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Weather Station Hardware => Davis Instruments Weather Stations => Topic started by: W3DRM on March 05, 2014, 04:05:21 PM

Title: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: W3DRM on March 05, 2014, 04:05:21 PM
This post is meant to, once again, remind everyone who owns a Davis Weather Station that Davis has an excellent refurbishment program for all but their very oldest of equipment. Any station that is currently being manufactured or serviced is eligible.


EDIT: May 6, 2016 - The pricing shown in this first post is no longer valid. Contact Davis for a quote BEFORE you send it in. You may find that ordering a replacement ISS (assuming your console is still good) may be a better deal or will allow you to have a "spare" ISS to use while your other unit is being refurbed. See comments about this in later posts in this thread.


NOTE: The original Vantage Pro is no longer being serviced by Davis.

There have been several recent posts on this forum that mention that the owners have shipped back individual components for around $80 to refurb them. What most folks don't know is that Davis will refurbish your entire weather station, including the anemometer assembly and console, for a flat fee plus the cost to ship it back to you. Turn-around time, after receipt by Davis, is typically less than a week. True, you will be without a station for a period of time but it is well worth the wait. I've had mine refurbed several times when parts went bad and it came back looking almost like new.

The cost for refurb, as of this writing, is set at $100 $140 plus $12 for shipping your equipment back to you. You, of course have to pay to get it to them.

You will have to contact Davis and ask them about this program and whether or not your station is eligible for the program. If it is, and you are interested, ask them for a RMA number and shipping directions. They have a specific shipping address to use. And no, before anyone living in the SF Bay area asks, they do not accept drop-offs at that address. I asked about doing that but they said they don't accept drop-offs. It has to be shipped.

So, where do you call or send an email? see below:
The above information is also available on their website at:
One word of advice if you decide to send your station in for refurb - remove the batteries from the console and the ISS before shipping them. Davis does not seem to replace the batteries so you will receive it without them. This has been the case in the last two refurbs I've had done on my VP2. You may also want to tie-down the rain-bucket tipping mechanism prior to shipping to prevent any damage to it.

EDIT 06/27/2014: Documented the new pricing & the dropping of the original Vantage Pro unit from the serviceability list.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: tbern on March 05, 2014, 04:15:13 PM
Thanks for the update, sounds like a great deal. This would include calibrating solar and uv sensors as well :?:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: W3DRM on March 05, 2014, 04:17:14 PM
Thanks for the update, sounds like a great deal. This would include calibrating solar and uv sensors as well :?:

I don't know about the Solar/UV sensors. Give them a call and find out. If you do, and get an answer, post it in this thread so all of us will know.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: GeoAir.pt on March 06, 2014, 09:48:47 AM
I wish we had a similar program on this side of the pond...
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Bushman on March 06, 2014, 09:58:30 AM
And north of the border.  :(  It pretty much kills you to send the unit south, pay $120 CAD and pay to ship it back.  Last time I checked you were looking at  close to $250.  Unless you can get to a border town in the US this is a non-starter.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Timay on March 06, 2014, 11:46:46 AM
Just last week I called Davis because my Vue would run on the battery but not the solar panel...talked to Brian at Davis and after a bit of troubleshooting, we decided I needed a refurb...I could either mail it back and be without it for a month (Brian said that) or I could pay for the refurb and do it myself.  I did the refurb here as it is an easy plug-and-play...it was about $100, I got both the transmitter board and the battery board...only glitch is they get $180 bux for a 'core' charge that will be refunded when they get their parts back.  I got the parts, sent back my old ones and just got my refund day before yesterday.  Easy peasy!

I think it took care of my problem because there are only two boards in the Vue.  Time will tell...

Tim
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Bushman on March 06, 2014, 11:56:50 AM
Interesting!  that option would certainly work for Canadians.  About 10 bucks each way for Vantage boards.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CNYWeather on March 06, 2014, 12:41:06 PM
Thanks for all the info. My station is going to get replaced hopefully this spring,
and for the cost, I'll send my old one back for the refurb. I have a few family
members that want to know what the weather is at their homes.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Cienega32 on March 06, 2014, 08:24:12 PM
They will advise you to tie down the rain tipper before you ship it to them and you can pay a little extra for more expedited return shipping. As far as the Solar (I don't have UV), it came back looking like it was "touched". I don't remember what the statement breakdown was but that sensor did seem to have been under their scrutiny.

With me paying for expedited shipping both ways and having the supplied RMA on the box beforehand, my turn around time from ship to receive was about 2 weeks. I did have to make a phone call after they received it to provide them with payment.

Great idea making this a sticky, Don!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Joe A on March 13, 2014, 02:42:01 PM
We need to rewind and start over with the "refurb" notion. This is for out of warranty (older than 1yr) units.

According to Davis Support, there is no "refurb" program, per se. If your unit stop functioning correctly and you want Davis to service it, you package the whole thing up and send it to Davis at your expense. Davis "repairs" the unit, replacing necessary parts, if the unit is not so damaged as to be non-repairable. If the unit is damaged beyond repair, they will send you a refurbished unit. You pay for all parts or for the completely refurbished unit and you pay return shipping. I just got off the phone with support. So, I'm hoping my translation is accurate! Best thing to do is to call Davis support to get your own direct explanation of "repair" or "refurb": 510 732 7814.

If you decide to not go through Davis for repairs, give me a call. We generally can troubleshoot your problem and get the correct parts to you that are easy to install.

BTW, sensor recalibration is NOT included in any repair or refurb, as I understand it from Davis. You would have to pay additional for NIST calibration.

Joe Amadeo
www.WeatherBuffs.com
1+ 928 635 1088 MST
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: moehoward4 on March 13, 2014, 03:53:38 PM
Joe A     You should spend a little time reading threads/posts here concerning the Davis refurb deal. A LOT cheaper option than buying repair parts from someone that sells new stations for $535. Most people here that have had it done are happy with the results.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Joe A on March 13, 2014, 06:41:21 PM
Moe/Jack:

I did read the posts and that's why I called Davis earlier today as I had not ever once been informed by Davis (as a long time dealer) that this was an option. The person I spoke with this AM relayed to me exactly what I posted above. After reading your post, I called Davis back and found out from Jerry that this is, indeed, an available option. But even Jerry took awhile to comprehend my question about "refurbing a unit." He kept referring to repair until I pressed and pressed and pressed. In fact, I didn't get the correct reply that corroborates the posts here until I read a quote from W3DRM's post. Then the lights came on and to my surprise, Jerry confirmed the complete refurb for $100 plus $12 in return shipping.

This is a great deal!!!

Thanks for snapping at me in your reply. It made me pick up the phone again immediately and talk with someone at Davis who I've spoken with before. I am a bit dismayed that it took so much prodding and prying to get the information from Davis tech. And I'm even more surprised that in the face of thousands of conversations with my Davis reps and Davis tech support over the years that not once has this wonderful option been presented to us.

Thanks again,

Joe Amadeo
WeatherBuffs.com
1+ 928 635 1088 MST
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: moehoward4 on March 13, 2014, 07:22:50 PM
As a 'long time dealer', you have to know that T/S at Davis ain't what it used to be. I usually have to make three calls to get the same answer from 2 reps....
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: n4in on May 29, 2014, 09:52:27 PM
Just sent my Vantage 2 wireless station in today, the cost is $140+12 return shipping.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: michaelnel on June 27, 2014, 07:54:41 PM
My buddy has a Vantage Pro (not Pro 2) that has a bad supercap.  I told him about this thread, and he called Davis.  They told him they no longer service that model.  No refurb, no out of warranty repairs, no parts.  Basically, SOL.

So he sourced the supercap elsewhere and ordered a couple (something like three bucks each) and will do the repair himself.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: W3DRM on June 27, 2014, 10:35:46 PM
My buddy has a Vantage Pro (not Pro 2) that has a bad supercap.  I told him about this thread, and he called Davis.  They told him they no longer service that model.  No refurb, no out of warranty repairs, no parts.  Basically, SOL.

So he sourced the supercap elsewhere and ordered a couple (something like three bucks each) and will do the repair himself.

Thanks for the info! I have updated the first post in this thread to reflect these changes.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: worknhard on October 01, 2014, 07:49:09 PM
I Just spoke to Davis re. refurbish/overhaul of VP2 Pro today.  Since my system has the 24-Hour Fan Aspirated Radiation Shield the overhaul cost is now $200.  I believe he said that a new motor ges installed and because there are a lot of parts in this subsystem, the complete overhaul cost has risen to $200.  As for calibration of sensors, I was told that all are check to make sure they are within the tolerances of new equipment.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: jlberry on October 31, 2014, 10:08:04 AM
An additional option is to buy a new ISS, $155.99 at Scientific Sales. You might find a lower price elsewhere.
The original could be refurbished and kept on hand for zero turn-around time.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: moehoward4 on October 31, 2014, 11:45:23 AM
An additional option is to buy a new ISS, $155.99 at Scientific Sales
......and that price is for a VUE ISS, not a VP2 ISS
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: jlberry on October 31, 2014, 12:01:37 PM
Correct; at my location near Houston the total with shipping was $175.99 for the wireless Vantage Vue ISS.

Invoice line reads; "6357 Davis Vantage Vue Integrated Sensor Suite"

Amazon Prime cost was around $188 I think.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: jsel on March 18, 2015, 02:34:51 PM
This may be useful info for anyone repairing their VP1
After nearly 13 years my VP1 Pro started to eat batteries (they lasted about 10 days) On taking the ISS apart the super capacitor looked very dodgy, so replaced it 1F (not 1uF) 5.5V available in UK from RS Components (339-6837) for just £2.62. On making a few checks I find that in bright sun the solar panel (now rather crazed) still produces 2.3V, and the voltage pump circuitry on the ISS board boosts this to 5.30V (hence the need for a 5.5V capacitor). Without a battery fitted, then covering the solar panel, the super capacitor fully charged still keeps the station going for about another 14 hours. Stops when capacitor voltage falls to about 2.65V. Average current drain from the super capacitor is approx. 50uA.
With no sunlight, a new battery (3.2V) charges the capacitor and the circuitry starts when the capacitor voltage reaches approx.  2.77. The capacitor continues to charge from the battery reaching approx. 2.86V.
The solar  panel characteristics are such that it produces only about 0.2V on load until the sunlight reaches a critical level when it can now produce enough current to drive the voltage boost circuit, and the solar panel voltage now rapidly increases to between 1.8 to 2.3V. This voltage is sufficient to cause the voltage boost circuit to produce a full 5.3V to fully charge the super capacitor.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: kwas156 on May 16, 2015, 10:18:32 PM
As of May 2015, Davis refurbished my Vantage Vue for $100 plus $12 for shipping (Chicago Area).  I received it back with all new electronics, annemometer, wind direction vane, ISS battery and mounting hardware.  The turnaround was about two weeks.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: ocala on May 17, 2015, 06:28:17 AM
After 8 years I am taking my 6152 down today to send back for refurb.
The worst part, besides not having it for a couple weeks, is taking down the anny.
That's 34ft! Not real comfortable climbing that high. I remember when I installed it I had a death grip with one hand holding on and a wrench in the other tightening the bolts. The peak of the roof is just below the picture. It's not a free standing tower.
(http://static.flickr.com/37/84477439_e0873deb68.jpg)
Here's another view.
(http://static.flickr.com/41/84477441_8af8754f57.jpg)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SlowModem on May 17, 2015, 07:58:58 AM
After 8 years I am taking my 6152 down today to send back for refurb.
The worst part, besides not having it for a couple weeks, is taking down the anny.

Take a camera and take some pictures while you're up there!   =D>
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: ocala on May 17, 2015, 08:14:33 AM
After 8 years I am taking my 6152 down today to send back for refurb.
The worst part, besides not having it for a couple weeks, is taking down the anny.

Take a camera and take some pictures while you're up there!   =D>
They probably wouldn't come out. I would be shaking too much. :-)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Dr Obbins on May 17, 2015, 08:55:09 AM
As the company's safety manager, I can't help but recommend wearing a fall protection harness (http://www.pksafety.com/protecta-ab17533-harness-kit.html?gclid=CIa3ptLoyMUCFQqSaQodYoUA1g) and have a spotter with you.  ;)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SlowModem on May 17, 2015, 09:21:17 AM
As the company's safety manager, I can't help but recommend wearing a fall protection harness (http://www.pksafety.com/protecta-ab17533-harness-kit.html?gclid=CIa3ptLoyMUCFQqSaQodYoUA1g) and have a spotter with you.  ;)

We usually don't get those out until September or October.   :lol:

Seriously, though, that's a good idea.  They have them at Lowe's (http://www.lowes.com/pd_525913-287-H511202___?Ntt=safety+harness&UserSearch=safety+harness&productId=50163679):

Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Dr Obbins on May 17, 2015, 09:56:53 AM
As the company's safety manager, I can't help but recommend wearing a fall protection harness (http://www.pksafety.com/protecta-ab17533-harness-kit.html?gclid=CIa3ptLoyMUCFQqSaQodYoUA1g) and have a spotter with you.  ;)

We usually don't get those out until September or October.   :lol:
=D> :lol:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: ocala on May 17, 2015, 12:14:39 PM
Whew!
Glad that's over.
Didn't have a harness but it wasn't a problem. Just told my daughter that if I  fall, catch me. So we had all the bases covered. :roll:
Now the harsh reality sets in. No weather station for a couple weeks. :-(
I mean,.... how do I know what the dew point will be tonight at 8:30???
Just bare with me the next couple weeks. I'll be data starved and probably suffering from withdrawal symptoms. ](*,)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SlowModem on May 17, 2015, 01:37:29 PM
Whew!
Glad that's over.
Didn't have a harness but it wasn't a problem. Just told my daughter that if I  fall, catch me. So we had all the bases covered. :roll:
Now the harsh reality sets in. No weather station for a couple weeks. :-(
I mean,.... how do I know what the dew point will be tonight at 8:30???
Just bare with me the next couple weeks. I'll be data starved and probably suffering from withdrawal symptoms. ](*,)

Just a thought:  I ran across a Vue ISS for $100 and bought it.  I have never used it.  I figured if I ever had to send in my VP2 for refurb, at least I'd have something to stick up there while it was gone.  Keep your eyes open and if you run across a bargain, you'll have a spare for times like these.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: ValentineWeather on May 17, 2015, 01:55:03 PM
Whew!
Glad that's over.
Didn't have a harness but it wasn't a problem. Just told my daughter that if I  fall, catch me. So we had all the bases covered. :roll:
Now the harsh reality sets in. No weather station for a couple weeks. :-(
I mean,.... how do I know what the dew point will be tonight at 8:30???
Just bare with me the next couple weeks. I'll be data starved and probably suffering from withdrawal symptoms. ](*,)

I couldn't handle it , Good luck
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on May 17, 2015, 04:17:39 PM
Whew!
Glad that's over.
Didn't have a harness but it wasn't a problem. Just told my daughter that if I  fall, catch me. So we had all the bases covered. :roll:
Now the harsh reality sets in. No weather station for a couple weeks. :-(
I mean,.... how do I know what the dew point will be tonight at 8:30???
Just bare with me the next couple weeks. I'll be data starved and probably suffering from withdrawal symptoms. ](*,)

I couldn't handle it , Good luck
I was thinking about starting a thread about how folks would feel if they lost their PWS, for whatever reason, and see if I was the only one who would go into the fetal position. I just knew I wasn't alone. ;)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: ocala on May 24, 2015, 09:57:18 AM
It will be delivered on Tuesday.
Been a tough week. :-( Hopefully they get it shipped back out by Friday and I could have it in 2 weeks.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: ocala on June 01, 2015, 08:39:31 PM
Woohoo!
Shipped out today from Davis. Looks like I should have it by Saturday. [-o<
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on June 01, 2015, 09:59:54 PM
Woohoo!
Shipped out today from Davis. Looks like I should have it by Saturday. [-o<
Soooo, what did you have done/getting?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SlowModem on June 01, 2015, 10:03:25 PM
Woohoo!
Shipped out today from Davis. Looks like I should have it by Saturday. [-o<

Good for you!   =D>
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: ocala on June 02, 2015, 05:50:08 AM
Woohoo!
Shipped out today from Davis. Looks like I should have it by Saturday. [-o<
Soooo, what did you have done/getting?
The refurb.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXWIZARD on October 10, 2015, 07:37:46 PM
Any information on the latest cost for sending in Vantage Pro 2 for refurbishment?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Mtn_man on October 11, 2015, 12:05:43 AM
Got two holes in my data, each almost 3 weeks long (one last year, and one this year) while sending my VP2 back to Davis. 

