Author Topic: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout  (Read 159723 times)

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Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #50 on: March 09, 2011, 10:01:01 AM »
@SpartanWX
>  I need to transmit the data from the serial connection on the logger at the console, wirelessly to the serial connection on a PC
> which will be connected to the internet.

In that case, the homemade XBee wireless serial interface (as described in this post) would be a good (and inexpensive) solution. No different than a wired serial connection once it is initially configured. The 1-milliwatt model should easily transmit from one room to any other in a normal-sized house, i.e., from the console in some open area, to a computer tucked away in a closet somewhere etc.

I've got my VUE console in the family room and have strapped the XBee adapter to the rear stand, out of sight. It's actually small enough to squeeze into the plugin compartment at the bottom (which I'm guessing is comparable to the VP2), but that might cut the range down a bit. Haven't tried it yet. (Get an  XBee with the "chip antenna" (same price) for the console side, which has a smaller footprint and would be easier to cram into the plugin compartment.)
« Last Edit: March 09, 2011, 10:05:44 AM by af4ex »
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline DeKay

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #51 on: March 09, 2011, 01:29:26 PM »
It's actually small enough to squeeze into the plugin compartment at the bottom (which I'm guessing is comparable to the VP2), but that might cut the range down a bit. Haven't tried it yet. (Get an  XBee with the "chip antenna" (same price) for the console side, which has a smaller footprint and would be easier to cram into the plugin compartment.)

Couldn't you drill a hole in the battery cover and thread the XBee antenna through it?  That should help maintain the range rather than taking a sure hit by going to an XBee with a chip antenna.

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #52 on: March 09, 2011, 02:00:23 PM »
@DeKay
> Couldn't you drill a hole in the battery cover ...?

It might not make much difference, since the bulk of the console will still be shielding above it. (I'm sending signals upstairs to my ham shack).

I'm going to order two more XBee's, probably with chip antennas and an Arduino XBee shield and another USB Explorer. It'll be a backup, to keep my WX link going in case of hardware failure. And also give me a opportunity to play around with networking these things. When I have some backup devices, then I'll feel safer about experimenting with them. (Might break off the antenna etc).

Out of the box, the XBee is set up for "transparent serial" mode, which allows only 2-way comm. But there is an API built in, which allows the XBee's to talk on a network. So you could have these plugged into a bunch of computers, all sharing the Davis WX console output uniformly. I'd also like to try them out for robotics remote control, so I'll hook one up to my Arduino Uno and see how well it controls motors and such.

There's a lot of possibilities (and fun) packaged into these little $20 gizmos! (A lot cheaper than a tankfull of gas, these days)
 :grin:
« Last Edit: March 09, 2011, 02:23:12 PM by af4ex »
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline SpartanWX

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #53 on: March 09, 2011, 03:40:17 PM »
@SpartanWX
>  I need to transmit the data from the serial connection on the logger at the console, wirelessly to the serial connection on a PC
> which will be connected to the internet.

In that case, the homemade XBee wireless serial interface (as described in this post) would be a good (and inexpensive) solution. No different than a wired serial connection once it is initially configured. The 1-milliwatt model should easily transmit from one room to any other in a normal-sized house, i.e., from the console in some open area, to a computer tucked away in a closet somewhere etc.

I've got my VUE console in the family room and have strapped the XBee adapter to the rear stand, out of sight. It's actually small enough to squeeze into the plugin compartment at the bottom (which I'm guessing is comparable to the VP2), but that might cut the range down a bit. Haven't tried it yet. (Get an  XBee with the "chip antenna" (same price) for the console side, which has a smaller footprint and would be easier to cram into the plugin compartment.)
So if I understand correctly...

I need these for the serial connection on the console datalogger:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9111
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8665

and these for the USB connection on my WXPC:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9819
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8665

And I am good to go after tweaking them for the data transmission?

And if I wanted to get outrageous, I could get these:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9085

and transmit 15 miles?

Seems too easy.

