June 1, 2007, Newsletter Issue #66: Solar-Powered Wireless Stations

Tip of the Week

You're energy efficient in every way. You even bike to work one day a week--and that's not just because of gas prices. Why shouldn't your wireless weather station be solar powered?

Even if you live in Seattle, the UVA and UVB rays can break through those clouds to reach your self-emptying rain bucket and hygrometer. Unless you live in a heavily polluted area, you can choose the solar alternative. A few tips to make the sun kind to your solar-powered wireless home weather station:

* Mount wireless sensors in an area with direct sunlight.
* Most wireless weather stations have sensors with radiation shielding, so extreme heat and environmental radiation won't interfere with the wireless connection.
* Check to make sure your wireless remote sensors have radiation shielding.
* If the range of your wireless remote sensors, rain gauges and thermometers, won't extend to sunny areas, consider buying wireless boosters or move your inside unit.
* Don't assume that cloudy days mean your wireless home weather station sensor units won't function. Still, in case of storms and inclement weather, have non-solar-powered backups.
* Place your solar-activated wireless weather station monitors so they face south, which is where they'll collect the most sun.

While you're monitoring the weather, you might as well save energy. That way, you can truly smile back at the blue skies you see smiling at you.

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