Originally sent back because the barometer (in the console) would go nuts and jump all over the place, and Weather Display would recognize it was completely erroneous, and record none of the data (rain, temp, etc).  Sent it to davis, with description of the problem, and got it back after a couple of weeks.  Reinstalled and all seemed OK.

About 7 months later, the same problem.  Davis guarantees their refurbish for only 90 days.  Called them, and their support people looked up the original work order, and discovered they did nothing to the console, except upgrade the firmware.  Got it escalated to a supervisor, and they agreed to again do a refurb without charge.  Of course I had to pay to ship to them.  They also replace the anemometer unit, though I had not noticed a problem with the wind speed or direction.  It has been back for just over 4 months and so far so good.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: W3DRM on October 11, 2015, 06:16:33 PM
Any information on the latest cost for sending in Vantage Pro 2 for refurbishment?

Why don't you call Davis yourself and then post the current refurb pricing in this thread so we all can benefit from the answer?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: W3DRM on October 11, 2015, 06:32:04 PM
Got two holes in my data, each almost 3 weeks long (one last year, and one this year) while sending my VP2 back to Davis. 

Originally sent back because the barometer (in the console) would go nuts and jump all over the place, and Weather Display would recognize it was completely erroneous, and record none of the data (rain, temp, etc).  Sent it to davis, with description of the problem, and got it back after a couple of weeks.  Reinstalled and all seemed OK.

About 7 months later, the same problem.  Davis guarantees their refurbish for only 90 days.  Called them, and their support people looked up the original work order, and discovered they did nothing to the console, except upgrade the firmware.  Got it escalated to a supervisor, and they agreed to again do a refurb without charge.  Of course I had to pay to ship to them.  They also replace the anemometer unit, though I had not noticed a problem with the wind speed or direction.  It has been back for just over 4 months and so far so good.

Yet another plus for Davis Support doing the right thing. As for the replaced anemometer unit, I suspect they replaced it with their new electronic hall-effect switch design. That replaces the old mechanical reed-switch that many of us have had problems with over the years.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: night on October 14, 2015, 09:43:27 PM
Saw this post and decided to have Davis refurbish my station.  $200 because mine has the fars option.  And $12 for S&H.  Tech told me that mine was over 9 years old.  I am thinking that it has been running on borrowed time.

Now I need to switch over the local METAR.

Mark
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: superduty on November 13, 2015, 12:16:36 PM
I had my VP2 "refurbished" by Davis about a year ago.  It was $200 (24 hr FARS).  I was not so impressed with the results in terms of aesthetics.  Specifically, the white part of the ISS was still pretty dirty.  Not sure you can get that thing white again after numerous years collecting dust and sitting in the sun, though.

Other than aesthetics, they did replace one of the solar panels and the serial logger for a USB logger as part of the $200. 
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: night on November 13, 2015, 01:30:56 PM
They replaced a boatload of items on mine.
The anemometer and cable.
Both of the solar sensors and mounts.
The rain arm (tipper) and supports.
The heater resistor and cable.
The solar panel and cover.
The circuit board and a new battery.
The FARS fan.
I think I got my $200 worth. :)  Well worth it.

Mark
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: superduty on November 13, 2015, 01:33:38 PM
They replaced a boatload of items on mine.
The anemometer and cable.
Both of the solar sensors and mounts.
The rain arm (tipper) and supports.
The heater resistor and cable.
The solar panel and cover.
The circuit board and a new battery.
The FARS fan.
I think I got my $200 worth. :)  Well worth it.




Mark

I have no idea what they replaced - besides the few obvious things I mentioned above.  Did they give you a detailed list?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: W3DRM on November 13, 2015, 02:32:52 PM
Davis used to include a detailed list of all items that were replaced and/or repaired. It was part of the documentation that came back with the refurbed unit. I always marked my equipment with a recognizable mark on all of the major components just to see if they had been returned or replaced. Guess I am just too anal about those things...  :roll:

The outer casing of all of the Davis equipment will discolor and age over time. I doubt that "looks or aesthetics" is part of their refurb efforts. What really counts to me though, is whether the equipment itself works correctly, or not. UV rays will change the looks of any plastic that sits in the sun day after day and is simply part of the normal aging process.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: night on November 13, 2015, 05:31:19 PM
Superduty

Why did you change my quote?
Quote
I have no idea what they replaced - besides the few obvious things I mentioned above.  Did they give you a detailed list?
Was not part of my post??

Mark
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: superduty on November 13, 2015, 06:05:12 PM
Superduty

Why did you change my quote?
Quote
I have no idea what they replaced - besides the few obvious things I mentioned above.  Did they give you a detailed list?
Was not part of my post??

Mark


Sorry about that, I will see if I can go back and edit it.  The "I have no idea...." sentence was my response to your post.  I inserted it within your quote accidentally. . . .  FIXED.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: bbrowncods on November 23, 2015, 03:17:58 PM
I called today and was told that the refurb would cost $500.  They would fix anything that was wrong with my VP2.  I asked if she was sure, as I thought it was around $200.  She double checked and confirmed the price.  I now have an email in to support to see what they say.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Bushman on November 23, 2015, 03:42:18 PM
LOL.  Isn't that about the price of a new station (non-MAP price)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: night on November 23, 2015, 04:17:24 PM
For $500.00 plus S&H I would buy a new one and sell the used one.  I called tech support and got the $200 deal.  It's cheaper than that if you don't have the solar sensor package.

Mark
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: bbrowncods on November 23, 2015, 05:58:41 PM
Yah that is what I thought.  I did call the customer support number.  Still waiting on the email answer.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: gfmucci on December 26, 2015, 01:17:54 PM
An additional option is to buy a new ISS, $155.99 at Scientific Sales. You might find a lower price elsewhere.
The original could be refurbished and kept on hand for zero turn-around time.
$189.99 at Scientific Sales as of December 26, 2015.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: tomcj2 on December 28, 2015, 04:59:03 PM
I spoke to Davis this morning and got a RMA to return my 8 1/2 year old 6163 for a total refurbishment.  My cost is $220 to Davis that includes all parts,labour, and $20 for return shipping. I will have to pay to ship it there.  Had it been normally aspirated I believe that they said it would be $150 + shipping.  A big difference from $500 mentioned above.   
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: George Richardson on December 28, 2015, 07:42:35 PM
tomcj2
Be sure to send a list of EVERY problem you feel Davis should address. I know that on my second reconditioned unit, there were some not so minor problems that weren't corrected. One was the tipping bucket adjustment screws didn't adjust. My fault for not telling them but a disappointment none the less. Oh, I'll send another one when needed but I'll send a list with it. Finally, I sent a check with my first reconditioning and it took forever for Davis to wait for the check to clear before sending it back. Second one I called with a credit card number as soon as the tracking number said it had arrived. Saved me about a week.
Good luck.
George
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Smith on January 21, 2016, 01:19:09 AM
I got the davis weather station after reading reviews on http://www.jaspersweather.net/. It is giving some weird problems sometimes. What should i do, means should i contact company or just read manual again and again??
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: superduty on January 21, 2016, 04:47:30 AM
I got the davis weather station after reading reviews on http://www.jaspersweather.net/. It is giving some weird problems sometimes. What should i do, means should i contact company or just read manual again and again??

What problems specifically?   (You should probably start a new thread)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Naviguesser on April 01, 2016, 12:44:55 PM
I too am in the process of refurbishing my VP1.  I bought it in 2001.  These are some of the basic steps I'm going through and would appreciate your input.

1) For the rain gauge, I ordered several reed switches with magnetic sensitivity (ATs) ranging from 10 to 25 in incremental ranges of 5 (e.g., 15 - 20).  Not sure of which one to try first.  Any advice or approach would be appreciated.  Digikey Part#:
F6690-ND
F6691-ND
F6692-ND
F6735-ND

2) While doing some research on reed switches, I came across a new sensor by Honeywell that can be used in place of a reed switch without some of the inherent problems of a reed switch.  Here are some links and data:

http://sensing.honeywell.com/SM351LT-Magnetoresistive-Sensors
Honeywell Part#: SM351LT
Digikey Part#: 48-5908-1-ND

The output amperage is in microamps.  The voltage ranges from 1.8 to 5.5 volts.  The chip has three legs for ground, V+, and output.  Looking at the reed switch on my rain gauge, there are only two wires connected but the cable has 4 wires.  I assume on is ground(NC), and the other 2 are V+ and output.

Are there any technicians or EE here that might offer an opinion as to whether it would be possible to replace the reed switch with a magnetoresistive sensor?

3)  I "brushed" off the humidity sensor and now it seems to work better but  I don't think it is 100%.  Other than brushing, has anyone found an additional technique or techniques that seemed help? 

I could not find a replacement part online and the one mentioned from several years ago has been discontinued.

4)  For the system board, I purchased a 5.5v, 1F electrolytic capacitor .  Digikey Part #:
P6975-ND 

It looks like an "exact replacement".  Some have purchased parts with higher F values.  If the original capacitor is not shorting, can I or should I leave it in?

5)  I've been thinking of purchasing a new VP2 plus, comparing results with the VP1, and if the VP1 has reasonably close output, then donating the system to a local science class.  Several questions arise:
a) any rumors of improvements from Davis or the other vendors (i.e., should I wait?)?
b) if you thought about purchasing a VP2, what did you purchase instead?
c) who have you purchased from?
d) did they provide decent service, if needed?
e) I like to keep weather enthusiasts in business (e.g., buying seed, etc from an outdoor bird store vs Walmart)

6)  I'm switching over to the MAC/Linux/RPi side from a PC for various reasons.  I like to compile data and have a strong interest in solar energy.
a)  what software have you found that records solar (and UV) from a VP2 or similar station?
b)  Is the data stored in text (e.g., easily readable), or a format that is easily converted to text for input into a Fortran, Basic, and/or Python language based programs?  I'm currently using WeatherLink on a PC.  The MAC version does not collect solar.
c)  if the data is good,  I thought of sending the data to WeatherUnderground, etc.  but it is not a big priority at this point.

7) The anemometer is a new addition.  I understand there are parts that can wear out.  Does anybody have replacement part numbers or advice for servicing the unit.  It has a the Davis solar/battery transmission unit and is not connected to the ISS.

This is a lot and I know that some of the replies are scattered through out this wonderful site.

I've learned a lot from you all and have appreciate the comments/advice/insights.

Peter
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on April 03, 2016, 06:05:15 AM
I can only give limited answers, but;

3)  I "brushed" off the humidity sensor and now it seems to work better but  I don't think it is 100%.  Other than brushing, has anyone found an additional technique or techniques that seemed help? 

I could not find a replacement part online and the one mentioned from several years ago has been discontinued.
I sometimes just blow it out with some canned air or an air compressor on fairly low pressure (~ 20 psi?).  I don't take the radiation shield apart very often.

As far as I know, if your temp/hum sensor goes bad, you're out of luck if you can't find a working used sensor on ebay or somewhere.

4)  For the system board, I purchased a 5.5v, 1F electrolytic capacitor .  Digikey Part #:
P6975-ND 


That's the part number I have for a replacement.

If the original capacitor is not shorting, can I or should I leave it in?
If the capacitor is bad or going bad, and if you haven't replaced the cap since 2001, I would say it is, I would remove it.  I would remove it even if you don't replace it with a new one, it seems to me that caps that are bad or going bad place more of a drain on the battery, and you may be better off running just on battery with no cap.  Plus a bad cap is more likely to leak.

I think I remember some people may have tried putting two caps in parallel, if I recall there wasn't any significant benefit.  I think maybe the amount of charge was limited by the solar panel.  But it doesn't hurt to increase the capacitance either, unless two caps make it more likely one will fail sooner.

5)  I've been thinking of purchasing a new VP2 plus, comparing results with the VP1, and if the VP1 has reasonably close output, then donating the system to a local science class.  Several questions arise:
a) any rumors of improvements from Davis or the other vendors (i.e., should I wait?)?
b) if you thought about purchasing a VP2, what did you purchase instead?
c) who have you purchased from?
d) did they provide decent service, if needed?
e) I like to keep weather enthusiasts in business (e.g., buying seed, etc from an outdoor bird store vs Walmart)
Not the answer you're looking for, but what I did when the VP2 came out was to buy an almost new VP1 cheap from someone who had to upgrade, and some other spare VP1 parts and sensors from the clearance sale.  So I hope to keep my VP1 running indefinitely and relatively cheaply.  I think I've already saved money and down time by doing that rather than buying a new VP2.  I'm not the type who is that concerned about a 1 degree margin of error compared to 0.5 degree margin of error, or a new colored console that announces the temperature audibly, or flies to the room you're in when you call, or whatever a VP3 may do.  I purchased my original VP1 from a company that I think went out of business, I think it was called Earth Treasures, or something like that.

7) The anemometer is a new addition.  I understand there are parts that can wear out.  Does anybody have replacement part numbers or advice for servicing the unit.  It has a the Davis solar/battery transmission unit and is not connected to the ISS.
Here is one thread that I believe gives some reference to where to get bearings for the new anemometer, and how it comes apart http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=28664.0, and I believe there was another thread more recently.  The bearings in the old one are sealed in the housing, and you pretty much need to buy a new one if they go bad.  I just replaced mine a couple of months ago.  I'm saving my old one as I think it may work in an emergency with a little light synthetic oil until I get a new one.  I may get a spare before then as I understand the new and old anemometers are interchangeable, but it sounds like the new ones are more prone to rust and failures, so I'll see if Davis works out the issues first.  My other one lasted 12 or 13 years, so hopefully there's no hurry. 

I don't have the solar transmitter for the anny, but I think like any other VP1 transmitter/receiver, you're out of luck if you can't find a good used one.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Naviguesser on April 03, 2016, 10:20:02 AM
Hi SnowHiker,

>>I can only give limited answers<<

I asked for a lot and receiving even just a little is appreciated especially since it looks like good information.

For instance, I have read a number of the topics but had not seen the use of compressed air.  I'll give it a try.

It seems like this is a capacitive type of sensor and it appears to have a filter wrapped around it.  I see some fine lines under the filter and wonder if those are not wires of some sort. 

**Have you run across anything in this forum where someone has taken the VP1 humidity sensor apart or has a schematic for it? **

My dew point has been reading from -18 to 76 degrees.  Comparing it to the local NWS station readings.  The readings should not be going below +15.  The readings have been going in the right direction but the range is excessive.  To me, replacing the VP1 is like replacing a car when the spark plugs have worn out.  A waste of a lot of good components.

Glad to hear that I may have ordered the right replacement part for the electrolytic capacitor.

When I purchased my VP1, I was not thinking of buying replacement parts.  A couple of humidity sensors would be worth a lot now.  If the sensor is bad or going bad, it looks like it is time to buy a VP2.  It's interesting that when the VP1 had come on out, there were rumors of a VP2.  Now there are rumors of a VP3...

I hear you about accuracy issues.  We are supposed to place our units away from roads, shade, wind shadows of buildings, etc.  All we have is a average point with fluctuations all around us.  It makes life interesting.

I'll take a look at your 'anny reference.  There is a lot of good material on this site but I've only recently crossed back over into 2015.  Not sure where all the nuggets are buried.  Over a 1/4 million posts and nearly 28K topics let alone side references, sites, and additional links.  I could be here the rest of my life and then some.  :lol:

 
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on April 03, 2016, 02:44:36 PM

For instance, I have read a number of the topics but had not seen the use of compressed air.  I'll give it a try.
It makes me nervous if I'm the only one doing it. :-)  Hopefully if there's a good reason not to do it someone will say, you don't want to take big risks on a sensor that is no longer obtainable.  So far mine has survived, but I do want to stress not to use real high PSI directly on it, but I think "canned air" or whatever it's called should be safe.