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #54 on: March 09, 2011, 04:12:34 PM »
@SpartanWX
> So if I understand correctly.

You got WXPC parts correctly (basically a USB XBee dongle), but wrong on the console side. Reread page 2 of this post:
Quote
Now the console-side transceiver. Good news: it will be cheaper because we'll build it from inexpensive parts, plus another $22 XBee Modem. But it will of course be more difficult to put together. Don't attempt this unless you have a fine-tipped soldering iron and some building experience.

We'll use the SparkFun XBee breakout board ($3) and a pair of 2mm header sockets ($1 each) which need to be soldered to the breakout board for mounting the XBee transceiver ($22, same as above). Buy an extra header socket, which will be cut up to make the console connector cable (details in previous Phase I posting).
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8276
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10030

You'll also need some 0.1" spacing PC board (PCB) and a six-pin 0.1" header for the console connector. I had some of these pieces laying around, but you can get them at SparkFun or Radio Shack. Typically you buy oversized pieces and cut them to size. Shouldn't cost more than a few bucks I would guess.

So you will have to build an ad-hoc XBee dongle on the console side to plug into the 20-pin connector. You'll need some PC Board and header strips, with 0.1" inch space holes too, which you'll cut to fit. (Radio Shack sells this for a few bucks).

Mostly importantly, you'll need a fine-tipped soldering iron and some experience with circuitry like this. Novices typically apply too much heat and melt the plastic or too much solder, which bridges and shorts everything out.

That said, it is a rather simple circuit. Only four wires to jumper on the back of the PCB. The trickiest part is making those 2mm plugs. (Or plunk down $15 to get the Samtec 2x10 header receptacle, which will make it a bit easier to plug into the console).

Forget about transmitting 15 miles. A bare wire antenna at 100mw will only get out a thousand feet or so. You'll need an external antenna system with very high-gain antennas (30dB or so, and very precisely aimed) to get out 15 miles. And it would probably only work in fair weather, rain/snow/wind would cause some serious attenuation (and that's probably exactly the kind of rotten weather you'd be interested in monitoring). :-|

Hope that helps,
John/af4ex
« Last Edit: March 09, 2011, 04:21:54 PM by af4ex »
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline SpartanWX

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #55 on: March 09, 2011, 04:25:19 PM »
@SpartanWX
> So if I understand correctly.

You got WXPC parts correctly (basically a USB XBee dongle), but wrong on the console side. Reread page 2 of this post:
Quote
Now the console-side transceiver. Good news: it will be cheaper because we'll build it from inexpensive parts, plus another $22 XBee Modem. But it will of course be more difficult to put together. Don't attempt this unless you have a fine-tipped soldering iron and some building experience.

We'll use the SparkFun XBee breakout board ($3) and a pair of 2mm header sockets ($1 each) which need to be soldered to the breakout board for mounting the XBee transceiver ($22, same as above). Buy an extra header socket, which will be cut up to make the console connector cable (details in previous Phase I posting).
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8276
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10030

You'll also need some 0.1" spacing PC board (PCB) and a six-pin 0.1" header for the console connector. I had some of these pieces laying around, but you can get them at SparkFun or Radio Shack. Typically you buy oversized pieces and cut them to size. Shouldn't cost more than a few bucks I would guess.

So you will have to build an ad-hoc XBee dongle on the console side to plug into the 20-pin connector. You'll need some PC Board and header strips, with 0.1" inch space holes too, which you'll cut to fit. (Radio Shack sells this for a few bucks).

Mostly importantly, you'll need a fine-tipped soldering iron and some experience with circuitry like this. Novices typically apply too much heat and melt the plastic or too much solder, which bridges and shorts everything out.

That said, it is a rather simple circuit. Only four wires to jumper on the back of the PCB. The trickiest part is making those 2mm plugs. (Or plunk down $15 to get the Samtec 2x10 header receptacle, which will make it a bit easier to plug into the console).

