Direction Reporting Follow

The WIND & WEATHERmeter report direction by different means. See each device's method of direction reporting. Jump to: WEATHERmeter direction reporting

WINDmeter Direction Reporting

The WINDmeter does not output wind direction itself, i.e. there is no on-board magnetometer. Rather the wind direction reported by the app is collected from the connected mobile device. Compatible devices (smartphones/tablet) will have built-in GPS chips and magnetometers.

But my app is reading the wrong wind direction.  What gives?

Keep in mind that the meteorological standard is that wind direction indicates the direction the wind is blowing from and not the direction the wind is blowing toward.  So, a reading of "W" or 270° means the wind is blowing from the West.

Ensure that you are properly oriented to register a wind reading. Both you and the device should face directly into the wind.  If you attempt to put your back to the wind and hold up the device, your wind reading will be approximately 180° off.

Double-check the accuracy of your mobile device's internal compass.  Using the compass app that your device has, or by downloading a compass app, test the internal compass accuracy.  Not all mobile devices, especially aging ones, report the wind direction with pinpoint accuracy.

Check the Wind & Weather meter app Settings > Magnetic Declination.  There are options for True North and Magnetic North.  True North aligns with the geographic north pole.  Magnetic North aligns with the magnetic north pole.  The difference is called "declination" and varies with both your location on the earth and over time as the magnetic field of the earth oscillates.

WEATHERmeter Direction Reporting 

Note: The WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter for Precision Shooting is no longer being manufactured with an internal compass. The app will default to use the compass of the user’s mobile device.

The WEATHERmeter has a built-in compass (magnetometer). That means you don't have to worry about pointing your phone in any particular direction. Face into the wind and hold the WEATHERmeter above your head with the logo facing you.

Does your compass seem off? Please see these notes on calibration.

Note: even with calibration, the compass in the meter will probably not be as accurate as your smart phone. Smart phones have more sensors (GPS, accelerometer) and can often auto-calibrate.

In cases where you want or need a more accurate direction reading, the Wind & Weather Meter app has an option to use your phone's compass. In that case, you will need to point the phone in the same direction as the meter. Use the plastic dummy jack accessory for one-handed use and to help align the meter with your connected device.

Keep in mind that the meteorological standard is that wind direction indicates the direction the wind is blowing from and not the direction the wind is blowing toward. Be sure that you are holding the WEATHERmeter with the logo facing you while facing into the wind.