Wireless indoor outdoor Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensors, review of Vivosun, AMIR, & Acurite

In this video, three of the most popular indoor/outdoor hygrometers and thermometers are reviewed and tested. Each come with 3 indoor/outdoor sensors.
TESTED:
VivoSun base unit with 3 wireless sensors
AMIR WA54 base unit with 3 wireless sensors
Acu Rite model 06043 base unit with 3 wireless sensors
Step by step setup and evaluation, including range testing.
If you're shopping, here are links to all items in this video:
As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
AcuRite base station with 3 sensors: amzn.to/3kn2yXC
VivoSun base station with 3 sensors: amzn.to/3pSPs5R
AMIR WA54 with 3 sensors: amzn.to/3bzVxz0
NOT TESTED: One Base station with FIVE wireless sensors:
amzn.to/3kjIZzu
AAA Batteries that outstanding from virtually all others: amzn.to/2NSkMUV
Energizer Ultimate Lithium combo pack AAA and AA:
amzn.to/3kmR8mJ

[@attesmatte]

I'm a huge thermometer and hygrometer nerd! 😁 Love this! 😀👍

[@lm386opamp]

I'm grateful you can budget these Experiments and help us not waste time/money. It's too late for my current setup but I planned to build a custom monitor that aggregates internal/external temp/humidity. I'll be installing a off the self wireless into my current hive for the winter. Next hive can get the custom setup.

[@trevornolan8619]

The most important thing you said was install base station batteries last! Thank you!!!

[@FrederickDunn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Thanks for the comparison! I'm going to move a couple hives to a yard to get some peach and apple blossom honey tomorrow. Hope it warms up for you soon.

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Great vid, Fred! The guys at the Castle Grovnds Apiary just did a similar video, but the sensors slide into the brood frames. Cool idea.

[@FrederickDunn]

It would certainly be valuable to know brood frame temps, but I don't want to give up space and I think I have a way to do it without the bees closing everything up, but will have to do some test runs. Thanks!

[@1docg]

Ambient is the best I've tried. It's color display and features a recorded graph output, five sensors on screen at a time, can display and record 10 channels.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

it will be fun to get your reports from these.

[@nedseith6266]

Greetings Fred, I have used an Ambient brand temperature monitor for 4 years that has 8 remote sensor channels & internal temperature & humidity. I have two types of Ambient remote sensors, one type has temperature & humidity sensing & the other type is temperature only & has a temperature sensor on a 1 meter cable that may be placed in liquids, soil or in the be hives.

[@jpthedelawarebeeman6239]

Hi Fred, I was looking into something like this almost 2 years ago and decided to make up my own temp/humidity sensors that transmit the data over my WIFI through the internets that are recorded. I can look anytime I want at the data and export it and graph it. I also made a sensor to go in my DIY queen cell incubator and I can monitor the temperature and humidity remotely as well.

[@FrederickDunn]

That's great! Several of our bee club members also receive their data and graphs directly to their phones, part of the broodminder series I think. I'm glad you've got the Tech all figured out!

[@matthewsweeney2577]

Good stuff Fred, thanks!

[@FrederickDunn]

Glad you liked it!

[@deborahmarlewski6786]

I purchased the Acurite set up for my greenhouse. Works great. The signal is really strong even though the greenhouse is >300 ft away. Thanks for the great information.

[@FrederickDunn]

Great to hear!

[@downunderfulla6001]

Great review Fred thanks 🍺🍺

[@FrederickDunn]

You're welcome, Bradley! Always nice to see your comments!

[@sonofthunder.]

i use acurite,for indoor outdoor temps ,been pretty reliable ,thanks fir the video, by the way 60s f last 2 days all 3 hives flyin nw arkansas

[@FrederickDunn]

If we could get into the 60's here, it would make all the difference... even just for a couple of days.