Forget about transmitting 15 miles. A bare wire antenna at 100mw will only get out a thousand feet or so. You'll need an external antenna system with very high-gain antennas (30dB or so, and very precisely aimed) to get out 15 miles. And it would probably only work in fair weather, rain/snow/wind would cause some serious attenuation (and that's probably exactly the kind of rotten weather you'd be interested in monitoring). :-|

Hope that helps,
John/af4ex
At the console side, I already have the WeatherLink datalogger (serial version, currently going to WXPC via Serial->USB converter).  Wouldn't I just plug the XBee Explorer Serial into the serial output of the WeathLink datalogger (after I configure it of course)?

I've got a soldering iron... but it's the monster pistol-grip melts stuff variety.

Offline dalecoy

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #56 on: March 09, 2011, 04:56:40 PM »
For someone who wants to learn how to solder, the following would be a good investment:

http://store.cs-sales.net/nelsokitwist.html

Includes soldering iron, tools, a practice project, and excellent instructions.

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #57 on: March 09, 2011, 04:57:27 PM »
@SpartanWX
Quote
At the console side, I already have the WeatherLink datalogger (serial version, currently going to WXPC via Serial->USB converter).  Wouldn't I just plug the XBee Explorer Serial into the serial output of the WeathLink datalogger (after I configure it of course)?

I've got a soldering iron... but it's the monster pistol-grip melts stuff variety.

Ok, then maybe you don't need to do any soldering at all! But I know nothing about the WeatherLink (or the Serial Explorer either), so you'll have to do the pioneering here.

If the WL expects to plug into a 9-pin serial connection, then it sounds like it might work "out of the box".

All you'll have to do is configure the XBee's for 19200 baud with the X-CTU utility, and then just plug and play.

[In any case, forget the pistol-grip soldering iron. Much too big for this kind of work.]

John/af4ex

WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #58 on: March 09, 2011, 05:02:35 PM »
For someone who wants to learn how to solder, the following would be a good investment:

http://store.cs-sales.net/nelsokitwist.html

Includes soldering iron, tools, a practice project, and excellent instructions.

In fact, that is exactly the soldering station I use. But make sure you use a 1/32" tip. I recall that the tip that came with mine was a tad too big.
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #59 on: March 09, 2011, 05:32:56 PM »
@SpartanWX
> http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9111

Reading the specs on this part I see that it needs a separate power supply because, unlike USB, there is no power in the serial interface itself. No problem, just follow the SparkFun recommendations.

Also, in the user comments, one reader says a 'null modem' is required. That essentially reverses the read and write lines and is needed for certain kinds of applications. I don't know if it's really needed but you can get them at Radio Shack for a few bucks. It looks exactly like this one in Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Null_modem

You can call or email SparkFun Customer Support to get answers to some of these issues.

DeKay, any words of wisdom for Mr. SpartanWX before he goes and orders all of these parts? What about levels? Does WL use standard RS-232 voltages (+/- 15v etc)?
« Last Edit: March 09, 2011, 05:36:34 PM by af4ex »
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline DeKay

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #60 on: March 09, 2011, 05:43:51 PM »
DeKay, any words of wisdom for Mr. SpartanWX before he goes and orders all of these parts? What about levels? Does WL use standard RS-232 voltages (+/- 15v etc)?


WL is designed to connect directly to a standard serial port, so it must use standard RS-232 voltages (if there is such a thing).  I was about to add what you followed up with, af4ex.  Just pay attention to the gender of your connectors, and buy a null modem adapter whether you need one or not.  In my experience, you will always need one when you don't have one, and vice versa.

I like where this thread is going.  More people seem to be catching the bug and giving this a shot.

Offline dalecoy

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #61 on: March 09, 2011, 05:53:22 PM »
For the record, the physical connection to the serial logger is with a 4-wire "telephone cable".  That connects (in the standard configuration) to a "dongle" supplied by Davis that has the usual 9-pin connector.  As I recall, inside that dongle, the usual RTS/DTR/CTS/etc. fakeout connections are made.