Also I got to thinking later; if your station is from 2001, it may be one where you need to take the shield apart to get to the battery anyway, making it a good time to gently wipe the sensor.  But then many have been retrofitted so you don't have to take the shield apart.

I'm not aware of any schematics for the sensor, others might.  I know the big problem is that the manufacturer who supplied the component to Davis quit making them. http://www.manula.com/manuals/pws/davis-kb/1/en/topic/older-davis-stations

Regarding the dew point reading; I think you should compare the temp and humidity readings.  If one or both of those are off then the DP will be.  You should be able to find charts or a way to calculate the DP from the T and H to see how accurate your station is. 

Technically, when the Dew Point falls below a certain point (freezing, I believe  :-)), it becomes the "Frost Point", and as I remember the calculation is a little different than the DP (something like a 10% difference in the calculation, if I recall).  You should be able to search for "frost point" and find the specifics.  I don't know if the VP algorithm recognizes a difference between DP and FP.

I don't know why your NWS station doesn't read below +15. If you have cold temps you'll have a low DP/FP.  However the cheap Oregon Scientific station I had that prompted me to get the VP also wouldn't calculate the DP below 14 degrees, if I recall correctly.

I followed some of these boards when I got my VP, and I must have missed any rumors of the VP2.  I was a little miffed when the VP2 came out not long after I invested in the VP1.  In hindsight, I'm not so disappointed now.  I got a mature product that had most of the kinks worked out, and as I mentioned, got the spare station and parts on the cheap as they were being discontinued and some people couldn't wait to upgrade.  Anyway, from that, I got the impression that Davis may keep any possible developments pretty secret.  But there are some pretty knowledgeable people here who may have more insight.  There are always speculations about what the next latest and greatest may hold.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on April 03, 2016, 05:00:18 PM
My dew point has been reading from -18 to 76 degrees.  Comparing it to the local NWS station readings.  The readings should not be going below +15.  The readings have been going in the right direction but the range is excessive.  To me, replacing the VP1 is like replacing a car when the spark plugs have worn out.  A waste of a lot of good components.
Also, I just looked at the specs in the VP1 Console Manual.  It says that the range for Dew Point (overall) is -105F to 130F with a nominal accuracy of 3F.

It also says the range for "Frost/Dew Point at High Humidity" (so it at least recognizes there is such a thing as Frost Point) is also -105 to 130F but with a 2F accuracy.  I'm not sure how you could have a FP of -105 at high humidity if the Temp range only goes to -40.  But in any case, I don't see any reason you should worry if your DP goes below +15.

Re your original question about software and things, there is a section under Weather Software specifically to ask what software to get.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Naviguesser on April 03, 2016, 05:37:07 PM
>>I don't know why your NWS station doesn't read below +15.<<

I was just comparing my reading to the one reported by the local NWS for the same time.  I think it was 9am today as opposed to the lowest it ever went.  My station is now reporting a -120F.  Outside humidity is reporting 0%.  I'm in the SE USA and I know its not **that** dry.  NWS is reporting 21%.

I looked up your earlier forum reference to repairing the wind vane and anemometer.  If I have the one with a reed switch in it,  it might be better to just take the plunge and buy a VP2.  I've gotten a lot of miles out of this station but I hate the idea of scrapping all these still viable parts and the plastics.

Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on April 03, 2016, 06:16:51 PM
I was just comparing my reading to the one reported by the local NWS for the same time.  I think it was 9am today as opposed to the lowest it ever went.  My station is now reporting a -120F.  Outside humidity is reporting 0%.  I'm in the SE USA and I know its not **that** dry.  NWS is reporting 21%.
I see now, that does sound like a problem.  I would check continuity on the cable from the sensor to the ISS to make sure a wire wasn't broken.  I see now why you were looking for a schematic, but I hope you can figure it out.  There's probably one somewhere on this forum. It would be sad to junk it.  I don't know if there's anyone around who has had one of the old sensors that wasn't reading humidity they were able to repair.  I understand now that canned air isn't likely to help.  :sad:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on April 03, 2016, 06:45:19 PM
There is a schematic here for what I think is supposed to be an early VP2 sensor.  The cabling should be the same as I believe the early VP2s were interchangeable with the VP1.
http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=14175.msg264939#msg264939

Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on April 03, 2016, 07:39:49 PM
I am late to this thread but I thought a comment was still appropriate. I had an 11 year VP2 system that was showing its age. The ISS was grossly discolored or fading in color, but most importantly, the rain bucket tool was terribly inaccurate. Davis sent to me at no charge a replacement reed switch and magnet for the rain bucket, which helped but did not fix the situation to my satisfaction. Davis offers a refurbishment program as discussed thoroughly in this thread (about $170 including shipping) but I decided it was worth an extra $100 to get a whole new ISS from Scaled Instruments, that has updated and greatly improved sensors, a bubble in the ISS to help you ensure your ISS is level, a new rain cone with bird spikes and a better debris filter in the rain cone. I changed the old station to communicate on channel 4 vs the default of channel 1 used by the new ISS (the old one even without the battery will continue to transmit for several hours) and my station was posting to WU and CWOP in minutes vs. a couple weeks had I sent the unit to Davis for refurbishment. My 2 original VP2 consoles work perfectly with the new ISS, and I believe I am getting more accurate readings. No regrets, if you have the extra $100, that is my recommendation.  :grin:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Naviguesser on April 03, 2016, 08:02:13 PM
The A188 shown in your referenced in your link is definitely the one I have in my VP1.  After brushing it off with the plastic part of a tie-wrap, it seemed to function better.  Not sure if I pressed the wrapping closer or did something inadvertently to straighten things out.  If and when I purchase a new VP2,  I know I will tear the sensor apart to see what makes it tick.

I like the way they socketed the sensor for easy replacement.  Seems this should be a goal for any future VP3.  I could see them making a refurb kit where we could refurb our own units or sensor sections keeping from tossing a lot of good plastic and functional sensor units into a landfill.  Why junk an anemometer if the vane and cups are still good?  Why junk an ISS if only the humidity sensor is bad?  It looks like Davis is thinking along those lines with the individual small boards.

I noticed my RJ-? connectors have gotten corroded.  I cleaned them off and the solar and UV still work.  WD&WS are plugged into a solar powered transmitter box.  If the corrosion was too bad, I thought I might solder the leads into the main board. 

SnowHiker **I really have appreciated your references to links that bring up pictures and schematics.  It's been really helpful for this newby to this forum.**


Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Naviguesser on April 03, 2016, 08:11:51 PM
Hello WheatonRon,

I'm one of those guys who keeps a car for 16+ years and hate to throw out something that may have some value.  (My wife and I will be celebrating our 41st wedding anniversary soon.  She's of the same philosophy.  She still keeps me around!!  LOL)

I've read the posts about the Davis refurb programs but unfortunately, I have the VP1 and I understand that they no longer have the part I really need, the humidity sensor.  I hate to just toss what has been a great unit but the VP2 looks like they have made a lot of good improvements.  I'm leaning more and more toward buying a VP2. 

I take it that you like dealing with Scaled Instruments???

Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on April 03, 2016, 08:24:32 PM
Yes, Ryan at Scaled Instruments really knows the Davis product line, has very competitive pricing, is prompt and responds to email questions very quickly. As to your VP1, I feel your pain re changing. I have a 31 year old Mercedes 300SD with 90,000 original miles on it, no rust and has never had any body work necessary, and I am the original owner. I was advised a couple of days ago to spend $2,000 for some suspension work or I might have some bad things happen to me and (or) the car! So do I spend that money and risk another unpredictable issue (the transmission or engine failing, or God knows what), or get a different vehicle and send my buddy to the auto graveyard--parts to be used for another 31 year old vintage car! :-({|= :-({|=
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on April 03, 2016, 10:15:42 PM
Glad to help Naviguesser, good luck.  One other thought I had glancing through that thread with the schematic; if removing the sensor made it read 100% humidity as someone reported, would that mean a short, and not an open, would cause 0%?  (Just a thought, and I had to make some point so that my post wouldn't be completely off topic.  :-))

I guess my philosophy with the Davis is also similar to that with vehicles.  I find it cheaper, and usually more rewarding, to keep two old (27+ years) trucks running than one new one.  It helps to have two when they're that old so (hopefully) one is still running when I'm working on the other, and I can actually work on the older trucks.  Unlike my VP1s though, they're not the same make and model, so I can't just swap out parts.  I can't see myself ever getting rid of my Comanche, so it's possible I could end up spending more on it than it's worth, but I think that will be years from now yet.  It's also possible I may be, or end up, missing some worthwhile features of newer trucks.  But I'm cheap.  :-)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Naviguesser on April 05, 2016, 07:01:17 PM
Hi SnowHiker,

I'm not sure why removing the senors would bring it up to 100%.  I was thinking that what may be happening is that any hydroscopic (moisture loving) particle eventually gets deposited on the sensor through evaporation.  It's just a guess.  After awhile, the sensor will jump up to 100% when enough moisture reacts with the particles to close the circuit.  Brushing off the surface may get rid of some of the particles but not the ones underneath, in, around and on any contacts.  Taking it apart and cleaning what is under the wrapper may be the only solution but then this VP1 humidity sensor looks very delicate.  For me, it would be like performing brain surgery with boxing gloves.  But at this point, what do I have to lose? 

Thinking it through I might just start with warm distilled water and see if soaking the sensor in it has an effect before proceeding to taking it apart.

I went ahead and purchased a VP2 to replace my VP1.  From everything that I have read here, I'm not going to be able to restore my VP1 to original standards.  The VP2 has much better technology and is likely to be serviceable even if a VP3 should appear in the next few years.  Davis still can make money selling replacement parts as they wear out and we get to keep our stations and keep the housing out of the landfills.  I like that idea a lot.  I wonder if they will modify the software to that when they ship a replacement unit, they include two reference points or for to match the performance of the new sensor?

This raises the question about what people have done with their VP1 (other than toss them)?  Are they recyclable?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Naviguesser on April 05, 2016, 07:05:27 PM
Hello WheatonRon,

I took your advise and ordered a station from Ryan.  Your description of him appears very accurate and it was pleasant doing business with him.  My VP2 should be here mid week and I've got a smile on my face.

Thanks!!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on April 05, 2016, 08:06:40 PM
I think you will really like the VP2 but I am not familiar with the VP1 so can't tell you what is different. I have been wishing for a VP3 that would have a color touch screen console and would communicate with my computer using WiFi or Bluetooth as I have had occasional problems with my VP2 communicating over a USB cable, but everything else is excellent. That is why VP3 is probably down the road a bit. Davis is slow to come out with new products but keeps improving its existing products via "tweaks" which is very helpful.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Naviguesser on April 07, 2016, 10:58:05 PM
Hello SnowHiker and WheatonRon,

I received my VP2 today.  I have it setup and data logging.  What a breathe of fresh air!!  Davis has certainly listened to their customers.  The back light is bright that I no longer need a flashlight to read any of the numbers.  The ISS setup electronics are front and center.  The internals have been coated with what appears to be a protective grease.  There is no antenna wire dangling below the aspirated plates just asking to be bent or snapped off.  No problems in setting the system up.  It makes me question why I waited so long. 

Ryan at Scaled Instruments made sure I had the latest SHT-31 Temp_Humidity sensor.  Good fellow to work with.

Yesterday, I replaced the rain gauge reed switch using the one with the 20-25 AT magnetic sensitivity and the electrolytic capacitor.  The system is still up and running but the two repairs did not have an effect on the humidity sensor.  I didn't think it would.  We had some rain last night and the humidity sensor shot up from around normal to 100% and stayed there for hours.  The local NWS station never got above 84% and did not stay in that area for long.  Somewhere around 72% RH, the sensor starts to climb quickly.  Our rain event had RHs mostly in the mid to high 70's.

I appreciated your input.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on April 07, 2016, 11:05:05 PM
Thanks. I learned about Ryan from this Forum. You won't be disappointed with your purchase.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on April 07, 2016, 11:58:44 PM
Congtats Naviguesser!

It's always exciting to get a new system.  Now that you have I expect to hear news about the imminent release of the VP3.  :-P  I do remember now that there was a little warning before the VP2 came out, because someone on one of these forums was apparently monitoring patents that Davis applied for.

I don't know what people do with their old stations.  I still see VP1 consoles and things being sold on ebay, so there must still be a few stations around, or people are buying them not realizing they won't work with the VP2.  (Actually at least on many I looked at the seller tried to make a point of warning people.)

There may be people who don't care that much about humidity but would be interested in the other variables that you could give it to.  You can even give it to a neighbor and shouldn't have to worry about interference with your VP2.  Or save it for a spare if something happens to your new one, especially the anemometer as it should still work with the new one.  Or use it as an extra temp station to check the temp in your shed or garage or whatever.  (You can also use it to monitor the rainfall in your shed, garage, or attic.  :-))

Also, if you soaked your temp/hum sensor, you may want to check it again after a few days.  It seems I remember someone saying they hosed down their ISS, and it took a few days for the humidity to act normal again.  But may not be much hope if it's acting the same as it was before.

Anyway again, congrats.  :grin:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: johnd on April 17, 2016, 12:46:52 PM
...Now that you have I expect to hear news about the imminent release of the VP3...

It's not really a repair/refurb issue, but I'll be really quite surprised to see anything called VP3 appearing in the near future. For a major new product, the first announcement is likely to be in a new year's catalogue and of course the 2016 one has already been published. So the earliest announcement might be Jan 2017, with availability potentially sometime later that year. But I suspect that we would have heard rumours by now within the dealer community and personally FWIW I've heard absolutely nothing. So on that basis Jan 2018 might be the earliest launch date.

Actually I'm not even sure that there will be a VP3. My guess - and it's absolutely only a guess - is that the VP2 ISS will continue to evolve. If anything new appears then it might be an updated console type, but very possibly still within the VP2 family. Maybe longer term there'll be a new weather station family using a different wireless protocol and perhaps with a new name.

Of course I'm just speculating here and I could be proved totally wrong. But the grapevine is offering no clues whatsoever of any other major announcement that's imminent.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: polykick on May 06, 2016, 01:23:06 PM
I've got a Davis Vantage Pro2 with the fan aspirated temperature sensor. It is about 7-8 years old and seems to be in need of some refurb work. It is having the same problem I have read about from others, where all of a sudden new batteries won't support the remote sensors. They die after just a week or so. Once the sun comes up and hits the solar panels, they work fine, but after dark they quit again. Is this a capacitor problem?

I called Davis about the refurb and he said yes, send it in and they will call for a credit card when they are ready to work on it. I asked for an estimate and he said $212 for the fan aspirated model. Does this sound about right to everyone?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on May 06, 2016, 01:38:15 PM
My two cents worth are to get a new ISS. You can buy one (the 24 hour FARS) from Ryan at Scaled Instruments for $398 plus shipping. You get all new equipment, a level indicator, the new SHT31 temp-humidity sensor, bird spikes on the rain collector, etc., etc. Your console is fine as is and will work with the new ISS. I got a new ISS a few weeks ago and was surprised at some of the enhancements (tweaks) Davis has made since I bought mine 11 years ago. I doubt Davis will include these tweaks if you have them refurbish your unit. In addition, if you have an issue with your new ISS or it needs routine maintenance (cleaning, etc.), you can start using your old ISS until you can clean or whatever you are doing with the new one--your posts to CWOP or WU continues!  :grin:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dalecoy on May 06, 2016, 01:55:26 PM
... They die after just a week or so. Once the sun comes up and hits the solar panels, they work fine, but after dark they quit again. Is this a capacitor problem?

