Confused newbie

[drewaz]

New wireless Vue for Christmas! 

I am totally confused about how to get data from the console to my computer ...  and then to the web.  So, I am hoping someone can answer / explain a few things for me.  I have read many posts here and it just isn't clear.

Mac user here .... 

I know I will need a data logger.  I am not sure what software I will eventually decide on.  Am I only able to use a Davis logger? (I'm not interested in building one ....) or are they available from other companies?

What is the difference between a USB and an IP logger?  Where does an IP logger reside ... console or computer?

My console and Mac are in different rooms.  My router is in the room with the computer.  Is there a way to sync data between the console and Mac wirelessly?

My computer is not always on ....  how can you upload data to the web if the computer is not powered on?

Thanks in advance for any guidance and education.  If there already is a thread that explains all of this, please point me to it!

Happy Holidays!

[dalecoy]

New wireless Vue for Christmas! 

I am totally confused about ...

I know I will need a data logger.  I am not sure what software I will eventually decide on.  Am I only able to use a Davis logger? (I'm not interested in building one ....) or are they available from other companies?

Bottom line:  if you're confused, please only consider Davis loggers. 

What is the difference between a USB and an IP logger?  Where does an IP logger reside ... console or computer?

The USB logger resides in the console and connects to your computer via a USB cable.
The IP    logger resides in the console and connects to your router via an Ethernet cable.

My console and Mac are in different rooms.  My router is in the room with the computer.  Is there a way to sync data between the console and Mac wirelessly?

No.

My computer is not always on ....  how can you upload data to the web if the computer is not powered on?

You can't. 
However, the IP logger can do that (to the WeatherLink.com site).

[drewaz]

New wireless Vue for Christmas!  

I am totally confused about ...

I know I will need a data logger.  I am not sure what software I will eventually decide on.  Am I only able to use a Davis logger? (I'm not interested in building one ....) or are they available from other companies?

Bottom line:  if you're confused, please only consider Davis loggers.  

What is the difference between a USB and an IP logger?  Where does an IP logger reside ... console or computer?

The USB logger resides in the console and connects to your computer via a USB cable.
The IP    logger resides in the console and connects to your router via an Ethernet cable.

My console and Mac are in different rooms.  My router is in the room with the computer.  Is there a way to sync data between the console and Mac wirelessly?

No.

My computer is not always on ....  how can you upload data to the web if the computer is not powered on?

You can't.  
However, the IP logger can do that (to the WeatherLink.com site).

Thanks for the quick reply ....  sorry for being dense but .....

RE:  the USB logger:  when you want to upload data to the computer, you remove it from the console and connect it to the computer via a USB cable?

RE:  the IP logger:  in order to use it the console needs to be close to the router so there can always be an ethernet connection between the two?  In this situation, how is the data also uploaded to the computer?

Is it possible to buy the logger without the software, or do you need a driver from the weatherlink software in order to use a 3rd party program?

Thanks for your patience.

[C5250]

RE:  the USB logger:  when you want to upload data to the computer, you remove it from the console and connect it to the computer via a USB cable?

A USB logger is power by the console, so it has to remain attached to the console. And, obviously, the console would have to be close enough to the computer for the USB cable to connect to the computer.

RE:  the IP logger:  in order to use it the console needs to be close to the router so there can always be an ethernet connection between the two?  In this situation, how is the data also uploaded to the computer?

An ethernet cable can be up to 330' long, so an IP logger could be quite a distance from the router. Not all software will have the capability to retrieve the data from an IP logger as that connects with the computer over the network.

Is it possible to buy the logger without the software, or do you need a driver from the weatherlink software in order to use a 3rd party program?

The loggers are only available bundled with the Davis software.

[drewaz]

RE:  the USB logger:  when you want to upload data to the computer, you remove it from the console and connect it to the computer via a USB cable?

A USB logger is power by the console, so it has to remain attached to the console. And, obviously, the console would have to be close enough to the computer for the USB cable to connect to the computer.

RE:  the IP logger:  in order to use it the console needs to be close to the router so there can always be an ethernet connection between the two?  In this situation, how is the data also uploaded to the computer?

