So I went to True Value and got the LaCrosse WS-6020U which is on sale right now for $17. It's supposed to be solar on both the display and the sender, using solar to charge rechargeable batts (provided AA in display and AAA in sender).
The display is supposed to shut down as a power saving measure anytime it's in low light conditions for 72 hours or more, according the instruction manual. But mine is shutting down anytime it's in low light, period.......even after spending all day in good light. It will only "wake up" if I give it good light again.
Some other oldies but goodies:
-you remove the display from the package and it's got a big sticker on the back, complete with graphic, insisting that the solar charging mode (it also has a no-charge setting for standard alkalines) is to the RIGHT with the selector switch. You must remove this sticker to open the battery cover, and directly underneath is text permanently imprinted on the battery cover, again complete with graphic, saying the solar charging mode is to the LEFT. Hmm.
-the instructions say the sending unit has Normal Operation mode when battery voltage is 2.5V, and it will transmit temp every 8 seconds in this mode. IF a dark environment is detected, it will transmit the temp every 16 seconds. If battery voltage is below 2.8V (note the previous reference to 2.5V and 8 seconds), it will transmit the temp every 16 seconds, or if battery voltage is lower 2.4V, it will go into idle mode.
That's just way too many IF/THEN scenarios for cheap electronics considering most of these can't even work when they have the simple task of "just transmit the temp, period."
More Engrish:
"Note:
When changing the battery:
1. Be careful that it does not spring free from the contacts.
2. Press any button 20 times with the battery removed.
...."
Uh huh, so you WANT me to press any random button 20 times with the battery removed?
Finally, the sending unit is constructed of translucsent/clear plastic, and you can clearly see two AAAs in there. The instructions specifically say these batteries are NOT replaceable, and from what I can see it's only because they don't provide a way for the sending unit to come apart. WHY???
The display is supposed to shut down as a power saving measure anytime it's in low light conditions for 72 hours or more, according the instruction manual. But mine is shutting down anytime it's in low light, period.......even after spending all day in good light. It will only "wake up" if I give it good light again.
Some other oldies but goodies:
-you remove the display from the package and it's got a big sticker on the back, complete with graphic, insisting that the solar charging mode (it also has a no-charge setting for standard alkalines) is to the RIGHT with the selector switch. You must remove this sticker to open the battery cover, and directly underneath is text permanently imprinted on the battery cover, again complete with graphic, saying the solar charging mode is to the LEFT. Hmm.
-the instructions say the sending unit has Normal Operation mode when battery voltage is 2.5V, and it will transmit temp every 8 seconds in this mode. IF a dark environment is detected, it will transmit the temp every 16 seconds. If battery voltage is below 2.8V (note the previous reference to 2.5V and 8 seconds), it will transmit the temp every 16 seconds, or if battery voltage is lower 2.4V, it will go into idle mode.
That's just way too many IF/THEN scenarios for cheap electronics considering most of these can't even work when they have the simple task of "just transmit the temp, period."
More Engrish:
"Note:
When changing the battery:
1. Be careful that it does not spring free from the contacts.
2. Press any button 20 times with the battery removed.
...."
Uh huh, so you WANT me to press any random button 20 times with the battery removed?
Finally, the sending unit is constructed of translucsent/clear plastic, and you can clearly see two AAAs in there. The instructions specifically say these batteries are NOT replaceable, and from what I can see it's only because they don't provide a way for the sending unit to come apart. WHY???