That's the symptom of the supercap problem, yes.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on May 06, 2016, 02:06:43 PM

That's the symptom of the supercap problem, yes.
Sounds right to me.  It also should be a much cheaper fix than $200 some to $400 some dollars, more like maybe $10.  Plus you should be able to just unsolder or cut out the super cap, clean up the board if necessary, and the station should work fine for months off of the battery until you can get a new cap.  (I'm basing my experience on an original VP without FARS, but I think it should still hold for the VP2.)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: W3DRM on May 06, 2016, 02:15:30 PM
Due to the changes in Davis refurb pricing, I have added the following update to my first post in this thread. Hopefully, folks will see it so they can make a more informed decision BEFORE they send their units in for refurb.
 

EDIT: May 6, 2016 - The pricing shown in this first post is no longer valid. Contact Davis for a quote BEFORE you send it in. You may find that ordering a replacement ISS (assuming your console is still good) may be a better deal or will allow you to have a "spare" ISS to use while your other unit is being refurbed. See comments about this in later posts in this thread.
 

Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: polykick on May 06, 2016, 04:50:37 PM
Due to the changes in Davis refurb pricing, I have added the following update to my first post in this thread. Hopefully, folks will see it so they can make a more informed decision BEFORE they send their units in for refurb.
 

EDIT: May 6, 2016 - The pricing shown in this first post is no longer valid. Contact Davis for a quote BEFORE you send it in. You may find that ordering a replacement ISS (assuming your console is still good) may be a better deal or will allow you to have a "spare" ISS to use while your other unit is being refurbed. See comments about this in later posts in this thread.
 


Yes thank you. I read though other posts and figured after 2 years the prices might be different. Someone else said they paid $200 for the FARS refurb. I will weigh the costs, and think about buying a new ISS.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: W3DRM on May 06, 2016, 05:49:37 PM
Due to the changes in Davis refurb pricing, I have added the following update to my first post in this thread. Hopefully, folks will see it so they can make a more informed decision BEFORE they send their units in for refurb.
 

EDIT: May 6, 2016 - The pricing shown in this first post is no longer valid. Contact Davis for a quote BEFORE you send it in. You may find that ordering a replacement ISS (assuming your console is still good) may be a better deal or will allow you to have a "spare" ISS to use while your other unit is being refurbed. See comments about this in later posts in this thread.
 


Yes thank you. I read though other posts and figured after 2 years the prices might be different. Someone else said they paid $200 for the FARS refurb. I will weigh the costs, and think about buying a new ISS.

Once you make your decision and should you decide to have your station refurbed, please post the cost to do it and explain what they did to it. You might want to include the shipping times and charges too so you have a complete report for folks who may want to know the overall costs.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Mtn_man on May 06, 2016, 07:20:33 PM
Due to the changes in Davis refurb pricing, I have added the following update to my first post in this thread. Hopefully, folks will see it so they can make a more informed decision BEFORE they send their units in for refurb.
 

EDIT: May 6, 2016 - The pricing shown in this first post is no longer valid. Contact Davis for a quote BEFORE you send it in. You may find that ordering a replacement ISS (assuming your console is still good) may be a better deal or will allow you to have a "spare" ISS to use while your other unit is being refurbed. See comments about this in later posts in this thread.
 


Yes thank you. I read though other posts and figured after 2 years the prices might be different. Someone else said they paid $200 for the FARS refurb. I will weigh the costs, and think about buying a new ISS.

Once you make your decision and should you decide to have your station refurbed, please post the cost to do it and explain what they did to it. You might want to include the shipping times and charges too so you have a complete report for folks who may want to know the overall costs.
Plus you pay shipping costs, AND you will have a 2 - 3 week hole in your weather data while you are without your ISS, at least if you are not close to their CA location. 

If I have an ISS issue again, I will seriously consider this option.  Sadly my last issue that required Davis referb was with the console.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: jackman on June 15, 2016, 07:26:10 PM
As an FYI I just paid $91 including shipping for the replacement Vantage Vue electronics. I posted more info about it here: http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=29663.0
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on August 03, 2016, 08:30:32 AM
In 2010, after I'd been using my VP2 for 3 years, it sustained a lightning strike.  I found out about Davis' refurb program and sent my station to them.  For $100 they completely refurb'd the ISS, calibrated my instruments, and even sent me a new anemometer.  I remember thinking it was an unbelievable deal.

Before I saw this thread, I sent them a FB message this week to ask about sending my unit to them for refurb again since it's been 6 years and it probably could use it.  They responded that they do still offer the service, but the price has gone up to $150 now, or $200 for fan aspirated units.   :shock:

So now I'm trying to decide whether I should pay $200 to get my old VP2 refurb'd ..  OR..  pay $280ish for a totally new Vue system.  What are the pros and cons?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on August 03, 2016, 08:35:57 AM
Get a new one unless Davis will give you the new temp sensor, SHT31, when doing the refurb. Besides, a new one gets a one year warranty.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: George Richardson on August 03, 2016, 09:25:13 AM
"but the price has gone up to $150 now, or $200 for fan aspirated units.

So now I'm trying to decide whether I should pay $200 to get my old VP2 refurb'd ..  OR..  pay $280ish for a totally new Vue system.  What are the pros and cons?"

Well, you're asking to trade a top of the line unit for an entry level and only spend $80 more. Your $200 price indicates you have a fan aspirated VP2 and the Vue does not have that. If your VP2 is at least partially poorly sited (Vue requirement), you don't think fan aspiration is necessary and you just want that "new" feeling, then by all means grab the Vue.

JMO

George

As an afterthought, the first time I sent my VP2 in, it was "reconditioned" from head to toe. The second time the only things tweeked were what I noted as needing attention. If you decide to return for attention, be sure to list everything you want looked at. ALSO, if you are running an old style (non green-dot) console, they will "upgrade" it which will cause some programs to no longer work (VVP specifically, among others).
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: johnd on August 03, 2016, 10:03:35 AM
ALSO, if you are running an old style (non green-dot) console, they will "upgrade" it which will cause some programs to no longer work (VVP specifically, among others).

Run that past me again. It's the logger, not the console that was, for a while, described as green-dot. There was a new console version that requires a green-dot logger for compatibility, but I doubt that the refurb involves swapping out the console PCBA and also providing a new green-dot logger, does it? Console firmware may be updated to the latest compatible version, but does that affect VVP compatibility?

I thought that the only pertinent issue was if you try to use software that uses LOOP2 (which VVP doesn't support). But maybe I'm missing something?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on August 03, 2016, 12:50:38 PM
"but the price has gone up to $150 now, or $200 for fan aspirated units.

So now I'm trying to decide whether I should pay $200 to get my old VP2 refurb'd ..  OR..  pay $280ish for a totally new Vue system.  What are the pros and cons?"

Well, you're asking to trade a top of the line unit for an entry level and only spend $80 more. Your $200 price indicates you have a fan aspirated VP2 and the Vue does not have that. If your VP2 is at least partially poorly sited (Vue requirement), you don't think fan aspiration is necessary and you just want that "new" feeling, then by all means grab the Vue.

JMO

George

As an afterthought, the first time I sent my VP2 in, it was "reconditioned" from head to toe. The second time the only things tweeked were what I noted as needing attention. If you decide to return for attention, be sure to list everything you want looked at. ALSO, if you are running an old style (non green-dot) console, they will "upgrade" it which will cause some programs to no longer work (VVP specifically, among others).

Yes, the fan aspiration definitely helps on hot summer days.  But other than that, the Vue specs out exactly the same as the VP2 in terms of accuracy variance of the instruments.  So I guess I'm just trying to figure out what the real difference is that makes the VP2 twice the cost.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: George Richardson on August 03, 2016, 02:31:05 PM
"Console firmware may be updated to the latest compatible version, but does that affect VVP compatibility?"  Johnd, That is exactly what I understand. I say this from memory of posts of people who sent their VP2s in for refurbishing. I have been wrong before and will be again, but I don't think I am this time.

WXman, with the VP2, you can add remote temperature sensors, add uv sensor, add solar sensor, separate the ISS and the anemometer, and add Day or 24hour FARS. I don't think you can do any of these with a Vue.

FWIW

George
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on August 03, 2016, 02:32:25 PM
Before I saw this thread, I sent them a FB message this week to ask about sending my unit to them for refurb again since it's been 6 years and it probably could use it. 
The only problem is it's been six years since it was refurbished, and you haven't noticed any other problems with it? 

If you're not noticing any problems with it that you can't resolve yourself, why would you want to spend $200 or replace it with a Vue?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: johnd on August 03, 2016, 03:56:36 PM
"Console firmware may be updated to the latest compatible version, but does that affect VVP compatibility?"  Johnd, That is exactly what I understand. I say this from memory of posts of people who sent their VP2s in for refurbishing. I have been wrong before and will be again, but I don't think I am this time.

The only scenario I'm aware of where this could conceivably be an issue is if:

1. You're using software that tests whether the LOOP2 record is supported and if an affirmative reply is received then tries to use it. Does VWS do this? But I'm not aware of any other software that does, so it could be a VWS-specific issue and hence not of any consequence for most Davis users.
2. Pre-refurb then the console F/W did not support LOOP2, but post refurb some updated F/W does do so.

Not saying that this is necessarily accurate, but it would be useful to try and pin down for sure.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on August 03, 2016, 05:21:10 PM
"but the price has gone up to $150 now, or $200 for fan aspirated units.

So now I'm trying to decide whether I should pay $200 to get my old VP2 refurb'd ..  OR..  pay $280ish for a totally new Vue system.  What are the pros and cons?"

Well, you're asking to trade a top of the line unit for an entry level and only spend $80 more. Your $200 price indicates you have a fan aspirated VP2 and the Vue does not have that. If your VP2 is at least partially poorly sited (Vue requirement), you don't think fan aspiration is necessary and you just want that "new" feeling, then by all means grab the Vue.

JMO

George

As an afterthought, the first time I sent my VP2 in, it was "reconditioned" from head to toe. The second time the only things tweeked were what I noted as needing attention. If you decide to return for attention, be sure to list everything you want looked at. ALSO, if you are running an old style (non green-dot) console, they will "upgrade" it which will cause some programs to no longer work (VVP specifically, among others).

Yes, the fan aspiration definitely helps on hot summer days.  But other than that, the Vue specs out exactly the same as the VP2 in terms of accuracy variance of the instruments.  So I guess I'm just trying to figure out what the real difference is that makes the VP2 twice the cost.
The fan helps all days not just "hot" ones. Also the Vue is not spec'd the same as a new VP2, which has the SHT31, the Vue does not.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on August 04, 2016, 07:17:36 AM
Yeah, see that's what they did for me first time I sent mine in also.  They reconditioned it front to back.  It was like a new unit when I got it back.  So you're saying that now they will only touch what needs conditioning?  It sounds like they are doing less and charging more.

I guess a lot of people found out about the program and it became popular and like most good kept secrets, it came to an end once it wasn't a secret anymore (so to speak).

Well, I just figured that after six years my station could use some freshening up.  I do have a list of concerns with it that I could probably fix myself, but I figured they'd do a better job going through the unit.  And the refurb program is cheaper than buying a new station.  So I was considering it.  But I don't know...maybe I'll think about it some more.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on August 04, 2016, 08:20:50 AM
Yeah, see that's what they did for me first time I sent mine in also.  They reconditioned it front to back.  It was like a new unit when I got it back.  So you're saying that now they will only touch what needs conditioning?  It sounds like they are doing less and charging more.

I guess a lot of people found out about the program and it became popular and like most good kept secrets, it came to an end once it wasn't a secret anymore (so to speak).

Well, I just figured that after six years my station could use some freshening up.  I do have a list of concerns with it that I could probably fix myself, but I figured they'd do a better job going through the unit.  And the refurb program is cheaper than buying a new station.  So I was considering it.  But I don't know...maybe I'll think about it some more.

I considered using this Davis program but opted to get a new ISS from Scaled Instruments. Everything is new, including a temp sensor (SHT31). No regrets.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: George Richardson on August 04, 2016, 09:09:33 AM
johnd,

My most important piece of weather software is "Virtual VP" which I run 24/7 on 2 computers so I can run all my other weather software together on those computers. I also know that with the "green-dot" upgrade of the consoles, VVP no longer works. I also know that consoles returned to Davis for overhaul, are returned in a condition that no longer supports VVP. I have therefore accumulated 3 Davis VP2s, 1 with 24hr FARS and 2 with DFARS. I have 4 VP2 consoles and 6 old style data loggers (2 still shrink-wrapped). I will continue to run these until I can no longer maintain them with parts from Scaled Instruments and then until no single VP2 is viable. After that, I'll probably no longer be concerned with the weather.

Again, I have been wrong before and will be again, but I don't think I am this time.

George
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: johnd on August 04, 2016, 09:47:49 AM
@George: I understand that in your particular scenario you're having a problem with VVP, but that's an incomplete picture.

VVP doesn't exist in isolation - the client software you're using is obviously a key part pf the configuration. So the question is: which weather program(s) are you using? If it's VWS then that may well be the problem. If you were using some other programs (ie and not VWS) then there might be no problem - this is the point that I'm trying to get to. In other words, is it a VWS-specific issue or do any other programs (when used in the absence of VWS) cause a similar problem?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: George Richardson on August 04, 2016, 10:02:04 AM
johnd,

I have no problem with VVP, nor with VPLive, Image Salsa, VWS, L2K, Cumulus, WeatherLink, or on the other computer, VVP, VPLive, VWS, WeatherLink, GRLevel3, and Cumulus. Remember, I am reporting multiple stations to multiple locations. Everything is working fine for me, it's just that others have had problems that I don't think have been fixed, because they can't run VVP, and I don't want that to happen to me.

George
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on August 05, 2016, 01:44:49 PM
Davis finally wrote me back, and they do not upgrade the temp. sensor to the new SHT31 when doing the refurbish.  But, they will recalibrate my sensors, update everything, and put the newest firmware on my console.  $200 is cheaper than buying a new one for sure.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WxLover16 on August 07, 2016, 09:18:00 PM
My two cents worth are to get a new ISS. You can buy one (the 24 hour FARS) from Ryan at Scaled Instruments for $398 plus shipping. You get all new equipment, a level indicator, the new SHT31 temp-humidity sensor, bird spikes on the rain collector, etc., etc. Your console is fine as is and will work with the new ISS. I got a new ISS a few weeks ago and was surprised at some of the enhancements (tweaks) Davis has made since I bought mine 11 years ago. I doubt Davis will include these tweaks if you have them refurbish your unit. In addition, if you have an issue with your new ISS or it needs routine maintenance (cleaning, etc.), you can start using your old ISS until you can clean or whatever you are doing with the new one--your posts to CWOP or WU continues!  :grin:

I'm just curious, what kinda tweaks did they make? Perhaps I'm not very observant but my old VP2 bought in August 2005 looks no different than my current one bought in February 2016.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on August 07, 2016, 09:28:32 PM
My two cents worth are to get a new ISS. You can buy one (the 24 hour FARS) from Ryan at Scaled Instruments for $398 plus shipping. You get all new equipment, a level indicator, the new SHT31 temp-humidity sensor, bird spikes on the rain collector, etc., etc. Your console is fine as is and will work with the new ISS. I got a new ISS a few weeks ago and was surprised at some of the enhancements (tweaks) Davis has made since I bought mine 11 years ago. I doubt Davis will include these tweaks if you have them refurbish your unit. In addition, if you have an issue with your new ISS or it needs routine maintenance (cleaning, etc.), you can start using your old ISS until you can clean or whatever you are doing with the new one--your posts to CWOP or WU continues!  :grin:

I'm just curious, what kinda tweaks did they make? Perhaps I'm not very observant but my old VP2 bought in August 2005 looks no different than my current one bought in February 2016.

