Ed did an incredible job as he described the dilemma he faced several months back. And now I too feel like Ed finding himself face to face with the precipice of committing to a piece of technology worth a bunch of $$$. That you hope will serve ones whimsical desires for many years to come. I have come to the conclusion that I too will be purchasing a Davis home Thermometer that has a couple extra attachments built into it. And I too have not decided on the particular model I have a lot of the same questions that Ed had like
I've looked at both the Davis Vue and the VP2. I like the idea of being able to put the anemometer up high and the rain gauge and thermo/hyro unit down low so that gives the VP2 an edge. But, the Vue is less expensive.
My situation is quite different site wise though as I am surrounded by trees mostly 40' or less but some taller. My initial Idea was mounting a Davis Vue on top of my antenna mast (for internet) it is about 40' tall. Then I found out that the main unit should be closer to the ground and away from the house. Well my mast is close to my house in a sheltered inside corner. So probably not the best place to get good rainfall data there perhaps if I was to mount it so that the main instrument assembly were 5-6 ft off the ground on a bracket that placed the unit about 7-8 feet away from the eave of the house.
I had though that the console was compatible with both the Vue and the VP2 so I was thinking on buying a Vue and at some latter point picking up a VP2 ISS if I really got into this or felt I needed the wind sensor separate. But then I saw that you had said that you decided to go with the VP2 because of the ability to add additional sensors and upgradability. So I am left with the assumption that if I get the Vue it comes with an inferior console.
Then there is the cabled option of the VP2, Apparently living in west central Alberta means I will have to change a lithium batterie every year or two so if I got the wireless /solar version. (Definitely my original idea of a Vue on top of my antenna mast is out the window.) It appears as though I could start with a cabled unit and pick up a solar charger/transmitter if I wanted later. I doubt with my northern climate I will be in the market for the fan or UV sensors.
I would be most interested in how you Ed made out with your VP2 in these last several months is it all that you were hoping for?
Was it more then you needed?
Would you consider the cabled version?
Anyone with input on possibly starting with a wireless Vue unit in my site situation then potentially just picking up that VP2 ISS module later and having 2 stations? Is it possible?
Or even if the console that comes with either the Vue or Cabled VP2 is the right one to use with the wireless VP2 ISS solar module.
Thanks in advance for your ideas and input.
Kim
