Thinking about getting a Davis...

[G2003]

haha, that won't happen for a few years i think.

Yeah, i think the front yard is the best option, but i don't know how i would
stop against vandalism. Though its a safe neighborhood, something like that
could possibly be encouraging...

[kray1000]

Put up a webcam for your front yard.

Or build a quicksand moat around your weather station.

[G2003]

I will find something. Thanks for all of your help!

[racenet]

Okay, is it possible to add wireless capability to a cabled Vantage Pro 2?

In a nutshell, no.


Bob

[jaded]

According to Davis, the anemometer cable can be up to 240 feet to the ISS.  That would allow you to place the anemometer on the rooftop, while leaving the rain and temperature sensors near the ground where they belong.  

I had a bird/seed/leaf problem with my rain bucket when it was mounted on the non-functional chimney which meant periodic cleanings were required, so I moved the ISS package down to a pole in the yard, and left the anemometer mounted on the house.  That also improved temperature readings, as a shingled roof radiates a tremendous amount of heat.

The CWOP has a siting guide that might help you make better choices, I'd recommend giving it a look.

Finally, you won't end up married to your decision.  You can move pieces around later if it's not working out for you.

[G2003]

Okay, now i'm back to the cabled version. I've decided that there really is no reason for wireless, seeing as I wont be placing it very far away. Also im concerned about reception issues. The wireless signal would hvae to go through several walls, and other appliances and devices, such as phones, wireless internet, etc. could pose a problem.

I'm sure you all probably thinking im crazy and i'm over thinking all of this!

Thanks,
Gil

[G2003]

Is it possible to put a screen (like the screening you use on windows) over the rain collector unit to prevent getting clogged up by leaves and stuff?

Also, what kind of a pole does the ISS and/or Wind sensor mount on?

[Mark / Ohio]

Is it possible to put a screen (like the screening you use on windows) over the rain collector unit to prevent getting clogged up by leaves and stuff?

This is what I'm using after the small insert from Davis either blew away or a bird carried it away.  You still need to keep an eye on it and clean it.  It just buys you some time before a total blockage occurs: (It's a kitchen sink drain strainer.)

Also, what kind of a pole does the ISS and/or Wind sensor mount on?

Anything from antenna mast pipe to a wood post.  My ISS is on a Directv dish mount attached to the side of a dog kennel.  The anemometer is about 25' up on the side of my TV antenna tower.  I used electric fence wire to support the wire from the anemometer to the ISS.

[G2003]

The sink insert is a good idea. I was thinking of just taking a piece of screen, and putting it over the top of the rain sensor.

How does the cabled envoy work? Do you use a splitter?

For connecting the console to the computer via serial, do you HAVE to use the WeatherLink software? If not, can you just buy the datalogger and datalogger cable?

[WeatherBeacon]

The sink insert is a good idea. I was thinking of just taking a piece of screen, and putting it over the top of the rain sensor.

How does the cabled envoy work? Do you use a splitter?

For connecting the console to the computer via serial, do you HAVE to use the WeatherLink software? If not, can you just buy the datalogger and datalogger cable?

G2003:

I have a sink screen inside my rain collector, too. If you just put a screen over the collector (funnel -- I think that's what you're saying), you'll need some way to keep the wind from blowing it off.

Regarding the Davis datalogger, the Weatherlink software comes with the datalogger... they're purchased as a single package. You do need the datalogger if you want your console to communicate with your computer. You don't have to run Weatherlink, though. I don't run Weatherlink. Instead, I use just the VWS software. But do you actually need Weatherlink if you have a datalogger? Hmm ... I don't know. You might need it initially to set up the datalogger, but I'm not certain of that.

Regards,

Kevin...

[G2003]

Thanks for the info. Maybe someone else can verify?

[ocala]

I went with a screen on top of the rain collector. That way they just blow off. I had to use something with smaller holes because I'm surrounded by oak trees but where your at you have more broad leaf trees so you can go with bigger holes.

[kray1000]

I use the same kitchen strainer that Mark uses.  I suspect a bird may have carried my original one off as well.  The strainer has worked well for a couple of years, and I only check mine once every month or two.

