Topic: "New and improved" anemometer from Davis

[smorris]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=598606430157159&l=f2f64766bc

We are pleased to announce our new and improved Anemometer design, now with a Wind Speed Starting Threshold of 1 mph (less than 0.5 m/s)

[Intheswamp]

Dang, talk about giving me the warm fuzzies for Davis...my station hasn't even been delivered yet and the anemometer is already last year's model.  

Ed

ETA:  Ok, from what I can tell it looks like I may very well be getting the new anemometer.  From what I can tell it looks like a (good) design change in the piece (shaft? shaft cover?) between the cups and the mount...the new design appears to be more aerodynamic in that area...rather than a cylindrical shape the new design has a "twist" to it.  I'm not aware of any electronics changes.  Supposedly the new vane has been shipping for "a while" now.  The vanes with the white "DAVIS" logo on them will not be out until July...who needs a logo?    Regardless whether my "In Transit" station has the old or new vane....I'm happy!! 

COME ON MONDAY!!!!!! 

[johnd]

Dang, talk about giving me the warm fuzzies for Davis...my station hasn't even been delivered yet and the anemometer is already last year's model. 

You never know, you might get one of the new ones - all depends on manufacturing schedules, buffer stocks at the dealer etc. I think (subject to confirmation) that if you have a Mfg Code that starts AF or AJ onwards  (ie not AG or AH) then you should have the new one. Another sign would be a D-shaped wind vane shaft.

[CNYWeather]

I was planning on replacing my 8 year old VP2 with a new one.
Hope there's some other improvements over the years.

[Sigdigit]

That's the same anemometer they replaced my old one with when I sent the whole station in for a refurb!  I was pleased they did that.

[hailstorm]

Ordered a replacement anemometer last month from WeatherShack for my 6 year old VP2 and received the " new and improved " version, looks identical to the picture (minus the Davis logo). Thing I noticed is there is no exposed magnetic pickup underneath, seems to be now contained inside the housing and it most definitely is a lot more sensitive to very light winds that the old version.

[Skywatch]

I just sent Ryan of Archer Trading Post an email asking about these. I've got this on my wish list. Thanx for sharing this.

[Intheswamp]

Ryan told me that he's 99% sure the new anemometer will be in the VP2 station that I have coming to me.  He said that the new version has been shipping with the last several stations that he's sent out.  I'm hoping...  

He didn't mention whether the individual anemometers that he's been getting are the new ones or not, though they may be.

Ed

[BigOkie]

Ryan told me that he's 99% sure the new anemometer will be in the VP2 station that I have coming to me.  He said that the new version has been shipping with the last several stations that he's sent out.  I'm hoping...  

He didn't mention whether the individual anemometers that he's been getting are the new ones or not, though they may be.

Ed

Good, I'm hoping I'll get one as well, as I just ordered a 6153 from him on Friday.  He's super nice.  I lamented about him not having the datalogger in stock, he rectified that right away and also offered to ship it priority.  Shipment of new Davis stock was evidently delayed by weather, so he should have those in by Monday.

That's how you keep repeat business.

[K3JAE]

Couple of dumb questions:

1. Where do I locate the MFG code or how to know if green dot (I have a VP2 Pro 6512)?
2. I know I saw this somewhere else regarding a refurb/calibration: How long does Davis take to do both and what is the cost?

Thanks in advance.

[RainmanWeather]

Here is a link to PDF that Davis has supplied to share with customers that shows how they can determine the correct replacement vane, it supplies the different manufacturing codes and physical characteristics to look for.

Replacement Wind Vane PDF

The easiest way to determine version is by the shape of the lower part of the anemometer, the logo'd version has not yet been released.
We have had this new revision individually for some time and also most of our current stock of stations include it too.
 

[dalecoy]

The easiest way to determine version is by the shape of the lower part of the anemometer...
 

That would be easy if an illustration or clearly-identified pictures were posted. 

[RainmanWeather]

The easiest way to determine version is by the shape of the lower part of the anemometer...
 

That would be easy if an illustration or clearly-identified pictures were posted. 

I thought was fairly apparent in the PDF illustration but here are some pictures that I hope will help clarify. looking at the older straight body vs new indented shape.

