DRx,
@DRx@lemmy.world avatar

I’m not sure how you guys would feel about this… but I have a SDR connected to my Unraid server and found that a neighbor has one of those Acurite 5-1 weather stations that I can pick up on a 433mhz signal, parse the JSON file and added it to my dashboard. If you have a SDR sitting around you could scan your area and see what you get.

mathesonian,

That's exactly what I did. I also have some indoor Acurite sensors too.. but that weather station is definitely one of the neighbors.

Foreverwinter, (edited )

I second using an SDR with 433MHz devices. Incredibly reliable and low power.

Been using a nooelec SDR and one of these sensors:

Geevon TX10 Wireless Remote Outdoor Sensor

Cyber,

Never thought of this approach.

So, what is it transmitting? Text? Or some form of numerical data?

I mean, how do I start? 🙂

usrix,
usrix avatar

Most people run rtl_433 to decode radiofrequency signals.

https://github.com/merbanan/rtl_433

0’s and 1’s are encoded with increases and decreases of amplitude of the carrier frequency, as in AM radio.

Foreverwinter,

Each device has its own protocol/payload, but there is a utility called rtl_433 that can decode about 200 of them.

If you’re keen on tinkering a bit I would highly recommend going this route as it’s a lot of fun and opens the doors to do all kinds of stuff.

Start by getting an SDR. I don’t recommend the super tiny ones since they can get really hot (since it’ll be running 24/7). I have this one and recommend it as it comes with an antenna etc. Nooelec RTL-SDR v5 Bundle

While you’re waiting for that to arrive set up an MQTT broker if you haven’t got one running already (the Mosquitto add-on in HA) and install the rtl_433 add-on as well.

From there read the rtl_433 docs to set up a config file to scan for what you want. Out of interest I set mine to rotate through a bunch of common frequencies and let it go for 24h to see what it could pick up. It was quite interesting! Another good way to do this is any wireless device will have an FCC number on it. You can look that up on their website and it’ll tell you what frequency it’s using and you can have your SDR scan that. If you don’t specify any protocols the rtl_433 utility will try everything it knows how to decrypt. This can be CPU intensive especially on a Pi so once you know what protocol it is you can specify it in the config file to reduce CPU load.

Hopefully that’s enough to set you down the right path. Happy scanning!

Cyber,

Great summary, thanks

digdilem,

There’s lots of ways. I’ve used an Aqara zigbee temp/humidity sensor before which worked fine, just needed protection from rain.

Now I’m using a onewire dallas sensors, along with quiet a few others around the house. They work fine too.

cedar_sauer,

I've used YoLink temperature sensors for a couple of years now. They have indoor-only sensors (typically with a display,) outdoor weather-proof sensors with no display, leak sensors, etc. Very long range. Requires a device hub. It will send alerts via text or email and also connects to the smart home devices. It's paid for itself through avoiding damage by early awareness of leak alerts alone.

Rashnet,
Rashnet avatar

I'm interested in the same thing and from the small amount of research I did a few months ago it seems most people are going with a standard indoor temp / humidity sensor and placing under cover. They also were saying that the performance isn't as good as a true weather station. Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in.

ipha,
@ipha@lemmy.world avatar

I have a few govee Bluetooth sensor and I don’t recommend them for indoor our outdoor use. Bluetooth is flakey at best and battery life is bad. Much better off finding a ZigBee solution.

some_guy,

I have loved the Netatmo stations for over a decade.

Lemzlez,

I like them as well, they work well and are easy to set up with the built-in integration.

The only drawback I find is the need to use their cloud, and the low polling rate (5min I believe).

Not dealbreakers for me, but some things to be aware of.

jeena,
@jeena@jemmy.jeena.net avatar

I’m using the Philips hue motion sensor for outdoors www.philips-hue.com/en-us/p/…/046677570989 it has also temperature. But I’d kind of rather had humidity build in.

derek,
@derek@dssc.io avatar

I use this one: https://www.aqara.com/us/temperature_humidity_sensor.html

If you already have ZigBee setup it's easy to use these, if not maybe look for something else.

Fireantz,

I have one of these outside stuck to my soffit, not in a case, and it’s been solid for me.

adamlc,
@adamlc@lemmy.world avatar

I also use one of these outside with a 3D printed case. Still going strong after about 18 months!

EinfachUnersetzlich,

I have two of these outside, jankily sealed up with electrical tape, and they’ve survived the British weather for a year so far.

Stampela,

Same one I use, also made an enclosure to 3D print and protect it from rain. It's been going on without issues since 2020 https://www.printables.com/model/169425-xiaomi-aquara-thermometer-outdoor-case

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