I don't think I've ever actually measured the voltages, but on the other hand I've never had it fail to work with any serial port that I hooked it to.

The "hacker" way to make the connection would be to just use a "telephone cable", strip one end, and connect the wires.  And with RS-232, there shouldn't be any danger of blowing anything out, even if the first try has the RX and TX reversed.  So, no null modem would be required, in that case.

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #62 on: March 09, 2011, 05:59:58 PM »
DeKay, any words of wisdom for Mr. SpartanWX before he goes and orders all of these parts? What about levels? Does WL use standard RS-232 voltages (+/- 15v etc)?


WL is designed to connect directly to a standard serial port, so it must use standard RS-232 voltages (if there is such a thing).  I was about to add what you followed up with, af4ex.  Just pay attention to the gender of your connectors, and buy a null modem adapter whether you need one or not.  In my experience, you will always need one when you don't have one, and vice versa.

I like where this thread is going.  More people seem to be catching the bug and giving this a shot.
Well, SpartanWX, we think it should work, but no guarantee until you try it.

Go forth and connect, wirelessly!
:grin:
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline SpartanWX

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #63 on: March 09, 2011, 11:46:01 PM »
DeKay, any words of wisdom for Mr. SpartanWX before he goes and orders all of these parts? What about levels? Does WL use standard RS-232 voltages (+/- 15v etc)?


WL is designed to connect directly to a standard serial port, so it must use standard RS-232 voltages (if there is such a thing).  I was about to add what you followed up with, af4ex.  Just pay attention to the gender of your connectors, and buy a null modem adapter whether you need one or not.  In my experience, you will always need one when you don't have one, and vice versa.

I like where this thread is going.  More people seem to be catching the bug and giving this a shot.
Well, SpartanWX, we think it should work, but no guarantee until you try it.

Go forth and connect, wirelessly!
:grin:

This project is a couple of months out on the event horizon.  I still need to find a house/townhouse/apartment and a job in metro DC before the first of May.  I'll be taking the VP2 offline, sending it in for refurbishment, and cobbling this together then.

Thanks for the info... sounds doable for sure.

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #64 on: March 10, 2011, 07:03:33 AM »
@SpartanWX
> This project is a couple of months out on the event horizon. 

Then it is very likely that someone else will have tested and verified your idea by that time. Good luck on the job/house quest!
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline Bushman

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #65 on: March 10, 2011, 09:49:04 AM »
Need low cost IP monitoring?  http://wirelesstag.net/wta.aspx?link=NisJxz6FhUa4V67/cwCRWA or PM me for 50% off Wirelesstags!!

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #66 on: March 14, 2011, 08:01:34 PM »
@me
> I'm going to order two more XBee's, probably with chip antennas ...

Received the chip-antenna XBee's. One was DOA (failed the TEST/IDENTITY check in X-CTU). Configured the other one for 19200 baud and replaced the wire-anntenna device in the Davis VUE console.

It works fine, but still a little too bulky to fit in plugin compartment. So I still have it strapped to the back of the console, where it is out of view.

The custom design (for which I'm still working out the details) will all be on one board, which will easily fit the plugin space (at least on the VUE).

So these results are consistent with SparkFun's claim that the chip antenna has the same range as the wire antenna. (But I'm still skeptical, will run some X-CTU range tests when I get the replacement chip).

John/af4ex
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline Bushman

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #67 on: March 14, 2011, 08:11:51 PM »
I cannot understand what physics would allow the chip antenna to be as good.  BTDT in RC transmitters.
Need low cost IP monitoring?  http://wirelesstag.net/wta.aspx?link=NisJxz6FhUa4V67/cwCRWA or PM me for 50% off Wirelesstags!!

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #68 on: March 14, 2011, 08:35:12 PM »
Agreed. The 2.4GHz operating frequency corresponds to a wavelength of about 12cm. So the wire antenna is a little shorter than a "quarter-wave whip" antenna, the standard in ham VHF/UHF work.