An ethernet cable can be up to 330' long, so an IP logger could be quite a distance from the router. Not all software will have the capability to retrieve the data from an IP logger as that connects with the computer over the network.

Is it possible to buy the logger without the software, or do you need a driver from the weatherlink software in order to use a 3rd party program?

The loggers are only available bundled with the Davis software.

THANKS!  It's slowly sinking in .....   

So, the USB logger is permanently attached to the console ...  I can take the console into the computer room and upload the data every now and then?  The logger and the computer don't need to be permanently attached?

I can assume that an ethernet cable snaking its way between the kitchen and the computer room is going to be a big NO ...  I guess the only way to solve that problem would be to get a 2nd console?

Will battery power in the console be enough to power a USB logger?

Thanks once again .....

[SlowModem]

From what I've read here, you would have a wider variety of options (especially for software) if you would buy a cheap pc to use for a weather computer.

[drewaz]

From what I've read here, you would have a wider variety of options (especially for software) if you would buy a cheap pc to use for a weather computer.

I think I can have a good start if it's possible to take the console to the computer and intermittently upload data rather than have it continuously connected ....  haven't gotten an answer to that one yet.

Thanks

[beaudog]

So every day you want to disconnect the console  and then carry the console into another room and download the data.   It makes no frikin sense to do that.

I'm thinkin you need an envoy with an ip data logger.

[dkinsc]

Carrying your console to your computer daily is problematic.  All sorts of things can go wrong, including wear and tear on connectors.  I use a usb connection, console->Davislogger->netbook+wireless to website.  If you don't like a long cable or use of a net appliance, consider Ethernet over powerline to connect your Weatherlink IP to your router.

[drewaz]

So every day you want to disconnect the console  and then carry the console into another room and download the data.   It makes no frikin sense to do that.

I'm thinkin you need an envoy with an ip data logger.

Bingo.  I think this is the solution.

Thanks!

[xykotik]

To add to the confusion...

I do something similar to dkinsc's suggestion...  Console in ideal viewing location, to dedicated laptop in nearby network closet/pantry, then wireless to router and beyond.  To get around the USB cable length limitation, I use a USB-Cat5-USB converter, but my cable route is only through one wall into a closet, and not an eyesore.

You get WeatherLink software with the purchase of any flavor WeatherLink logger.  It's not an option, and since the logger needs some kind of software to be at all useful, of course they are put something in the box.  There and there are other s/w packages available for try/donate or very reasonable for features.

Let us know what you go with and when you get it going.

[C5250]

So every day you want to disconnect the console  and then carry the console into another room and download the data.   It makes no frikin sense to do that.

I'm thinkin you need an envoy with an ip data logger.

Bingo.  I think this is the solution.

Thanks!

Before you settle on an Envoy... Another Vue console is about the same cost and has a display.

Yes, you could take your existing console to the computer every day or so, but I suspect that would quickly get old. Also most software is meant to always be connected, with the logger archive being more of a backup. There are ways to avoid running an Ethernet cable, such as over powerline or wireless, but that would be a bit more complicated. If it's within your budget, an Envoy or another console for near the computer is ideal.

I actually have 2 VP2 consoles, an Envoy and a Vue console. No matter where I am, one is always close.  One can never have too many of them.

[dkinsc]

If you simply want to transfer data, the two consoles as CS250 described is a good solution.  I like my netbook solution, but it does far more than transfer station data through a router, and it cost about the same as a second console.  The choice is more what you want to do than cost.  Sometimes our consoles, routers, and access to cabling don't all coordinate well when we add a station to the mix.  My preferred console location is not near a wired connection to a router, but is in a place where I can easily hide a netbook.  If it had been otherwise, I might have gone the IP route and put the savings into a second console.

[drewaz]

So every day you want to disconnect the console  and then carry the console into another room and download the data.   It makes no frikin sense to do that.

I'm thinkin you need an envoy with an ip data logger.

Bingo.  I think this is the solution.

Thanks!

Before you settle on an Envoy... Another Vue console is about the same cost and has a display.

