When XIKAR released the PuroTemp Wireless Hygrometer system I became intrigued with the other options offered by companies who don’t primarily market to cigar smokers. I ran across a handful of systems—including a variety from Ambient Weather, like the WS-10—and others from La Crosse Technology and a company called Oregon Scientific. I ended up settling with the Oregon Scientific BAR208HGA ($49), a system that seemed pretty similar to the XIKAR, although with one major feature difference. Both systems are sold with one base unit and one sensor. You can upgrade both systems to feature up to three remote sensors, but the Oregon Scientific’s base unit also serves as a hygrometer, whereas the XIKAR’s will just display remote temperature and humidity readings. Out of the box, it seems clear that the system was made to be put on a nightstand. There’s a large base unit measuring 7 1/8 inches tall, 3 5/8 inches wide and 1 7/8 inches deep. It’s largely consumed by a screen, which shows the remote temperature—displayed with a single decimal—as its biggest reading with moon phase, remote unit humidity—displayed without a decimal—some sort of 12-hour weather forecast, and a “message” box for warnings. Towards the bottom of the screen the ...
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