Upgrade your METOS station and take it a step further with the Hybrid Weather Station Extension (HSE).
About HSE
By adding virtual sensors, you gain access to critical environmental data like solar radiation, wind speed, and more, without the need for physical sensors. This gives you the flexibility to monitor your crops more efficiently.
With HSE, the following sensors are added:
- Air temperature (virtual)
- Relative humidity (virtual)
- Leaf wetness (virtual)
- Precipitation (virtual)
- Wind speed avg (virtual)
- Wind speed gust (virtual)
- Wind direction (virtual)
- Global solar radiation (virtual)
- Soil temperature (virtual)
The virtual sensors are added to the chart and table in FieldClimate, together with the physical sensors, but are properly differentiated.
The service is available with yearly subscription – for just a fraction of the price of physical sensors!
Where does virtual data come from?
Virtual sensor data quality is the same as our other product METOS VWS (Virtual Weather Station) and comes from the best available weather simulation for the specific location.
Various weather models are incorporated, which in turn are calculated from data measured by weather stations, observation data from satellites, and a number of other data sources.
For locations with a nearby weather station, the station’s data are automatically used to further improve the quality.
The precipitation virtual data is updated using radar data (if available) and satellite data is used to update the data for cloud cover and global solar radiation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still curious? Here’s what most growers ask before upgrading.
What is the METOS Hybrid Station Extension (HSE), and how does it enhance my existing weather station?
The METOS Hybrid Station Extension (HSE) is a cost-effective upgrade that integrates virtual sensors into your existing METOS weather station. These virtual sensors provide additional environmental data, such as solar radiation, wind speed, and soil temperature, without the need for physical sensor installation. By combining physical and virtual data, HSE enhances your station’s capabilities, allowing for improved decision-making in areas like irrigation scheduling and disease risk assessment.
How accurate are the virtual sensors in the METOS Hybrid Station Extension?
The virtual sensors in the HSE derive their data from advanced weather simulations that incorporate information from nearby weather stations, satellite observations, and radar data. This multi-source approach ensures high-quality, location-specific data comparable to that of physical sensors. For instance, precipitation data is updated using radar inputs, and solar radiation estimates are refined with satellite data, providing reliable information for your agricultural needs.
Can I run disease models and calculate evapotranspiration (ETo) using virtual sensors from the HSE?
Yes, integrating virtual sensors through the HSE enables your METOS station to support advanced tools like disease modeling and ETo calculations. Even if your station lacks certain physical sensors, the virtual data fills in the gaps, allowing for comprehensive analyses. This integration is particularly beneficial for optimizing irrigation and implementing effective plant protection strategies.
Want to upgrade your METOS with HSE?
Contact us today and get a non-binding offer!