HP2551CA Ecowitt Weather Station Review
The HP2551CA Weather Station by Ecowitt. Ecowitt is the online retail brand of Shenzen Fine Offset Electronics. Shenzen have been producing digital weather stations for almost 20 years and lead the way in innovation.
Just about 90%+ of ALL other brands on the market are weather stations manufactured by Shenzen and branded for other companies. These include Bresser, Logia, Sain Logic, Ambient Weather and others. Not one of these companies manufactures anything, they just have Shenzen make it and slap a logo on it and you end up paying a premium for that.
So why not go straight to the source? … that’s what I will do and this review will tell you all.
Meet the HP2551CA – The Most Versatile Weather Station in its class in the world
I certainly mean what I say here, the HP2551CA is the ultimate weather station in its class in the world. It has no boundaries and no limitations, no other “brand” can compete on its price point, nor can they offer the type of add-on sensors, functionalities and product support that Ecowitt offers.
Comprehensive features and reliable performance
The HP2551 weather station by Ecowitt is widely appreciated for its comprehensive features and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among both amateur and professional weather enthusiasts. Here are some key aspects often highlighted in reviews:
HP2551 Clear Display and Solidly Built
Definitely consider this model if you want a simple to use, inexpensive weather station with a nice clear display panel. You can be assured in the knowledge that you will get good support from Ecowitt. Solidly built, good instructions & easy to connect. Highly recommended weather station.
Online Logging Limitations?
Practically every brand on the market limits you to where you can log your data online with your weather station. This is often limited to two choices, Wunderground and WeatheCloud … both of which actually suck and we will go into more detail on that.
The HP2551CA and other models by Ecowitt have NO limitations in this regard.
You can log online, FOR FREE, to 4 online cloud logging services all at the same time. This includes Ecowitt.net, Wunderground, WeatherCloud and Weather Observations Website (WOW). But it doesn’t stop there.
Logging to your own custom web server
The HP2551 Weather station also allows you to log online to your own custom web server. This uses the standard wunderground protocol. Anyone with some PHP and mySQL database knowledge can write their own interface, capture and log their data to their own database and basically have entire freedom over their data. You can even display this data on your own website however you choose.
And it does not stop there !!!
The HP2551CA also alows you to log to a Micro SD Card. This logs all your data every 60 seconds to a micro SD card into a simple CSV format. a 4gb Micro SD Card is capable of storing +- 40 years worth of data.
A High Quality and High Definition Display by Ecowitt
The TFT display looks great. It has wide viewing angles when compared to the older LCD models of other brands. The display has the ability to toggle between paperwhite and black backgrounds depending on your preference. The higher resolution of the TFT means it can display many more elements on the home page screen. No need to press a button to see the yearly rainfall. It is there to see all the time.
Ecowitt Online Logging Kicks Ass
I have used and tested just about EVERY weather station available. When it comes to Ecowitt and their free online cloud logging service at Ecowitt.net no other brand comes even remotely close to the functionality, beautiful layout and ability to display data from ALL your sensors.
And when I say it displays and logs ALL data from all your sensors, it really does.
HP2551 by Ecowitt Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
Customers are happy with the appearance, value, performance, and quality of the HP2551 weather station. It looks great, works well, and is incredibly reliable. Customers also like the ease of use, accuracy, and readability.
Customer Support from Ecowitt When You Need It
Ecowitt customer support are excellent and offer prompt customer support when required. They provided new firmware within hours of reporting an issue with their products. Updating the firmware is as simple as placing the file on a SD card and plugging it in!
In Ecowitt is the ONLY weather station manufacturer to provide frequent and regular firmware updates. Something which Bresser, Logia, Ambient and Acurite don’t do EVER because they’re bloody lazy and just want your cash. If you want a good laugh, go to ANY of these other manufacturer’s web sites and see when they last ever released any firmware updates.
HP2551 Add-On Sensor Capabilities
The HP2551CA can support an incredible amount of add-on sensors. No other weather station allows you to grow your system into a beast of a weather system and I call it a weather system because that’s what it is whilst the competitors are merely just little weather stations.
HP2551CA Lightning Sensor Add-On (WH57)
The HP2551CA support one add-on lightning sensor called the WH57. It is an incredibly accurate device and record all lightning strikes within a 40 kilometre radius. You can see the graphing of the lightning strikes above.