[@robertmathurin739]

Thanks Mr Dunn,,for All the Little Details,,🇱🇨👊🏿👍🏿♥️♥️

[@FrederickDunn]

The least I could do Robert :)

[@KaosABC123]

I'm planning to do the same thing but utilizing Sonoff temperature humidity sensors that I will incorporate into my Home Assistant installation. That way I can check on them when ever I want remotely and utilize the built in historian. I'm already doing this for my HVAC, plugs and 3D printer so it's only natural I extend it to my first two hives this spring. I can then also tie the data to local weather conditions for more data fun. Yes, it's true, I'm a controls engineer and I just can't help myself.

[@FrederickDunn]

That's interesting, and thanks for sharing!

[@Adam.Holmes.]

Would be nice to get a follow up on how these preform through out the year. I've really wanted a hive scale to try and better understand nectar flows in my area so I ordered the broodminder w2. It should arrive tomorrow. I am really worried as I couldn't find one review for it but I'll let you know how it goes. I didn't want to place anything inside the hive so I initially didn't order their temp or humidity readers. I'm in Alabama and run screened bottom boards but no upper venting or entrances and thought maybe it would be nice to know how they are handling the temps so I ordered one of the broodminder sensors today.

[@FrederickDunn]

I wrote to them about their new bottom board, hive scale version, and didn't receive a reply. I'll be interested in knowing how it works out, the unit looks promising. As for these, they will only be up in the feeder shim and not in contact with the bees, but will hopefully provide information regarding the thermal situation in those cavities. Thanks as always for your help Adam!

[@StandardLand]

Fred, just wanted to let you know I've been testing 1:1 base, mixed with hive alive, and mixed with bee vital bee strong. I've done it twice now and the bees eat the hive alive mix first, then the base, and finally the bee vital mix. Do you think they like the thyme oil in the hive alive more?

[@FrederickDunn]

That's interesting! Seeing what the bees elect to consume is the easy part, determining what aspect draws them in is another.

[@rcpmac]

Nice comparison.

[@tonyfox5422]

You just answered a question I asked myself. I have 2 sensors but the communication to the mobile app is difficult. It’s the veto pharma product. Can’t cope with trees and buildings even with a signal booster in apiary and a sigfox box at home. So I thought go simple just accept I get readings when in the apiary. Then along comes your program.

[@FrederickDunn]

I did not expect the range on these to be so good. We'll see how they hold up, I only need them to send the signal half that distance.

[@darrylwells2673]

Very interesting. Frederick have you looked into the Brood Minder and if so, wat is your thoughts?

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, I have the brood minder units and can do without them. Definitely gives more information, but doesn't really aid in my beekeeping practices.

[@michaelpariera4328]

I am really curious how your testing turns out. I just did this a week ago just to see if it would work. They started propolis.

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, given access to them, I'm sure the bees will seal them right up... I have to create a protective compartment to place them inside the hive, possibly with a modified box. Bees would certainly gum them up nicely.

[@timsInSSI]

Beats the heck out of looking out the window.....I want one.

[@FrederickDunn]

I can't lie, it's fun to see all of the temps and humidity variables. I have them out in four hives at the moment. For now, just reading the space where emergency sugar is located. More to do as always.

[@srae1503]

Did you do a video on your findings after having these in your feeders a season?

[@FrederickDunn]

I don't think I did a follow up video, but I can say that I like the Acu-Rite units for range and dependability as well as being able to calibrate them.

[@belitamichnowicz1206]

Have a vintage radio shack 63-1026 need to know how to set it up

[@FrederickDunn]

I'm sorry, I can't help you with that issue.

[@eddiekytia]

Did any of these hold up im looking for one to monitor the heat in a generator shed that will send alert if shed hits 140 degrees..... thanks

[@FrederickDunn]

The longest lasting units are the Acu Rite brand. They are still going strong.

[@chuckt7636]

I've been using the Acurite unit for quite some time. I got it mainly to monitor the temp in my fish room. I heat the room not the tanks (25+). I'm able to set the temp alarm if the temp goes below 70*, beep. I have the base unit right here on the table. It monitors the temp outside, the fish room, "here" and one roams. The unit is labeled that way with Brother P-touch labels. I find it to be pretty accurate (I did not calibrate it, having no certified thermometer to use) and it's usually dead on to the Buffalo International airport weather station 10 miles away. right now here 29* 65% airport 28* 68%. The only thing I would like is a low battery warning, when the battery is low and doesn't have the power to send to the base unit the temp just stays at the last reading. Other than that I love the unit.

