Author Topic: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)  (Read 3271 times)

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Offline justinhow

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Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« on: March 14, 2017, 09:05:33 AM »
I have a PC running Windows 2012 R2 with a Davis Pro Vantage connected via USB. Up to now I have used Cumulus to download from the Davis Pro and upload to the local Meteotemplate IIS based website and WU etc.
It now appears that Cumulus will become a poor option with Meteotemplate 12.0 as Sandaysoft software are not supporting the new API that Jachym has worked on.
So what do I replace Cumulus with? All I need it to do is download from the Davis Pro and copy to the meteotemplate website folder really. Uploading to WU etc would be quite nice but not essential.
Weather Display is I guess the obvious one but is massive overkill and very complex for this job.
Meteobridge looks quite cool but would this be the best alternative and it is quite expensive to get going?
Help appreciated!
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)

Offline Jáchym

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2017, 09:15:02 AM »
Hi Justin,
it pretty much depends on what you prefer. I cannot say one is better than the other, so I will probably just highlight the advantages:

Weather Display - probably the most complex of all SW, which might be advantage for some, disadvantage for others, I personally would use it because I like lot of info myself :D
Meteobridge - this is what I really use and primarily because I cannot have my PC on 24/7. If you want a small, cheap device that will be somewhere behind a table, absolutely quiet, negligible energy consumption, which will do nothing more than send data online from your station, then this is the best choice. But again, it depends, it also means you don´t see any data on your PC etc. It goes from your PWS directly online. For me it is what I wanted.
WeeWx - also quite good, cross-platform, maybe requiring slightly more technical knowledge to install some things
WeatherCat - very good for Macs

Offline jonnyj771

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2017, 09:17:16 AM »
I have a PC running Windows 2012 R2 with a Davis Pro Vantage connected via USB. Up to now I have used Cumulus to download from the Davis Pro and upload to the local Meteotemplate IIS based website and WU etc.
It now appears that Cumulus will become a poor option with Meteotemplate 12.0 as Sandaysoft software are not supporting the new API that Jachym has worked on.
So what do I replace Cumulus with? All I need it to do is download from the Davis Pro and copy to the meteotemplate website folder really. Uploading to WU etc would be quite nice but not essential.
Weather Display is I guess the obvious one but is massive overkill and very complex for this job.
Meteobridge looks quite cool but would this be the best alternative and it is quite expensive to get going?
Help appreciated!
I have been using WD for more than 6 years without much issue.
The developer is right on the money responding to messages and updates are fairly regular.
You can utilize WD for uploading to WU as well as your website like I do. If you follow the Wiki, it's pretty straight forward.

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Offline justinhow

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2017, 09:21:19 AM »
Hi Justin,
it pretty much depends on what you prefer. I cannot say one is better than the other, so I will probably just highlight the advantages:

Weather Display - probably the most complex of all SW, which might be advantage for some, disadvantage for others, I personally would use it because I like lot of info myself :D
Meteobridge - this is what I really use and primarily because I cannot have my PC on 24/7. If you want a small, cheap device that will be somewhere behind a table, absolutely quiet, negligible energy consumption, which will do nothing more than send data online from your station, then this is the best choice. But again, it depends, it also means you don´t see any data on your PC etc. It goes from your PWS directly online. For me it is what I wanted.
WeeWx - also quite good, cross-platform, maybe requiring slightly more technical knowledge to install some things
WeatherCat - very good for Macs
Think I am right is saying that WeeWx does not support windows?
Probably looking like WD then really.
Thanks!
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)

Offline justinhow

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2017, 09:31:40 AM »
I have been using WD for more than 6 years without much issue.
The developer is right on the money responding to messages and updates are fairly regular.
You can utilize WD for uploading to WU as well as your website like I do. If you follow the Wiki, it's pretty straight forward.

Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Tapatalk
I was put off with a quick look at WD by the huge number of options/menus and I could not see where to install it as a Windows service on my Win 10 PC
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)

Offline Jáchym

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2017, 09:34:13 AM »
I dont know WeeWx that well but I think I remember that Matt (WeeWx developer) told me it does to a certain extent run under windows, but not sure how you have to do it and if everything is supported. It is primarily for Linux.

WD - maybe a little steep learning curve, but it isnt that bad :-) And Brian is amazing in terms of support.

Offline jonnyj771

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #6 on: March 14, 2017, 09:38:07 AM »
When you install WD, just agree to the terms of service and press next through the rest of it. It will install right where you need it.

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Offline jonnyj771

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2017, 09:42:11 AM »
You can message me if you have any questions

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Weather Station Hardware: Davis Vantage Pro2 6152
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Offline Jáchym

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2017, 09:44:18 AM »
LOL... I guess the devs of WD, MB, WeeWX and WCat will be quite happy about this update :D Just since yesterday this is the 7th similar question I got.... Though I want to emphasize that v12 is fully compatible with all the other SW - Cumulus, WU etc.
Meteotemplate 12.0 - compatible with all and all users should update
API - compatible with the above mentioned
, but it is not essential and only will add some extra features in the future for users using it and will ensure more accurate and faster data uploads and db

Offline Bushman

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2017, 10:17:51 AM »
...
Meteobridge - this is what I really use and primarily because I cannot have my PC on 24/7. If you want a small, cheap device that will be somewhere behind a table, absolutely quiet, negligible energy consumption, which will do nothing more than send data online from your station, then this is the best choice. But again, it depends, it also means you don´t see any data on your PC etc. It goes from your PWS directly online. For me it is what I wanted.
....
Don't forget that using Port 22222 on the Meteobridge you can pass-thru to the PC-based wx software of choice.  Handy little feeature!
Need low cost IP monitoring?  http://wirelesstag.net/wta.aspx?link=NisJxz6FhUa4V67/cwCRWA or PM me for 50% off Wirelesstags!!

