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Weather Station Hardware => Davis Instruments Weather Stations => Topic started by: docbee on January 17, 2015, 04:37:11 AM

Title: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: docbee on January 17, 2015, 04:37:11 AM
As this new feature might be of special interest for Davis Vantage users, I do post here instead of hiding it in the Meteobridge section. ;)

Just released Meteobridge version 2.5 allows to share a connected Davis Vantage with a PC program, which is something very often requested. Now you can have Meteobridge doing the standard tasks, while you still can run your PC weather program of choice to do additional computations with your weather data. Meteobridge acts to your PC like a Davis IP data logger and provides TCP/IP communication on port 22222 (like the original Davis IP data logger). Function is a bit similar to the "Virtual Vantage" program that has been offered as a PC solution. Difference is that Meteobridge also supports LOOP2 communication (which "Virtual Vantage" does not, afaik) but as a downside Meteobridge can handle only one additional client (instead of 8 like "Virtual Vantage"). As the Meteobridge is a WiFi device you also get your Davis data logger accessible via WiFi, which might also be a nice thing in certain setups.

This new development removes the need to decide between using an embedded low-power Meteobridge solution vs a full-power PC solution. You can now do both simultaneously, if you like. :lol:

Link to Meteobridge Forum: http://forum.meteohub.de/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=10115&p=16865#p16865
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on January 17, 2015, 06:14:53 AM
Your stuff keeps getting better by every release, that's very nice. It's probably filling the gap Davis left for 3rd-party developers and independent vendors interfacing to their great stations.

Albeit there's no docs for a large part of their products - the radio protocol had to be dissected by an individual instead of them publishing detailed documentation on it, for instance. That's my concern too. You had to use reverse engineering (and probably some info on the net) to be able to make a receiver and decode all the sensory information available in the radio packets. What can you say about the accuracy of your own solution? Are the calculated values 100% equivalent to the ones eg. the Davis console reports, based on the radio packets of their stations? For instance I know the wind speed reported by the ISS needs a correction table employed by the console or the Envoy, is it used in your solution, for example?

For some time I contemplated on buying a Meteobridge license/Meteostick combo but frankly, these small unknown bits kept me from making a positive decision. Essentially, I'd wanted it to be to be as accurate as the Envoy.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: docbee on January 17, 2015, 07:04:24 AM
@kobuki: you have a PM

Just to avoid confusion. The logger sharing feature is just working on Meteobridges using the classical (or rebuild) data logger. It is not simulating a Davis logger on a Meteobridge that has a Meteostick (RF receiver that reads out sensor data from their direct RF emission). I know that some users have started some work on emulating the Davis logger with software around the RFM69 chips. This is not the approach here. Logger-sharing with Meteobridge is working in a way that Meteobridge hands-over the connection to the logger to the requesting PC and keeps reading/sniffing the data the PC reads out from the logger to update its own sensor information. Polling the logger with LOOP/LOOP2 requests is left to the PC until the PC connection drops. By this we achieve a very high degree of compatibility with the PC programs out there and do NOT have to rebuild the Davis protocol.

As Davis might not be too enthusiastic about all this, we at least take care not to build direct plug-in replacements for Davis products, but functional enhancements to their product line. Peace!  :-P
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: belfryboy on January 17, 2015, 09:24:56 AM
I have recently licensed a meteobridge using a WR703n nano router, will my license be valid with the new release or do I need to pay the full price to upgrade the license?
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: docbee on January 17, 2015, 09:50:18 AM
I thought a moment if I should make this "killer feature" a premium to be even paid additionally by existing users, but decided not to do that. So the feature is available to all Meteobridge users. The slight license fee increase from 59 to 65 Euro effective since today just impacts new license purchases and helps me to cover ongoing development efforts and EURO Erosion.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: miraculon on January 17, 2015, 10:17:54 AM
I rebooted my Meteobridge to pick up the v2.5.