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Chuck! Thank you for sharing how you're using it! I've been thinking about those with huge aquarium investments during that power outtage in Texas, as well as the aquatics stores. I hope they all made it, but I'd be extremely stressed. Your comment about the last temp remaining on if the power dies... hmmm, I may have to redo the range test, but it does show sensor signal strength. I'm already finding new ways to use these. Thanks for watching, and for taking time to comment!

[@luckystrike656]

I need something to accurately measure outside/inside temperature to evaluate the installed sensors and to calibrate my heating system. Few degree doesn't work for me... Any suggestions? Tnx

[@FrederickDunn]

You're looking for what's known as Traceable Systems. They are expensive and must be calibrated. www.labrepco.com/product/traceablelivea-wifi-datalogging-refrigerator-freezer-thermometer-with-remote-notification-2-stainless-steel-probes-50ac-to-60ac/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAsoycBhC6ARIsAPPbeLsrvaFPJJiuXQ2O7rKjA-FLfWtJ4bBEpd9hLTpt39LbuitJ0elqVOQaAnklEALw_wcB

[@daisy1441]

Frederick QUESTION: the Vivosun and AMIR have a back lighting button? (so you can see the display in a dark room if you press a button (AMIR) or touch the display (Vivosun) ? correct?

[@FrederickDunn]

I'm not sure...

[@daisy1441]

I bought the AMIR WA54. Yes! NO BEEPING when you press the button on top center of the display that temporarily backlights the screen. I also bought a "Timloon" TS6210 "Indoor Outdoor Thermometer with 3 Wireless Sensors, Digital Hygrometer Thermometer, Temperature Humidity Monitor Meter with LCD Backlight, Wireless Thermoon " on Amazon. BUT IT BEEPS when it backlights so I can't use it. Too bad since the sensors have a small temperature display as well.

[@daisy1441]

The AMIR WA54 - It was So Easy.! I really love it. thanks for doing the review and for your Bee videos. We are trying to increase the nectar production in our yard a bit every year.

[@JaneFeibelman]

Interesting and informative. Thank you, sir. Speaking of thermometers, your voice sounds a little sore throat-ish. You might want to check your own temperature. Hope you are well. :-)

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks, Jane, I'm doing just fine and dandy :)

[@alonsorodriguez-reptileins1431]

For you, which is the best or the most accurate?

[@FrederickDunn]

To date, the best performer is the Acu-Rite unit. The unit all the way to the left in the cover image has already depleted all of its batteries, so didn't last the year as advertised.

[@alonsorodriguez-reptileins1431]

@@FrederickDunn some of these can be calibrated?

[@precisiont5188]

Can you see the temperature from anywhere with internet?

[@FrederickDunn]

No, it only feeds to the display units.

[@resandor]

I am a refrigerator technician. I'm looking for a sensor I can put in the customer's refrigerator and check in on the sensor while I am away at my home. Can anyone point me in the right direction or recommend something for me

[@FrederickDunn]

This is cumbersome, but what I do is have these sensors in one of my outbuildings, then I set up an Arlo camera that is pointed at the base display. I can check in on the Arlo camera from my phone at any time from any location. BUT, it will need to be connected to an internet signal (the camera that is).

[@TheOREGON1859]

Yay it’s not a robot

[@yes350yes]

Thats fine for putting in beehives but not the reason most come here. I wanted input on a good place to put a sensor to best avoid the sun and get a good reading , that is not answered in this demo.

[@FrederickDunn]

Anywhere under your soffit and out of the sun would be a good spot in my opinion. You can zip tie them to a gutter downspout.

[@jeffreysplace6926]

Mines not getting outside information

[@FrederickDunn]

If the sensor is outside, and reporting, then it should be displayed no matter which unit you've decided to use.

[@jeffreysplace6926]

@@FrederickDunn I just put the sensor in the tent now and placed the monitor on my end table