Hello my new found friends,
I've recently joined this website and trawled many many MANY threads. I've had a general fascination for weather over the years and as I've got older (heading towards 50 now). The time has now arrived to jump into this hobby.
I was initially looking at the Vantage Vue to get started, but having read so many posts about the ability to have separate sensors is winning me over.
In looking at the Vantage products I see at the top-end there are a few features that push the price of the unit up.
Note: I live in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia --- A temperate climate, with no snow.
My question is: which Pro version to get, and is it really worth it?
Here's the pricing from Davis Net's Aussie distributor
6250AU - Vantage Vue : $ 715.00
6152AU - Vantage Pro 2 - Wireless : $1034.00
6152C - Vantage Pro 2 - Cabled : $ 957.00
6153AU - Vantage Pro 2 Fan Aspirated : $1287.00
6162AU - Vantage Pro 2 Plus - Wireless : $1595.00
6162C - Vantage Pro 2 Plus - Cabled : $1562.00
6163AU - Vantage Pro 2 Plus Fan Aspirated (inc solar/UV) : $1881.00
I've also read up about Belfryboy Clone USB logger. So, I think that would be a good path to head down.
I work in IT myself and have been a programmer for years. So looking at doing a couple of things from a data perspective, sending the data to Wundergroup and getting CumulusMX going as well and getting it on my own personal website.
I've got a Rasp Pi sitting here doing not much at the moment, so the goal is to run the unit through this 24/7. Plus it's a Mac only household here as well. I've also read about Meteobridge, but that seems quite an expensive route to take.
From a cost perspective, I've then got to look at the additional costs of mounting the units in their various places. Having researched that the anemometer needs (optimally) mounted quite high, that is a task that will be down the track.
Sorry for the basic question here, but with the anemometer being put up a mounting pole. I presume there is cable between the anemometer and the solar transmitter kit?
Or do I need to purchase one of these separately?
https://www.davisnet.com/product/anemometersensor-transmitter-kit/The big question really is, which model to get? The vue is out of the question. Plus going wireless will make life easier.
Is the FARS really worth it? Is the Plus models worth it as well?
What other components are really required to get up and running?
You jump from $1,034 for the basic vantage pro model and obviously go up. Yes, I understand that I'm brand new to this and it's a lot of money to spend on a new hobby.
Really looking forward to being part of this community. I've really enjoyed many many of your posts.
Thanks for listening to a newbie and I thank you in advance for your help and guidance.
Take Care.
Bennie