Weather Direct Brings Hyper Local Forecasts to Businesses
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Solution providers will find it very easy to set up a
Weather Direct system. For our tests, we started off with the WD-3209U kit.
Initial setup consists of installing batteries into the Weather Monitor and then
plugging in the included transmitter into an Internet router.
We also installed batteries into the included remote temperature transmitter,
which for our purposes we located in our server closet to monitor temperatures
there. After plugging everything in, we needed to register the display and
gateway at www.weatherdirect.com. Installers must create an account on the
weatherdirect.com site to register the product. The products are also
programmed from the weatherdirect.com site using a Web 2.0-style installation
wizard. Setup is simple, yet tedious. Installers will have to remove and
reinstall batteries, press registration buttons, input serial numbers and so on
to set up a Weather Direct System.
Once registered, users can choose from enhanced services,
such as the ability to receive weather alerts from multiple locations, or add
enhanced severe weather alerts to their devices. Each of those optional
services is available for a monthly fee, ranging from a few dollars to upward
of $30 or more. For most users, the no-charge single-location service that
comes with the unit will be more than adequate.
Installers can also program the service to send alerts via text messages or e-mails
to cellular phones, a handy option for landscapers or other outdoor workers who
need to be warned of impending storm conditions.
For some, Weather Direct’s array of products may amount to little more than
gadgets. For others, Weather Direct’s gizmos may prove to be important business
tools. It's all up to the solution provider to figure out where the products
will offer the most benefit for their customers and install accordingly. La
Crosse Technology does not sell direct, and interested parties will need to
contact the company to find out about partner opportunities and distribution
methods. Some of the company’s products are available via mail order warehouses
and retail outlets.
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