Build Your Own Davis Console Datalogger

[elkay14]

one left for immediate despatch. 5 more on their way.

Any thoughts about building an IP logger.  I really want to pull the trigger on one of these but I don't want it near a computer. 

I got my belfryboy logger on the 16th.  It looks like it took nine days to arrive.  It works great!

I'm going to try to use it with this: http://www.amazon.com/over-Cat5-Extension-Cable-Adapter/dp/B003BDMK3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342816269&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+cat5

It will be at least a 60ft run from where I want the console to the computer.  I'll report back on how it works.

[belfryboy]

Great! I would be interested to hear how well this works.

[belfryboy]

Although I was considering the Acu-rite station, the belfryboy logger has caused me to order the Davis VV.

And in anticipation of the arrival of both I've been trying to read up on the how-to-make-it-works.  After reading the Davis documentation and many of these threads, here's what I've come up with:

 1. Enter console SETUP mode to save current data and to stop writing data
 2. Power down console  (take out batteries and unplug ac adaptor)
 3. Plug logger into console
 4. Plug USB into desktop computer
 5. Power up console (plug in ac adapter and then insert batteries)
     console will beep (4x for VUE?)
 6. Check console baud rate (19200 default/fastest)
 7. Run LoggerSetup (WeatherStation.exe) software?
 8. Run weather software and configure it

Does the WeatherStation.exe file also install the necessary driver(s)?

Have I missed anything?

Thanks,
Les/N5KOA

that looks about right, but full setup instructions are also included with the logger. The setup software does not install the usb drivers, this is done separately, they are available from the ftdi website. It should be noted that the console will appear as a virtual serial port, and not USB device. i.e. Set any software to serial not USB.

[belfryboy]

My last finished unit had sold today! But I will have some more boards shipped to me in about a fortnight. Thanks to everyone that has shown interest. 

[JHellis]

I'm going to try to use it with this: http://www.amazon.com/over-Cat5-Extension-Cable-Adapter/dp/B003BDMK3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342816269&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+cat5

It will be at least a 60ft run from where I want the console to the computer.  I'll report back on how it works.

Am I correct in thinking that this is actually a USB to Cat5 to USB device?

John

[elkay14]

I'm going to try to use it with this: http://www.amazon.com/over-Cat5-Extension-Cable-Adapter/dp/B003BDMK3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342816269&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+cat5

It will be at least a 60ft run from where I want the console to the computer.  I'll report back on how it works.

Am I correct in thinking that this is actually a USB to Cat5 to USB device?

John

Correct!

[dalecoy]

I'm going to try to use it with this: http://www.amazon.com/over-Cat5-Extension-Cable-Adapter/dp/B003BDMK3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342816269&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+cat5

It will be at least a 60ft run from where I want the console to the computer.  I'll report back on how it works.

Am I correct in thinking that this is actually a USB to Cat5 to USB device?

John

Correct!

Please do let us know how/if it works.

[elkay14]

Please do let us know how/if it works.

It is working fine with a 6ft ethernet cable.  I'll find out tomorrow if it works at much larger distances.

The converter says it will work up to 150ft so I expect no issues.

[elkay14]

It has been running since yesterday using a long ethernet cable from the console down the hall to my office.  No issues.

I'll be running the line in the crawl space sometime this week.

I have Cumulus running in a Windows XP virtual machine on my Mac Mini that stays on 24/7.  The web updates push to an OpenBSD web/mail VM on the same mini.

[belfryboy]

I have found one more logger that I'd forgotten about. this will be ready for despatch at the end of the week if anyone want's it.

I shall be ordering a new batch of boards very soon, but with a twist. I have modified my design and added 2 LEDs so that the USB chip shows TX/RX traffic when in use.  Thanks to all those that have purchased the logger. I would love any feedback/suggestions.

[elkay14]

I finished the crawlspace cat5 run yesterday and everything is working just fine with the USB-cat5-USB converter.  I would say this is a reliable and feasible solution to any who need to have their console and computer separated.

[JHellis]

I finished the crawlspace cat5 run yesterday and everything is working just fine with the USB-cat5-USB converter.  I would say this is a reliable and feasible solution to any who need to have their console and computer separated.

Thanks for that, the fact that it actually works is of great interest to me.

John

[dalecoy]

Yes, it's really helpful when folks come back to a thread and tell what works (and what doesn't).

[belfryboy]

20 more boards on their way to me, so I'm taking advance orders. They will be ready for despatch around the 15th of August.

[belfryboy]

The boards arrived earlier this month, but I have been working away a lot. Even with that I have managed to ship 6 units, leaving 14 available today.

just a quick point to note, it seems that shipping to the US takes between 10 and 14 days, I guess that's due to customs checks.

[Devonian]

@ belfryboy

Do you/would you sell a barebones PCB?


Nigel (in the UK).

[belfryboy]

@ belfryboy

Do you/would you sell a barebones PCB?


Nigel (in the UK).

I can sell the bare PCB, and I would of course send a parts list and short assembly instructions, PM me for details.

[oleweatherfan]

How much do these sell for??

[moehoward4]

Click on his PayPal button and it will tell you.    edit: When I bought mine earlier this year, it worked out to be $65 USD and that was his first version.

[handymanCT]

Okay -- Is there a driver for this to work on a Mac?  If so I'm on the train.

Thanks

[belfryboy]

Okay -- Is there a driver for this to work on a Mac?  If so I'm on the train.

Thanks

There certainly is, it uses the ftdi chipset which does support max use. To order just hit the PayPal button at the bottom of my post, and leave a "note to seller" that you require a mac version.

[handymanCT]

Okay thats good news I'm in.  That driver for the silicon labs device is buggy and often stops working on my mac.  I'm looking forward to trying a new one.

Thanks
Rich

[Devonian]

FTDI VCP (Virtual COM Port) drivers...
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

On a side note, FTDI are now doing Raspberry Pi interfaces 
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/RPi.htm
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Modules/RPi.htm

Nice cheap 'always on' logging computer using Linux
http://www.raspberrypi.org/

Just waiting for my belfryboy interface to arrive 

Nigel.

[belfryboy]

My apologies to all those that have ordered in the last few weeks for the slow delivery, I have been working away from home and just got back to a whole load of orders. I have sent as many finished units out as I can, and just finished potting the next, so your orders will be out in the next day or so.

As of today I only have 5 boards left, so I will order the parts to finish them off and hope to make them in the next week, as long as i do not end up going off site.

Thanks again to DeKay for all his hard work in getting this working.

[Supercell]

Sorry, I just read though the whole thread and got the answer, was being lazy !
Great work belfryboy, do you have any of the wireless units left?
With Xmas coming and all I think the wife could just about be convinced (over a M&S dine in for 2 and a few glasses of vino, posh me? ) to allow me to get one of these (as well as the just ordered B-L Sun Recorder   )