Did a llttle a sleuthing a found this discussion, which claims the wire has a 3dB advantage over the chip: http://www.electro-tech-online.com/general-electronics-chat/90015-chip-vs-whip-antenna.html

Makes sense, else why would Digi even bother to make the wire version, which is bulkier and more prone to damage?

In any case, the chip-antenna is working fine in my setup, where it is transmitting about 20 feet to the upstairs location.

:-|
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline johnd

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #69 on: March 15, 2011, 03:22:57 AM »
Seems to me - maybe wrongly - that this thread has two quite separate parts:

1. Accessing wx serial data at the console socket;

2. Transporting that serial data to a PC that may be some little distance away;

I can understand the interest in [1] for electronics hobbyists. But there are presumably several options for [2], including a plain serial cable connection to a PC which would I assume be fine as long as the PC wasn't more than 40-50 feet cable run away (for a simple unboosted cable). And then there are wireless options.

af4ex: you are clearly most interested in the XBee/ZigBee modules as a wireless option. But why not also consider a WiFi option? Is it just a cost issue? A WiFi device server would likely cost more than an XBee module, but (assuming you already have a WiFi network installed): (i) You only need one device (at the Vantage end); (ii) No need for more clutter at the PC end; (ii) you're going to get all the range you normally get with your WiFi installation; (iv) No concerns at all possible interference or channel reconfiguration issues between XBee and WiFi; etc

So if lowest possible cost is the only issue then probably XBee still wins. But are there any other reasons why you still might prefer XBee over eg WiFi?
« Last Edit: March 15, 2011, 03:50:07 AM by johnd »
Prodata Weather Systems
Prodata's FAQ/support site for Davis stations
Includes many details on 6313 Weatherlink console.
UK Davis Premier Dealer - All Davis stations, accessories and spares
Cambridge UK

Sorry, but I don't usually have time to help with individual issues by email unless you are a Prodata customer. Please post your issue in the relevant forum section here & I will comment there if I have anything useful to add.

Offline af4ex

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #70 on: March 15, 2011, 08:48:55 AM »
@johnd
> af4ex: you are clearly most interested in the XBee/ZigBee modules as a wireless option. But why not also consider a WiFi option?

Cost is partly the culprit. I balked at paying $180 for WeatherLink features I don't need, which would only get me a serial connect, Still more $$$ to get wireless. So for less than $100 I get both. (I still think Davis should provide "low cost" solutions for simple serial connections).

If you look at my Cumulus web page I seem to be getting the full spectrum of weather information, just using my simple serial link. What am I missing? www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx Also I am transmitting my info to APRS/CWOP. Again, they're getting all the data they need. http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX [Ironically, that data glitch you see on 12 March was caused by the flakey WiFi in my laptop. The XBee's haven't dropped a single bit. I now use CAT-5, to hook the the laptop to the Internet]

But weather is only one of my interests. I have other environmental sensors that I want to monitor. I have a VLF antenna in my back yard that I use for detecting whistlers and other kinds of electromagnetic pulse signals. Also interested in geomagnetism, solar physics and "climate change" issues, so I'm developing my own generic data channels for this purpose. So eventually will have a sensor farm, and a web page, for detecting and analyzing interesting signals from nature.

And it's only a hobby. I find delving into small bits of information and hardware very enjoyable.
 :grin:
« Last Edit: March 15, 2011, 09:20:15 AM by af4ex »
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline d_l

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #71 on: March 15, 2011, 10:29:29 AM »
Cost is partly the culprit. I balked at paying $180 for WeatherLink features I don't need, which would only get me a serial connect, Still more $$$ to get wireless. So for less than $100 I get both. (I still think Davis should provide "low cost" solutions for simple serial connections).

