I'm new to all of this and trying to select an equipment configuration for data logging to the internet (primarily Weather Underground and CWOP). Reading these forums and vendor sites, I see 6 or more options to interface a Davis VP2 weather station (probably a 6152 and 7747 daytime fan) to the internet. Six options are discussed below (and deliberately left out Vantage Connect, Meteohub, and Meteoplug options). If any of this is wrong, please advise, or if there are other viable options.
For my purposes, I want to see weather data even if the internet connection is down (which mostly eliminates options without a Console), and don’t want to require a PC to be available all the time. That makes options 2 (WeatherlinkIP) and 3 (USB data logger & Meteobridge) the best options and they seem to be about the same cost. I'm leaning towards #2 to stay with a single vendor solution, ie, simplicity as it seems to require less tinkering. Does anyone know if the Meteobridge outperforms the WeatherlinkIP in any way? If so, in what ways?
Options. I use the ">" symbol to indicate a hardwired connection unless it specifically states wireless.
Option 1:
VP2>wireless>6312 Console>6510 USB data logger>PC>Router>Internet
Pros: Lowest cost. Cons: A PC must be running all of the time.
Option 2.
VP2>wireless>6312 Console>6555 WeatherlinkIP>Router>Internet (and PC)
Pros: Seems to be simple to setup (can anyone verify that?). Cons: The Console is tethered to the Router by a cable (but presumably can be disconnected for short periods and will continue to log data, though that would disable real-time updates).
Option 3.
VP2>wireless>6312 Console>6510 USB data logger>USB 2.0 hub> Meteobridge (aka Weatherbridge)>wireless>Router>Internet (and PC)
Pros: Has an "untethered" Console. Comparable cost to WeatherlinkIP option #2 (need to buy 6510, hub, flashable router, firmware). Cons: The untethered Console is still connected to a data logger, hub, and Meteobridge somewhat limiting portability. Not a single vendor solution, seems to require much tinkering based on numerous forum posts.
Options 4a, 4b, 4c.
VP2>wireless>6316 Envoy>… [Envoy replaces Console in options 1, 2, or 3]
Pros: Lower costs than options 1, 2, or 3. Cons: no Console so requires PC or tablet/phone with internet connection to see weather data. Or the cost of an Envoy and a Console.
Option 5.
VP2>wireless> Meteostick (aka Airbridge)> Meteobridge> wireless>Router>Internet (and PC)
Pros: No Console required. Cons: Requires PC or tablet/phone with internet connection to see weather data. Barometer reading may not be as accurate as Console.
Option 6.
VP2>wireless> Meteobridge Pro(red)> wireless>Router>Internet (and PC)
Pros: No Console required. Cons: Requires PC or tablet/phone with internet connection to see weather data. Costly.