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Weather Station Hardware => Other Weather Station Hardware => Topic started by: PaulMy on June 07, 2011, 08:22:34 PM

Title: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on June 07, 2011, 08:22:34 PM
I have now got the B-L sun shine recorder fully mounted, calibrated and recording.  You can see it at http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/Today_10013.png (http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/Today_10013.png) or from the links at http://www.komokaweather.com (http://www.komokaweather.com).  Alan and Ole have done a tremendous job on this unit and the software - bright and inquisitive minds.

I have it installed on a 10 ft pole mounted on an unused chimney but it is still a compromise, like mounting weather stations, when one is surrounded by houses and mature trees.  Some pics attached:

Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on June 20, 2011, 01:00:40 PM
Is this much different than using Solar Radiation sensor to capture sunshine hours? Is this more accurate?

I know that weather display calculates sunshine hours....

Also I notice on the site http://www.sunrecorder.net/ (http://www.sunrecorder.net/) no indication of cost or how you buy.

Are you trialing it for them or did you buy it?

Chris
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on June 21, 2011, 01:16:29 AM
Quote
Are you trialing it for them or did you buy it?
Yes, it is still in trialing, and the www.sunrecordser.net (http://www.sunrecorder.net) site shows the current sites.

Quote
Is this much different than using Solar Radiation sensor to capture sunshine hours? Is this more accurate?
I don't have or know anything about solar radiation sensors but the B-L Sun Recorder seems pretty accurate from visual and recorded data.  I have historical (1971-2001) climate normals & averages data from Environment Canada at London airport and that is shown in the Year (View Last 12 Months) image for monthly sun shine comparison on my site but I don't yet have a full month of data to make an actual to EC climate normals & averages comparison, and I have asked EC if current actual data is available for comparison as well.  The unit does include the collection of W/M2 data that the B-L developers are working on, and will be comparing theirs to the Davis solar sensor data as well, but specific information on this should come from them.

Quote
I know that weather display calculates sunshine hours....
The B-L recorder is real data, not calculated.

Quote
Also I notice on the site http://www.sunrecorder.net/ no indication of cost or how you buy.
I know they are building more and you should enquire through that website's 'Contact'.

Also, this topic http://sandaysoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1052 (http://sandaysoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1052) at www.sandaysoft.com/forum  (http://www.sandaysoft.com/forum) (Cumulus forum Homebuilt thread) has the full development discussion, including recent UK Met Office comparison.

Thanks for asking,
Paul


Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on June 21, 2011, 01:24:23 AM
Thanks Paul

I have sent a comment via their web site.

It would be great if they want a Southern Hemisphere site to compare against their Northern Hemisphere data.

cheers

chris


Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on June 21, 2011, 09:30:44 AM
I think they were also keen on an Equator site for testing.

Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: Skywatch on June 21, 2011, 05:19:37 PM
How well do the readings comply with the sunrise and sunset from your VP2 console? My solar radiation readings match the sunrise and sunset times displayed on the console.
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on June 21, 2011, 10:22:20 PM
Sorry, I don't really understand the questions and shows my lack of knowledge #-o
I am not running Weatherlink due to VPP difficulty and my console does not display latitude and longitude but did enter them at initial station setup.  The correct latitude and longitude is very important to the B-L recorder's siting and I used Google Earth to locate it exactly, and the daily sunrise/sunset table generated by the program seems to be right on to the Cumulus calculations for my location and fractionally different than the local Environment Canada airport site that is about 20 km away (.  The Cumulus and EC airport show in hh:mm whereas the B-L recorder shows in hh:mm:ss
Again sorry I wasn't able to answer your question specifically.

Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on June 21, 2011, 10:30:31 PM
I think they were also keen on an Equator site for testing.

Paul

Hi Paull

I have not heard anything back from them on their site - do you know if the site comments are working on there?

Or if you are talking I would appreciate you mentioning that I would be interested in testing one out in the southern hemisphere as well.

I can even test how well it goes with shaking with all the earthquakes we have down here every day in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Chris
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on June 21, 2011, 10:50:17 PM
Not sure about the Comments link being active, but presume so, as I use direct email.  I had mentioned to Ole about your questions here.

Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on June 21, 2011, 11:32:54 PM
Not sure about the Comments link being active, but presume so, as I use direct email.  I had mentioned to Ole about your questions here.

Thanks

Chris
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on June 26, 2011, 04:17:45 AM
Not sure about the Comments link being active, but presume so, as I use direct email.  I had mentioned to Ole about your questions here.

I guess either Ole is too busy or not interested as I have not had any feedback. Pity it would have been nice to help.

Chris
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on June 27, 2011, 03:06:35 PM
Hi Chris,
Just got the following
Quote
But I just now realized that out web site does not respond correctly on entry of comments there which is of course quite embarrassing.

I will immediately mail Chris,
Ole

Looks like they encountered a new website start-up bug, and I should have referred your June 21 post to them :oops:  I hope you are now able to get response to your inquiry.
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on June 27, 2011, 03:59:26 PM
Looks like they encountered a new website start-up bug
Paul

Hi Paul

Ole has replied to me - looks promising for a Southern Hemisphere unit in the next little while.

Thanks for your help

Chris
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on June 27, 2011, 07:25:52 PM
You're very welcome Chris.  Glad you made contact, and let us know when your sunshine records are displaying \:D/
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on July 07, 2011, 06:04:44 AM
You're very welcome Chris.  Glad you made contact, and let us know when your sunshine records are displaying \:D/
Paul

After checking the tracking number - It is sent to NZ

So maybe in the next 10 days I guess

Chris
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on July 22, 2011, 05:19:34 PM
Just to let you know I am still waiting - and the tracking says it has not even arrived in New Zealand yet.

It has been 19 days since it was shipped from Denmark and about 25 days since they picked it up from Ole.

I have been in contact with Ole so he knows about the delays.

Chris
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on July 22, 2011, 10:07:08 PM
Possibly following Google directions and running into strong headwind:

14 Turn right onto N Northlake Way  86 m 
15. Kayak across the Pacific Ocean 14,436 km 
16. Continue straight
 :twisted:

Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on July 22, 2011, 10:08:47 PM
 :-(
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on December 01, 2011, 12:33:23 AM
Now have 6 months of the Komoka sunrecorder data
http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v1.html (http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v1.html)

Links to other sites on my www.komokaweather.com (http://www.komokaweather.com)
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on June 01, 2012, 01:29:29 AM
I have now completed the first full year of the B-L sunrecorder in Komoka, Ontario Canada. Except for a couple occasions were my computer stopped, and when I shut down for Windows updates, the B-L sunrecorder has been totally reliable and steadily recording the sunshine that we are enjoying. Here is a link to the monthly graphs: http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v3.html

Also
http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v2_today.html
http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v2_days30.html
http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v2_months12.html

Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: iisfaq on June 01, 2012, 01:39:19 AM
Thats great news Paul - I have had a few issues along the way with my one.

My data was getting corrupted - dropping to 0c every few readings for about 4-6 months.

It took a while to find the problem - our Kitten had chewed the cable - cutting it out fixed the issue.

Ole has been very helpfull during the trial even when he has not been well.

Seems to be all good now - so keen on trying it now over the winter now that we found the problem.

Chris
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: tobyspond on August 03, 2012, 04:47:04 PM
Well I joined the B-L club (it was one of a few items on my wish list).  We got it up and running yesterday; today is the first full day of data (tobyspondweather.com/sunshine.php).  The support from Ole has been fantastic.

Kerry
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on August 03, 2012, 11:07:14 PM
Great site Kerry, and B-L an excellent addition

Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: tobyspond on August 04, 2012, 06:42:32 AM
Thanks, Paul.

Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on September 21, 2012, 10:45:55 AM
More suns showing on the B-L world map, and more on the horizon :?:
http://www.sunrecorder.net/sr-around-the-world/
http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v2_today.html

Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: Supercell on October 10, 2012, 01:06:56 PM
One coming to Ireland in the coming weeks too, waiting on delivery here :)
Is there any "Sheevaplug" type device that will run windows for use with it that anyone knows of?
If not i have an old Samsung NC10 with a flickery screen but works fine that I'll use instead.

Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on October 10, 2012, 09:35:44 PM
Hi, and I look forward to adding your recorder to http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v1.html (http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v1.html)

Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on May 31, 2016, 08:58:07 PM
Now 5 years of using the Blake-Larsen Sun Recorder http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v1.html.  Over 98% of up time over the 5 years.  Just worked today with Ole to calibrate it and update with the latest version of the program.  Not many users at the moment but that may change as Ole will be manufacturing a new batch.  I presume details will be on http://www.sunrecorder.net/ when they are available.

Enjoying,
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on May 23, 2017, 09:46:50 AM
Coming up to 6 years of using the B-L Sunrecorder http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v1.html

Visit http://www.sunrecorder.net/ and have a look through the Users Manual

Enjoy,
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on November 07, 2017, 11:22:49 AM

Apparently Ole has not yet been able to sign up for WXForum so I will reply to the question on this post http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?action=post;topic=24211.0;last_msg=335867
Quote
does it work with a Davis system (IIRC a company in the UK makes one, but requires its own power supply - hard to do when your UV/Solar sensors are up on the roof LOL), and does it require a seperate power supply.
The sensor unit is hardwired USB cable (I had 100 meters initially but now using 25 m to the sensor above my chimney) so does not require any other power.


It is an independent stand-alone system and no tie in with Davis.


Data is sent to B-L server and posted on their Google map.
 
In addition to the data files saved on the computer a summary is shown on their http://www.sunrecorder.net/sr-around-the-world/
Also a small txt file is produced and read by Cumulus to indicate if the sun is shining or not and for how long today. 
And with Mark's (mcrossley) great work I am able to update his Sun Plot script directly from my B-L data file.  I am not knowledgeable enough to show anything further with the data other than
http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v2_today.html.
http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v2_days30.html
http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v2_months12.html


Enjoy,
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: Bushman on November 07, 2017, 11:26:28 AM
Paul, can you share the approximate cost of one of these things?
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on November 07, 2017, 12:42:31 PM

Hankster's reply of 160 EUR on the other thread may be a special offer.
http://www.sunrecorder.net/enquiry-form/


This is a useful but fairly old comparison http://measuringtheweather.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/An-overview-of-sunshine-recorders-July-2012.pdf


Enjoy,
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: AWL on November 07, 2017, 01:05:55 PM

Hankster's reply of 160 EUR on the other thread may be a special offer.


~185.34 US Dollars. Wonder if there are additional fees (other than shipping) to get one into the States?

Doug
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: Bushman on November 07, 2017, 04:45:31 PM
I'm tempted... 
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: Old Tele man on November 08, 2017, 01:54:22 PM
Below is the answer I received to my question asking whether the B-L could be used with a Davis VP2 system:

"Thanks' your mail.

The B-L Sun Recorder cannot be integrated to a Davis system - it uses 1-wire serial data as communication between the unit and the computer via an USB - wire adapter and power to the unit is supplied by the USB connector.

The calculation of  sun rise/set (and current sun altitude) is based on latitude/longitude  and date/time from the computer handling the system.

Rise and set times includes the atmospheric refraction.

Actual location of the installation will be required at first start-up of the system.

By the way: it has not yet been announced on our WEB-site, but the price of the B-L Sun Recorder is now only EUR 160 (USD 188) including shipping."
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: Bushman on November 08, 2017, 02:20:24 PM
But the fact that it uses a 1-wire interface makes it a PERFECT choice to integrate into a raspberry Pi wx station.  And  160E including shipping is pretty darn good.
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: waiukuweather on November 08, 2017, 02:32:10 PM
weather display supports this (via the data file produced by the softare that comes with it), just as a FYI
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: droiddk on November 08, 2017, 02:38:45 PM
Hi

I got one and I love it. Very well-built outdoor unit, easy setup and Ole is great when support is needed. I spent more time looking at the recordings from the Sunrecorder than the recordings from my VP2.

Get one  :grin:

Edit: new price on homepage (http://www.sunrecorder.net/), hmmmm "End sale"?!

Kind Regards
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: Bushman on November 08, 2017, 03:48:06 PM
"End sale"?  I suspect  it was lost in translation.  :)
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: droiddk on November 08, 2017, 03:49:08 PM
What does it mean to you? Hopefully just end of year :-)

Edit: Just got mail from Ole: Not end of business sale  :grin:

Regards
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: mcrossley on November 08, 2017, 04:00:39 PM
End [of line] sale ?
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: droiddk on November 08, 2017, 04:01:55 PM
End [of line] sale ?

