Topic: Davis questions

[fubaya]

What is the ISS, just a sensor package without the console? Does it require a separate console or logger in order to get data?

I'm wanting to use a Pogoplug running Debian Linux to collect weather data and I don't really need the console, but the ISS plus a logger is more than a Vantage Vue which comes with a console.

[Garth Bock]

The ISS or Integrated Sensor Suite is the unit that provides the outdoor measurements...rain, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and solar and UV if present. It also has the transmitter to send data to the receiving station. There are two ways to receive the data, either with a console or an Envoy. The console has the LCD display and can run about 6+ months on C batteries making it very portable around the house. The Envoy is a receiver only with no LCD display. To get data from the either the console or Envoy into a computer you will need a DataLogger and software. The datalogger is either serial or USB connected and ties the console or Envoy to the computer. To some like me I can't see tying down an expensive console to a computer so I have an Envoy and a Console. The Envoy is tied to the computer and the console moves around the house when I want to keep watch on weather conditions. There is also the WeatherLinkIP which connects the Envoy or console to your home router and directly to the WeatherLinkIP website and a few others. I think what you will need is an ISS, an Envoy, and a DataLogger (there is a less expensive source here on this forum). Yes the whole thing is more expensive than the Vue however the Vue is not expandible like the Vantage Pro2. The basic VPro2 does come with a console like the Vue though. You can go to ProVantage or Archer Trading Post and just buy the components piece by piece. You can buy just the ISS and Envoy by themselves it you want to. If you want great support and low prices you can buy from Ambient Weather. Hope this helps.

[moehoward4]

www.archertradingpost.com/atp    Check them out.

[Skywatch]

I also recommend Archer Trading. I've never been dissapointed with them. Great prices and really friendly.

[fubaya]

Thanks for the explanation and the links. The Archer page for the ISS actually explains that it needs a console or envoy, but I couldn't figure it out from the Davis page to save my life. I assumed the consoles had a USB plug in the back so you could read data straight off of it.

So, an ISS using an envoy and datalogger is expandable?

[belfryboy]

By expandable do you mean "can I add more sensors?" if so the answer is yes. Just remember that even with an Envoy you will still need a datalogger.
Btw I can supply the datalogger for £50 including worldwide delivery.

[moehoward4]

  +1 on belfryboys' data logger.

[mackbig]

fubaya
Davis stations (vp2 and vue) come with an iss and a console.

In basic terms the ISS contains the sensors. The console displays all the values from ISS (and in some cases extra sensors if you have them).
The envoy is a "console" without a display, and must be connect to a weatherlink to be able to get data.

A weatherlink (serial, usb, ip) gets the console/envoy data to the pc/internet. (purcahased as an extra add-on)

Andrew

Thanks for the explanation and the links. The Archer page for the ISS actually explains that it needs a console or envoy, but I couldn't figure it out from the Davis page to save my life. I assumed the consoles had a USB plug in the back so you could read data straight off of it.

So, an ISS using an envoy and datalogger is expandable?

[SLOweather]

Just to clarify (or maybe muddy ) the waters a little more...

There are essentially 4 versions of the Vantage Pro 2: wired and wireless, and with solar and UV sensors (Pro 2 Plus) and without.

The wired version is NOT expandable to extra stations. The wireless version can receive data from a mix of up to 7 extra wireless stations comprised of temperature only, temperature/humidity, and soil moisture/leaf wetness/temperature.

And, while you can add the solar/UV sensors to either Pro station at a later date, it's MUCH cheaper to order the Plus version up front if you think you'll want them.

And check out Rob at rainmanweather.com for pricing, too.

[cospringswx]

Archer trading post is the best. Cheap prices and fast delivery. Best of all Ryan wilhour is a nice guy. Tell him Ryan from Hays Kansas sent you.

[Skywatch]

Tell Ryan Wilhour Ryan from Kansas and Matt from Texas sent you.