Weather forecast via MeteoTime

For accurate weather forecasting, a constant flow of measurement data is essential. That is why some digital weather stations use radio signals, which are connected to the official meteorological measuring institute in Germany. As radio-controlled clocks run synchronously with the atomic clock in Frankfurt, these weather stations are connected via DCF77 receivers to the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Mainflingen (the German equivalent of the KNMI). The measurement data of this institute can be collected within a radius of 1500 kilometers and can be read directly on the display of your weather station.

Radio-controlled weather stations with sensors

Although the weather forecast for radio-controlled weather stations is via the radio signal, some of these weather stations are also supplied with one or more sensors. For example, with your radio-controlled weather station you can also measure the temperature and humidity in your own home. Some weather stations can also be expanded with multiple sensors. For example, with various models you can connect an extra thermo-hygrometer so that you can measure the temperature and humidity in different places. However, there are weather stations, where you can connect different types of sensors. In that case you can also extend your device with a rain and / or anemometer.

The difference between digital and radio-controlled weather stations

What exactly is the difference between a digital weather station and a radio-controlled weather station? Both models use radio signals in a certain way, but the way is different. When a digital weather station operates with wireless sensors, the measurement data from these sensors are sent via radio signals to the main station. This usually happens at a wavelength of 433 MHz, but there are also models that use 868 MHz. A higher wavelength has a larger action radius, where you are less affected by interference. If a digital weather station has the weather forecast function, it is based on the measurement data of the sensors. With a radio-controlled weather station, the weather forecast itself is received via the DCF77 radio signal, as described above.

Weather stations with a radio-controlled clock

In addition to a radio-controlled weather forecast via Meteotime, both digital and radio-controlled weather stations can have a radio-controlled clock. If that is the case, the time always matches the atomic clock in Frankfurt and you are assured of a particularly accurate time display. Because the fully synchronized weather stations are on the pricey side, models with a radio-controlled clock are widespread.