HELP PLEASE!! Vantage Vue humidity WAY too low during Humid weather??

[pvwxaustralia]

What software programs are you using?  Just Weatherlink, or some others?

I use Weatherlink for data download via my Mac, I also have a separate computer that my website 24/7 it is a windows and uses Cumulus software. This set up has worked perfectly for the last few months without any problems.

What changes to software or setup have you made during the past few days (i.e., in the day or two just before the problem started)?

What software updates during that period?

None that I'm aware of. The weather station or settings hasn't been modified at all, if anything the only software that changed on my computer would have been downloading the latest version of iTunes, not that that would make any difference.

- just checking, can we presume that this statement means that you have actually used the console to check the reception?  If so, what are the reception values indicated on the console?

I haven't physically checked the console itself. Upon downloading the data this morning I noticed there was 3 hours of missing data from last night between 9:30pm and 12:30am, I was home during this period and looked at the weather station many times, no problems were evident at all.
I am aware of how to get into the figures though am not sure aware of which figures mean what? I'll have to check the manual.

Here are the statistics I get from the reception diagnostics screen (with help from the manual to know which number means what)

8-bit Timer value of next reception: 147'
Radio frequency error of the last packet received: 0
Current frequency correction factor: 0
Signal strength of the last packet received: -73
The number of times that the phase lock loop did not lock: 0
Percentage of good data packets: 100%
Frequency index of the next packet to be received: 21
Background noise level: -113
Current console battery voltage: 4.70

And here's the data from the Statistical Diagnostic Screen

Time: 3:43pm
Date: 10/03/2012
No. of packets containing CRC errors: 2
Firmware Version: 214
Max. no. of bad packets in a row without resynchronisation: 2
No. of times the console resynchronised with the transmitter: 0
Percentage of good packets received: 100%
Total no. of bad data packets: 34
Current streak of consecutive bad packets: 0
Current streak of consecutive good packets: 377
Station number: STA 1
Transmitter domain: AU
Repeater Id current communicating with the console:
Total no. of good packets received: 12111
Longest streak of consecutive good packets: 3035

[d_l]

The Statistics screen resets at midnight.  So it is only useful for diagnosing problems of that day and not some intermittent problems from prior days.

I suggested comparing a graph of the WL ISS reception % to the data loss intervals to see if there was any reception percentage drop down concurrent with the data loss.  The Browse records could be checked as well for Wind Sample and/or ISS reception % reductions during the data losses.

[dalecoy]

What software programs are you using?  Just Weatherlink, or some others?

I use Weatherlink for data download via my Mac, I also have a separate computer that my website 24/7 it is a windows and uses Cumulus software. This set up has worked perfectly for the last few months without any problems.

That's an interesting setup.  I'm not familiar with the internal details of Cumulus, but:

1.  How does Cumulus get its data?  From the .wlk files on the mac?  Or some other way?
2.  Just checking - when you look at the Browse window, you're using WeatherLink on the mac, is that correct?
3.  This problem started after the first of March?  And after you messed around inside of your Vue?  (not blaming you, just trying to get a handle on the situation).
4.  When you worked inside the Vue, did you first shut down the console?  Have you ever had a problem of the logger falling out of (getting disconnected from) the console?
5.  WeatherLink on the mac is downloading data from the logger how often?
6.  The archive interval is set to 1 minute?
7.  Cumulus updates data on your website every minute?
8.  What software is feeding WU and PWS?  And is WU being fed "rapid fire"?
9.  Could you tell us your WU ID, so we can look at that data?

[pvwxaustralia]

1.  How does Cumulus get its data?  From the .wlk files on the mac?  Or some other way?

I have the USB port from the weather station continually connected to my weather pc, with Cumulus always running. This computer does nothing but record and monitor the weather. When needed I exit cumulus disconnect the USB from that PC, connect it to my Mac, open WeatherLink and download the latest data. I then plug the USB back into Cumulus which checks the data logger and copies the data that occurred since it was last connected.

2.  Just checking - when you look at the Browse window, you're using WeatherLink on the mac, is that correct?

Correct.

3.  This problem started after the first of March?  And after you messed around inside of your Vue?  (not blaming you, just trying to get a handle on the situation).

This problem started in the last 5 days or so. I didn't actually mess around inside the ISS. All i simply did the other day was take the rain tipper out so that I could have a look at the insides of the ISS to check there wasn't any insects living it it. I didn't physically touch any of the connections or anything.

4.  When you worked inside the Vue, did you first shut down the console?  Have you ever had a problem of the logger falling out of (getting disconnected from) the console?

