Topic: Vantage Vue Console logger pinout

[SLOweather]

As far as the SparkFun RS232 Shifter Board Kit mentioned a while back, I bought a couple to try. No joy on the first couple of experiments, but that is not yet a definitive no-go. I just tried it on my WeatherElement hub, not on a real PC. And since they are kits, I may have made an assembly error or something.

[d_l]

And since they are kits, I may have made an assembly error or something.

I just wanted to point out that Sparkfun also sells the RS232 Shifter as a fully assembled and tested unit for those that might have difficulty soldering all the components due to lack of fine motor skills like me.  This part is somewhat difficult to find on the Sparkfun site unless you are specifically looking for it.  All that would be needed is to solder wires to the PCB.  RS232 Shifter SMD

[SLOweather]

Okay... now for the "Dummies 101" question.

Is this a way to have your Davis Pro2 console and USB logger in one room and transmit the data to your PC in another room without a physical connection?

If you are referring to the "alpha rev. proof-of-concept A232DB to 2mm connector Davis serial adapter", then, no. This is a way to spend about $30 to connect your Davis console (VP, VP2, Vue Envoy) to a computer or other device via RS232 serial, rather than spending $120 or so on a Davis serial WeatherLink.

[SLOweather]

Prior to purchasing the kits, I had heard from one of the engineers here at work that they had tried these for an engineering project with less than satisfactory results. I'm not surprised that it doesn't work on my interface.

I'll bring one to work and try it on a real PC serial port, just for completeness.

I just wanted to point out that Sparkfun also sells the RS232 Shifter as a fully assembled and tested unit for those that might have difficulty soldering all the components due to lack of fine motor skills like me.  This part is somewhat difficult to find on the Sparkfun site unless you are specifically looking for it.  All that would be needed is to solder wires to the PCB.  RS232 Shifter SMD

[d_l]

Prior to purchasing the kits, I had heard from one of the engineers here at work that they had tried these for an engineering project with less than satisfactory results. I'm not surprised that it doesn't work on my interface.

I'll bring one to work and try it on a real PC serial port, just for completeness.

I'd heard that the RS232 Shifter, either kit or assembled part, might not work in some situations whereas the Max233 in the A232DBH3v wouldn't have those problems.  However, I have had feedback from others who successfully used the RS232 Shifter as modem console port.  So it does work on some electronic parts.

[af4ex]

Do the solder pins protrude above the console casing when plugged in, such that they could be attached to a printed circuit board (for making a "custom dongle")?

Yup. Been working on that. ExpressPCB doesn't seem to have a premade 2mm connector component. I guess I'll have to make one.

Good work. The depth below the casing is 4mm on the VUE console, so that would leave more than 3mm protuding. Sounds like that would work, if I'm careful not to build up the solder underneath too much.

BTW, I found these $2.70 PCBs which seem to have 2mm pitch.
http://www.veroboard.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21

Though my earlier idea was to take one of Sparkfun's Eagle drawings for their USB Explorer and modify it for this kind of 2mm header.
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8687

Problem is, I've never done anything with Eagle circuits. But it looks simple. (What could possibly go wrong?   )

[SLOweather]

BTW, I found these $2.70 PCBs which seem to have 2mm pitch.

(deletia...)

(What could possibly go wrong?   )

From the web page...

Hole Pitch: 0.1 in – (2.54 mm)

We need 2mm (0.079") pitch...

[SLOweather]

Digi-Key has one style 6.3" x 3.9" for $25 per board:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=438-1038-ND

[af4ex]

BTW, I found these $2.70 PCBs which seem to have 2mm pitch.

(deletia...)

(What could possibly go wrong?   )

From the web page...

Hole Pitch: 0.1 in – (2.54 mm)

We need 2mm (0.079") pitch...

oops, you're right. I was looking at the wrong line: "Copper Square Size: 0.08×0.08 in - (2×2 mm)" referring to the size of the pads I guess.

> Digi-Key has one style 6.3" x 3.9" for $25 per board ...
Too much money, especially since we only need the 2X10 holes to have 2mm pitch. The rest of the board should be 0.1 in.

Modifying SparkFun's Eagle files seems to be the best bet. Hopefully resulting in a PCB that will be easy to populate with FTDI and/or XBee parts etc, all of which should fit nicely in the console plugin compartment.
http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/115

We're making progress, I think.
 

[SLOweather]

For my application, in ExpressPCB, I successfully modified the 20 pin 0.1" connector to 2mm spacing. It took just a few minutes.

[af4ex]

For my application, in ExpressPCB, I successfully modified the 20 pin 0.1" connector to 2mm spacing. It took just a few minutes.

My understanding is that ExpressPCB is easier to use than EaglePCB, but Eagle is more open and uses standard Gerber formats.

I haven't used either one, so I've got some learning to do. I'm hoping I can start with one of SparkFun's public dongle designs, add a standard 2mm connector part and be done. Probably won't be that simple, but certainly easier than starting from scratch.