Yes, you could take your existing console to the computer every day or so, but I suspect that would quickly get old. Also most software is meant to always be connected, with the logger archive being more of a backup. There are ways to avoid running an Ethernet cable, such as over powerline or wireless, but that would be a bit more complicated. If it's within your budget, an Envoy or another console for near the computer is ideal.

I actually have 2 VP2 consoles, an Envoy and a Vue console. No matter where I am, one is always close.  One can never have too many of them.

Thanks guys ....  what good ideas.

I just checked Ambient Weather and the Envoy and Vue console are both $136.00.  A second console sounds like a great option.

I'm guessing that both the Console and Envoy provide identical data to the software?

Thanks again!

[smorris]

Hi! Drew, is it? Welcome to the forum!

I'm a Mac user and was thinking along the same lines as you when I got my system in September. My console is hanging on the wall in the kitchen, and my desk in another room. I considered running a USB cable down the kitchen wall, along the baseboard, and into the other room.

Instead, I bought the WeatherLink USB for Mac (be sure to get the Mac version!) and a Weather Envoy. Do not get a Weather Envoy 8X, as they are not Mac compatible. The Envoy has the datalogger attached and plugged into my iMac via USB cable. That will get your weather data from your Vue to your Mac. Note that the internal temp and humidity will come from your Envoy, not your console. Of course instead of the Envoy, you can have a second console on your desk and hooked up to the Mac using the datalogger.

As far as software on the Mac, you have four choices:

Use Davis' WeatherLink for Mac. You already have it once you buy the Mac WeatherLink data logger, but it isn't pretty, an not as full featured as the Windows version.

WeatherSnoop is a Mac only weather application that has some nice user friendly gauges and data presentation, and can upload to CWOP, Weather Underground, and WeatherBug.

WeatherDisplay has a huge following on the Windows side, and some happy Mac users. I personally tried it and it was OK. I liked the flexibility of it, but not the desktop display. WeatherSnoop's display blows WeatherD's away!

Lightsoft Weather Center is a Mac only weather application that fits between the others. It lacks the nice gauges of WeatherSnoop, but is better than Weather D or Weather Link's display in my opinion. It uploads out of the box to Weather Underground and CWOP, and generates a basic web page. It has provisions for custom web pages, and includes a template. Users have created upload templates to upload data to the UK Weather Office, WeatherBug, PWS, Twitter, AWEKAS, Weather Network, and more. Lightsoft's sole developer is on medical leave, so development was stopped this summer. Supposedly he is returning the first of the year. Meanwhile, he left the previous version and a nearly complete beta of the new version that works on Lion, with only a couple of tweaks.

Obvious from my description, I chose the latter, and use LWC for my desktop, web pages, and uploading. Click my sig image to get to my web page, and look at the "About" page for details on my setup.

You can try the latter three bits of software free, and can even get a feel for how they work without having them connected to your weather station. I've linked each of them in the description above. LWC's takes you to the MacWeather Forum, where you can download the application and try it, as well as find the user developed add-ons.

I hope this helps, because I was exactly in your shoes and confused just a few months ago!
Steve

[C5250]

I'm guessing that both the Console and Envoy provide identical data to the software?

A Vue console is limited to receiving data from an ISS (Vue or VP2) and an (optional) anemometer transmitter. An Envoy would allow you to collect data from other Davis stations such as extra temp, temp/hum, soil and leaf stations. If you have no intention of ever adding any of the extra stations, an Envoy doesn't really offer much. Otherwise, software will see them as the same.

[drewaz]

Hi! Drew, is it? Welcome to the forum!

I'm a Mac user and was thinking along the same lines as you when I got my system in September. My console is hanging on the wall in the kitchen, and my desk in another room. I considered running a USB cable down the kitchen wall, along the baseboard, and into the other room.

Instead, I bought the WeatherLink USB for Mac (be sure to get the Mac version!) and a Weather Envoy. Do not get a Weather Envoy 8X, as they are not Mac compatible. The Envoy has the datalogger attached and plugged into my iMac via USB cable. That will get your weather data from your Vue to your Mac. Note that the internal temp and humidity will come from your Envoy, not your console. Of course instead of the Envoy, you can have a second console on your desk and hooked up to the Mac using the datalogger.