Yes, when I first brought the data logger it was a shocker for disconnecting from the station, which obviously caused a loss of connection from the console to the pc. I managed to get it in place and working properly and haven't even touched the console since in fear of moving it out of position. Haven't had any problems since then.

5.  WeatherLink on the mac is downloading data from the logger how often?

Usually once a day, about 11am or 12pm I connect the console to my Mac and download the data, view it and export it to a text file. Then disconnect from my Mac and continue operation with Cumulus on my PC.

6.  The archive interval is set to 1 minute?

Correct.

7.  Cumulus updates data on your website every minute?

Every 5 minutes.

8.  What software is feeding WU and PWS?  And is WU being fed "rapid fire"?

Cumulus is being used to send the data to WU and PWS, and no WU is fed data from Cumulus once every 5 minutes at the same time my webpage is updated.

9.  Could you tell us your WU ID, so we can look at that data?

IQLDETON2


I've just downloaded the data from the data logger at 11:02am local time (3 minutes ago) and here's what I found:

There is clearly no data from 2:44 PM yesterday to 10:18 AM today, yet if you check http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=IQLDETON2&day=10&year=2012&month=3 there has clearly been no problems with the console receiving data from the ISS.

[dalecoy]

Ah.  Thanks for the details.

So, if I digested that correctly, the Windows computer running Cumulus has no problems with data from the logger, and presumably the logger has a complete archive of the data at the correct intervals.  The "only" problem is with the WeatherLink data on the Mac.

I would first suspect that there's some corruption with the current contents of one of those files.

First suggestion:  Delete the March data file from WeatherLink that is on the Mac, and then re-download the data from the logger.  On a Windows PC, that file would be named 2012-03.wlk  [Yes, it would be wise to backup that file, or just move it to some other location, just in case...]

Then make absolutely certain that the time on your Mac and the time on the console are identical, and download the data.  You should get all of the March data from the logger.  [If WeatherLink asks you if you want to delete the archive data, do not do that, of course]

[dalecoy]

I use Weatherlink for data download via my Mac, I also have a separate computer that my website 24/7 it is a windows and uses Cumulus software. This set up has worked perfectly for the last few months without any problems.

Not that it matters with your current problem, but I noticed that you've only been sending data to WU since February 7th, and to PWS since February 21st.

[pvwxaustralia]

Ah.  Thanks for the details.

So, if I digested that correctly, the Windows computer running Cumulus has no problems with data from the logger, and presumably the logger has a complete archive of the data at the correct intervals.  The "only" problem is with the WeatherLink data on the Mac.

I originally thought so as well, until yesterday afternoon. I disconnected Cumulus and plugged the Vue into my Mac with Weatherlink which showed no data was available for download. Then we I plugged the Vue back into Cumulus, Cumulus checked the data logger for the latest data since it was last disconnected and it also found no data.

Not that it matters with your current problem, but I noticed that you've only been sending data to WU since February 7th, and to PWS since February 21st.

Yeah, the 7/2 was when i got my data logger and set up my webpage to be working and the 21/2 was when I come across PWS and decided to start uploading there as well.

[dalecoy]

Ah.  Thanks for the details.

So, if I digested that correctly, the Windows computer running Cumulus has no problems with data from the logger, and presumably the logger has a complete archive of the data at the correct intervals.  The "only" problem is with the WeatherLink data on the Mac.

I originally thought so as well, until yesterday afternoon. I disconnected Cumulus and plugged the Vue into my Mac with Weatherlink which showed no data was available for download. Then we I plugged the Vue back into Cumulus, Cumulus checked the data logger for the latest data since it was last disconnected and it also found no data.

I don't understand why that is a problem on the Cumulus side.  I'm missing something here.  Should there have been new data for Cumulus?

Did you try the suggestion about the .wlk file?

Are you making absolutely sure that you shut down the weather software and tell the system that you're disconnecting that USB device, before you pull the plug, every time, on each of the computers? 

And would you perhaps consider running WeatherLink on the Windows computer, instead of the Mac?

[pvwxaustralia]

I don't understand why that is a problem on the Cumulus side.  I'm missing something here.  Should there have been new data for Cumulus?

Did you try the suggestion about the .wlk file?

Are you making absolutely sure that you shut down the weather software and tell the system that you're disconnecting that USB device, before you pull the plug, every time, on each of the computers? 

And would you perhaps consider running WeatherLink on the Windows computer, instead of the Mac?

