I am toying with the idea of getting a weather station. I've got my eye on
one from Maplins, mainly because it has a computer interface.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223254

The back garden is tiny, approx 30 feet square, with shrub hedge boundaries
to either side (8ft high), a six foot fence across the back with two 40ft
Canadian Maples outside, and the house on the fourth boundary. Pretty
sheltered to say the least, but the back of the house and first 15ft of the
garden does receive it's full share of sunshine. The back of the house faces
SSE (about 160 degrees magnetic).

So, questions for the knowledgeable amongst you.
1. How far from any surrounding shrubs and house should such a station be
positioned?
2. How far off the ground should it be?
3. How often would it need to be accessed for maintenance, etc?

Questions 1&2 relate to the sort of neighbourhood this is, where one's
granny needs extra theft insurance! Question 3 refers to me and heights,
specifically ladders, not having a very happy relationship!

Bolted to the back of the house is a 24ft pole supporting radio and TV
aerials. Would it be possible for it to work satisfactorily if it was
positioned about 10 feet up this pole, on a bracket putting it about 4 feet
from the rear wall of the house? That way it's above the bushes, away from
pilfering fingers, but possibly not ideal for rain measurement from a strong
northerly wind.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

jim, Northampton