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-SensorsHoneywell 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