WH32 Indoor Temperature & Humidity (Thermo-Hygro) Sensor (FREE)
The HP2551CA comes with a free WH32 indoor temperature and humidity sensor.
8 Additional Temperature & Humidity Sensors Can Be added on – yes EIGHT !!!
Yes indeed the HP2551CA weather station allows you to add on EIGHT additional thermo-hygro sensors so that you can literally monitor temperature in every room in your house or office. These are multi-channel sensors with dip switches that allow you to set the channel number.
8 Soil Moisture Sensors (WH51) Are Supported
Up to 8 WH51 soil moisture sensors are supported by the HP2551 and it also supports the WH51L (below) But if you combine the WH51 and WH51L your limit is 8 in total, so mix and match as you like.
8 New WH51L Soil Moisture Sensors are supported
Yes the brand new WH51L Wireless Soil Moisture Sensor with 1M PVC Wire is also supported with a maximum of 8 in total. As stated above if you combine the WH51 and WH51L models your total in all is 8 so that means you can have 4 x WH51 and 4 x WH51L or any other combination you like.
8 WN35 Leaf Wetness Sensors Supported by the HP2551CA
If you’re an avid gardener or run a small nursery, the HP2551CA support up to 8 WN35 Leaf Wetness Sensors – this used together with the fact that the HP2551CA supports Home Assistant means you can actually trigger smart devices like irrigation systems on and off as needed.
8 Soil/Water Temperature Sensors supported by the HP2551CA (3 varieties available)
Ecowitt has 3 different soil / water temperature sensors available. They are the WN34S Soil/Water Temperature Sensor with Probe, the WN34L Waterproof thermometer probe and the WN34D Waterproof Wider Measurement Range Temperature Sensor.
In total 8 are supported by the HP2551, so like the soil moisture sensors you can mix and match up to a total of 8
ABOVE: The HP2551 WN34S sensor with probe can be used to measure the temperature of soil and water. The probe is 32 cm long and it is IP65 waterproof and transmits readings every 77 seconds. It’s measurement range is -40~60 °C and can transmit from a maximum of 100 metres from the display console.
ABOVE: The HP2551 WN34L sensor with probe can be used to measure the temperature of soil and water. The cable length is a generous 3m long and it is IP65 waterproof and transmits readings every 77 seconds. It’s measurement range is -40~60 °C and can transmit from a maximum of 100 metres from the display console.
ABOVE: The HP2551 NEW WN34D Wider Measurement Range Temperature Sensor can be used to measure the temperature of soil and water. The cable length is a 1m long and it is IP65 waterproof and transmits readings every 77 seconds. It’s measurement range is -55~125 °C and can transmit from a maximum of 100 metres from the display console.
1 Indoor Air Quality Sensor WH45 for the HP2551 which measures PM 2.5 PM10 and CO2
This WH45 Particle Detection Sensor detects indoor PM2.5 / PM10 / CO2 / Temperature / Humidity.
4 Indoor or Outdoor PM 2.5 Sensors Supported by the HP2551CA
The HP2551CA support an additional indoor or outdoor PM2.5 Air Quality Sensors.
The combo indoor/outdoor model is called the WH41 and the indoor only model is called the WH43 – as with the soil moisture and temperature probes only a maximum of four are supported so you can mix and match but only have 4 in total.
What about new sensors for the HP2551CA ?
As I already said, Ecowitt are true innovators and they develop new sensors all the time. They have released up to 3 new sensors in the last 6 months alone and more will be sure to come.
The HP2551CA Ecowitt Weather Station is a versatile and reliable device for all your weather monitoring needs. It comes with the WH45 Indoor Air Quality Sensor that measures PM2.5, PM10, CO2, temperature, and humidity. Additionally, the HP2551CA supports additional indoor or outdoor PM2.5 Air Quality Sensors. There are two models available: the combo indoor/outdoor WH41 and the indoor-only WH43. With a maximum of four sensors supported, you can mix and match to customize your weather station. Stay ahead of the weather with the HP2551CA and be ready for any conditions.
