensor transmits outdoor temperature and humidity data to the main unit, allowing you to monitor conditions from inside your home. The wireless connectivity is robust, ensuring that data transmission remains consistent and reliable.
Atomic Clock
Another standout feature is the atomic self-set clock, which automatically adjusts for Daylight Savings Time and offers 7 time zone settings. This clock ensures that you always have the correct time, without the need for manual adjustments. The inclusion of a crescendo time alarm and a 10-minute snooze function adds to the convenience.
Durability
Build Quality
Constructed from durable plastic, the La Crosse Technology C85845-1 is designed to withstand regular use. The wireless sensor is weather-resistant, ensuring that it can handle various outdoor conditions. However, it is essential to place the sensor in a sheltered location to protect it from extreme weather elements.
Power Options
The weather station operates on a 5V power cord (included) and has an optional battery backup requiring 3 AA alkaline batteries (not included). This dual power option ensures that the device remains operational even during power outages, although the backlight will only illuminate when connected to the power cord.
Display
Large, Colorful Display
The La Crosse Technology C85845-1 features a large, LED display that is both vibrant and easy to read. The display shows a range of information, including current temperatures, humidity levels, dew point, heat index, and a complete calendar date. The adjustable brightness settings allow you to customize the display to suit your preferences, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions.
Comfort Charts
The display also includes colorful comfort level bars that indicate humidity levels for both indoor and outdoor environments. These charts provide a quick visual reference to help you understand the current comfort levels in your home and garden.
Sensors
Comprehensive Monitoring
The La Crosse Technology C85845-1 is equipped with sensors that monitor a range of environmental conditions. In addition to temperature and humidity, the device calculates the dew point and heat index, providing a comprehensive overview of the weather. The ability to set custom alerts for high and low temperature and humidity levels adds to the functionality, allowing you to stay informed about significant changes in your environment.
Sensor Placement
For optimal performance, it is crucial to place the wireless sensor in a location that is representative of the overall outdoor conditions. Avoid placing the sensor in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can affect the accuracy of the readings.
Benefits
User-Friendly Design
One of the primary benefits of the La Crosse Technology C85845-1 is its user-friendly design. The large, colorful display is easy to read, and the intuitive interface makes it simple to navigate through the various features. The customizable alerts and comprehensive monitoring capabilities provide valuable information to help you manage your home environment effectively.
Versatility
This weather station is versatile, making it suitable for various uses, including home and garden monitoring. The ability to monitor both indoor and outdoor conditions ensures that you have a complete picture of your environment.
Issues
Calibration Period
As mentioned earlier, the 7-10 day barometric calibration period may be a drawback for some users. However, this is a standard requirement for achieving accurate weather forecasts.
Battery Requirements
The device requires a total of 5 AA batteries (not included) for the wireless sensor and backup power. While this is not a significant issue, it is something to consider when setting up the weather station.
Conclusion
The La Crosse Technology C85845-1 Color Wireless Forecast Station is a reliable and feature-rich weather station that offers excellent value for money. Its accuracy, connectivity, durability, and user-friendly design make it a top choice for weather enthusiasts. While the calibration period and battery requirements may be minor inconveniences, the overall performance and functionality of this weather station make it a worthwhile investment.
Whether you are looking to monitor your home environment or keep track of outdoor conditions, the La Crosse Technology C85845-1 provides the information you need in a clear and accessible format. With its customizable alerts, comprehensive monitoring capabilities, and vibrant display, this weather station is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
