I have now provisionally prepared the following for the next update of
the FAQ .... it won't go 'live' until a few months time, so in the
interim, I'll post it here for information as we are getting enquiries
along these lines:-

**6E Sources for advice on setting up a weather station.
=====================================

In addition to the hints, tips & general advice in the earlier parts of
this Section (above), many of the manufacturers in Section 7A will
supply advice on the installation of equipment. For some basic ideas of
how to start-up, see the following sites (I haven't given the full page
url's because they keep changing and it is difficult to remain
up-to-date with same):

The Met Office:
(follow links for the Education Section .. some very useful ideas for
the hobbyist, and also advice if you want to make observations to
climatological standards.)
http://www.metoffice.com/

The Royal Meteorological Society:
(follow links for Publications: the Society encourage meteorology at all
levels, and publish some leaflets on weather observing which can be
obtained either free, or for a small sum.)
http://www.royal-met-soc.org.uk/
[ and don't forget that other national meteorological societies will
have similar information.]

The BBC Weather Centre
(follow links for 'Weatherwise' .. or use the Search engine; a useful
site to help the beginner in all aspects of observing and understanding
the weather.)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/

Don't forget though: throwing a large amount of money at the subject
won't improve your understanding. Read up on the basics, use your senses
to observe the changing 'sky-scape', note the weather (rain, hail, snow
etc.), and just get used to deciding from which direction the wind is
coming. For all of this, you don't need fancy equipment - that can be
built up later. Even then, start in a small way if your budget is
limited: some thermometers and rain-gauges from Garden Centres are quite
good, and many department stores and catalogue shops sell 'all-in-one'
desk weather stations which can stimulate interest. Other suppliers are
listed in Section 7A.


Martin.
--
FAQ & Glossary for uk.sci.weather at:-
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/booty.weather/uswfaqfr.htm