Cumulus is set to download the latest data from the data logger for the period that the weather station was not connected to cumulus. When I plug the Vue back into the computer running Cumulus it shows that there is no new data available to be downloaded, A.K.A there is nothing new on the data logger.
I am absolutely sure I shut down and disconnect the weather software's, etc. correctly.

There is clearly something wrong with my data logger.
I've powered down my weather station and disconnected the data logger and reconnected it to make sure the connection was correct.
I repowered the Vue and it did the usual 4 beeps that means that the data logger is working correctly. I then left it alone for 10 minutes hoping that the data logger would accumulate 10 entries. I then plugged the Vue into weather link and downloaded the data only to find that there is no new data, A.K.A the data logger is not working properly.

I would not be able to use Weatherlink on the PC as the disk for Weatherlink is only supported by Mac computers. Also that PC is quite old and on it's last legs, so it's just being used for data collection and website updating until it dies.

[pvwxaustralia]

I MAY have fixed the problem! (The data logger one, still got problems with my humidity)

I noticed that in the Browse section of Weatherlink there was a random recording that was future data by about 2 weeks, don't know how that was possible. So I followed your .wlk file suggestion, except that on Mac the file is called a .ETO file and not a .WLK file

I moved the 2012-03.ETO file to a different location and reopened Weatherlink and downloaded the data, and hello, hello there is new data appearing, it doesn't fill in any of my old gaps unfortunately but is showing the new data that is being recorded by the data logger.
Will have to keep an eye on it over the next few days and make sure that there are no gaps in the data appearing.

[dalecoy]

I would not be able to use Weatherlink on the PC as the disk for Weatherlink is only supported by Mac computers. Also that PC is quite old and on it's last legs, so it's just being used for data collection and website updating until it dies.

When it dies, what will you replace it with?  Windows or Mac?

And your WeatherLink license allows you to run it on any one computer, and you can download the latest version of WeatherLink for windows to run on a windows PC.

[pvwxaustralia]

When it dies, what will you replace it with?  Windows or Mac?

And your WeatherLink license allows you to run it on any one computer, and you can download the latest version of WeatherLink for windows to run on a windows PC.

Once it dies I'm going to replace it with one of those cheap $300 windows notebooks they sell at most electronics stores. I'm sure one of those would be fine with reading weather data.

Back to the humidity recording problem, a while ago someone mentioned about changing the battery. I've gone to every major supermarket, department store, etc, etc. around the city and cannot find any that stock the type of battery required for the Vue. Hmm  ]

[dalecoy]

Did you check at IGA?  [Or eBay]

And I suggest you consider puttling WeatherLink (and VirtualVP) on the Windows computer.

[Sigdigit]

+1 for running your station on cheap Windows based netbook.  I've been running my Acer for several years nearly continuously other than to shut down for a windows update now and then.  Bought it just for the weatherstation, and find I use it to surf web more often than my ancient desktop.  Typing this on the netbook now.

[pvwxaustralia]

Did you check at IGA?  [Or eBay]

And I suggest you consider puttling WeatherLink (and VirtualVP) on the Windows computer.

I didn't think of IGA actually, though I doubt they would have it as I checked Woolworths,  Coles, Big W, Target, Myer and even a few local camera businesses as that type of battery is used in Cameras and while they did stock batteries none of them had the one I wanted.
If I couldn't get it at any of the big supermarkets and stores I doubt somewhere like IGA would have it.

I really don't want WeatherLink on the windows computer. It works perfectly on the Mac, and my Mac is my main computer I use for spreadsheeting, recording and analysing my weather data, hence why I chose WeatherLink for Mac in the first place, so I can plug the station into my Mac download the data then spreadsheet it and analyse it in my own files.


I've just sent an email off to EcoWatch, the Australian Davis dealer. I'll see if I can get any help from them and if not I'll have a try with Davis USA.

[dalecoy]

Did you check at IGA? 

If I couldn't get it at any of the big supermarkets and stores I doubt somewhere like IGA would have it.

So, you didn't check at IGA.

I really don't want WeatherLink on the windows computer. It works perfectly on the Mac, and my Mac is my main computer I use for spreadsheeting, recording and analysing my weather data, hence why I chose WeatherLink for Mac in the first place, so I can plug the station into my Mac download the data then spreadsheet it and analyse it in my own files.

That's your decision, of course.  I really believe that the actual root cause of your lost data and data download problems is associated with the daily manual switching of the connection between two computers, and I believe you will eventually experience it again.  But at least now you perhaps have a method that I suggested to "fix" the problem when it occurs. 

