The Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor with the GW1200 WiFi gateway is an ideal starter set for those with an interest in lightning detection and weather .
Start with this sensor and add additional sensors as your interest grows building a modular weather station with full internet access.
The GW1200 is configured through a web browser so a smart device is not required for setup. The gateway connects to all the Ecowitt sensors (WH57 lightning sensor included), you can set Time Zone and Date, manage other sensors, view sensor signal and power status.
The GW1200 WiFi gateway is USB powered and also has builtin temperature, humidity and barometric pressure sensors for indoor readings. These sensors are on a wired probe so that they can be kept away from sources of heat which would skew readings. The GW1200 can be configured through the App or a web browser so a smart device with is optional for the setup. The gateway connects to all the Ecowitt transmitter sensors (listed below) and also IoT devices such as the WFC01 water valve and AC1100 power socket.
The WH57 lighting detection sensor obtains lightning data from within 25 miles of the sensor and is housed in the included protective shelter. Lightning data is uploaded to the Ecowitt weather network which displays strike count, distance and the time recorded. Using the Ecowitt network you can also receive emailed lightning alerts.
The WH57 lightning data, along with any other sensor data is uploaded to the Ecowitt service via WiFi and can be viewed on the App, or on the Ecowitt weather website.
You are not just limited to weather data on the Ecowitt.net weather site or App. With additional sensors, you can share your data further afield with free access to the UK MetOffice WoW service, Weather Underground, WeatherCloud and your own web server (where additional sensors are supported by the network).
Unlike some other stations, the WH57 lightning sensor and Ecowitt GW1200 can be expanded with additional sensors, click here to view the latest Ecowitt sensor matrix for details.
All of these are available to view in the App, or online via Ecowitt.net and in the 3rd party services that support the sensor type.