Topic: Temperature / Humidity Sensor Replacement

[tvl]

I have a Davis Vantage PRO2 Model 6153 weather station that I purchased new in December 2006.
The console unit has a Mfg Code of A61005D80D

I need to replace the temp/humidity sensor that slides down into an opening INSIDE the radiation shield. Once installed, the sensor sits just below the fan unit. I have located a sensor, but I'm not sure it will mount properly  ........... and possibly may not function with my unit!

The part number is:  7346.070  (SHT31)

The best I can tell from the photo of the new sensor is that it appears to be somewhat like the one I now have. From the photo, it's difficult to tell if the board dimensions are the same as my current sensor and therefore if it will be able to slide down into the slots of the radiation shield. It also has a tab for mounting the sensor with a screw. Mine does not have the tab for mounting and I'm not sure if this will pose an issue when I try to slide it into the radiation shield slots?

Can anyone help with this?

Thanks so very much!!

[WheatonRon]

It should work but since you live in the USA, give Davis support a call—they are very helpful. I have replaced several SHT31s over the years and never an issue. Davis support can be reached at (510) 732-7814.

[tvl]

Actually, I've already given them a call. The lady that I first spoke with wasn't sure if the new sensor would work properly on my unit since it was from Dec. 2006. She did transfer my call to a "specialist" with whom I left a voice message describing what I currently had and wanting to know if the new sensor would fit and function properly.

I never heard from them and I simply don't want to make a purchase unless it appears all is well.

I do thank you for your comment & suggestion!

[WheatonRon]

Actually, I've already given them a call. The lady that I first spoke with wasn't sure if the new sensor would work properly on my unit since it was from Dec. 2006. She did transfer my call to a "specialist" with whom I left a voice message describing what I currently had and wanting to know if the new sensor would fit and function properly.

I never heard from them and I simply don't want to make a purchase unless it appears all is well.

I do thank you for your comment & suggestion!

Interesting.I have 3 VP2s I have purchased over the years and the oldest console has a manufacturing code of A50214A01. I believe that is older than yours! Unfortunately, it died a few weeks ago and I had to find a replacement since the new console, 6313, doesn’t have a data port. I found a replacement because of this Forum, now life is good again. That said, hope Davis calls you back to confirm acceptability of replacement part.

[davidmc36]

Doesn't this lay it all out?

https://www.scaledinstruments.com/shop/shop-by-category/temperature-humidity-sensor/davis-7346-070-pro2-digital-temperature-humidity-sensor-sensiron-sht31/?srsltid=AfmBOoo_YX-2iTdyy_CgQviELeILW821QPcmSzmbnoHiJifqoCs1s4Vo

[Wooks61]

According to this : https://www.skyview.co.uk/products/davis-instruments-temperature-humidity-digital-sensor-board-for-vantage-pro2-dav-7346-166?srsltid=AfmBOoor0ZjcTYD8y9pwMBHaa0T8uzhZnKMt42bWTGiiGhKmcjX2sr1A&currency=gbp
"Please note, this product is interchangeable with the DAV-7346.166.
"

or see https://www.scaledinstruments.com/shop/davis-instruments/parts/vantage-pro2-parts/transmitter-and-parts/davis-7345-950-pcba-for-pro2-cabled-iss-for-sensor-suites-manufactured-after-january-2016/?srsltid=AfmBOoonnvTVH25k4Z2j0tvwHKP8r8UwM-icI5vkJGvoSk1q4zWmcfps
"If upgrading an older (pre-2016) VP2 then we suggest replacing both transmitter board (7345.950) and temp/hum sensor (7346.070) as a pair to ensure correct T/H readings to the latest enhanced sensor specification."

[johnd]

I summarised the differences in electronic characteristics between the .166 and .070 parts here:

https://www.manula.com/manuals/pws/davis-kb/1/en/topic/temperature-humidity-general

Basically, the .070 part is fine as a replacement provided you enter 1°F offset into the console.

There is a separate issue as to whether the parts are completely identical mechanically and I don't have an old .166 sensor to hand to jog my memory. But in practice I suspect they're close enough not to present a problem.

But TBH I doubt very much that you'll find anything other than the .070 part readily available on the market as a spare so that's likely to be your only option anyway.

[CW7491]

I have both the 070 and 166. Both will mount to the 7353.065 in this diagram that slides into the 24hr FARS chamber. They are interchangeable physically.
https://www.scaledinstruments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24hr_fars_Exploded_Diagram-7-20-2023.pdf

If you’re really concerned (and I wouldn’t be since the 070 is a superior sensor for accurate temperature) the 166 is apparently still available.
https://www.amazon.com/Davis-Instruments-7346-166-Humidity-Digital/dp/B00PR05X8M

[davidmc36]

I summarised the differences in electronic characteristics between the .166 and .070 parts here:

https://www.manula.com/manuals/pws/davis-kb/1/en/topic/temperature-humidity-general

Basically, the .070 part is fine as a replacement provided you enter 1°F offset into the console.

There is a separate issue as to whether the parts are completely identical mechanically and I don't have an old .166 sensor to hand to jog my memory. But in practice I suspect they're close enough not to present a problem.

But TBH I doubt very much that you'll find anything other than the .070 part readily available on the market as a spare so that's likely to be your only option anyway.

I don't see it saying one degree offset, only 0.5 degrees. Up or down depending on application.

[johnd]

I don't see it saying one degree offset, only 0.5 degrees. Up or down depending on application.

1°F or 0.5°C. The sensor will always read raw data in °F but if your display unit is °C then applying a 1°C offset would obviously be too much and 0.5°C is the appropriate offset.

[tvl]

This is likely a dumb question, but here goes:

I just installed new firmware to my console ....... 3.88   Does this new firmware detect which sensor I have and make the temperature offset automatically?   Probably not likely, but I had to ask!

Thanks!!!!

[johnd]

No, the console firmware has no way of knowing which sensor is installed in the ISS.