Sounds like your "SLOdongle" may be the first to see light of day. Will it incorporate an XBee?

[SLOweather]

Yeah, I think ExpressPCB only works with their PCB service. I used them once before, back when white LEDs came out, to make some light strips. I learned the last time to make multiple small boards on one larger one to cut costs, and then cut them down later.

Nope, no XBee. that's all your'n.

I'm specifically interested in the plain-Jane RS-232 device. For WeatherElement development and other hobby stuff, I have at least 3 wired stations laying about. the price savings over WLinks will pay for the development of this for me. That doesn't include the fun/entertainment/education aspect.

[SLOweather]

FWIW, I found this cool prototyping plastic in the Jameco catalog:

ShapeLock -- "Shape-then-lock" Design Plastic

Build your invention now -- without machine tools. Create super-strong custom parts, prototypes, molds, servo brackets, robot housings, sculptures, science projects, and more.

Space-age plastic melts in a microwave or hot water at 160°F, then remains safely moldable by hand until locking rigidly at room temperature. Simply reheat in order to re-shape as often as you like.

This easy-to-use material is non-toxic, lightweight, machine-able, and paint-able -- plus it can be dyed with hobby-shop pigments. Full instructions are included, in addition to email support and online information at www.ShapeLock.com

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_2112508_-1

[linuxfreak]

Hey guys,

If you look in Eagle, libraries, con-molex.lbr, 87758-2016, 20 Pin - 2mm Dual Row Single Wafer, Vertical T/H HDR.
Source: http://www.molex.com/pdm_docs/sd/877580616_sd.pdf


Is that what you need??

George

[af4ex]

Hey guys,

If you look in Eagle, libraries, con-molex.lbr, 87758-2016, 20 Pin - 2mm Dual Row Single Wafer, Vertical T/H HDR.
Source: http://www.molex.com/pdm_docs/sd/877580616_sd.pdf


Is that what you need??

George

Hi George!
That appears to be a part# for the male plug. We need the female connector part. But the pin spacing looks OK, for design purposes. (When you hear the term 'molex connector', it normally conjures up a much thicker pin size, for heavy power connections, but I guess Molex makes some of these smaller pin-sized parts too).
http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/350600-conn-header-20pos-2mm-vert-gold-87758-2016.html

If I understand correctly, I can use this con-molex.lbr library component with the Eagle layout editor. Is this included with standard Eagle installation? (I am complete noob with this new-fangled PCB design stuff)

Thanks,
John/af4ex

[linuxfreak]

Hi John,

All I know is it is Eagle 5.7.0, I think mine is the professional version.  Just look through your library under connectors, con-XXX.lbr, and check descriptions for 2mm pitch connectors, as long as they aren't SMD, they should be proper thru-hole style and the pad spacing should work, can't see why you couldn't duplicate the pads over and over to make a 2mm pitch protoboard layout.    Here's a *short* list of library files in my copy:

con-3m.lbr                                    3M Connectors
con-amp-champ.lbr                        IEEE488 (Centronics) Connectors from AMP
con-amp-micromatch.lbr                 AMP Connectors, Type  MicroMatch
con-amp-mt.lbr                             AMP Connectors, Type MT
con-amp-mt6.lbr                           AMP Connectors, Type MT6
con-amp-quick.lbr                         AMP Connectors, Type QUICK
con-amp.lbr                                 AMP Connectors
con-amphenol.lbr                          Amphenol Connectors
con-avx.lbr                                  AVX Connectors
con-berg.lbr                                 Berg Connectors
con-bosch.lbr                               BOSCH Automotive Connectors
con-chipcard-iso7816.lbr                ISO 7816 Chipcard (Package)

etc, etc, etc,  77 connector libraries in all!! 

George

[af4ex]

@linuxfreak
> ...Just look through your library under connectors, con-XXX.lbr, and
> check descriptions for 2mm pitch ...

Actually I haven't installed Eagle yet, still reading up on the techniques. Looks pretty simple, but we'll probably make some mistakes in the learning process.

Thanks!

[For those also interested in learning automated PCB layout, Sparkfun has an excellent series of tutorials on this and many other topics: http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials]

[vellecadp]

If you are referring to the "alpha rev. proof-of-concept A232DB to 2mm connector Davis serial adapter", then, no. This is a way to spend about $30 to connect your Davis console (VP, VP2, Vue Envoy) to a computer or other device via RS232 serial, rather than spending $120 or so on a Davis serial WeatherLink.

As a newbie, I am very interested in this thread.  I am graduating from an OS WMR968 unit to a new Vantage Pro2 and was very disappointed when I found out I needed to spend another $150 to get the WL software and data logger to read the information on my PC.  The OS units, while not the quality of the Davis, have a much simpler interface for working with the PC.