Footnote: it's probably fairly important to keep the time exactly the same on the two computers and the console.

[pvwxaustralia]

So, you didn't check at IGA.

No, I didn't think of IGA at the time, last time I visited a local IGA I don't think they even had batteries.

Footnote: it's probably fairly important to keep the time exactly the same on the two computers and the console.

Yeah, my Mac always has the correct time as it syncs with Apple's time servers and I use an app on my PC called "AtomTimePro" which I have set to adjust the PC's clock daily to the time from online Time Servers, so the Mac and PC are always within about 2 seconds of each other and I usually check the station at least once a week to make sure it is lined up perfectly to the others, which it is usually.

This Humidity problem is VERY VERY frustrating     
We've had quite a lot of rain in the last 3 hours, as you'll see from my banner below (44mm, 1.76in) has fallen here and all the nearby official weather stations are showing 96, 98 and 99% at the 3 of them, another station on WU is showing 97% and my Vue is stuck at 81% while my other temp/humidity station shows 99%. Even well inland where there is no rain a station is showing 99%. *Sigh* this is a PAIN as I'm the sort of person that hates inaccurate data and strives to keep my data as accurate as possible.

For what it's worth, here is a picture of and a link to purchase the assembly that may have failed on your Vue: http://www.archertradingpost.com/atp/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_6_9&products_id=124

I've been looking around but can't seem to find any Australian online weather stores that stock anything like this, I can't even find it on ebay.com.au.

I also am getting no reply from the local Davis dealer.

[dalecoy]

So, you didn't check at IGA.

No, I didn't think of IGA at the time, last time I visited a local IGA I don't think they even had batteries.

I'm sure you know better than I do.  The only reason I mentioned it was that several other folks in Australia have reported getting CR123 batteries at their IGAs.

[VaJim]

I MAY have fixed the problem! (The data logger one, still got problems with my humidity)

...let us know when and IF you solve the humidty problem.

[Jace]

Re the batteries, apart from eBay, have you tried camera shops ? Amazon in the UK lists them as photo batteries for cameras.

John

[pvwxaustralia]

Oh No! Something is going very very wrong with my data!!

After watching PrimeTime TV for the last few hours, I've just gone to check my weather station and the temperature and humidity are display --- while the wind speed continues to function normally.

This is NOT GOOD!

[pvwxaustralia]

THIS IS GETTING ******* RIDICULOUS I'VE FORKED OUT WELL OVER $1000 FOR THIS WEATHER STATION AND ALL I'M GETTING IS PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM. WORKED PERFECTLY FOR 12 MONTHS, THEN IT'S ALL GONE DOWN HILL FROM THERE!

Ventured out in the middle of the night pressed the reset button on the ISS, no problems there. Came back in, reset the console, all working perfectly again, 10 minutes later and every outdoor reading has gone to --- even though the signal strength is perfect, there is a clear line of sight from my station to the ISS and there has been NO problems for the last 13 months and now everything is going wrong all at once.
Plug the station into WeatherLink and surprise surprise Communication error.
Try again, "Archive Memory is empty", can't possibly be.
Try again, "Transfer 210 pages from archive memory to your computer", OK.
Try again, Downloads the data and hello hello there are gaps everywhere AGAIN! This is ridiculous, you'd think for the amount of money you fork out Davis would actually do a good job of these things, guess I was WRONG.

Got a reply from EcoWatch (Australian Davis Dealer), who pretty much said that they cannot believe that there is anything wrong with the weather station unless it is tested by them in a controlled environment and that all they could do was suggest I cleaned the screen and checked for any insects, which I had already done and told them I had already done.

[moehoward4]

My thoughts    FIRST  get a NEW battery    SECOND   make sure the console firmware is UP TO DATE (v2.14?)   THIRD   quit switching between the mac and the windows machines, I think that you have the console and logger confused so much that they don't know how to play together.   JUST MY THOUGHTS............

[dalecoy]

My thoughts    FIRST  get a NEW battery    SECOND   make sure the console firmware is UP TO DATE (v2.14?)   THIRD   quit switching between the mac and the windows machines, I think that you have the console and logger confused so much that they don't know how to play together.   JUST MY THOUGHTS............

My thoughts, too. 

However, the frustration level is sufficient that sending the whole station to EcoWatch for a complete checkup would be a good thing to do.  Either the station has developed some fault, or it hasn't.  Either the humidity sensor is faulty, or it isn't.  Either the logger is faulty, or it isn't.  And EcoWatch probably has batteries.

[dalecoy]

This graph is rather interesting (just captured from your site).