Wouldn't a screen of any density across the top cause some of the rain to splash off?

[G2003]

Okay, if I go wireless(NOT completel sure yet), l'm going to go with the fan aspirated shield. How would the fan effect the temp at NIGHT in WINTER? Would it make the temperature colder than it is? Would the fan ever freeze up?

[WeatherBeacon]

Okay, if I go wireless(NOT completel sure yet), l'm going to go with the fan aspirated shield. How would the fan effect the temp at NIGHT in WINTER? Would it make the temperature colder than it is?

No. Air movement does not affect temperature. (You're thinking of "wind chill", which is an attempt to measure how cold moving air feels to the human skin. But 20 degree air moving at 40mph is still 20 degrees. )

Would the fan ever freeze up?

The fan is inside a shield that allows air to move through it but prevents water from reaching the fan and motor.

Regards,

Kevin...


EDIT:  By the way, I think it's great that you're researching this so carefully. Some of us jumped in with both feet without carefully researching the possibilities, only to regret our decisions later. I, for example, purchased the Davis USB datalogger before reading the forums that clearly described its pitfalls.

[G2003]

Yeah, I want to know EXACTLY what i want before i spend hundreds of dollars on it. I donn't want to buy it and later say "OH crap, I should've got the other version!"

[carterlake]

Regardless of whether you get cabled or not... I highly recommend a 24-hour fan. It will provide you the most accurate temperature readings.

Without a fan, warmed air will sit in your shield during the hottest part of the day, skewing the temp by 3-4 degrees (or more). Also, in the early morning, warmed night air will also tend to sit in the shield.

Re: wired versus wireless. I think wireless was worth every penny. It makes setup a breeze and there is no need to worry about running wires, drilling holes in your house, etc.

I just wish I had bought the anemometer wireless extender when the wife was in the buying mood.  

[ncpilot]

EDIT:  By the way, I think it's great that you're researching this so carefully. Some of us jumped in with both feet without carefully researching the possibilities, only to regret our decisions later. I, for example, purchased the Davis USB datalogger before reading the forums that clearly described its pitfalls.

I think Davis should give me a freebie if I publicly declare for them that my USB logger has worked perfectly from the start...

Man, I am definitely in the minority I guess on this one, but my USB has been fine... however, given the feedback, I'd also suggest serial... and I'd still recommend wireless, because you can't predict your future sitings, and it provides all the flexibility you'd need...

[G2003]

I'm definitely getting the serial datalogger, especially because i'd like to use an older OS on it.

Being ina  highly populated area, i'm wondering if interference would be an issue with the wireless version.

Also, can you get the Kit for the 24 hour fan? So far i've only seen the Kit for the Daytime fan.

[G2003]

I looked at the guide for the ISS, and some of the illustrations seemed to indicate that the wireless version has a connection in the SIM for the console (wired connection). Is this true?

(The wireless DIP switch next to the port indicated that it was a wireless version)

[ncpilot]

If I recall, the Davis uses DSS, digital spread spectrum, so it's a pretty good signal that's relatively immune to interference.

I think I catch your drift... but I just checked the back of my wireless console in the battery compartment, and it looks like the location of a jack that would go to a wired system is covered over with a piece of plastic, and I couldn't remove it with my fingers, so I suspect that the wireless console/ISS could not be converted to a wired system... but that's just my guess...

[G2003]

Thanks for the info!

I've made my final decision. I'm going with the cabled! I plan to order it sometime in the next few weeks. I'll get TONS of pics when i get it

[ocala]

Cabled, nah, wireless.
Cabled. No no no. Wireless.
Ah, ah. Wireless?
Cabled. Yeah that's it. Cabled.
 

[racenet]

Cabled, nah, wireless.
Cabled. No no no. Wireless.
Ah, ah. Wireless?
Cabled. Yeah that's it. Cabled.
 

LOL

It was the awaited verdict, just like the OJ trial. The suspense was killing me!  

Congrats G2003. You will be quite happy with your choice. I know I have.



Bob

[G2003]

Yep, i know i'll be happy. One thing I dislike about Davis is that their accessories are VERY pricey!