I’ve been using some cheap xiaomi temperature and humidity sensors outside, but undercover on my balcony. They have lasted a few years now. Occasionally, they get a bit wet from a severe rainstorm and stop working for while. One seems to have failed completely. I think I’ve done well and they are dirt cheap, so no issue there.
So, I am looking for a zigbee based alternative that can be used outdoors with better weather proofing and decent battery life.
I don’t need a display or a radiation shield.
Not many around to be honest. I sort of kept away from ZigBee outside as the house walls plus distance plus battery did not always make a good combo.
The original post said this was for a balcony so some criteria not an issue, in @NeilsOnWheels case I would find an IP44 onwards plastic enclosure big enough and put the xiaomi inside and be done with it. Cheap and cheerful, although humidity would not really work
For others looking for solutions but zigbee does not cut it for distance, I would recommend something like the ecowitt weather modules. Once you have the gateway, the lower frequency lends itself better for range and penetration and modules can be added to the system
Thanks for the bump Matt and Roxy.
I haven’t found a suitable solution at this stage.
I like Roxy’s suggestion of a weatherproof enclosure.
I absolutely love those xiaomi sensors, they are cheap and do a great job.
