Ready to Buy. Which Configuration?

[Astronomer]

Hi all,

I'm ready to make the big purchase and I've narrowed down the choices for a configuration. I'd love to get some input from those of you who have set up any of these possible configs.

Some background: My intent is to set up the sensors to recommended specifications, so the anemometer will be mounted 30 feet up. I want to have the information from the sensors sent to a PC and uploaded to a website that I'll build, and also to Weather Underground etc. I have a server room in the basement with 3 servers, all capable of hosting the software for data capture and one is ready for my site to go live.

I'm on the fence as to whether or not to get the UV and solar radiation sensors. As an avid amateur astronomer and solar observer, this is of interest, but they will add about $400 to the cost. It's do-able, but I've heard rumours of a lower cost unit maybe coming out.

So the choices: (Options a, b, and c have no solar sensors, options d, e, and f do)

a) V-Pro 2 6152
Mounting Tripod
DSI-01 Serial Interface
Total: $606
Comment: I'd have to move a server to my office for this, which would warm up the room, particularly when my main PC/gaming rig is on. I don't want to leave that rig on 24/7. Alternatively, I could run 40 feet or so of USB repeater cables down to the server room. We have drop ceilings in the basement.

b.) Sensor Suite 6322
Envoy 6316
Mounting tripod
Total: $511
Advantage: I can have Envoy right by the server. Disadvantage: No Vantage-Pro2V-Pro2 Plus

c.) Sensor Suite 6322
Envoy 8X 6318
Mounting tripod
Total: $591
Advantage: I can have Envoy right by the server. Disadvantage: No Vantage-Pro2
I'm not sure if the Envoy 8x confers any real advantage vs the Envoy 6316...

d.) V-Pro2 Plus 6162
Mounting Tripod
DSI-01 Serial Interface
Total $915

e.) Sensor Suite 6327
Envoy 6316
Mounting tripod
Total: $895
Advantage: I can have Envoy right by the server. Disadvantage: No Vantage-Pro2V-Pro2 Plus

f.) Sensor Suite 6327
Envoy 8X 6318
Mounting tripod
Total: $975

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

[stevebrtx]

You're making it way too hard, you fallen into "analysis paralysis" - I should know, I'm notorious in two countries for this. Buy something and when you get it in place and figured out, add if you want. I had a UV sensor with Oregon UnScientic, decided to go solar with Davis, but will probably add the UV later this year. I wanted readings at ground level for Temp/hum so got an extra unit (based on observations or 4 years with OS on the roof equip). And, guess what, at the moment in the middle of a hot MXN afternoon, the ground and roof (iss) sensors are .1 degree apart, but the old OS sensor still on the roof is showing 4 degrees more.

So, it's a live and learn thing. If it ain't fun, don't do it.

[SLOweather]

I agree. Keep it simple to start with. I don't have all of the part numbers memorized, so I say get the wireless VP2, (Plus or not, but Plus saves money when you realized you really want those solar/UV sensors), and the interface.

Then you can add stuff later. One thing I never anticipated until I had a spare console is how nice it is to have a second console on batteries I can move from room to room. In your case, you could get the Envoy later and move the console around.

And, the DSI-01 should be good for 50' of cable, so, if you can run cable, you can have the console farther away from the computer. Mine runs over cat5e in the wall and under the house at least 50' to the computer.

If you try that, I'll make you up a 50' cable and test it before I ship the DSI-01.

Where are you pricing from? Best price quote from rainmanweather.com for the topmost package on your list ($606):
V-Pro 2 6152               $385
Mounting Tripod          $ 67.50
DSI-01 Serial Interface $ 35.20
=======================
I get about                $487.70 not including any tax or shipping.

[Astronomer]

Thanks for the reply and the offer on the DSI-01, SLOweather. I sincerely appreciate it as well as your thoughts.

I'm getting my pricing from a company in Nova Scotia, Canada: http://www.forthebirdsnatureshop.ca/ .  I live in Canada, so for shipping and customs I have to stick with purchasing here. They have good to great prices relative to other Canadian resellers. I recently purchased a replacement anemometer for my Kestrel 4000 from them and their shipping was prompt.

From them, the V-Pro2 6152 is $487, and the tripod is $79, so not too bad. I think I'll get what you suggested and I may just get the solar radiation sensor as well and eventually get the UV sensor. I can get the SR sensor for $128 from the link above.

Please let me know how to place an order for a DSI-01 and I'll get that going. Knowing that you can make a long connection tipped the scales for me on getting this configuration!

Cheers!

[Bushman]

FYI - call FTBNS and they will "price match" (equiv. to US pricing after  shipping etc.  There is no duty BTW)

[Astronomer]

Thanks for the tip, Bushman!

[PaulMy]

For The Birds is a very good source in Canada.

I'm on the fence as to whether or not to get the UV and solar radiation sensors.

You're getting an excellent quality and respected station that you'll enjoy for your weather hobby so if doable, get the full package now.  I wish I had done that but had no previous experience or interest before ordering the VP2 6152.

Paul

[dalecoy]

Some comments:

You don't need an Envoy8X.

Consider the wired VP2 if stringing the cable is convenient and you don't need wireless.

The basic VP2 is upgradeable later with UV and solar sensors.