I attempted to connect Weatherlink with just the communication test feature, pointing the IP address to the Meteobridge (w/2.5) and port 22222. It reported:

Quote
Cannot establish connection since port is already in use. Please disconnect the device and connect it again.

Then I tried Cumulus (shut down WL first of course), receiving this error:

Quote
Error -32701 while trying to initialise the station. Please check your connections and settings.

I looked through the Meteobridge GUI for new settings associated with this new ability on v2.5, but I didn't see anything.

Any ideas on what the problem could be?

Greg H.

Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: belfryboy on January 17, 2015, 10:37:22 AM
I rebooted my Meteobridge to pick up the v2.5.

I attempted to connect Weatherlink with just the communication test feature, pointing the IP address to the Meteobridge (w/2.5) and port 22222. It reported:

Quote
Cannot establish connection since port is already in use. Please disconnect the device and connect it again.


Me too! I would appreciate any help with this.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: docbee on January 17, 2015, 11:25:38 AM
There was an error in the build script, so the feature was disabled in my latest upload.
Sorry for that. Please reboot your Meteobridge, should do now fine.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: miraculon on January 17, 2015, 11:51:23 AM
Working fine now (on Weatherlink) after the reboot...  \:D/ =D>
This is a really nice feature.

Greg H.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: belfryboy on January 17, 2015, 12:09:41 PM
Like wise! This is the most fantastic thing I have seen in a long time.  =D>
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: grahaml on March 01, 2015, 12:05:41 AM
Hi Folks,

New to this so please be gentle ....

I've just set up a Davis Vantage Pro2+ with USB data logger and a Meteobridge.  I was hoping to exploit the Port 22222 capability with the Weatherlink software, but I'm receiving the error described earlier in the thread (see attached) that the port is already in use.  According to the System tab on Meteobridge (see attached) I'm using Meteobridge 2.5 (Feb 24 2015, build 6013), FW 1.4.  I'm using the Davis Instruments Australia DB100AU.

The Meteobridge is communicating fine with weatherunderground (via my LAN) and I'm able to talk to the meteobridge through its web interface so the connections seem good.

Any ideas as to what might be going on?

Cheers,
Graham
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: docbee on March 01, 2015, 10:27:43 AM
As you are not using the mandatory usb hub for your usb datalogger, that might be the root course of trouble. Please add a passive usb hub and try again.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: grahaml on March 02, 2015, 04:27:13 AM
Thanks for the reply docbee,

That's a little detail that's missing from the third party doco, although I can see it on the meteobridge wiki. 

Curiously, it's having no trouble receiving data from the Vantage Pro2 via USB and displaying "live" and also uploading to weather underground - even without a hub.  I've encountered stranger things so i'll pick up a USB 2 hub tomorrow and hopefully that'll do the trick.

Thanks again,
Graham
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: grahaml on March 03, 2015, 05:53:17 AM
Hi Folks,

Thank you for your help so far.

I added the passive USB 2.0 hub but it all continued to work as before.  I'm still receiving the same error when i try to connect to the Meteobridge with the Weatherlink software.  The weatherunderground upload continues to work very well.

Any thoughts?

Ta,
Graham
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: grahaml on March 26, 2015, 05:42:49 AM
Hi Folks,

I resolved this issue.  Originally I was using a wireless access point that was connected to my modem/router via wired ethernet.  I found that when I moved to the Access point built into the modem/router it all came good.  I probably have some incorrect setting in the access point (which is itself a router configured as an access point).  Anyway, all good.

No USB hub required with my recently purchased Vantage Pro2+ though.

Cheers,
Graham
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on March 26, 2015, 10:43:15 AM
Which logger are you using that you don't need a USB hub?
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: grahaml on March 28, 2015, 02:18:42 AM
Hi Bushman,

I'm just using the Davis Weatherlink USB logger.  I bought it as a bundle with the Vantage Pro2+.  Maybe they've updated the chipset.  The instructions that came with the Davis Instruments Australia Meteobridge didn't mention the need for hub and it did indeed work fine without one.