The Ecowitt Smartphone App for the HP2551 and other Ecowitt devices
The Ecowitt Smartphone App is an ingenious companion for the HP2551CA Weather Station. With its user-friendly interface, you can effortlessly monitor and analyze your weather data right from your smartphone. Stay connected to your weather station anytime, anywhere, and receive real-time updates and alerts. Take advantage of this smart combination of the HP2551CA and the Ecowitt Smartphone App to make weather monitoring a breeze.
Spares & Accessories for the Ecowitt HP2551CA
Spares & Accessories for the Ecowitt HP2551CA:Enhance your weather monitoring experience with the range of spares and accessories available for the Ecowitt HP2551CA Weather Station. From additional sensors to replacement parts, you can customize and maintain your weather station to ensure accurate and reliable data collection. Explore the variety of options available and keep your HP2551CA Weather Station functioning at its best.
Ecowitt Weather distinguishes itself in the competitive market of weather stations by offering a comprehensive range of spares and accessories for its HP2551CA weather station. From essential components like wind cups and wind vanes to specialized parts such as replacement thermo-hygro sensors and rain cups, Ecowitt ensures that users can maintain and optimize their weather stations without hassle. The availability of replacement rain sensors, anemometer bodies, and even entire sensor units further emphasizes Ecowitt’s commitment to user convenience and long-term usability. This extensive array of spare parts not only supports the longevity of the HP2551CA but also enhances its reliability and accuracy, making it a preferred choice for weather enthusiasts and professionals alike.
What sets Ecowitt apart from other brands is its customer-centric approach to affordability and accessibility. While many competitors either do not offer spare parts or charge exorbitant prices for them, Ecowitt provides reasonably priced components, ensuring that users can keep their weather stations in top condition without breaking the bank. This strategy makes the HP2551CA the most versatile weather station on the market, as it allows users to replace or upgrade parts as needed, rather than having to invest in an entirely new system. This combination of versatility, affordability, and ease of maintenance solidifies Ecowitt’s reputation as a leader in weather monitoring technology.
Why does Wunderground suck?
Earlier on I mentioned that Wunderground sucked. Well it does and doesn’t actually.
It sucks because IBM who took over Wunderground made a total hash job of the system and to this day continue to ignore any user comments, feedback or bug reports.
Before IBM took over Wunderground had an open Public API where anyone could extract weather data. IBM shut this down and to this day have never re-opened it nor even provided a pay option, HOWEVER all this data should be FREE.
Why? Well because you as a weather stations are GIVING IBM this data for free and they think it belongs to them. It’s public data donated by the public and should remain as such but unfortunately major corporations just suck.
The HP2551 Weather Station is UNBEATABLE
Comprehensive Features
The HP2551 weather station offers a wide array of sensors, providing detailed weather data including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, rainfall, UV radiation, and solar radiation. This extensive data collection allows users to monitor and analyze a broad spectrum of weather conditions with a high degree of accuracy.
User-Friendly Display Console
The station comes with a vibrant color display console that is user-friendly and easy to read. The console provides real-time data updates and can display graphs and charts for historical data analysis. Users appreciate the intuitive interface, which makes it easy to navigate through different screens and settings.
Versatility and Expandability
One of the standout features of the HP2551 is its versatility. The station supports additional sensors, allowing users to expand their monitoring capabilities as needed. This makes it a flexible option for those who may want to enhance their weather tracking setup in the future.
Connectivity and Data Sharing
The HP2551 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling users to upload their data to weather networks such as Weather Underground, Weather Cloud, and Ecowitt Weather. This feature allows for remote monitoring and sharing of data with a global community of weather enthusiasts.
Build Quality and Durability
Reviewers often commend the build quality of the HP2551 weather station. The sensors and other components are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-term durability and reliability. The station’s robust construction gives users confidence in its ability to function effectively over time.
Value for Money
The HP2551 is frequently noted for offering good value for money. Compared to other weather stations with similar features, it is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for those looking to get the most out of their investment without compromising on features or performance.
Customer Support and Community
Ecowitt is known for its responsive customer support and active user community. Users often find helpful resources and support through forums and direct communication with the company, which enhances the overall user experience.
Overall, the HP2551 weather station is praised for its comprehensive features, user-friendly design, and reliable performance, making it a strong contender in the home and professional weather monitoring market.