[mackbig]

Agree on For the Birds in Canada.
Just make sure you provide a apples to apples quote.  Easier now since the is no FX to worry about.  When I bot we were still below par, so I provided them with the best US quote at the time, and used a conservative fx factor.  Include HST in your quote match cause you would pay it anyway if it came from the states (but by staying in Canada you avoid the UPS extortion fee on top of it).  They matched use a % discount coupon, which was actually good cause you could add more to the order and save more (their suggestion, wasnt gaming them).

One other thing to consider with FTB.  They dont do the same volume as US distributors.  So when my humidity sensor went after a few months, I contacted Davis for a warranty replacement.   They made me send my invoice because according to the manu date on the serial number/mfg code, it was 18 months old already.    So their stock at the time had been sitting on the shelf for a while.  Worked out in the end, but my unit did not come with the leveling bubble that was shipping on vp2's at the time.  So you might want to ask them for the mfg code on the unit you are ordering.  My mgf code was A80929D66N, pretty sure the 8 meant 2008 and 929 was Sept 29th....

Andrew

[SLOweather]

Please let me know how to place an order for a DSI-01 and I'll get that going. Knowing that you can make a long connection tipped the scales for me on getting this configuration!

Email sent.

[Moose Whisperer]

I agree with some of the other replies. A or D. Put the console in the family room where it is easily viewed by anyone without having to turn on a computer or go to a "server" room. Then run a cable to the computer. As for the UV/Solar sensors, it just depends on if you want to spend the cash now, or upgrade later. I bought my VP2 without them, but now five years later I'm getting ready to add them on. It's not like UV/Solar data is of primary importance (like wind & temp), but it will just be kind of cool to see what the readings are like (or lack of) from my location!

[Astronomer]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I went with option "A", knowing that I can add on later if I need to. The console will be in my office (there's just my wife and I, and her office is right beside mine) as there's a convenient cable run in the back corner on the floor underneath my desk. I ordered from For the Birds. The console and sensors are in stock and the tripod will take a couple of weeks. I suspect that by then I'll have already mounted the gear somewhere on the property.

PaulMy: I'm not too far from you, about 4km. I live in Mount Brydges. I refer to your weather info on the Wundermap when I want to see nearby conditions, and I have your sensor info up on one of my monitors when the weather gets really heavy. One of the guys I work with has a weather station on the map too. He's also a ham operator and he lives in London.

Cheers,

 - Astronomer

[smorris]

If you have Radio Shack up your way, they carry the AntennaCraft heavy duty 3-foot tripod for only $34, and a 10-foot mast for $33 (or find a galvanized pipe for less at a home center.) That's a lot less than the Davis version. My Radio Shack says most store carry them due to people getting antennas again now that digital TV is so good, and canceling cable.

[Astronomer]

Thanks smorris. Good tip, that. I cancelled the tripod on the order. 2-3 weeks was a bit too long to wait. No Radio Shacks in Canada anymore as far as I know, but plenty of options for tripods and galvanized pipe.

[Bushman]

Radio Shack  is now The Source  - most malls have one.

[mackbig]

I got the "shack" version, cant recall if it was pre or post The Source conversion.  Locally sourced is better, the masts and tripods are big heavy/expensive shipping items.

Unfortunately The Source looks like it really sucks now.  They have been getting rid of Shack type items for a while.
I went on the site, they still list a channel master tripod for $50.  I did a 50km radius search (used komoko postal codes) all locations sold out, I up'd to 100km radius, . 

Port Rowan says in stock but its 92km's away from London/Komoko
Strathroy  ON is close, and says "please call" but I think that is more that their inventory is no electronic, or online.

Too bad the Shack and the first version of The Source (by Circuit City) was a good place to find odds and ends, and overpriced batteries.   Now its just a storefront for Bell to sell their mobile phone, and television services.

I suggest finding a local satellite / electronics install type store.

Andrew

[Astronomer]

I got the "shack" version, cant recall if it was pre or post The Source conversion.  Locally sourced is better, the masts and tripods are big heavy/expensive shipping items.

Unfortunately The Source looks like it really sucks now.  They have been getting rid of Shack type items for a while.
I went on the site, they still list a channel master tripod for $50.  I did a 50km radius search (used komoko postal codes) all locations sold out, I up'd to 100km radius, . 

Port Rowan says in stock but its 92km's away from London/Komoko
Strathroy  ON is close, and says "please call" but I think that is more that their inventory is no electronic, or online.

Too bad the Shack and the first version of The Source (by Circuit City) was a good place to find odds and ends, and overpriced batteries.   Now its just a storefront for Bell to sell their mobile phone, and television services.

I suggest finding a local satellite / electronics install type store.

Andrew

I did the same search this morning. Strathroy has no stock on it either, so your assumption on their inventory database is correct. What I ended up doing is ordering it online and chose to have it shipped to the nearest SBCC to my office. I agree that the quality and utility of the stores has gone way down.

 - AStronomer

[PaulMy]

I'm sure you'll let us know when its installed so I can come and inspect.

Paul

[Astronomer]

I'm sure you'll let us know when its installed so I can come and inspect.

Paul

Sure thing Paul! The weather station and tripod have both shipped, so theoretically I'll have everything here by the end of next week or the first of the following week. I'll look closely at the house and property this weekend and plan where I'll set them up. The optional wireless transmitter for the anemometer would have been nice, but the price is hard to justify.

 - Astronomer (Craig)