Usage note: To use this device with the Shelly Smart Control app, a gateway is necessary. Compatible gateways are Shelly BLU Gateway, or any Shelly Plus, Pro, Gen3 or Gen4 device (excluding sensors). Not compatible with Ecowitt gateways or consoles. WS90 Powered by Shelly version vs WS90 Standard (RF) version – Selection Guide, FAQs & Recommendations 1. Does the Shelly version support local display on an Ecowitt console? Unfortunately, the short answer is no. The WS90 Powered by Shelly replaces the WS90 standard Sub-G RF (868MHz radio frequency) transmitter with a Bluetooth/Zigbee module. Protocol Conflict: Conventional TFT displays (like the Ecowitt HP2550 or HP2560) "listen" exclusively on the 915MHz/868MHz/433MHz RF frequency. Hardware Limitation: Because the Shelly version does not broadcast on those RF frequencies, a standard desk display will not be able to "see" or display the data from a Shelly-branded WS90. The workaround solution: If you want both a local desk display and Shelly automation, we recommend purchasing the Standard WS90 with a display console. You can then bridge the data into your Shelly/Home Automation world using a "local push" or a platform like Home Assistant. 2. Power Consumption There is a distinction between the "Power to Run" and the "Power to Heat." Sensor Power (The AA Batteries) The sensors (wind, rain, temp) consume a minuscule amount of energy. Autonomy: Using high-quality Lithium AA batteries (not Alkaline), the station can operate for 1 to 2 years without any solar assistance at all. Rainy Days: Even if it is cloudy for three weeks, the batteries will easily bridge the gap. The station will not go offline unless the batteries are physically exhausted, which takes a very long time. Heater Power (The 12V Input) The "power-hungry" part is the internal heater used to melt snow/ice. Requirement: This only works if you have a 12V DC power supply plugged in. Autonomy Tip: If you do not provide 12V power, the heater simply stays off. The station will still report temperature, rain, and wind perfectly fine—the only risk is that if the unit physically freezes over with ice, the wind readings will be "0" until it thaws naturally. 3. How to Maximize Autonomy Since you are concerned about being away for long periods, we suggest two ways to ensure the station never dies: Option A: The Battery Extension Kit. We offer a kit that moves the battery compartment from the top of the unit to a box 10 meters down the pole. This makes it easier to swap them without a ladder. Option B: External 12V Battery & Solar. If you truly want the heater to work in a remote location, you can install a small, separate 20W solar panel connected to a 12V lead-acid or LiFePO4 battery. You then plug that 12V battery into the WS90's power input. This provides "infinite" autonomy for both the sensors and the heater. Summary table to help your decision: Feature WS90 Standard (RF) WS90 Powered by Shelly Local TFT/LCD Display Yes(Native support) No Shelly Cloud Via Hub/API Yes(Native support) Range Very Long (RF) Moderate (BT/Zigbee) Battery Life 1–2 Years (Lithium) 1–2 Years (Lithium) Features 7-in-1 Wireless Haptic Sensor Array - Ultrasonic wind monitoring, haptic rain detection, temperature & humidity tracking, UV, and Illuminance measurements Dual Connectivity - Bluetooth and Zigbee run simultaneously for effortless setup and reliable automations High-Precision Sensors - Temperature range -40 to +60 °C and humidity 0-99% RH for dependable weather insights Low-Maintenance Design - Solid-state sensors with no moving parts for long-lasting use Always Connected - Reports to multiple gateways at once, using Shelly devices for Bluetooth and any compatible Zigbee hub for broader smart home integration Pressure Trend Alerts - Know when the weather is likely to improve or worsen directly in the Shelly app Your Weather, Visualized - Easy-to-read Shelly Smart Control app turns live data into clear insights Tailored to Your Location - Adjust sensor offsets so readings reflect your unique surroundings Solar-Powered with Backup - Solar operation with AA battery backup for continuous operation Built for the Outdoors - IPX5-rated housing, stable even in harsh conditions Specification Sensors Measurement Range Accuracy Resolution Wind Speed 0 m/s to 40 m/s
