Comparison TFA Sun vs Ea2 BL 508

The types of meteorological information and related data that the device can provide.

— Weather forecast. The weather station can estimate forecasts based on data from its sensors, considering factors like temperature, humidity, and wind. The accuracy of these forecasts varies across models and tends to be relatively low, providing only a rough idea of potential changes. Typically, weather data is presented with symbolic images depicting sun, clouds, rain, etc., and forecast periods extend to about 12–24 hours. Despite limited precision, this feature proves valuable for taking precautionary measures in anticipation of adverse weather. It's essential to note that markings such as "Rain," "Variable," "Clear," etc., on mechanical barometer scales in certain models (see "Mechanism"), are not considered weather forecasts as they are highly subjective.

— Internal temperature. The weather station includes an internal thermometer for measuring room temperature where the main unit is placed. This feature proves especially useful for managing microclimates, particularly in critical environments like greenhouses. Internal thermometers typically have a narrower operating range but higher accuracy compared to external ones. They are a standard feature in most modern weather stations across various types (see "Mechanism"), except for specialized professional models exclusively designed for outdoor o...bservations. Portable devices (see "Installation") are not explicitly designed for this function, although they can be used indoors; their primary purpose remains outdoor use, and the built-in temperature sensors align with that purpose.

— Outside temperature. The possibility of using a weather station to measure the air temperature outdoors. Usually, an external temperature sensor is performed separately from the main unit; the only exceptions are portable devices (see "Installation"). Separately, we note that it is not necessary to carry out such measurements using an “internal” thermometer (see above): outdoor work requires a wider temperature range, and the device must also be protected from dust and moisture.

— Internal humidity. The weather station offers the capability to measure indoor air's relative humidity, a crucial factor in determining comfort within a room. Maintaining the right humidity level is essential, as both excessively dry and overly humid air can lead to discomfort. This feature is particularly valuable for specific purposes, such as regulating microclimates in greenhouses or incubators.

— External humidity. The weather station is equipped to measure outdoor air's relative humidity, typically using an external sensor for this purpose (excluding tourist models). It is strongly advised not to substitute an internal sensor for accurate readings. This parameter is crucial for weather forecasting and assessing overall comfort conditions. High humidity intensifies the perception of both cold and heat, significantly influencing comfort levels (see below).

— Atmospheric pressure. The weather station is capable of providing data on atmospheric pressure, a crucial factor for weather forecasting. Unlike temperature and humidity measurements, pressure readings are not categorized into internal and external, as the pressure in an unpressurized room typically aligns closely with external conditions. While an internal barometric sensor suffices for accuracy, some models include a barometric sensor in the external unit for enhanced precision. It's important to note that the "atmospheric pressure" function is specific to devices capable of outputting detailed pressure data, and not all barometric sensor-equipped models provide this feature — some only indicate pressure increase or decrease.

— Wind speed and direction. The weather station is equipped to measure wind speed and direction, contributing to enhanced weather forecasting accuracy (both by the station and through independent calculations). These measurements also impact the outdoor comfort level display. Typically, a sensor combining a weather vane and an anemometer is employed for this purpose, and this feature is prevalent in advanced weather stations.

— Precipitation level. The weather station can measure precipitation levels, although specific details about rain or snow are seldom necessary in everyday life. A casual glance out the window is usually enough for a general assessment of conditions. However, for the meticulous recording of weather observations and scientific analysis of weather data, precise information about precipitation becomes crucial. As such, this function is predominantly found in professional weather stations.

— Dew point. The weather station can calculate the dew point, which is the temperature at which air moisture cools and condenses into dew. This parameter, influenced by atmospheric pressure, temperature, and relative humidity, provides a reliable indicator of overall comfort conditions for individuals. Dew points of 10–12 °C are considered most comfortable, lower values can cause dryness, 18 °C is seen as the comfort limit, while conditions with a dew point of 26 °C or higher can pose health risks, especially for respiratory conditions. The dew point is also relevant for technical purposes, and further details on its significance for human well-being and various activities can be explored in specialized sources.

— UV radiation. The possibility of using a weather station to measure the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. This function is important primarily for beaches and high-mountain areas — it is for such places that an increased level of ultraviolet radiation is characteristic, which requires appropriate protective equipment (creams for open skin areas, special glasses).

— Altimeter. The weather station can measure elevation differences, a feature commonly found in tourist-oriented models (see "Installation"). Other types are generally stationary and not designed for mobility. Altitude measurement typically follows the barometric principle, relying on pressure differences between a reference point and the measurement point. In advanced models, corrections for temperature differences between these points may also be available.

The maximum distance to the main unit of the weather station where an external sensor can be placed. For wired versions (see "Type of external sensor") this indicator corresponds to the length of the standard cable; for wireless, a guaranteed radio communication range is usually indicated within the visibility limit, provided there is no interference or foreign objects in the signal path. Anyway, it should be taken into account that the maximum installation range is usually less than the claimed range in fact. This is due to the fact that the wire can rarely be laid in a straight line, and the radio signal, in turn, is affected by obstacles and electromagnetic interference. Therefore, it is worth choosing a weather station for this parameter with a certain margin.

The temperature range for which the external temperature sensor of the weather station is designed (see "Measurements"). This parameter must correspond to the temperature differences that this sensor may be exposed to during operation — otherwise, malfunctions and even hardware failures are possible. Of course, it is worth choosing a model according to external temperature, taking into account the climate in which it is planned to be used; at the same time, it is worth taking a certain margin both in the lower and in the upper side. The last is connected not only with the possibility of climatic fluctuations, but also with the fact that outdoor equipment can be heated from direct or reflected sunlight; this, of course, must be avoided in every possible way, but it is not always possible to find an perfect fitting location for the sensor.

External representation of the weather station allows you to better fit the model into the interior of the room according to your preferences and taste. Among the models are square and horizontal of two types — horizontal and vertical.

The type of display provided in the design of the weather station.

— Monochrome. In this case, this term usually refers to black-and-white screens (both two-colour and capable of working with shades of grey). They are noticeably cheaper than colour ones, and although they have more modest capabilities, even these capabilities are usually quite enough to display data produced by weather stations. Therefore, this option is by far the most widely used.

— Coloured. This category includes all screens capable of displaying more than one basic colour — from the simplest indicators with multi-coloured light of icons to full-colour LCD matrices, suitable even for working as digital photo frames (see "More features"). Anyway, the colour image is richer and more pleasing to the eye than black and white, but the these screens are more expensive, and the abundance of colours is not required for basic functions. Because of this, this option is not widely used and is found mainly in household models designed for a pleasant appearance and/or work with additional functions.

Dimensions of the main unit of the weather station. This option allows you to estimate the space required to install the device. However, most modern models are very compact, it makes sense to pay close attention to the dimensions only when you have to install the device in a very cramped place.

Dimensions of the wireless unit (see "Type of external sensor") that the weather station is equipped with. Such units are usually small, and finding space for their installation is not a problem; however, in some situations (for example, when placed in a miniature wall niche), accurate dimensions may not be superfluous.