As far as software on the Mac, you have four choices:

Use Davis' WeatherLink for Mac. You already have it once you buy the Mac WeatherLink data logger, but it isn't pretty, an not as full featured as the Windows version.

WeatherSnoop is a Mac only weather application that has some nice user friendly gauges and data presentation, and can upload to CWOP, Weather Underground, and WeatherBug.

WeatherDisplay has a huge following on the Windows side, and some happy Mac users. I personally tried it and it was OK. I liked the flexibility of it, but not the desktop display. WeatherSnoop's display blows WeatherD's away!

Lightsoft Weather Center is a Mac only weather application that fits between the others. It lacks the nice gauges of WeatherSnoop, but is better than Weather D or Weather Link's display in my opinion. It uploads out of the box to Weather Underground and CWOP, and generates a basic web page. It has provisions for custom web pages, and includes a template. Users have created upload templates to upload data to the UK Weather Office, WeatherBug, PWS, Twitter, AWEKAS, Weather Network, and more. Lightsoft's sole developer is on medical leave, so development was stopped this summer. Supposedly he is returning the first of the year. Meanwhile, he left the previous version and a nearly complete beta of the new version that works on Lion, with only a couple of tweaks.

Obvious from my description, I chose the latter, and use LWC for my desktop, web pages, and uploading. Click my sig image to get to my web page, and look at the "About" page for details on my setup.

You can try the latter three bits of software free, and can even get a feel for how they work without having them connected to your weather station. I've linked each of them in the description above. LWC's takes you to the MacWeather Forum, where you can download the application and try it, as well as find the user developed add-ons.

I hope this helps, because I was exactly in your shoes and confused just a few months ago!
Steve

Thank you for taking the time to write such an informative post, Steve.  I appreciate it.

I think I will order a second console from Ambient Weather and just wait until Christmas so I can set it all up!

[drewaz]

I'm guessing that both the Console and Envoy provide identical data to the software?

A Vue console is limited to receiving data from an ISS (Vue or VP2) and an (optional) anemometer transmitter. An Envoy would allow you to collect data from other Davis stations such as extra temp, temp/hum, soil and leaf stations. If you have no intention of ever adding any of the extra stations, an Envoy doesn't really offer much. Otherwise, software will see them as the same.

Thanks!  I learned a lot today.  I will order another console and worry about changing software later.

We usually don't have much interesting weather here in the desert but we've been having storms blow through.  I'd like to set the Vue up but have been instructed to wait until Christmas.  UGH.

[smorris]

Glad I could help, Just be sure that when you order the WeatherLink that you get the Mac version.

Steve

[nickdeck]

Hi Steve,

Another newbie here, primarily on Mac. Can you tell me if the WeatherLink software is compatible with OSX Lion?

Thanks!

[drewaz]

I am using Snow Leopard and have WeatherLink installed but don't use it.  It's not very elegant but does have a few nice features.  I am not sure if it will work with Lion.

My primary weather software is Lightsoft Weather Center (macweather.net).  The current version is compatible with Lion.  A new version is imminent I believe ...  the current version is available at no charge.  Give it a try ....  I think it's the best weather software for Mac.  You can also upload to weather underground easily.

drew

[nickdeck]

Thanks, Drew!

[smorris]

Drew beat me to the answer. I honestly don't know if Weatherlink works with Lion. I know there are folks on here who use it, so hopefully you'll get a reply. I only used Weatherlink when I first set up my system, and I was still on Snow Leopard then. I use a Weather Envoy to communicate between the VP2 and my Mac, and I needed to use WeatherLink to set the Envoy's elevation. I haven't launched it since then, and didn't even install in on my new iMac.

LWC is a great Mac weather application and what I use, but there's also WeatherSnoop and Weather Display available for Mac. You can try them all free.

Enjoy,
Steve

[nickdeck]

Thanks, Steve, I'll take a look.