I used the word "tweaks" in May? I guess I got carried away. But my other comments re the SHT 31, bird spikes, etc. stand. That said, Davis is very coy about talking about enhancements. They may have made some but to the untrained eye, we don't see them. I still would get a new ISS for $398 from Ryan.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WxLover16 on August 07, 2016, 09:36:53 PM
My two cents worth are to get a new ISS. You can buy one (the 24 hour FARS) from Ryan at Scaled Instruments for $398 plus shipping. You get all new equipment, a level indicator, the new SHT31 temp-humidity sensor, bird spikes on the rain collector, etc., etc. Your console is fine as is and will work with the new ISS. I got a new ISS a few weeks ago and was surprised at some of the enhancements (tweaks) Davis has made since I bought mine 11 years ago. I doubt Davis will include these tweaks if you have them refurbish your unit. In addition, if you have an issue with your new ISS or it needs routine maintenance (cleaning, etc.), you can start using your old ISS until you can clean or whatever you are doing with the new one--your posts to CWOP or WU continues!  :grin:

I'm just curious, what kinda tweaks did they make? Perhaps I'm not very observant but my old VP2 bought in August 2005 looks no different than my current one bought in February 2016.

I used the word "tweaks" in May? I guess I got carried away. But my other comments re the SHT 31, bird spikes, etc. stand. That said, Davis is very coy about talking about enhancements. They may have made some but to the untrained eye, we don't see them. I still would get a new ISS for $398 from Ryan.

True. I read somewhere in this message board that they made tweaks to the SIM for the AS revision VP2's, but unless you're an electronics guru, I doubt you could see them or figure them out.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on August 07, 2016, 09:47:00 PM
My two cents worth are to get a new ISS. You can buy one (the 24 hour FARS) from Ryan at Scaled Instruments for $398 plus shipping. You get all new equipment, a level indicator, the new SHT31 temp-humidity sensor, bird spikes on the rain collector, etc., etc. Your console is fine as is and will work with the new ISS. I got a new ISS a few weeks ago and was surprised at some of the enhancements (tweaks) Davis has made since I bought mine 11 years ago. I doubt Davis will include these tweaks if you have them refurbish your unit. In addition, if you have an issue with your new ISS or it needs routine maintenance (cleaning, etc.), you can start using your old ISS until you can clean or whatever you are doing with the new one--your posts to CWOP or WU continues!  :grin:

I'm just curious, what kinda tweaks did they make? Perhaps I'm not very observant but my old VP2 bought in August 2005 looks no different than my current one bought in February 2016.

I used the word "tweaks" in May? I guess I got carried away. But my other comments re the SHT 31, bird spikes, etc. stand. That said, Davis is very coy about talking about enhancements. They may have made some but to the untrained eye, we don't see them. I still would get a new ISS for $398 from Ryan.



True. I read somewhere in this message board that they made tweaks to the SIM for the AS revision VP2's, but unless you're an electronics guru, I doubt you could see them or figure them out.

Without that tweak in the Pcboard, a person using the SHT31 would have to recalibrate the VP2 console by .9 degrees. Not a big deal, but necessary to have the latest technology properly "talk to" older technology. Give Davis credit for advising us of this necessary calibration adjustment if updating to the SHT31 using older electronics.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on August 07, 2016, 10:06:17 PM
My two cents worth are to get a new ISS. You can buy one (the 24 hour FARS) from Ryan at Scaled Instruments for $398 plus shipping. You get all new equipment, a level indicator, the new SHT31 temp-humidity sensor, bird spikes on the rain collector, etc., etc. Your console is fine as is and will work with the new ISS. I got a new ISS a few weeks ago and was surprised at some of the enhancements (tweaks) Davis has made since I bought mine 11 years ago. I doubt Davis will include these tweaks if you have them refurbish your unit. In addition, if you have an issue with your new ISS or it needs routine maintenance (cleaning, etc.), you can start using your old ISS until you can clean or whatever you are doing with the new one--your posts to CWOP or WU continues!  :grin:

I'm just curious, what kinda tweaks did they make? Perhaps I'm not very observant but my old VP2 bought in August 2005 looks no different than my current one bought in February 2016.

I used the word "tweaks" in May? I guess I got carried away. But my other comments re the SHT 31, bird spikes, etc. stand. That said, Davis is very coy about talking about enhancements. They may have made some but to the untrained eye, we don't see them. I still would get a new ISS for $398 from Ryan.



True. I read somewhere in this message board that they made tweaks to the SIM for the AS revision VP2's, but unless you're an electronics guru, I doubt you could see them or figure them out.
Give Davis credit for advising us of this necessary calibration adjustment if updating to the SHT31 using older electronics.
Had to, we'd know. :evil:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on August 23, 2016, 11:56:05 AM
Went to UPS to ship my station off to Davis.  Just like I've done before.  Just like I always do when I have a box to ship.

$90 bucks.   :shock:

Ninety dollars to ship a box to California??  What?

So I told the guy that isn't going to work.  And he said well that's the cheapest way I can send it.  And I said well that isn't going to work...I'll just keep it.  So I went to the post office, and they shipped it for me for $40 bucks.  With insurance.

It's going to be a long 3 weeks without my station.  :(  But it'll be great when I get it back.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on August 26, 2016, 10:30:18 PM
Went to UPS to ship my station off to Davis.  Just like I've done before.  Just like I always do when I have a box to ship.

$90 bucks.   :shock:

Ninety dollars to ship a box to California??  What?

So I told the guy that isn't going to work.  And he said well that's the cheapest way I can send it.  And I said well that isn't going to work...I'll just keep it.  So I went to the post office, and they shipped it for me for $40 bucks.  With insurance.

It's going to be a long 3 weeks without my station.  :(  But it'll be great when I get it back.

Please update your post and let us know what you thought of the Davis refurb. I now have two VP2s. One for posting to the Internet and the other for testing and experiments! That way, I should be able to keep my WU and CWOP postings current should the primary PWS fail!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on September 16, 2016, 07:47:35 PM
They finally called today to say it's ready and I need to pay for the service. So I should have the station back in a week or two.  I'm going to be out of town for a while, so I'll update later.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on September 16, 2016, 08:00:48 PM
They finally called today to say it's ready and I need to pay for the service. So I should have the station back in a week or two.  I'm going to be out of town for a while, so I'll update later.

Thanks for the information. When I considered this Davis program they told me 5-7 business days plus in transit (mailing) time. In your case, sounds like they did not achieve that timeframe. I am glad I purchased a new ISS but have gradually replaced all the "stuff" (notably the temp-humidity sensor and PCBA) in my old ISS so now I have two stations (mounted about 40 feet apart on the same fence and elevation) that report to separate VP2 consoles.  Both stations have the new SHT31 sensor and PCBAs (manufactured in 2016) so no console offsets are necessary. Fortunately, the reported temperature and dewpoint readings of the two stations are essentially identical. Unfortunately, the reported humidity levels and amount of rainfall received are not really in synch. Next steps? Possibly a new SHT31 to break a tie and calibration of the rain gauge! This weather hobby keeps me challenged!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on September 17, 2016, 02:08:06 PM
They finally called today to say it's ready and I need to pay for the service. So I should have the station back in a week or two.  I'm going to be out of town for a while, so I'll update later.
Fortunately, the reported temperature and dewpoint readings of the two stations are essentially identical. Unfortunately, the reported humidity levels are not really in synch.
This statement makes no sense Ron. If your temp/dew readings are essentially the same, then so must be your humidity readings. Maybe this chart will help you explore the nuances of their relationship to each other. http://www.dpcalc.org/
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on September 17, 2016, 04:59:46 PM
They finally called today to say it's ready and I need to pay for the service. So I should have the station back in a week or two.  I'm going to be out of town for a while, so I'll update later.
Fortunately, the reported temperature and dewpoint readings of the two stations are essentially identical. Unfortunately, the reported humidity levels are not really in synch.
This statement makes no sense Ron. If your temp/dew readings are essentially the same, then so must be your humidity readings. Maybe this chart will help you explore the nuances of their relationship to each other. http://www.dpcalc.org/

Maybe the console is bad?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on September 17, 2016, 05:30:58 PM
They finally called today to say it's ready and I need to pay for the service. So I should have the station back in a week or two.  I'm going to be out of town for a while, so I'll update later.
Fortunately, the reported temperature and dewpoint readings of the two stations are essentially identical. Unfortunately, the reported humidity levels are not really in synch.
This statement makes no sense Ron. If your temp/dew readings are essentially the same, then so must be your humidity readings. Maybe this chart will help you explore the nuances of their relationship to each other. http://www.dpcalc.org/

Maybe the console is bad?
Use the calculator to determine that. Both my VP2 and Vue consoles match the calculator exactly.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on September 17, 2016, 05:36:05 PM
They finally called today to say it's ready and I need to pay for the service. So I should have the station back in a week or two.  I'm going to be out of town for a while, so I'll update later.
Fortunately, the reported temperature and dewpoint readings of the two stations are essentially identical. Unfortunately, the reported humidity levels are not really in synch.
This statement makes no sense Ron. If your temp/dew readings are essentially the same, then so must be your humidity readings. Maybe this chart will help you explore the nuances of their relationship to each other. http://www.dpcalc.org/

Maybe the console is bad?
Use the calculator to determine that. Both my VP2 and Vue consoles match the calculator exactly.

Thanks for the tip.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dalecoy on September 17, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
Does any of that information belong in this topic?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on September 17, 2016, 06:03:52 PM
Does any of that information belong in this topic?

Probably not, but it is a slow day in weatherland today. The author apparently felt bad and removed his post. I guess a bit of humor is not appreciated in this Forum.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dalecoy on September 17, 2016, 07:15:09 PM
Does any of that information belong in this topic?

Probably not, but it is a slow day in weatherland today. The author apparently felt bad and removed that comment. I guess a bit of humor is not appreciated in this Forum.

I was referring to the fact that this is a "pinned" topic intended to be a repository of "Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information" useful for long-term reference.

My comment was not directed at any individual.  Sorry to have interfered.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on September 17, 2016, 10:38:36 PM
Does any of that information belong in this topic?

Probably not, but it is a slow day in weatherland today. The author apparently felt bad and removed that post. I guess a bit of humor is not appreciated in this Forum.

I was referring to the fact that this is a "pinned" topic intended to be a repository of "Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information" useful for long-term reference.

My comment was not directed at any individual.  Sorry to have interfered.

Point taken. I have removed my comment about football as I don't want to interfere with the "integrity" of a pinned topic. I would ask how a topic ends up being "pinned" as there aren't many but I guess I should I ask this question in a topic that is not pinned or someone can send me a personal message and then I will sanitize this post (i.e., remove this sentence) to preserve the sanctity of a pinned topic.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on October 15, 2016, 12:03:43 PM
My station has been in my closet in a box.  I haven't had a chance to reinstall it outdoors yet due to moving to a rental house.  Sigh..   I hope to get it set up again soon.  I've been missing a lot of valuable data.  I think I'm going to go ahead and install it at the permanent location where we are building our new house so I don't ever have to move it again.  I'm hoping the instruments are very accurate again.  Years ago I was very happy with the service they provided when I sent the station in.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on October 20, 2016, 12:18:27 PM
Finally got my station installed on my new property.  The Davis refurb service was great again.  The anemometer looks brand new.  I guess they replaced the whole thing.  The console looks brand new, so they must have cleaned it very well.  They updated the firmare in it also.  They sent a new battery, hardware, and rain bucket filter also.  Lastly, they also sent a new anemometer cable.  It was almost like getting a brand new VP2 system.

I can now start recording data from it and check it's accuracy against official mesonet sites nearby.  I also need to figure out how to properly ground this installation from lightning too.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: chief-david on October 20, 2016, 12:29:27 PM
I don't think grounding makes much of a difference. One good strike and its gone.

about half way down on the page http://weather.rms.rdale.org/about.php
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on October 20, 2016, 12:31:38 PM
Finally got my station installed on my new property.  The Davis refurb service was great again.  The anemometer looks brand new.  I guess they replaced the whole thing.  The console looks brand new, so they must have cleaned it very well.  They updated the firmare in it also.  They sent a new battery, hardware, and rain bucket filter also.  Lastly, they also sent a new anemometer cable.  It was almost like getting a brand new VP2 system.

I can now start recording data from it and check it's accuracy against official mesonet sites nearby.  I also need to figure out how to properly ground this installation from lightning too.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Did they update your humidity-temperature sensor to the new SHT 31? My guess is no, but thought I would ask. You can tell by opening your ISS and checking the part number on the sensor. The SHT 31 sensor for the VP2 is Davis part no. 7346.070.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WxLover16 on October 20, 2016, 03:43:41 PM
Finally got my station installed on my new property.  The Davis refurb service was great again.  The anemometer looks brand new.  I guess they replaced the whole thing.  The console looks brand new, so they must have cleaned it very well.  They updated the firmare in it also.  They sent a new battery, hardware, and rain bucket filter also.  Lastly, they also sent a new anemometer cable.  It was almost like getting a brand new VP2 system.

I can now start recording data from it and check it's accuracy against official mesonet sites nearby.  I also need to figure out how to properly ground this installation from lightning too.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

VERY nice setup. How far above ground is your ISS and anemometer? I'm also interested if they replaced your T/H sensor to the SHT31.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on October 21, 2016, 11:59:55 AM
No, according to Davis they do NOT upgrade the sensors to the new model.  I have not cracked mine open to see if I got lucky and they did for me anyway.  But my guess is that they did not.

I personally do not care.  With the "old" model of sensor, I was previously spot-on with the very expensive mesonet equipment installed by agencies near my house.  That's all the accuracy 99.999% of guys need. 

My ISS is 6' AGL, to stay with the specs NWS uses.  I previously had my anemometer 33' AGL for the same reason, but for this installation I used about 13' AGL to avoid interference with utility lines in the area and to prevent vibration from the pole.

I noticed that a nice mount from vendors online start at $59 and go up from there.  I have a total of less than $100 in this entire installation, and it's rock solid.  I used 6x6 pressure treated post with concrete, and then galvanized fence post on top of that for the anemometer.  I bought conduit bracketry to secure the fence pole to the wooden post, and secured everything with "lifetime" lag screws.  If you spend a few hours in Lowe's you can come up with great solutions.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WxLover16 on October 21, 2016, 12:19:19 PM

I personally do not care.  With the "old" model of sensor, I was previously spot-on with the very expensive mesonet equipment installed by agencies near my house.  That's all the accuracy 99.999% of guys need. 


Though likely true that you had one of the better older sensors, the 31 is just THAT much more accurate and exceptional (not to mention the very latest in sensor technology). If part of the refurb program didn't include cleaning the shield, I would definitely go in and see if they gave you the 31 (while cleaning the shield).
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on October 21, 2016, 12:38:23 PM

I personally do not care.  With the "old" model of sensor, I was previously spot-on with the very expensive mesonet equipment installed by agencies near my house.  That's all the accuracy 99.999% of guys need. 


Though likely true that you had one of the better older sensors, the 31 is just THAT much more accurate and exceptional (not to mention the very latest in sensor technology). If part of the refurb program didn't include cleaning the shield, I would definitely go in and see if they gave you the 31 (while cleaning the shield).

Davis probably cleaned your shield. Recently, I did my own refurbishment of my ISS that was 11 years old. I removed the electronics in the ISS, then soaked the shield in a bleach solution over night, followed by a light scrubbing in the morning, and wow, what a difference that made! I also upgraded the Temp-Humidity sensor to the SHT31, replaced the rain bucket base and tipper, and replaced the PCBA so I wouldn't have to add a calibration adjustment at the console for the SHT31. Now good as new and have two working VP2s (I decided to get another ISS)--one for uploading to CWOP and WU and the other for experiments, playing, etc. The downside to this is my wife has threatened to have me institutionalized for such behavior! :grin:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WxLover16 on October 21, 2016, 12:43:43 PM

I personally do not care.  With the "old" model of sensor, I was previously spot-on with the very expensive mesonet equipment installed by agencies near my house.  That's all the accuracy 99.999% of guys need. 


Though likely true that you had one of the better older sensors, the 31 is just THAT much more accurate and exceptional (not to mention the very latest in sensor technology). If part of the refurb program didn't include cleaning the shield, I would definitely go in and see if they gave you the 31 (while cleaning the shield).

