Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I purchased the LaCrosse WS-9520U last week. As usual, the transaction and shipping with Amazon was excellent. I very rarely return online purchases, but this one is going back. In general, the unit is as advertised - and others may find it completely satisfactory - but, after two nights of use, I have found the following specific things to be unacceptable:
1. The backlight cannot be set to remain on continuously - it only lights when a button is pushed - regardless of whether you're powering with AC or batteries. I think alarm clocks are always more convenient when you can see them at, well, uh, night. Yes, the on-ceiling projection shows the time, but nothing else. This is less than convenient.
2. General build quality is iffy at best - the buttons are clunky, loud and awkwardly placed. The entire unit seems flimsy - like it's just barely holding itself together. It's extremely light and does not have a very steady base, which will make it prone to being knocked over (like when reaching for the snooze button - which you can't see because it's not illuminated and there's no backlight) and I'm not sure this thing would survive being knocked over. Sorry to say, but for $70, this just seems very cheaply built from the mechanical side of things.
3. I guess this is obvious in hindsight, but the actual time display is tiny, maybe an inch tall. Granted, you have the projector, which works as advertised (only when it's dark in the room - projection is photo-sensitively switched on/off - no other option), but seeing the clock from across the room during daylight (when the projector is not on) is not really possible unless you've got astronaut eyes.
4. There are no alarm options and the only existing tone is - IMHO - obnoxious and too loud - a sort of high-pitched staccato double-chirp. I realize this is a personal issue, but a few buzzer options would have been nice.
5. There is absolutely no way that the battery cover on the outdoor sensor will keep the elements out of the sensor. Maybe this isn't an issue if you have a protected outdoor place to locate the sensor - but if there's any moisture at all, this thing won't last one winter here in Michigan.
In summary:
Electronics: Acceptable and as advertised, tho the few things I mentioned could be better
Mechanical: unacceptably cheap, shoddy assembly fit & finish for this price point.
Click Here to see more reviews about: La Crosse Technology WS-9520U Wireless Projection Forecast Station with Oscar Outlook
From The Weather Channel by La Crosse Technology, this versatile projection weather station shines the outdoor temperature and time in large, red digits on the ceiling or wall for easy nighttime illumination. The radio-controlled clock regularly resets to match the US Atomic Clock and adapts for daylight savings time. Based on temperature and barometric pressure, the weather station gives the forecast using 24 graphic icons and tendency arrows. The weather station even provides a personal weather boy, Oscar, who models what one might wear given current outside conditions.
The weather station's LCD screen displays the time, date, perpetual calendar, US time zone map, and weather conditions. Pushing a button temporarily engages the EL backlight for dimmer settings. To wake sleeping users, the weather station offers a dual alarm with an adjustable snooze. The station monitors indoor humidity levels and indoor temperatures from 14.2 to 139.8 degrees F. Celsius readings are also available. For outdoor conditions, an included TX7U sensor communicates at a 433 MHz frequency from up to 330 feet. The sensor registers humidity levels and temperatures ranging from –21.8 to +157.8 degrees F. The unit also records minimum and maximum readings for indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity percentages. For the most accurate results, install the sensor in a covered location away from direct rain or sun. The base accommodates up to three sensors. Place the freestanding base at least six feet from intended projection surface. To enable constant projection, the weather station comes with a 120-volt AC adapter. The separate purchase of five AA batteries is required. Covered by a limited one-year warranty, the weather station monitor measures 6-2/3 inches wide by 2-9/10 inches deep by 4-1/2 inches high, and the sensor measures 1-3/4 inches wide by 1 inch deep by 6-1/4 inches high.
