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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
I had a wired RS indoor/outdoor thermometer that worked for 13 years, until the cat ate the outdoor probe. I got this to replace it. I was hoping for the same level of reliability, or even close to it, but the outdoor sensor died after less than a year, even though I kept it sheltered, and sealed in a plastic bag. So instead of going into an endless cycle of replacing disposable thermometers, I got one of those big dial jobs to mount outside my kitchen window. At least I know THAT will continue to function for a while!
The sending unit and the base unit quit communicating after about 1 year. I own 2 of these and they both really don't work. I would not buy again.
from Florida on 8/24/2008
Works just fine. This is the second one I've had in 2 years so we'll see how long this one lasts. In the past the remote unit fails and will not transmit to the base unit. For the money just throw it away and buy another.
Outside unit stopped working after about a year. Much too soon. I has older unit that bthis replaced. Worked for at least 6 years.
from CT on 7/26/2008
Had the old style before this one and the outside sending unit failed resulting in no display of outside temperature on inside unit. This happened after about two years. This new one has done the same thing after four months.
How are you supposed to put it outdoors and have no walls, doors for furniture obstructing it. Does not work well in cold weather, -4F max. Don't sell it in cold areas.
Remote sensor should be redesigned for use outdoors or in other areas where moisture is present.
First, you don't see that the remote unit is not water proof until you open the package. Box says it's approved for outdoor use. Don't they think making it water proof would be the first criteria to making it for outdoor use? Second, the base uses AA batteries and the remote unit uses AAA. What's up with that? Third, claimed to be expandable...but you can't purchase additional remote units. You would have buy 3 complete packages to get your 3 remote units. Then what would you do with the 2 additional base units? Not practical at all. Fourth, outdoor remote unit quit working after less than a year. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT.
Allows me to check the temperature in my greenhouse and outside. Great buy.
The inside unit has a capacity for 3 remote sensors but RS does not have them for purchase.
I have been using this unit for about 2 years and I'm very pleased with it. The remote's distance from the base is about 40 feet, going through just one wall to the outside. I like that the base's numbers are big and bold, thus easy to see at a distance, and the remote has its own window showing its temperature. It's just too bad that separate remotes are no longer available. Other than that, I believe both remote and base thermometers are pretty accurate. Just keep the remote out of direct sun, and at best, out in the open.
It works great. I use it in the living room & outside. Easy to read and easy to use. Remote is about 40' away. Only complaint is remote takes a different size battery that the base unit. No biggie.
from Falmouth, MA on 12/28/2007
This unit has a selector on top for up to three remote sensors. The sensor has a switch to set each remote sensor's number. I have two remote locations to monitor (outdoors and unheated garage). Ordering information for these additional sensors is available nowhere in the instructions or on the web site. This feature is useless.
I loved the thermometer until I wanted to purchase extra sensors for the garage and basement. Unit currently sold at stores at full price. Check online for the sensor part and is not a good number. [...] As a consumer if accessories are not available why by the part for this feature.
I've had this thermometer for about a year, and LOVE it. Very reliable, and accurate. Outdoor probe still consistent after more than a year. Now buying a second as a gift. If you ever wonder what the temperature is outside, try this! Easy set-up too.
from Ohio State buckeye on 11/23/2007
Outdoor sensor did not work after installing Lithium batteries. I took it apart, and using my multimeter, discovered that power was not getting to the circuit board. (Good batteries).I took the batteries out of the holder and used emery paper to sand the ends of the contact springs. Works fine now. [...]
from Cleveland, OH on 11/22/2007
This is a great thermometer for monitoring indoor and outdoor temperatures. The positives are that it is very accurate and easy to read. As an avid gardener, the maximum/minimum temperature feature is also a real plus. The cons are that the remote sensor must be in a sheltered location for long life. Fortunately, I have my remote located under the porch roof where it is protected from sunlight, rain, and snow. The other drawback is that the transmission range is 100 feet through open air. Obviously, the main display is located indoors so the remote has to transmit through at least one wall to reach the main display in any application. Having the signal transmit through walls seriously cuts back on the transmission range. In my set up, the total distance between my remote and main unit is only 10 feet with transmission through a porch roof and exterior wall. In addition, my outdoor remote sensor is set up where it faces towards the main display. My set up is working very well, but it is important to keep the remote sensor and main unit close together for best results. I think the directions need to clarify this problem a bit more clearly. Also, if you live in a cold winter climate (like I do) it is recommended that you use lithium batteries in the remote sensor to get you through the coldest nights. All in all, the pluses outweigh the negatives and I'm enjoying my unit.
from Homestead, FL on 11/8/2007
Had an old Radio Shack in/out thermometer, worked great for years, even went through several hurricanes, no problems. Went to replace the outdoor sensor, no longer made. (Worked too well I guess). Bought this model. Placed both in & out units exactly where the previous ones used to be. Worked fine for about 4 hours, then, the indoor unit would not display outside reading unless it felt like it! Displays properly maybe 20% of the time. [...] I was also astonished to see the warning to not let the outdoor sensor get wet! Perhaps this model is only intended for sale in Death Valley? My own fault, I vowed not to throw away $$ on R S electronics after I bought a combo vcr/dvd unit that died before the first set of batteries gave out in the remote! Quality has plummeted at R S, and I've been buying their products for 40 years.
from Center Valley, PA on 11/4/2007
Just purchased 63-1088 and batteries from [...]. Read and followed instructions but, the main unit does not read from the remote sensor despite repeated resets and presses of search button. For testing the main and remove sensor are 10 feet apart on a wooden counter. Your mileage may vary but this turkey goes back to the store tomorrow. Reading the customer comments [...] wireless temp sensors it looks like you have about a 50/50 chance of the wireless temp sensor actually working! [...] Would give it zero stars but you must give at least a 1 star review to submit a rating/comment.
Had model #1087, the indoor reading so small I had to squint. This is just as accurate as thermometer in another room as hot as mine--but NOW I can see readout from across the room! Hated having to also buy tiny screwdriver just for setup, but pros already outweigh that!
Got it - installed it - and depend on it. Works great. No complaints. It is a battery operated device and when it gets wet it's likely to be inaccurate. I put my outdoor sensor in a baggie. It works fine.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Required extra batteries, two different sizes!! Salesman suggested lithium for outside sensor. After installing batteries, outside sensor was 20 degrees over what actual outside temperature was? I'm returning it tomorrow but stuck with expensive batteries!! Ouch!!!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Outdoor sensor ceased working in 1 week. The manual says to keep the outdoor sensor free of moisture. Well, sometimes it rains outside. What good is an outdoor thermometer if it breaks after one rainy night?!?!?
I happened upon this thermometer at a radio shack store location that was having a closing sale. I am so glad I bought it, the thing works like a champ. To give you an idea of my setup, I live in a split level townhouse type building. I have the outdoor sensor on the ground level under my deck, and the inside one is upstairs in the living room. Quite a bit of barrier in between the two devices, but they work fine. It is simple on features but does its job well. I wish this was a little cheaper, but I plan on getting it as a gift for others.
I know this may sound morbid. Yet to me death is a part of life. I am dying of Kaposi's Sarcoms Cancer and I bought this because I am on Hospice and my hospital bed is in the coldest room in the house. So I put them in that room so I can figure out the coolness that is in that room and make it as comfortable for me as possible. So thank you so much.
Straightforward, no-nonsense unit that is easy to use and easy to see. If you only need indoor/outdoor temps with max and min recording capability, this is your unit...
Large numbers are easy to read. I depend on it. [..MODERATED..]