[johnd]

I'd have thought that the easiest things to look for would either be the D-shaped wind vane spindle or the Mfg Code (both previously posted to another thread here, but also as per the linked PDF).

[RainmanWeather]

I'd have thought that the easiest things to look for would either be the D-shaped wind vane spindle or the Mfg Code (both previously posted to another thread here, but also as per the linked PDF).

My thinking of "easiest" was by just looking at it without having to remove any parts. Although if you do remove the vane to inspect the shaft then there will be absolutely no doubt about the version (D shaped shaft is the new version).

[johnd]

My thinking of "easiest" was by just looking at it without having to remove any parts. Although if you do remove the vane to inspect the shaft then there will be absolutely no doubt about the version (D shaped shaft is the new version).

Understood, but just trying to put myself in the position of a user who doesn't have an 'old' one to hand for comparison. I haven't seen the new one myself yet, does the D-spindle poke right through the vane like on the Vue? That would be another way of telling. Definitely looking forward to the new speed sensor.

[RainmanWeather]

My thinking of "easiest" was by just looking at it without having to remove any parts. Although if you do remove the vane to inspect the shaft then there will be absolutely no doubt about the version (D shaped shaft is the new version).

Understood, but just trying to put myself in the position of a user who doesn't have an 'old' one to hand for comparison. I haven't seen the new one myself yet, does the D-spindle poke right through the vane like on the Vue? That would be another way of telling. Definitely looking forward to the new speed sensor.

Yes, it may be hard  to describe without the digram or pictures, so then the D shaped shaft is still the only sure way to know. Other than that, they are still shipping with the exact same vane (part # 7904 does not have keyed D shape underneath) so you cannot determine version by simply looking at the external vane part itself.

Note the new keyed vanes will be the 7906L Wind Vane (with logo) & 7906 Wind Vane (no logo), these are not yet available.

[Weather Spares]

Could you not tell by looking at the plastic moulding where the vein, anemometer and shaft meet?

The new one looks much smoother and moulded, where the original is quite angular and has right angled reinforcements above and below the shaft.

[BigOkie]

My unit came today; it would appear I have the older anemometer.  No d-shaped shaft and the molding is not smooth as indicated in the photo.

[Intheswamp]

I haven't taken mine out of the box yet...still gotta get prepared for installation.

BigOkie, I was wondering what the first two characters in your unit's serial number is.

According to the Davis pdf linked to above any units with a serial number starting out with AJ and on upwards has the new anemometer.

Ed

[BigOkie]

I haven't taken mine out of the box yet...still gotta get prepared for installation.

BigOkie, I was wondering what the first two characters in your unit's serial number is.

According to the Davis pdf linked to above any units with a serial number starting out with AJ and on upwards has the new anemometer.

Ed

I'll have to look when I get home.  Are you talking about the serial number on the console or is there another somewhere, possibly on the ISS?

I know using the pattern described, my console has a manu date of Jan 2012.  It also came loaded with v1.90 firmware.

[Intheswamp]

If I recall correctly the serial number is found on the back of the console...the leg of the stand, I believe.  But, with your mention of the date of manufacture and it having FW v1.90 loaded I feel that your serial # will be a pre-AK one.  Hang onto that v1.90.   I'm thinking mine will have the new anemometer but at the expense of being loaded with v3.12 firmware.  We'll see...

Ed

[BigOkie]

If I recall correctly the serial number is found on the back of the console...the leg of the stand, I believe.  But, with your mention of the date of manufacture and it having FW v1.90 loaded I feel that your serial # will be a pre-AK one.  Hang onto that v1.90.   I'm thinking mine will have the new anemometer but at the expense of being loaded with v3.12 firmware.  We'll see...

Ed

Interesting.  Serial number on the back of my console begins with B1.

[Intheswamp]

I just took a peek inside the box (still waiting on a chance to install  ) and it looks like mine has the new anemometer.  The serial number starts on the box label starts with AK and states the firmware is v3.12.

Ed

[BigOkie]

I just took a peek inside the box (still waiting on a chance to install  ) and it looks like mine has the new anemometer.  The serial number starts on the box label starts with AK and states the firmware is v3.12.

Ed

Hmm. Didn't think to look on the box for it. I'll check that again.