Offline justinhow

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #10 on: March 16, 2017, 04:37:01 AM »
Just an update on this.
I am now trialling WD as a replacement to Cumulus. All going OK at the moment.
Shame about not being able to set WD as a Windows service as I don't like leaving auto logon on my server for obvious security reasons.
Moved over to MT 12.0 and using the new API to update. It all seems to be working well after a couple of minor problems.
Thanks for all the help guys.
Justin
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)

Offline ConligWX

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #11 on: March 16, 2017, 06:00:11 AM »
Can you not run WD as a Task (Task Scheduler), that way you dont need to logon.
Regards Simon
Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus (6162UK) • Daytime FARS • WeatherLink Live • AirLink • PurpleAir PA-II-SD • CumulusMX •


Offline justinhow

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #12 on: March 16, 2017, 06:02:10 AM »
Can you not run WD as a Task (Task Scheduler), that way you dont need to logon.
Good question - anyone know?
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)

Offline ConligWX

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« Last Edit: March 16, 2017, 06:08:09 AM by Toxic »
Regards Simon
Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus (6162UK) • Daytime FARS • WeatherLink Live • AirLink • PurpleAir PA-II-SD • CumulusMX •


Offline justinhow

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #14 on: March 16, 2017, 06:06:00 AM »
Superb - will check it out today
Thanks!
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)

Offline ConligWX

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #15 on: March 16, 2017, 06:13:49 AM »
no probs, you can also start programs automatically in the registry.

 - add it as a command/batch file to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and this will also run on startup though Permissions are not enforced whereas in Task Scheduler you can run with user permissions.
Regards Simon
Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus (6162UK) • Daytime FARS • WeatherLink Live • AirLink • PurpleAir PA-II-SD • CumulusMX •


Offline justinhow

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #16 on: March 16, 2017, 06:18:24 AM »
That registry setting will not run unless someone logs in as far as I am aware.
Also I notice that this youtube mentioned above about Task Scheduler is about starting a scheduled job running WD when someone logs on - that is the settings he uses in it.
Neither of these helps me as I want WD to start when the Server starts whether someone is logged in or not.
The question I think is whether WD is supported when no one is logged in and therefore is without a desktop etc.
Although Cumulus was not really supported as a Windows service, people did find a way in which it ran fine in that scenario
« Last Edit: March 16, 2017, 06:22:07 AM by justinhow »
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)

Offline ConligWX

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #17 on: March 16, 2017, 06:23:22 AM »
I am not going to make a video for you but go look at the task scheduler yourself. when you create a task there is an option which states:

"Run whether user is logged in or not"

and "run with Highest priviledges"

in the general tab.

You can make it work this way. Just needs you to go look and set the options you want ;)

on the Trigger tab set it as "As Startup"
« Last Edit: March 16, 2017, 06:25:58 AM by Toxic »
Regards Simon
Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus (6162UK) • Daytime FARS • WeatherLink Live • AirLink • PurpleAir PA-II-SD • CumulusMX •


Offline ConligWX

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #18 on: March 16, 2017, 06:42:52 AM »
If you have to get WD to run as you're logged in, whats the problem? you can have the windows system log you in as default, then run WD on startup, then lock the screen.

Job done.  if you're running 2012 Server you can have multiple users logged in at any one time anyway.
Regards Simon
Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus (6162UK) • Daytime FARS • WeatherLink Live • AirLink • PurpleAir PA-II-SD • CumulusMX •


Offline justinhow

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #19 on: March 16, 2017, 07:08:39 AM »
If you have to get WD to run as you're logged in, whats the problem? you can have the windows system log you in as default, then run WD on startup, then lock the screen.

Job done.  if you're running 2012 Server you can have multiple users logged in at any one time anyway.
I agree you can - however having autologon is simply bad security and should be avoided whenever it reasonably can (I can provide plenty of articles about this). After all this is what windows services are exactly for. I should add that this server has fairly sensitive data on it and it by no means dedicated to the weather website.
« Last Edit: March 16, 2017, 07:31:30 AM by justinhow »
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)

Offline justinhow

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #20 on: March 16, 2017, 07:11:47 AM »
I am not going to make a video for you but go look at the task scheduler yourself. when you create a task there is an option which states:

"Run whether user is logged in or not"

and "run with Highest priviledges"
in the general tab.
You can make it work this way. Just needs you to go look and set the options you want ;)

on the Trigger tab set it as "As Startup"

I realise that Scheduled tasks can do this - my question is would WD run ok in this scenario (without a desktop etc) as it may never have been tested and apparently does not run as a service ok. Has anyone actually done this?
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)

Offline ConligWX

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #21 on: March 16, 2017, 09:37:34 AM »
I dont actually use WD but looking at the Wiki it mentions a feature about starting WD when windows starts, have you checked the Setup configuration?

Regards Simon
Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus (6162UK) • Daytime FARS • WeatherLink Live • AirLink • PurpleAir PA-II-SD • CumulusMX •


Offline Jáchym

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #22 on: March 16, 2017, 09:43:17 AM »
Justin maybe useful to ask on the WD forum, there is quite a lot being discussed with regards to MT

https://www.weather-watch.com/smf/index.php

And Brian (WD developer) is very active and answers all questions and I guess he is the one who knows the most of all :D

Offline justinhow

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Re: Replacing Cumulus software (connecting to Meteotemplate)
« Reply #23 on: March 16, 2017, 10:16:59 AM »
I will  run along and post!
Station: Davis Vantage Pro2, Weather Display, meteotemplate 14
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Website: https://www.dumfries-weather.com (geo-restricted)