Davis probably cleaned your shield. Recently, I did my own refurbishment of my ISS that was 11 years old. I removed the electronics in the ISS and soaked the shield in a bleach solution over night--wow, what a difference that made. I also replaced the Temp-Humidity sensor to the SHT31, the rain tipper and the PCBA to the 2016 version so I wouldn't have to add a calibration adjustment at the console. Now good as new and have two working VP2s (I decided to get another ISS)--one for uploading to CWOP and WU and the other for experiments, playing, etc. The downside to this is my wife has threatened to have me institutionalized for such behavior! :grin:

Ahahahaha! Just tell her we're not crazy, we're just very unique (and in a good way)  ;)

BTW, you're so lucky; I'd love to have another ISS for tests/play/fun. When I was testing my two 31's in the same ISS, I was basically like a kid in a candy store!  :lol:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on October 21, 2016, 12:52:47 PM

I personally do not care.  With the "old" model of sensor, I was previously spot-on with the very expensive mesonet equipment installed by agencies near my house.  That's all the accuracy 99.999% of guys need. 


Though likely true that you had one of the better older sensors, the 31 is just THAT much more accurate and exceptional (not to mention the very latest in sensor technology). If part of the refurb program didn't include cleaning the shield, I would definitely go in and see if they gave you the 31 (while cleaning the shield).

Davis probably cleaned your shield. Recently, I did my own refurbishment of my ISS that was 11 years old. I removed the electronics in the ISS and soaked the shield in a bleach solution over night--wow, what a difference that made. I also replaced the Temp-Humidity sensor to the SHT31, the rain tipper and the PCBA to the 2016 version so I wouldn't have to add a calibration adjustment at the console. Now good as new and have two working VP2s (I decided to get another ISS)--one for uploading to CWOP and WU and the other for experiments, playing, etc. The downside to this is my wife has threatened to have me institutionalized for such behavior! :grin:

Ahahahaha! Just tell her we're not crazy, we're just very unique (and in a good way)  ;)

BTW, you're so lucky; I'd love to have another ISS for tests/play/fun. When I was testing my two 31's in the same ISS, I was basically like a kid in a candy store!  :lol:

In case you haven't heard, per Scaled Instruments, Davis has upgraded its internal VP2 console temp-humidity sensor to the SHT31. Personally, I think that is overkill, as I really don't care about weather inside the house, particularly since I frequently turn on the console lamps which really heats up the console making inside temperature readings totally meaningless!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WxLover16 on October 21, 2016, 12:57:44 PM

I personally do not care.  With the "old" model of sensor, I was previously spot-on with the very expensive mesonet equipment installed by agencies near my house.  That's all the accuracy 99.999% of guys need. 


Though likely true that you had one of the better older sensors, the 31 is just THAT much more accurate and exceptional (not to mention the very latest in sensor technology). If part of the refurb program didn't include cleaning the shield, I would definitely go in and see if they gave you the 31 (while cleaning the shield).

Davis probably cleaned your shield. Recently, I did my own refurbishment of my ISS that was 11 years old. I removed the electronics in the ISS and soaked the shield in a bleach solution over night--wow, what a difference that made. I also replaced the Temp-Humidity sensor to the SHT31, the rain tipper and the PCBA to the 2016 version so I wouldn't have to add a calibration adjustment at the console. Now good as new and have two working VP2s (I decided to get another ISS)--one for uploading to CWOP and WU and the other for experiments, playing, etc. The downside to this is my wife has threatened to have me institutionalized for such behavior! :grin:

Ahahahaha! Just tell her we're not crazy, we're just very unique (and in a good way)  ;)

BTW, you're so lucky; I'd love to have another ISS for tests/play/fun. When I was testing my two 31's in the same ISS, I was basically like a kid in a candy store!  :lol:

In case you haven't heard, per Scaled Instruments, Davis has upgraded its internal VP2 console temp-humidity sensor to the SHT31. Personally, I think that is overkill, as I really don't care about weather inside the house, particularly since I frequently turn on the console lamps which really heats up the console making inside temperature readings totally meaningless!

I had heard about that, and I agree with you that it is overkill. My lamp also stays on much of the time so I basically always discard my inside temp/humidity. My only use for it is if it feels warm/stuffy or cold inside I'll glance at the temp.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on October 24, 2016, 11:14:40 AM
Got my console fired up this weekend and checked all my instruments and it appears that they are very accurate, just as they were before.  I'm very happy with the results.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WxLover16 on October 24, 2016, 11:21:13 AM
Got my console fired up this weekend and checked all my instruments and it appears that they are very accurate, just as they were before.  I'm very happy with the results.

Glad to hear Davis' refurbishment program worked so good for you.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: pfletch101 on October 25, 2016, 05:57:27 PM

In case you haven't heard, per Scaled Instruments, Davis has upgraded its internal VP2 console temp-humidity sensor to the SHT31. Personally, I think that is overkill, as I really don't care about weather inside the house, particularly since I frequently turn on the console lamps which really heats up the console making inside temperature readings totally meaningless!

That's bizarre! As documented in numerous threads here, there are so many things (heat produced by screen lights and/or the USB Weatherlink and Belfryboy's replacement (though less so)) interfering with the internal sensor giving you anything resembling reliable and/or consistent temperature readings over time that I cannot see the point of measuring faulty data more accurately!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on October 25, 2016, 06:04:35 PM

In case you haven't heard, per Scaled Instruments, Davis has upgraded its internal VP2 console temp-humidity sensor to the SHT31. Personally, I think that is overkill, as I really don't care about weather inside the house, particularly since I frequently turn on the console lamps which really heats up the console making inside temperature readings totally meaningless!

That's bizarre! As documented in numerous threads here, there are so many things (heat produced by screen lights and/or the USB Weatherlink and Belfryboy's replacement (though less so)) interfering with the internal sensor giving you anything resembling reliable and/or consistent temperature readings over time that I cannot see the point of measuring faulty data more accurately!
Agreed. The only practical advantage I see is if you wanted to compare your ISS sensor to the one in the console if all heat sources are eliminated. I have done this myself with the ISS in the house when I tested my two 31's for outside.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WxLover16 on October 25, 2016, 06:10:10 PM

In case you haven't heard, per Scaled Instruments, Davis has upgraded its internal VP2 console temp-humidity sensor to the SHT31. Personally, I think that is overkill, as I really don't care about weather inside the house, particularly since I frequently turn on the console lamps which really heats up the console making inside temperature readings totally meaningless!

That's bizarre! As documented in numerous threads here, there are so many things (heat produced by screen lights and/or the USB Weatherlink and Belfryboy's replacement (though less so)) interfering with the internal sensor giving you anything resembling reliable and/or consistent temperature readings over time that I cannot see the point of measuring faulty data more accurately!
Agreed. The only practical advantage I see is if you wanted to compare your ISS sensor to the one in the console if all heat sources are eliminated. I have done this myself with the ISS in the house when I tested my two 31's for outside.

Would this really work since the ISS is fan-aspirated and the console isn't? I'd imagine they'd give different readings, possibly very different.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on October 25, 2016, 06:14:42 PM

In case you haven't heard, per Scaled Instruments, Davis has upgraded its internal VP2 console temp-humidity sensor to the SHT31. Personally, I think that is overkill, as I really don't care about weather inside the house, particularly since I frequently turn on the console lamps which really heats up the console making inside temperature readings totally meaningless!

That's bizarre! As documented in numerous threads here, there are so many things (heat produced by screen lights and/or the USB Weatherlink and Belfryboy's replacement (though less so)) interfering with the internal sensor giving you anything resembling reliable and/or consistent temperature readings over time that I cannot see the point of measuring faulty data more accurately!
Agreed. The only practical advantage I see is if you wanted to compare your ISS sensor to the one in the console if all heat sources are eliminated. I have done this myself with the ISS in the house when I tested my two 31's for outside.

Would this really work since the ISS is fan-aspirated and the console isn't? I'd imagine they'd give different readings, possibly very different.
Simple. I put a fan on them and waited for the readings to stabilize.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on October 26, 2016, 06:57:38 PM
Apparently I spoke too soon. My console display starred acting odd two days later. :(  I'm out of range of the ISS, but I've still never seen this.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on October 26, 2016, 07:22:34 PM
Apparently I spoke too soon. My console display starred acting odd two days later. :(  I'm out of range of the ISS, but I've still never seen this.

Looks like the console batteries need to be replaced.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on October 26, 2016, 08:12:42 PM
Apparently I spoke too soon. My console display starred acting odd two days later. :(  I'm out of range of the ISS, but I've still never seen this.
No idea whether this will help or not, it's from the VP2 manual.

"An “L” displays when the signal is lost (and the console is “asleep.”) The
console stays in this mode for 15 minutes until returned to “R” mode. To force
the console into “R” mode (“wake up” the console), enter and exit Setup Mode."
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on October 26, 2016, 08:54:33 PM
I just put brand new batteries in this week when I got the console back from refurbish. The console currently shows "R", but it has gone haywire. I suspect I'll have to contact Davis about this. Sigh....
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on October 26, 2016, 08:55:58 PM
I just put brand new batteries in this week when I got the console back from refurbish. The console currently shows "R", but it has gone haywire. I suspect I'll have to contact Davis about this. Sigh....

Call Davis support rather than email. They are more responsive that way.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on October 26, 2016, 09:00:08 PM
I just put brand new batteries in this week when I got the console back from refurbish. The console currently shows "R", but it has gone haywire. I suspect I'll have to contact Davis about this. Sigh....

Did you try taking the batteries out for a minute or so then reinstalling them?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on October 26, 2016, 09:21:17 PM
I just put brand new batteries in this week when I got the console back from refurbish. The console currently shows "R", but it has gone haywire. I suspect I'll have to contact Davis about this. Sigh....

Did you try taking the batteries out for a minute or so then reinstalling them?

I just tried this and reset the console. It seems too have come back from its coma. Hopefully it won't repeat that issue. Thanks.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on October 26, 2016, 09:38:05 PM
I just put brand new batteries in this week when I got the console back from refurbish. The console currently shows "R", but it has gone haywire. I suspect I'll have to contact Davis about this. Sigh....

Did you try taking the batteries out for a minute or so then reinstalling them?

I just tried this and reset the console. It seems too have come back from its coma. Hopefully it won't repeat that issue. Thanks.

It's like if all else fails with a computer, reboot, which is what you did. Glad it worked.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on November 25, 2016, 11:26:09 PM
I just put brand new batteries in this week when I got the console back from refurbish. The console currently shows "R", but it has gone haywire. I suspect I'll have to contact Davis about this. Sigh....

Did you try taking the batteries out for a minute or so then reinstalling them?

I just tried this and reset the console. It seems too have come back from its coma. Hopefully it won't repeat that issue. Thanks.

How is the console doing after nearly 1 month?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: wunderbugwx on December 03, 2016, 10:47:52 AM
I recently sent my Vantage Vue weather station into Davis to have the humidity sensor replaced and for the over haul service. I sent it on 11/06/16, they received it on 11/09/16. They finished the work and shipped it back to me on 12/03/16. I should have it back on 12/05/16. Because my ISS was too old (6 years) all they did was replace it with a newer refurb unit. The console was just checked for the current firmware.
If I had to do it again, I would just buy another ISS for $155 free shipping which is only $30 more than I paid Davis ($100 plus $12 shipping both ways). That way I don't have 4 weeks of no data and still have my old ISS for back up. Feel a bit cheated. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: arrowspace90 on December 05, 2016, 10:08:45 PM
Yeah you need to have another station ready to go up before you send the old one in, because for many of us, it's about the data.
However, I still didn't get it right.  I put up a Pro II, and it's doing a great job and no data interruption, but I sent the Vue into Davis for refurb without getting a repair number first.
Result, they didn't let me know it got there, about a month ago, and I haven't heard from them at all.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on December 06, 2016, 05:02:18 PM
Yeah you need to have another station ready to go up before you send the old one in, because for many of us, it's about the data.
However, I still didn't get it right.  I put up a Pro II, and it's doing a great job and no data interruption, but I sent the Vue into Davis for refurb without getting a repair number first.
Result, they didn't let me know it got there, about a month ago, and I haven't heard from them at all.

Moral of the story? Ask permission when sending dirty laundry in for cleaning and don't forget to get a claim ticket!😀🌦🚰
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on January 18, 2017, 03:17:27 PM
I just put brand new batteries in this week when I got the console back from refurbish. The console currently shows "R", but it has gone haywire. I suspect I'll have to contact Davis about this. Sigh....

Did you try taking the batteries out for a minute or so then reinstalling them?

I just tried this and reset the console. It seems too have come back from its coma. Hopefully it won't repeat that issue. Thanks.

How is the console doing after nearly 1 month?

Console is still doing great.  Not sure what happened!  Just a gremlin I suppose.

So do you guys think I should bother to ground my ISS or not?  It's in an open field, with utility lines nearby but all structures are over 100' away.  Would grounding it save the ISS in a strike, or is it going to get zapped anyway?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Bushman on January 18, 2017, 03:24:40 PM
If there is a strike in the immediate vicinity it'll get zapped no matter what.  I wouldn't waste the time/money.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: bcurry on May 08, 2017, 08:08:54 AM
Hi all,
New to the forum, but I read through this thread with interest.
My Davis Vantage Pro 2 has been up and running since 2011. In 2014 my Temp/Hum sensor in the ISS went bad, and I got a new one from Davis and all was great. Here it is 2017, and my Hum sensor seems to be behaving oddly again. Last time it was just no readings from either Temp/Hum, now I'm getting odd readings from the Hum. Like in a pouring rain it was 45%, but when the rain clears and the sun came out it went to 65%. In the latter's case, that is what the airport 9 miles away said (roughly), but during the rainstorm they, and everyone around me, had 95-100%. This has been going on for a bit and I have cleaned the contacts for the clip of the T/H to the ISS and blew around the T/H sensor itself and got some dutst out - but all to no avail. This morning, all around me is 90-100% (fog and rain) and I'm at 48% currently.
T/H going south again? Ideas?
I may order the new sensor (is Scaled Instruments good?) just to have it, and then try to fix this one as a spare???
Any thoughts/ideas welcome.

Bill

(http://www.billcurry.ca/weather/WeatherCatBanner.jpg)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: George Richardson on May 08, 2017, 08:34:58 AM
"I may order the new sensor (is Scaled Instruments good?) just to have it, and then try to fix this one as a spare???
Any thoughts/ideas welcome."

Excellent!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Bushman on May 08, 2017, 09:08:30 AM
Ryan at Scaled Instruments is great!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: bcurry on May 08, 2017, 10:02:05 AM
Thanks!
I have ordered a new T/H sensor from him and already received an e-mail back. Great stuff!
Now, if I can get my old one working by cleaning...I'd have a spare!

Cheers,
Bill

(http://www.billcurry.ca/weather/WeatherCatBanner.jpg)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: JudinNorman on May 23, 2017, 12:38:45 PM
Is the new sensor an SHT31 or older version?  If it's the new SHT31 how does its readings compare to older?
Jud

Thanks!
I have ordered a new T/H sensor from him and already received an e-mail back. Great stuff!
Now, if I can get my old one working by cleaning...I'd have a spare!

Cheers,
Bill

(http://www.billcurry.ca/weather/WeatherCatBanner.jpg)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on May 23, 2017, 03:51:19 PM
If it's the new SHT31 how does its readings compare to older?
SHT1X https://www.sensirion.com/en/environmental-sensors/humidity-sensors/digital-humidity-sensors-for-accurate-measurements/

SHT3X https://www.sensirion.com/en/environmental-sensors/humidity-sensors/digital-humidity-sensors-for-various-applications/
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on May 23, 2017, 04:03:22 PM
Elaborating on Jim's (CW2274) links, you will find the SHT31 a fantastic sensor, well worth the upgrade from prior models used by Davis. The accuracy and response rate is unbelievable to say the least.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: JudinNorman on May 24, 2017, 01:19:27 PM
You guys have convinced me to upgrade to the SHT31.
Jud
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on May 24, 2017, 04:12:23 PM
You guys have convinced me to upgrade to the SHT31.
Jud
You'll need to check if the -0.9F offset will apply.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: JudinNorman on May 25, 2017, 08:37:02 PM
Yes I have confirmed I will need to enter an offset.