No, not that.
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: Ole Jul on November 09, 2017, 04:16:40 AM
A few comments on the 'End Sale' announcement:

Realizing based on several responses to enquiries stating that the original price (and even spring sale this year) is a bit out of reach for most weather entusiasts, I now decided for the rock-bottom price of EUR 160 (USD 188) including shipping to anywhere.

Other reason: 

I have about 20 in stock and think they better do some work in the field instead of staying silently in my stock.

The new price just barely covers my material costs.

Is it the end of sunrecorder.net and my support?

Absolutely not - I will as usually strive to improve the software and provide support to the users when required.

Best regards
Ole
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: droiddk on November 09, 2017, 03:57:29 PM
Hi Ole

Thanks for the update, and welcome  :grin:

Regards
Droiddk (Mads)
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on November 01, 2018, 11:19:57 AM
After more than 7 years checking sunshine every second my B-L sunrecorder failed.  I've replaced it earlier this month and all is good again.

And I can no longer say when people ask about that thing on the chimney - "that is a B-L Sunrecorder, the only one in North America!" (http://sandaysoft.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)

http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/su ... today.html (http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v2_today.html)


Enjoy,
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: droiddk on November 01, 2018, 02:58:00 PM
After more than 7 years checking sunshine every second my B-L sunrecorder failed.  I've replaced it earlier this month and all is good again.

And I can no longer say when people ask about that thing on the chimney - "that is a B-L Sunrecorder, the only one in North America!" (http://sandaysoft.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)

http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/su ... today.html (http://www.komokaweather.com/weather/sunrecorder/sunrecorder_display_v2_today.html)


Enjoy,
Paul

Good to hear that your sensor is back online. I miss mine, I lost my installation-location. Its a great device (and the price too)!

Kind Regards
droiddk
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on November 01, 2018, 04:16:43 PM
Quote
I miss mine, I lost my installation-location. Its a great device (and the price too)!
After it failed I thought about abandoning the B-L sunshine recording and just use my Davis VP2 Pro, but like you, I also missed the nearly sec-by-sec data and after a month or 2 decided it was worth to get it replaced - actually it was after 2 weather enthusiasts in Canada and USA contacted me about the B-L.  I still use the Davis VP2 Pro for ET and the other things it records but Cumulus now uses the B-L for sunshine hours again.


Enjoy,
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on December 08, 2020, 11:48:37 PM
I have recently been contacted by 3 persons expressing interest on my B-L sunrecorder.  Unfortunstely my sunrecorder has been offline since we moved a few blocks to a new house June 6, 2019.  I do not have a good line of sight at the new location so it is in storage.  May need to look for a new home for it.  However B-L sunrecorder are still on the map. 



During the year that I had both the B-L and the Davis VP2 Plus with solar and UV I found the B-L to be much more accurate and precise.  Davis does report some sunshine on days when in fact there was no bright sunshine at all.   On bright sunshine days both were fairly close on actual sunshine hours but B-L was accurate within seconds of the sun going behind clouds or reappearing.


I miss it,
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: PaulMy on January 24, 2021, 01:10:41 PM

After nearly 12 years since Alan's lightbulb brain wave
https://cumulus.hosiene.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=7885#p7885 (https://cumulus.hosiene.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=7885#p7885)   
https://cumulus.hosiene.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=8505#p8505 (https://cumulus.hosiene.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=8505#p8505)


Good to see that Alan and Ole's creation has made it...
https://wittich.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/brochure-SR-EN_web.pdf (https://wittich.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/brochure-SR-EN_web.pdf)
https://wittich.nl/en/product/blake-larsen-sun-recorder/ (https://wittich.nl/en/product/blake-larsen-sun-recorder/)   =D> =D> =D>


and mine is getting a new home :)


Enjoy,
Paul
Title: Re: B-L Sun Shine Recorder
Post by: davidmc36 on January 24, 2021, 01:17:41 PM
Very nice to see. With any luck the popularity will increase. I have the spot all picked out to mount it. Once Spring rolls around.