Has anyone bought one of these and managed to get it to work? I got one, and both units will show temperature but they won't link (i.e. the base unit won't show the remote temperature). I followed the instructions exactly, and also tried variations on what order to insert the batteries, waited a few hours, etc. I asked the seller for help and they sent another one but it has the same problem.
Almost all remote weather sensors operate within the 2.4GHz band.
No they don't. Most use the 433MHz connection.
I acknowledge that the vast bulk - opposite of what I said - (my 'clock' one and certainly the OP's weather station, too) likely connect via 433MHz and not 2.4GHz. My mistake.
Even on 433, interference of some sort may still be the issue for him, with other devices and general hash around in that band, too.
As to your comment, below, I also acknowledge the backyard and surrounds 'micro-climate' thing. I'm in Brisbane like the OP (bayside, but reasonably close to a reading point) and was more than a little taken aback by some app discrepancies - but, after a bit, you adjust / don't get as fussed.
Unless you are monitoring a greenhouse, or a verandah enclosure containing an exotic reptile designed to frighten an equally exotic Jehovah's Witness (maybe, Prince), maybe just be content with internal temp on your display and weather-app, w/widget, on phones and tabs for outside temps, humidity, etc. I am, at this point.
I don't agree with this. The micro climate around the outside of your house could be very different. Also you are assuming the sensors are only to be used outside.
If you want a cheap unit then Jaycar have some and if it doesn't work you can take it back. I think Dick Smith still have some as well. If you want a really good unit then I have found this one to be very good. You can add up to an additional 6 or 7 remote sensors. The humidity sensors seem to be fairly accurate and have lasted so far (all the other units I have with humidity sensors have produced results that are way off after 2 years or so).
Thanks for the responses all. I want an outdoor one for the immediate environment so I can see it at a glance, rather than hunting down the phone (which doesn't have very accurate local weather anyway).
I might try and get them to link away from the house and interference to see if that works. If not I'll try a Jaycar/DSE unit instead.
I have three weather stations in-house that have remote-sensor functionality, two of those with remote humidity along with temperature. They were purchased several years ago - before weather apps on mobile devices were a proper thing.
Unless you are monitoring a greenhouse, or a verandah enclosure containing an exotic reptile designed to frighten an equally exotic Jehovah's Witness (maybe, Prince), maybe just be content with internal temp on your display and weather-app, w/widget, on phones and tabs for outside temps, humidity, etc. I am, at this point.
Of the three (two not cheap) weather stations, one sensor was always a bit finicky to connect and would drop-out often enough to irritate. One was more reliable, but batteries didn't last very long. The cheapest one (big LCD clock more than a proper weather station) actually came with two remote sensors - temperature only.
The main-unit reception of those did actually fail completely after a few months, but the sensors had pretty limited range, with some dropouts, likely caused by interference.
Given that you've had two identical units presenting with the same problem, interference is likely the issue you are dealing with.
Almost all remote weather sensors operate within the 2.4GHz band.
Unless you are well away from other houses and own no other devices operating in the same band, you are living in a 2.4GHz soup with many bonus croutons of potential interference.
Reference to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz potential sources of interference in this mainly copy/paste:
Microwave ovens, Bluetooth device, or Wi-Fi base station may cause interference.
Direct Satellite Service (DSS): The coax cable and connectors used with
certain types of satellite dishes may cause interference. Check the cable
for damage and obtain newer cables if you suspect RF leakage issues.
Certain external electrical sources such as power lines, electrical railroad
tracks, and power stations.
2.4 GHz or 5 GHz phones: A cordless telephone that operates in this
range may cause interference with wireless devices or networks when
used.
Video senders (transmitters/receivers) that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5
GHz bandwidth.
Wireless speakers that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.
Certain external monitors and LCD displays: Certain displays may emit
harmonic interference, especially in the 2.4GHz band between channels
11 and 14. This interference may be at its worst if you have a portable
computer with the lid closed and an external monitor connected to it.
Try changing your access point to use 5 Ghz or a lower 2.4 GHz
channel.
Any other wireless devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
bandwidth (microwaves, cameras, baby monitors, neighbours' wireless
devices, and so on).
Note: Some devices may not specifically state that they operate in the
2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. The product's documentation should indicate
the bands the device uses to operate. These may be referred to as "Dual
Band", "Wi-Fi", or "Wireless" devices.
You may have one specific, continuous, source of interference around (e.g. Wi-Fi router, security camera, baby monitor) (maybe one that you have control of and not next-door) that is preventing the sensor from connecting at all.
Maybe some keen investigation is in order, if you are sufficiently keen, Detective (Captain?) Morini..?