One thing that is confusing to me.  In the manual it says how to enter the offset yet I can do it through the weatherlink software as well,  it says to enter a temperature however.  To do the offset via the software I would assume for example the raw temp is 50.0 F, I would enter 49.1 ? 
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on May 25, 2017, 08:58:56 PM
How did you determine you need an offset? I believe the answer depends on the manufacturing date of your PCBA, correct? Did Davis support provide that answer? Just curious and hopefully your information will benefit other users in this Forum.

As to the specific question you asked, I think you are right but I will defer to someone that won't be guessing!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on May 25, 2017, 09:45:50 PM
Yes I have confirmed I will need to enter an offset.

One thing that is confusing to me.  In the manual it says how to enter the offset yet I can do it through the weatherlink software as well,  it says to enter a temperature however.  To do the offset via the software I would assume for example the raw temp is 50.0 F, I would enter 49.1 ?
If you do it through the console, there is zero doubt it's done correctly. WL tends makes it a little confusing, at least for me. #-o
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: ValentineWeather on May 25, 2017, 10:53:42 PM
Yes I have confirmed I will need to enter an offset.

 To do the offset via the software I would assume for example the raw temp is 50.0 F, I would enter 49.1 ?


Yes
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: JudinNorman on May 26, 2017, 07:54:07 PM
I called Davis tech support,  the tech asked me to go out to the ISS,  take solar panel off and read the code off to him.  He confirmed to me I would need a -0.9 F offset for the correct temperature reading. 
Very happy with Davis tech support.

Jud


How did you determine you need an offset? I believe the answer depends on the manufacturing date of your PCBA, correct? Did Davis support provide that answer? Just curious and hopefully your information will benefit other users in this Forum.

As to the specific question you asked, I think you are right but I will defer to someone that won't be guessing!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on May 26, 2017, 08:02:31 PM
I called Davis tech support,  the tech asked me to go out to the ISS,  take solar panel off and read the code off to him.  He confirmed to me I would need a -0.9 F offset for the correct temperature reading. 
Very happy with Davis tech support.

Jud


How did you determine you need an offset? I believe the answer depends on the manufacturing date of your PCBA, correct? Did Davis support provide that answer? Just curious and hopefully your information will benefit other users in this Forum.

As to the specific question you asked, I think you are right but I will defer to someone that won't be guessing!

Thanks Jud. I believe the code you read to Davis support could tell them when your PCBA was assembled. If before January 1, 2016, an offset is required, if after, no offset. I have found Davis telephone support pretty good over the years, the downside is the long wait time on hold, and they seem to have fairly high turnover in that group although the manager, Brett Lane, has been there quite awhile and does a good job.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Weather Spares on May 27, 2017, 12:57:34 PM
The manufacture date of your PCB can be determined by the first 6 numbers after the two letters. For example a ISS transmitter with a code of AZ1308010001 would be manufactured in year 13 (2013) month 08 (August) 01 (day 1).

This tends to apply to most Davis equipment.

The only time of course this would not apply if someone has replaced the PCB within the case and then used the old internal cover - which is a rarity, but something I have seen. New January 2016 PCBs also tend to have a small white sticker with 2.5 on them rather than an earlier number.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: JudinNorman on June 01, 2017, 06:00:19 PM
I installed the new SHT31 sensor for my Vantage Pro 2 with a -0.9F offset in console.  I'm impressed with the humidity reading already compared to my old sensor with low humidity,  my old sensor had a hard time going much below 30%,  been around 20% this afternoon.

With my old sensor should I return to Davis for calibration? Keep as a spare?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on June 01, 2017, 06:20:07 PM
I installed the new SHT31 sensor for my Vantage Pro 2 with a -0.9F offset in console.  I'm impressed with the humidity reading already compared to my old sensor with low humidity,  my old sensor had a hard time going much below 30%,  been around 20% this afternoon.

With my old sensor should I return to Davis for calibration? Keep as a spare?
Your old sensor has probably drifted to the point of chucking it, there is no re-calibration that I'm aware of. Doubt it would be cost effective even if it could be.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: ValentineWeather on June 01, 2017, 07:11:27 PM
You might be able to regenerate the humidity sensor.
Going from memory it needed to be saturated in a certain type of bag with wet rag for some period of time and maybe even baked in oven. 
It was along time ago and memory isn't getting better and its probably not worth the time considering replacement cost. Here is a link on humidity sensors you might find the information.

https://www.sensirion.com/en/environmental-sensors/all-documents-of-sensirions-humidity-sensors-for-download/
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on September 05, 2017, 10:08:49 AM
Ok, so it's been less than 12 months since I had mine refurbished.  My anemometer has already died.  The console will read direction but not velocity.  The wind cups are spinning freely, so my guess is a dead reed switch inside the anemometer unit.   ](*,)

Does anyone know what kind of warranty Davis gives with the refurbish service?  I'm hoping they'll take care of this for me since it's been less than a year.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dalecoy on September 05, 2017, 12:26:57 PM
Ok, so it's been less than 12 months since I had mine refurbished.  My anemometer has already died.  The console will read direction but not velocity.  The wind cups are spinning freely, so my guess is a dead reed switch inside the anemometer unit.   ](*,)

Have you already tried the measures listed in the ISS manual (page 27, I think)?

And what do the console diagnostics say about the switch closures?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on September 05, 2017, 12:43:36 PM
Ok, so it's been less than 12 months since I had mine refurbished.  My anemometer has already died.  The console will read direction but not velocity.  The wind cups are spinning freely, so my guess is a dead reed switch inside the anemometer unit.   ](*,)

Have you already tried the measures listed in the ISS manual (page 27, I think)?

And what do the console diagnostics say about the switch closures?

I haven't checked the diagnostic screen yet.  I will take a look at it this afternoon.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WXman on September 09, 2017, 06:35:42 PM
My diagnostic screen shows the switch open every 2 seconds.  My cups seem to still be tight on the anemometer spindle.  They spin freely.  Battery voltage is 3.0 volts at the ISS.  No nicks or cuts in the anemometer wire visible.  But I'm still getting direction and not speed. 

Any other ideas?  Davis is no help...said the refurbish only has a 90 day warranty which is terrible for $200.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: George Richardson on September 10, 2017, 02:24:51 PM
NEW: Scaled Instruments
Davis 6410 – Anemometer for Vantage Pro2 & Vantage Pro – $135.00  ($105.00)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dalecoy on September 10, 2017, 03:45:05 PM
My diagnostic screen shows the switch open every 2 seconds. 

Please explain how you see that.  Is the "times open" counter increasing by one every 2 seconds?  And the "times closed" counter not increasing at all?  Or what?

Have you tried the suggestion from the manual to
"Remove the cups from the anemometer (loosen the set screw). Put the cups back onto the shaft and make sure to slide them up the shaft as far as possible."
Title: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on December 20, 2017, 09:08:16 PM
Whatever happen to the question being asked immediately above by WXman re the anemometer? I don’t see a resolution to the issue raised.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dsscheibe on January 08, 2018, 04:52:25 AM
Put my weather station back up after moving 7 years ago..  Everything is working except the wind direction always says north.  Does anyone know the wire colors for the anemometer? Specifically the wires for direction, hopefully it is a wiring issue. Also amazed the website still knows me, been a long time and I've only had this laptop for a year.

It has been updated with a new rain cone with bird wires and the base was sent back to Davis for the barometer calibration because it drifted over a few days time. Was always getting complaints about it from CWOP.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on January 08, 2018, 05:15:59 AM
Put my weather station back up after moving 7 years ago..  Everything is working except the wind direction always says north.  Does anyone know the wire colors for the anemometer? Specifically the wires for direction, hopefully it is a wiring issue. Also amazed the website still knows me, been a long time and I've only had this laptop for a year.

It has been updated with a new rain cone with bird wires and the base was sent back to Davis for the barometer calibration because it drifted over a few days time. Was always getting complaints about it from CWOP.
From this diagram http://www.sloweather.com/blog/2011/110912WMIIjbox.png
it appears green is the direction, red is the ground.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dsscheibe on January 08, 2018, 05:27:52 AM

From this diagram http://www.sloweather.com/blog/2011/110912WMIIjbox.png
it appears green is the direction, red is the ground.
[/quote]

Thank you, much appeciated
Title: UV sensor advanced replacement
Post by: archae86 on January 10, 2018, 06:25:45 PM
I purchased and installed a Davis Vantage Pro2 system in May 2011, then added solar and UV sensors by separate purchase in January 2012.

When I occasionally look at nearby stations reporting UV to Weather Underground, I notice rather wide discrepancies on cloudless days, suggesting that the sensors/reporting stations are not operating equivalently.  More recently I noticed (with the aid of a neighbor who looks at my UV graph daily in order to control his intentional sun exposure) that my system UV sensitivity had declined substantially.  We used historic comparison using cloudless (as readily observed from the shape of the solar curve) days at the same time of year across the years in service, and also cross-checking with the EPA forecast for my position.  As I use Cumulus to generate both my Wunderground report and my personal web page, I used the facility in Cumulus to activate a multiplier of 1.40 last June.  But I consider this not highly accurate, and suspected that whatever had degraded would continue to degrade.

While Davis suggests frequent calibration for stations desiring high accuracy, I did not pursue that option not wishing for my reporting of UV to be out of service for weeks, and wondering what the calibration price might be.  At Christmastime I hit on the idea of buying a new sensor, swapping it for the degraded one, then sending the degraded one to Davis for calibration/refurbishment.  I contacted Davis support by email inquiring as to the proper procedure and the price.  They replied a couple of days ago, advising that I contact them by phone to initiate things, and, more importantly, suggesting that I request "advanced replacement".  In my case this means I gave them my credit card number, they are sending me a previous customer's refurbished sensor.  I'll swap the sensors, then ship back my degraded sensor in the package used.

They did ask how old my sensor was before setting this up.  Possibly that affected the price.  In any case the price I have paid is about a quarter of a good price for a new sensor.  So my initial out-of-pocket expense is a fifth of what my original plan contemplated.

Regarding exposure and cleaning.  I live in Albuquerque, NM, so my sensor sees more UV and more general sunshine than is probably typical.  While in many respects our air is unusually clean, it is possible we have some undesirable content in our dust or air which perhaps may accelerate UV sensor degradation (my solar sensor had degraded little if any).  Very roughly once per year I have cleaned both the solar and the UV sensors, always using Everclear, as I have believed it strongly equivalent to the prescribed methanol.  However, recently I have read (here, I think) that some customer was specifically advised against Everclear by a Davis support rep.  While I am not at all sure that was good advice, I did again seek ethanol for sale to a non-institutional buyer, and found an eBay seller selling from a far place.  I'm not confident that product will be in fact superior to EverClear for this purpose, but I'll be adhering to the letter of Davis prescribed maintenance.

I don't know whether the "advanced replacement" option is available on other components of Davis weather hardware (or on whole systems), but if, as I was, you are troubled by the idea of a long in-service gap, perhaps you might inquire when you call Davis support.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dsscheibe on January 12, 2018, 08:11:32 PM


[/quote]From this diagram http://www.sloweather.com/blog/2011/110912WMIIjbox.png
it appears green is the direction, red is the ground.
[/quote]

Actually the yellow Wire had broken off at the insulation at a splice, fixing that restored the direction. But now I will have to wait until I am home in the day and drop the 120" pole mounted on my chimney down so I can calibrate the direction, it said north before and I thought it was all set but it is almost 180 off...
Title: Re: UV sensor advanced replacement
Post by: dsscheibe on January 12, 2018, 08:23:48 PM

While Davis suggests frequent calibration for stations desiring high accuracy, I did not pursue that option not wishing for my reporting of UV to be out of service for weeks, and wondering what the calibration price might be. 
.....
I don't know whether the "advanced replacement" option is available on other components of Davis weather hardware (or on whole systems), but if, as I was, you are troubled by the idea of a long in-service gap, perhaps you might inquire when you call Davis support.

They are much more helpful on the phone than their website is.  Parts don't show as available for older models on the website, I could not find my wire to connect the station to the base when I put it back up . I have a Davis Pro, recently updated the rain cone with one that is funnel shaped with bird wires. It is taller so the directions recommended moving the solar sensors to the front of the station which in my case is the south side which made sense.  I did download a bunch of pdf's from their site which gave me the information about the update rain cone. While my station was down I sent the base in to have the barometer certified calibrated as CWOP was always complaining it was not accurate, would drift over a week and I'd have to reset it. As I recall it took well over a month to get it back. I was not ready to put the station back up at the time so it was not a big deal to me.
Title: Re: UV sensor advanced replacement
Post by: WheatonRon on January 12, 2018, 08:30:34 PM

While Davis suggests frequent calibration for stations desiring high accuracy, I did not pursue that option not wishing for my reporting of UV to be out of service for weeks, and wondering what the calibration price might be. 
.....
I don't know whether the "advanced replacement" option is available on other components of Davis weather hardware (or on whole systems), but if, as I was, you are troubled by the idea of a long in-service gap, perhaps you might inquire when you call Davis support.

They are much more helpful on the phone than their website is.  Parts don't show as available for older models on the website, I could not find my wire to connect the station to the base when I put it back up . I have a Davis Pro, recently updated the rain cone with one that is funnel shaped with bird wires. It is taller so the directions recommended moving the solar sensors to the front of the station which in my case is the south side which made sense.  I did download a bunch of pdf's from their site which gave me the information about the update rain cone. While my station was down I sent the base in to have the barometer certified calibrated as CWOP was always complaining it was not accurate, would drift over a week and I'd have to reset it. As I recall it took well over a month to get it back. I was not ready to put the station back up at the time so it was not a big deal to me.


The barometer in the VP2 is in the station console not in the ISS that is outside. When you stated you sent the “base” in for calibration, I assume you sent in the console, not the ISS, correct?

Yes, Davis telephone support is pretty good and they don’t charge for advice on the phone for products out of warranty, like a lot of companies do.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on January 12, 2018, 08:45:22 PM
But now I will have to wait until I am home in the day and drop the 120" pole mounted on my chimney down so I can calibrate the direction, it said north before and I thought it was all set but it is almost 180 off...


No, no, no. You can calibrate the direction from the console itself, absolutely no reason to go onto the roof.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dsscheibe on January 14, 2018, 02:52:37 PM
But now I will have to wait until I am home in the day and drop the 120" pole mounted on my chimney down so I can calibrate the direction, it said north before and I thought it was all set but it is almost 180 off...


No, no, no. You can calibrate the direction from the console itself, absolutely no reason to go onto the roof.


Not that have ever seen in the settings on my Davis pro 2.  Plan on doing it in a couple hours, I am very careful on the ladder and roof.  Once I do that I'm mounting my bloom sky on the pole too.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on January 14, 2018, 03:39:17 PM
But now I will have to wait until I am home in the day and drop the 120" pole mounted on my chimney down so I can calibrate the direction, it said north before and I thought it was all set but it is almost 180 off...


No, no, no. You can calibrate the direction from the console itself, absolutely no reason to go onto the roof.


Not that have ever seen in the settings on my Davis pro 2.  Plan on doing it in a couple hours, I am very careful on the ladder and roof.  Once I do that I'm mounting my bloom sky on the pole too.

From page 27 of the Console Manual.

Calibrate Wind Direction Reading
If the anemometer arm cannot be mounted pointing to true north, use this procedure to correct the wind direction console reading.
1. Check the current direction of the wind vane on the anemometer. Compare it to
the wind direction reading on the console.
2. Press WIND as necessary to display the wind direction in degrees.
3. Press and release 2ND, then press and hold SET.
4. The wind direction variable will begin to blink.
5. Continue holding the key until the CAL message appears in the ticker. The
ticker displays the current wind direction calibration value.
6. Press the < and > keys to select digits in the anemometer’s current reading.
7. Press the + and - keys to add/subtract from the anemometer reading.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you have entered the offset value from Step 1.
9. Press DONE to exit calibration.

Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: dsscheibe on January 14, 2018, 10:12:40 PM
Ok, corrected the anemometer and mounted the bloomsky on the pipe
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on January 14, 2018, 10:20:29 PM
Were the Davis instructions (from its console manual that I quoted above) correct to fix your anemometer issue?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: LABob on February 01, 2018, 08:05:45 AM
No, no, no. You can calibrate the direction from the console itself, absolutely no reason to go onto the roof.

For people unaware, the Davis wind vane has a "blind spot" in the north direction. In other words, it can resolve wind direction down to the degree except for between 352° and 8° heading. When the wind vane is pointed anywhere in that 16° gap the value recorded will be one of 355°, 0°, or 5°. This was discussed a couple of years ago in this thread (http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=21967.50). If it's important to you to capture accurate wind direction from the north, you should orient the anemometer towards the most uncommon wind direction and use the console correction.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SnowHiker on February 01, 2018, 04:43:46 PM


For people unaware, the Davis wind vane has a "blind spot" in the north direction. In other words, it can resolve wind direction down to the degree except for between 352° and 8° heading. When the wind vane is pointed anywhere in that 16° gap the value recorded will be one of 355°, 0°, or 5°. This was discussed a couple of years ago in this thread (http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=21967.50). If it's important to you to capture accurate wind direction from the north, you should orient the anemometer towards the most uncommon wind direction and use the console correction.
That's kind of curious.  My wind is coming from a northerly direction now, I've been watching for a few minutes and I've seen 354, 356, 357, 359, 0, and 1.  But then, I have an original VP, maybe the "blind spot" is another VP2 improvement.   :-)

I haven't gone through the whole thread you gave, but if I seem to recall where people have found that there were a couple or so discrete degrees that never showed vs. a whole range. 

Anyone else with a northerly wind verify?

My wind is now back to the NW, so I gave up watching.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on February 01, 2018, 04:55:46 PM
No, no, no. You can calibrate the direction from the console itself, absolutely no reason to go onto the roof.

For people unaware, the Davis wind vane has a "blind spot" in the north direction. In other words, it can resolve wind direction down to the degree except for between 352° and 8° heading. When the wind vane is pointed anywhere in that 16° gap the value recorded will be one of 355°, 0°, or 5°.
Can't say I've seen this. So since my anny is 170 degrees outta wack, you're saying I should only see 165, 170 and 175? I'm not positive, but I don't think so. :???:
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on February 01, 2018, 06:28:24 PM
Granted, I have the offset, but one thing's for sure, I just saw 358, 1, and 3 degrees on WL.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: LABob on February 01, 2018, 06:44:57 PM
Granted, I have the offset, but one thing's for sure, I just saw 358, 1, and 3 degrees on WL.
If you are exactly 170° out of whack, you will never see the following headings in your wind data:

162
163
164
166
167
168
169
171
172
173
174
176
177
178
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on February 01, 2018, 06:51:15 PM
Granted, I have the offset, but one thing's for sure, I just saw 358, 1, and 3 degrees on WL.
If you are exactly 170° out of whack, you will never see the following headings in your wind data:

162
163
164
166
167
168
169
171
172
173
174
176
177
178
Opps, just looked, 190 out, so I shouldn't see 182-198. I'll certainly keep an eye out.....
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: LABob on February 01, 2018, 06:56:34 PM
Your CWOP data seems like you are in fact 170° out. None of the values in that list appear in your wind data for the last ten days, but 182 and 183 etc. do.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on February 01, 2018, 07:11:28 PM
Well, it's not. I just checked and I'm at -190 degrees. As far as CWOP, I use magnetic wind instead of true, not that I care about their "analysis" (Gladstone, at least) anyway. I know what I have.....
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: LABob on February 01, 2018, 07:16:08 PM
Well, it's not. I just checked and I'm at -190 degrees. As far as CWOP, I use magnetic wind instead of true, not that I care about their "analysis" (Gladstone, at least) anyway. I know what I have.....

OK. I was just letting you know that there is no wind data for those headings, but there are for 165, 170, and 175.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: CW2274 on February 01, 2018, 07:25:11 PM
Well, it's not. I just checked and I'm at -190 degrees. As far as CWOP, I use magnetic wind instead of true, not that I care about their "analysis" (Gladstone, at least) anyway. I know what I have.....

OK. I was just letting you know that there is no wind data for those headings, but there are for 165, 170, and 175.
Yes, thanks. As you've peaked my curiosity, I'll be watching.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: LABob on February 01, 2018, 07:29:10 PM
I was kind of bummed out to learn of it when I first found out too. It's a big "hole" in the sensor's resolution, but just a little more than 2%. I suspect it's the reason for the ±3% spec on wind direction.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: capeweather on July 05, 2018, 08:30:54 PM
I was quoted on the phone that my VP2 with 24 hour fan was going to cost $140 to refurb + shipping costs ($30). I just received an email that all repairs are completed and it is now going to cost $200 for the refurb plus the additional $30 for shipping. Am I missing something?
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on July 05, 2018, 09:01:39 PM
I was quoted on the phone that my VP2 with 24 hour fan was going to cost $140 to refurb + shipping costs ($30). I just received an email that all repairs are completed and it is now going to cost $200 for the refurb plus the additional $30 for shipping. Am I missing something?

The $200 is consistent with at least posts 17 and 42 in this thread. However, contact Brett Lane, the tech supervisor at Davis, and see what he might be able to do.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: capeweather on July 11, 2018, 05:30:35 PM
I sent them an email and they honored the $140 price they quoted me over the phone.

I was quoted on the phone that my VP2 with 24 hour fan was going to cost $140 to refurb + shipping costs ($30). I just received an email that all repairs are completed and it is now going to cost $200 for the refurb plus the additional $30 for shipping. Am I missing something?

The $200 is consistent with at least posts 17 and 42 in this thread. However, contact Brett Lane, the tech supervisor at Davis, and see what he might be able to do.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Stormtracker on August 03, 2018, 11:08:10 AM
I sent them an email and they honored the $140 price they quoted me over the phone.

I was quoted on the phone that my VP2 with 24 hour fan was going to cost $140 to refurb + shipping costs ($30). I just received an email that all repairs are completed and it is now going to cost $200 for the refurb plus the additional $30 for shipping. Am I missing something?

The $200 is consistent with at least posts 17 and 42 in this thread. However, contact Brett Lane, the tech supervisor at Davis, and see what he might be able to do.

I have come across a company called Scaled Instruments which seems to be a seller of Davis replacement parts.  The prices look good, for future reference.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SteveFitz1 on August 03, 2018, 12:55:11 PM
I have come across a company called Scaled Instruments which seems to be a seller of Davis replacement parts.  The prices look good, for future reference.

Ryan is a super guy. I, as well as many others on this forum, have done lots of business with him.

Steve
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: JohnN on February 06, 2019, 10:53:57 PM
I'll just chime in here to share my experience with the Davis refurbish program. My 2-year-old VP2 Plus anemometer would frequently show a North wind direction, and when I had high humidity my station would read 1%. I figured the refurbishing program would be more cost-effective than repairing everything myself. I'll outline what I went through and how long everything took, so everyone can get an idea of what to expect. I'll also provide a bullet-point summary at the bottom for anyone who doesn't want to read all this.

I called Davis on Jan 8 to get an RMA number. I went to the Post Office to ship out my weather station on Jan 9. The lowest I was able to get the shipping was USPS Retail Ground for $73.99 ($59.64 shipping and $14.35 for $1,000 worth of insurance, since I really didn't trust my packaging). The weather station was delivered to Davis on Jan 17 (a day late).

Davis sent me an e-mail stating repairs were done on Jan 25, a Friday. I called them on Jan 28 to give them credit card info (they only take Visa and MasterCard). The total cost for the refurbishment was $200, and $30 for return shipping. They shipped the weather station back on Jan 29, and it was delivered to me yesterday, Feb 5, via FedEx.

The invoice said Davis replaced my temperature/humidity sensor, anemometer, and updated my console firmware. They also did a few things that weren't mentioned. They included new mounting hardware and a new ISS battery. They also replaced my tipping bucket rain gauge, because the chrome was peeling off of that. I'm not sure if they did anything else.

Bullet point summary:
- Cost: $75 to ship to Davis, $200 for refurb (VP2 Plus w/ 24 hr FARS), $30 return shipping ($305 total)
- Called Davis on 1/8, sent out on 1/9
- Davis received unit on 1/17, e-mailed me that repairs were completed on 1/25
- Called Davis with credit card info on 1/28, Davis shipped the unit back on 1/29, it was delivered by FedEx 2/5
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Bushman on February 07, 2019, 12:16:14 AM
Does not sound all that economic to me!!
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: JohnN on February 07, 2019, 01:02:00 AM
No, it certainly wasn't an economical repair. I couldn't figure out how to get everything broken down into a smaller box, so I couldn't cut shipping costs that much. FedEx and UPS were around $80+, and I'm not sure what their deal is with insurance, so it might've even been more. I added all the parts to my shopping cart on Scaled Instruments, and it came out to about $200 after adding shipping, so I think I got a "good" deal. I basically ended up spending $100 to have Davis look over everything and professionally replace all the parts. I'm not too happy that I had all these issues after 2 years, but what are you going to do? For the record, I also have a Vue that's been going strong for probably at least 5 years, with no issues whatsoever. I must just have a dud of a VP2.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SBWX on March 10, 2019, 12:35:07 PM
Just had my VP2 refurbished. When I called was quoted $140 but when they called they said the refurbish cost is $200. I mentioned that was quoted $140 and stated that I was quoted wrong as not base VP2. With solar/UV and 24hr fan the cost is $200.

Since I also wanted the new rain bucket I asked for it to be provided at no cost and would pay the full $200, which they agreed to.

Davis did a great job  with the refurbish, hooked everything back up and within an hour backup and running and back pumping out to the Web. I shipped out on a Monday, they received Friday and refurbish was completed by following Friday and shipped back to me

Not all that happy with the final costs but not the fault of Davis. Since I am in Canada the cost in CDN funds we’re, $95 to ship to Davis, $370 for refurbish and return shipping and then CDN customs charged $45. The total is the same as I could get a VUE delivered to my home for the same costs.

In the end my 7 year old VP2 is new again and the refurbish is still 1/3 the cost of a new unit and a much better unit than a VUE
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: JudinNorman on March 10, 2019, 04:42:09 PM
What did Davis fix or replace ?


Just had my VP2 refurbished. When I called was quoted $140 but when they called they said the refurbish cost is $200. I mentioned that was quoted $140 and stated that I was quoted wrong as not base VP2. With solar/UV and 24hr fan the cost is $200.

Since I also wanted the new rain bucket I asked for it to be provided at no cost and would pay the full $200, which they agreed to.

Davis did a great job  with the refurbish, hooked everything back up and within an hour backup and running and back pumping out to the Web. I shipped out on a Monday, they received Friday and refurbish was completed by following Friday and shipped back to me

Not all that happy with the final costs but not the fault of Davis. Since I am in Canada the cost in CDN funds we’re, $95 to ship to Davis, $370 for refurbish and return shipping and then CDN customs charged $45. The total is the same as I could get a VUE delivered to my home for the same costs.

In the end my 7 year old VP2 is new again and the refurbish is still 1/3 the cost of a new unit and a much better unit than a VUE
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: SBWX on March 10, 2019, 05:06:00 PM
They updated the firmware, replaced sim board, solar panel, fan and reed switch. Although it says they replaced reed switch they actually replaced the whole rain base which has tipping bucket and reed switch. So with the new rain cone that I ordered I ended up with a complete new rain system.

The cost to me was worth it as they know what they are doing and test the unit after the refurbish. If I would of tried to repair(rain sensor quit) I would of just replaced the reed switch and installed a new fan. Only to find out later I would have not solved all the issues. I let a pro do it so I could avoid these issues and assured a 100% as new working VP2 Pro
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Coolerman on May 22, 2019, 11:30:29 AM
I have been away for a long, long time due to too many irons in the fire... In other words I am working too much!

I have not been monitoring my station for over a year and it had gotten fouled with bird poop and other nasties. I took it down, cleaned it well and remounted it.

Everything worked but the anemometer. It was "sticking" so I  figured it was the bearings.  I did some searching and found that Scaled Instruments has this:  Pro2 Anemometer Wind Speed Cartridge for $16.50. It states it's only for use with the hour glass shaped body not the older straight body. I am not near my station to know which have. I bought it new in 2016 so does anyone know if I have the straight or the hour glass just based on purchase date? Hope someone sees this before I leave work today so I can order it or not.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: johnd on May 22, 2019, 12:22:26 PM
The 'new' anemometer version was the current version in 2016 so in all probability it is that one. But of course there is stock in the supply chain and it's not impossible that some resellers still had stock of the older version (particularly if it might have been on 'special'). Unfortunately Davis still kept the same 6410 part number for both old and new versions so the only definitive way of telling is to look at it.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Coolerman on May 22, 2019, 01:26:58 PM
Thank you so much for the response. I will just wait until I can get home to verify which it is.
 [tup]
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Coolerman on May 23, 2019, 08:56:38 AM
Verified last night I do indeed have the newer version of the anemometer .
So I  ordered the anemometer cartridge and the new single spoon tipper from Scaled Instruments, and the new rain gauge cone from Weather Shack to get my station updated so it can be put back in service. Now I have to get caught up with a years worth of posts I have missed... 8-)
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: mcrossley on May 23, 2019, 09:48:31 AM
Beware - I think there are two versions of the "new" waisted anemometers. I have an early one and the replacement cartridge I bought whilst it fits in the main holder, the cups do not have the correct lip to mate properly with the cartridge and provide a reasonable seal.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: JRaz on June 15, 2019, 07:33:25 AM
Just got my 6163 back. $200.00 + shipping. Replaced 6410, console software,sim board,solar panel,fan,big plates and UV sensor. I'm very satisfied. Basically a new unit after11 years in the Yuma environment.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: tkrotchko on May 28, 2021, 05:22:59 PM
Folks,

I have all the parts and pieces of my original Davis Vantage Pro that I took down last January, it includes a console, the weather station, and a repeater.

It's probably only good for parts, but if someone wants it, it's yours for the taking.   I live between Washington DC and Baltimore, and if you're nearby you can stop by and it's yours.

PM me and I can give you a phone # and directions.

--Tom
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: Mtn_man on May 28, 2021, 08:21:40 PM
Beware - I think there are two versions of the "new" waisted anemometers. I have an early one and the replacement cartridge I bought whilst it fits in the main holder, the cups do not have the correct lip to mate properly with the cartridge and provide a reasonable seal.
I just replaced my anemometer with one purchased from Scaled Instruments.  It was the new "waisted" version, but the appearance was different.  The magnets were exposed on the old one, but the new one had a sealed cover.  It fit as snugly as the original and works fine.  The bearings in the old one were going bad.

Scaled Instruments even has a video on changing it out.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: GHStadium on July 06, 2021, 06:15:02 PM
I have a Vantage pro, not the pro2 and it's sending signal, X's but my screen is blank, not even dashed lines.  It's only worked a few minutes after our 109 degree day last week, and today it read low console batteries, so I replaced them.  Now the screen is completely blank not even displaying indoor temps.  Not sure what the deal was but the last couple yrs it goes in and out especially on really dark, cloudy or foggy days.  Called the company but person wasn't familiar with the Davis Pro.  Any ideas, suggestions? I did setup, but maybe missing something? 
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: WheatonRon on July 06, 2021, 06:30:48 PM
Trying pressing the done button for awhile-a minute or so.
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: GHStadium on July 06, 2021, 06:32:56 PM
Of course after finally posting I think it's working, except for humidity.  I forgot I have a capacitor for it, will that maybe fix my intermitant issue?  I've repaired it several times over the yrs, can't remember what I did last.  I don't want to buy a new one it's only 18yrs old. 
Title: Re: Davis Weather Station Repair/Refurb Information
Post by: GHStadium on July 06, 2021, 06:33:44 PM
Thanks, I just did it before your post.