Comparison Sencor SWS 65 vs Assistant AH-1978

Ability to display the comfort level on the display of the weather station.

The overall comfort of an individual in specific conditions relies not just on air temperature but also on factors like humidity and outdoor wind strength. Display features for comfort levels vary between indoor and outdoor conditions. Indoors, the device typically assesses the combination of temperature and humidity, offering an overall comfort conclusion ranging from "good/bad" to intermediate options. Outdoors, it introduces the concept of "perceived temperature." This accounts for the impact of strong winds and/or high humidity, where the air feels colder than the actual temperature suggests. For instance, -5 °C with these conditions might feel as unpleasant as -8 °C in dry, windless weather. Perceived temperature data provides a more accurate assessment of external conditions, aiding individuals in making informed decisions, such as choosing appropriate clothing.

Modern weather stations can support either the first or second option separately, or both. Anyway, working with a comfort level implies at least the possibility of measuring humidity (see above).

— Display of the temperature trend. This "weather forecast" relies on recent temperature measurements. A decline in parameters suggests an impending cold spell, while an increase indicates imminent warming. The function predicts whether temperatures will rise or fall in the very near future.

— Backlight display. The display of the weather station incorporates a backlight feature, enabling information readability in low-light to complete darkness. While this consumes energy, it is particularly relevant for self-powered models. However, since the backlight is typically used for only a few seconds, the associated additional costs are minimal. The backlight may come in various colors and, in some instances, serves decorative purposes.

— Clock. The weather station includes its own clock, initially displaying the current time. However, the clock's data can be used for additional functions like recording temperature extremes and operating an alarm clock. Clocks can be electronic or analog, typically aligning with the weather station's mechanism type. Some models even offer the option to synchronize time precisely through radio signals.

— Alarm clock. The weather station features an alarm clock function, emitting a sound signal at a user-set time. Beyond waking up, this signal can serve various purposes, such as event alerts or task reminders. As alarms inherently require a clock (see a...bove), the available signals vary among models — ranging from a standard sound to multiple options. Advanced models may even permit users to download custom sound files (see "Connecting to a PC").

— Calendar. Availability of a calendar function in the weather station. The simplest option involves at least displaying the current date and day of the week, advanced features may include viewing a calendar table for a month or even a year. The calendar can be used not only by itself, but also for other functions — primarily informing about sunset/sunrise (see above).

— Moon calendar. The presence in the weather station of a calendar that displays the phases of the moon. This information can be used for a variety of purposes, from monitoring tides to finding the best time for gardening or beauty/medical treatments. The moon calendar is usually combined with the usual one (see above).

— FM receiver. The weather station includes an FM-range receiver, enhancing the user experience with access to a variety of stereo music stations. However, it's important to note that FM broadcasting has a limited range, typically within line of sight (a few kilometers). This function may be less useful in remote areas far from cities. Optimal reception requires an external antenna, which can be a traditional telescopic antenna or the wire of an external sensor or headphones.

— Photo frame. The weather station has the capability to function as a digital photo frame, allowing users to view photos on its high-quality color display or run a slideshow for aesthetic appeal. While the display quality contributes to the cost, this feature is primarily aesthetic, as viewing photos is often more convenient on dedicated devices like smartphones or tablets. As a result, this function hasn't gained widespread popularity.

— Projector. The weather station features a built-in projector, enabling the display of various data (weather, time, etc.) on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces, essentially transforming them into impromptu displays. This projection method can be more convenient than viewing information on the main device display in certain situations. However, such models tend to be expensive. The projector typically takes the form of a rotary unit, allowing optimal adjustment of the projected "picture" position.

The weather station's design includes specified placement options for the main unit. While this parameter can be somewhat flexible — such as wall-mounted devices used on tables or creative methods for hanging tourist models on walls — only standard options explicitly stated by the manufacturer are considered in this context. Some models may offer multiple claimed placement options.

— Desktop. Placing the weather station on a table or a similar surface, like a shelf or window sill, is a straightforward and effortless installation method. It provides convenience, allowing for easy relocation when needed. However, the limitation lies in the availability of free surfaces, and there's a risk of inconvenience, such as accidentally knocking the device to the floor.

— Wall. Mounting the weather station on the wall using a hook, nail, or similar device is a space-efficient option, offering flexibility in choosing installation height. This method minimizes occupied space, yet the installation process is more complex, often requiring wall drilling.

– Portable (tourist). Portable weather stations, intended for on-the-go use, are not meant for permanent installation, although that option is also feasible. Designed for hikers and travelers, these compact devices are pocket-sized, easily fitting into bags or backpacks. Their design may include features for easy attachment to equipment, su...ch as handles or carabiners, but they typically lack options for table installation or wall hanging. Portable weather stations usually do not use external sensors, and their cases are reinforced for increased protection against dust and moisture.

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.

The total weight of the device. In models equipped with external sensors, this parameter is usually indicated only for the main unit, because the weight of the external equipment is small and can be neglected.