I just want to point out that I (or anybody) by carefully shopping, can buy an actual Davis serial weatherlink logger for only $109, which gives both a serial connection AND data logging capabilities.
--Dave--

Wireless VP2 w/ solar, 24hr FARS, Heater, (Envoy-WLIP)*3-Meteohub, plus custom VP2 @ 26', WL 6.0.4, WU & W4U=KNVRENO37 NetcamXL

People always talk about the weather, but they never do anything about it.  Not me.  I'm gonna measure it.  https://www.tceweather.com

Offline johnd

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Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #72 on: March 15, 2011, 10:57:27 AM »
Cost is partly the culprit. I balked at paying $180 for WeatherLink features I don't need, which would only get me a serial connect
No, as above, I understand your motivation for wanting to bypass the Davis logger, but it was specifically the wireless part of your set-up that I was commenting on.

Quote
If you look at my Cumulus web page I seem to be getting the full spectrum of weather information, just using my simple serial link. What am I missing? www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx Also I am transmitting my info to APRS/CWOP. Again, they're getting all the data they need. http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX [Ironically, that data glitch you see on 12 March was caused by the flakey WiFi in my laptop. The XBee's haven't dropped a single bit. I now use CAT-5, to hook the the laptop to the Internet]

But weather is only one of my interests. I have other environmental sensors that I want to monitor. I have a VLF antenna in my back yard that I use for detecting whistlers and other kinds of electromagnetic pulse signals. Also interested in geomagnetism, solar physics and "climate change" issues, so I'm developing my own generic data channels for this purpose. So eventually will have a sensor farm, and a web page, for detecting and analyzing interesting signals from nature.

That's all fine, but it's about the wx data in general, not specifically the wireless link. So it sounds like you had a problem WiFi link which is what prompted you towards the XBee solution (as well as being a little cheaper than a WiFi device server). But in general is there any reason to think that XBee will be any more robust than WiFi? And XBee might, just possibly, cause some interaction/interference with WiFi, or at least prompt a channel reconfiguration, which you might not want to do for other reasons.
Prodata Weather Systems
Prodata's FAQ/support site for Davis stations
Includes many details on 6313 Weatherlink console.
UK Davis Premier Dealer - All Davis stations, accessories and spares
Cambridge UK

Sorry, but I don't usually have time to help with individual issues by email unless you are a Prodata customer. Please post your issue in the relevant forum section here & I will comment there if I have anything useful to add.

Offline af4ex

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    • Willard Road Weather
Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #73 on: March 15, 2011, 11:43:25 AM »
@johnd
> But in general is there any reason to think that XBee will be any more robust than WiFi?

Probably not, but I think it's a universal solution, equivalent to a serial connection. How would you share that over WiFi?

I don't really know how WeatherLink connects to applications using WiFi. Doesn't that lock you into WeatherLink? How do you get the serial connection on the remote-side computer?

I have my console downstairs, but I can connect to it upstairs wirelessly as COM5 through the USB port. How does that work with your WL/WiFi combo? Would I still have serial access to the signals?

At some point I plan to switch over to weewx on a Linux box. http://www.weewx.com/ Do any of you guys use this? It's opensource so I can extend it (in Python) to process other data besides weather. From what I understand so far, it uses a serial connection, just like wview.
« Last Edit: March 15, 2011, 12:02:24 PM by af4ex »
WX STATION: Davis Vantage VUE, Model 6250 (with homebrew wireless (XBee) serial interface)
APRS/CWOP/NWS: AF4EX/AU006 (over noam.aprs2.net)
SOFTWARE: weeWX, APRSISCE
http://www.qsl.net/af4ex/wx
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=AF4EX

Offline Bushman

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    • Eagle Bay Weather
Re: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout
« Reply #74 on: March 15, 2011, 12:24:09 PM »
I think you are going to need some extra work to get it to interface.  BICBW.  Interestingly (to me, any way...) is that I've been doing a bunch of Python work lately so I'm itching to try this on a PC.  Can't see what it would not work.
Need low cost IP monitoring?  http://wirelesstag.net/wta.aspx?link=NisJxz6FhUa4V67/cwCRWA or PM me for 50% off Wirelesstags!!

 

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