I am guessing that if you can assemble the kit of parts for the Console Connector to the Serial Adapter as described above, then you should have a functioning interface that can allow the weather software on your PC to read the data from the Console......correct?  Am I correct to assume you do not need to supply any power via this interface and that the 4 wire connections on the serial interface will handle all the actions needed?  I really do not want to fry my console.

I have taken the leap and ordered some parts (the and am waiting for them to arrive.  I will be using my Weather Display software to drive the collection of data and post to my CWOP and WeatherUnderground pages.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Regards,

Dennis

[af4ex]

...I am guessing that if you can assemble the kit of parts for the Console Connector to the Serial Adapter as described above, then you should have a functioning interface that can allow the weather software on your PC to read the data from the Console......correct?  Am I correct to assume you do not need to supply any power via this interface and that the 4 wire connections on the serial interface will handle all the actions needed?  I really do not want to fry my console.

Hi Dennis, welcome to the Davis wxforum!

Yes, your assumptions are all correct. The methods in this posting allow you to construct a relatively inexpensive, wireless, self-powered serial interface. Even cheaper if you just use a USB2COM chip without the XBee's.

The trickiest part of the construction is the connection to the back of the console socket. It's a kluge, but it will work if you follow the instructions carefully.

I'm working on a more reliable customized PCB interface for this circuit, but have been sidetracked by other issues, so will still  be awhile before anything is available for testing.

I've been using my wireless XBee interface now since March, which has performed flawlessly. The problems I experience in keeping the station reports flowing are always in my Internet connection and household WIFi. The XBee circuits have never dropped any data. Totally solid.

Keep us informed on your progress, when you get your parts.

John/af4ex

[vellecadp]

Hi Dennis, welcome to the Davis wxforum!

Yes, your assumptions are all correct. The methods in this posting allow you to construct a relatively inexpensive, wireless, self-powered serial interface. Even cheaper if you just use the USB2COM chips without the XBee's.

The trickiest part of the construction is the connection to the back of the console socket. It's a kluge, but it will work if you follow the instructions carefully.

I'm working on a more reliable customized PCB interface for this circuit, but have been sidetracked by other issues, so will still  be awhile before anything is available for testing.

I've been using my wireless XBee interface now since March, which has performed flawlessly. The problems I experience in keeping the station reports flowing are always in my Internet connection and household WIFi. The XBee circuits have never dropped any data. Totally solid.

Keep us informed on your progress, when you get your parts.

John/af4ex

Thanks for the feedback John.  I will keep you all apraised of my progress.  Can not wait for the parts to arrive.

Dennis

[neulos]

Hi Everybody,

I have a OS WMRS200 and recently I won a Davis Vantage Pro2 station in a TV program (first time ever I win something!). I am one of the contributors to wfrog (www.wfrog.org), a open source lightweight data logger written in Python. This is my current station: http://www.mallorcaweb.net/jpuigsegur/wfrog/ which runs in a PC engines ALIX 3D2 board with linux.

For my new Vantage Pro2 I plan to use wfrog (wfrog uses PyWeather for the Davis driver) and linux and therefore I do not need / do not want to buy Weatherlink. Instead my idea is to connect the VantagePro2 directly to my datalogger using a FTDI USB 2 RS232 3.3V converter which seems to be the best option if a wireless link is not necessary. In this thread I've found several links where I can buy that converter, but didn't find (maybe it's there and I didn't see it) any link for the connector on the console side. I am not looking for something fancy, I can do some soldering if necessary. There are some Digi-Key links but they are broken and I am not sure either that Digi-Key sells in Europe where I am based.

Maybe something like this could also work: http://www.robotshop.com/eu/netmedia-10inch-jumper-wires.html
What do you think?

Jordi.

[SLOweather]

There are some Digi-Key links but they are broken and I am not sure either that Digi-Key sells in Europe where I am based.

This Digi-Key link still works for me:
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=952-1361-5-nd
and is the connector I use.

Here's a link to Digi-Key European sales

http://www.digikey.com/info_3.html

[af4ex]

Hi Everybody,
...
Maybe something like this could also work: http://www.robotshop.com/eu/netmedia-10inch-jumper-wires.html
What do you think?
...

Hi Jordi,

The robotshop link says "Work with any 0.60 - 1.0mm header pins", which sounds like it should work with the 2mm spaced Davis connector pins, but I'd probably ask them first before ordering.

Actually, I would recommend using SLOweather's Digikey connector, the simplest way to make this connection.

I did it the hard way: hacking several 2mm XBee receptacles ($1 each) into pieces, which works fine, but is a bit tricky to fabricate.
:-]

[SLOweather]

Actually, I would recommend using SLOweather's Digikey connector, the simplest way to make this connection.

Yeah, my first testing was with some clip leads. The connector is much nicer and safer.

[neulos]

Yup .. the Digi-key link works. I don't know how I checked it before.

Do you know if it is also possible to get the cable and connector that goes into the FTDI basic breakout 3.3V?

Thanks,
Jordi.