Topic: VP2 Pole mounted?

[David9723]

Does anyone know the max size pole diameter the VP2 can be mounted to with it's stock hardware? The one curved piece of plastic looks like it can only take a small diameter.

Thanks

[Bushman]

The clamp is 5/16 x 1 1/2".  So prolly 1 1/4"

[CW2274]

As per the manual, from 1 1/4" to 1 3/4".

[CW2274]

And as I read further, if you buy your own U bolts, up to 2 1/2" max.

[johnd]

And as I read further, if you buy your own U bolts, up to 2 1/2" max.

You do have to be careful though buying U-bolts of eg 2" size. The problem is that the gauge of the U-bolt tends to increase as the width does and so it's not difficult to inadvertently buy U-bolts where the thread diameter is too large to fit through the bracket holes provided (at least not without careful further drilling of the bracket). Suitable 2" U-bolts do exist, but you have to research the size specs quite carefully. TBH it's easier/safer to stick with 44mm (1.75") as a maximum pole diameter if at all possible.

[David9723]

Thanks for the info.

I have been thinking about re-doing my setup currently i use a 8 foot tall 4x4 wooden post with 2-3 ft of it cemented into the ground with a pole mounted to it for my VP2. I wanted to add a weather cam to it but the camera is way larger than i thought it would be it's 4-5 lbs and the mount is 5x6 so it's wider than my wooden post! It has a adapter to be mounted on a pole that's 5-6 inch diameter and once again larger than my wooden post.

Might have to return it.

[Dr Obbins]

And as I read further, if you buy your own U bolts, up to 2 1/2" max.

Mine is currently mounted on 2 1/2 PVC pipe

[ValentineWeather]

I ended up mounting smaller 1 3/4" metal post to green cedar post with stainless clamps and cemented both down. I had the problem finding the larger 2-2 1/4" U-bolts  with small enough diameter to fit though the Davis mounting holes. Wanted a sturdy mount something that wouldn't sway in the wind like the 1 3/4" diameter pole did.

[CSB]

Dr. I like your "Bird Spikes". They do the trick and thats all that counts.

[ValentineWeather]

How I overcame the small pole mount issue and not finding larger u-bolts that would work for larger diameter pole. If I had to do it over again I would order the smaller diameter 2 1/4" U-bolts online and mount directly to galvanized post without the green cedar post. Don't forget you need post long enough to cement below frost line. 

[Dr Obbins]

Dr. I like your "Bird Spikes". They do the trick and thats all that counts.

That is a pic from before the new Davis rain collector came out. Currently the home made bird spike assembly is in my weather office. My wife thinks it looks like some sort of mid-evil torture crown. LOL 

[David9723]

off topic question but what do you guys do with all the extra wire? Mines just zip tied to the pole but it looks like a mess.

[CSB]

Dave, what wire you talking about, the extra anemometer?

[Dr Obbins]

off topic question but what do you guys do with all the extra wire? Mines just zip tied to the pole but it looks like a mess.

Yes, If you look at the pic, you can see the anemometer wire coiled up and zip tied between the mounting pole and fence post.

[CW2274]

off topic question but what do you guys do with all the extra wire? Mines just zip tied to the pole but it looks like a mess.

Please see reply 28.http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=25781.25

[CSB]

Well short of cutting it to length and recrimping a new end on it, what else can you do?

[CW2274]

Well short of cutting it to length and recrimping a new end on it, what else can you do?

I did mine for performance, but now looks a hell of a lot better too.

[David9723]

Well short of cutting it to length and recrimping a new end on it, what else can you do?

I did mine for performance, but now looks a hell of a lot better too.

I was going to cut mine but could never find the right crimp on plug.

[Dr Obbins]

It is just a standard RJ11 phone plug.

[David9723]

It is just a standard RJ11 phone plug.

The ones i bought didn't work there are 4 and 6 wire plugs.

[CSB]

What about contacting Davis and getting the plugs thru them? Also does one crimping tool work for all?

[dalecoy]

What about contacting Davis and getting the plugs thru them? Also does one crimping tool work for all?

One "telephone plug" crimping tool works for all of the "telephone" connectors.  But you do have to know how to prepare the cable, which way to put the connector on, etc.

Davis does not sell the plugs. 

[CSB]

I picked up my crimping tool from Menard's, a home improvement center. I think you can also get the plugs there. The tool included the instructions for crimping the ends on, no big deal.

[WVZR-1]

Most of the RJ45 crimping devices also have the RJ11 on it. I believe if you're purchasing connectors you only need to be sure you're purchasing DATA RJ11. I would think at this time it might be all that's offered out there but maybe NOT.

I've got a wad of cable also and once a final location is determined I'll do mine. I also have the correct crimping device so I only need connectors. It would be good to find a minimum quantity pack local.

[Bushman]

The cheap crimpers (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) are fine for telco cable, but you really need decent ones for Cat 5.  There are more expensive crimpers with replaceable die that allow you to do the different plugs.  But it is not had to make your own telco cables.  http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=105&cp_id=10509&cs_id=1050901  gives you an idea of cost. IOW, not much.  A couple of uses and it pays for itself.  Plus you get EXACTLY the lengths you need.