Data is here: http://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/dashboard?ID=ISOUTHAU16#history

Cheers,
Graham

Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on March 28, 2015, 11:10:05 AM
Well that is strange as both the MB WIki and the program  author (Docbee) say it is necessary.  WHich router are you using?
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: johnd on March 28, 2015, 11:31:41 AM
I believe that it's recommended to assure reliable long-term operation.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on March 28, 2015, 06:03:24 PM
I know John.  I found it interesting that the Davis logger can work without the hub.  AFAIK, only Bellfryboy's interface can do without the hub.  Not that 4 or 5 bucks matters....
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Jackietools on March 28, 2015, 09:19:57 PM
Sorry I'm late learning of this update. Sounds great. Can anyone direct me to or help in explaining how I can connect my Davis Weatherlink program if it is possible. Thanks.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: grahaml on March 29, 2015, 03:24:37 AM
Hi Bushman,

Yes, perhaps it won't be reliable.  That's a possibility.

Graham

Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: pinswede on April 08, 2015, 06:44:40 PM
This feature is really neat! I now share Cumulus on TCP port 22222 together with Meteobridge (DIR-505) on my very cheap homebrew interface without any problems at all!  \:D/

It even works without the USB 2.0 HUB. But since I'm been adviced to run via the HUB anyway, I'll do it - I'm not asking for trouble...  8-)

So, no doubt you have another customer coming up! (I'm still on 14-day trial) Excellent product!  =D>
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: BertSP on May 12, 2015, 08:14:04 PM
I am looking into upgrading my PWS with a Davis Pro2. I also currently use Meteobridge. Since I am new to Davis, what piece of hardware do I need to get to link the Davis unit, say a 6163, to the meteobridge and also be able to use a PC program like cumulus or other.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Jáchym on May 12, 2015, 08:50:50 PM
Easiest and cheapest option
http://www.smartbedded.com/wiki/index.php/Meteostick
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on May 12, 2015, 09:21:18 PM
If the OP gets a 6163, just get a dongle to connect the console to the MB.  Now if he is talking about getting JUST the ISS, then the Meteostick is a cool option.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Ladd on May 13, 2015, 03:12:52 PM
I am looking into upgrading my PWS with a Davis Pro2. I also currently use Meteobridge. Since I am new to Davis, what piece of hardware do I need to get to link the Davis unit, say a 6163, to the meteobridge and also be able to use a PC program like cumulus or other.
If you already have a Meteobridge,  you will need two items; a USB data logging cable to go from the Davis console to a small USB hub (to translate USB 1.1 to USB 2.0) which will attach too the Meteobridge. Either the Davis branded or Belfreyboy's data logging cable would work. I have Belfreyboy's cable (which is less expensive than the Davis one) and it works fine. I use a very small USB hub purchased from Amazon for $10 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A81ISJ6/ref=twister_B00NNXYSZ4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: stewart45 on May 25, 2015, 09:33:01 AM
Sounds interresting, I'm running meteobridge via my davis vp2 wetherlink data logger, would like to run WeatherDisplay as well how would I set this up, tried using the meteohub setup in WD but that didn't work properly, is this something that Brian from WD would have to enable
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: wvdkuil on May 25, 2015, 11:42:37 AM
Sounds interresting, I'm running meteobridge via my davis vp2 wetherlink data logger, would like to run WeatherDisplay as well how would I set this up, tried using the meteohub setup in WD but that didn't work properly, is this something that Brian from WD would have to enable
You should set the "second" weather-program to listen to a WL-ip Davis station/logger using the ip address of the Meteobridge and port 22222. As if it is a real ip-logger.

Works like a charm as my VVP was fully used and now I have another Davis station to test with.

Wim 
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: stewart45 on May 25, 2015, 01:11:06 PM
Hi Wim
Cant see where to select that in WeatherDisplay, been loking under Control panel/station type and settings ?
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: wvdkuil on May 25, 2015, 02:31:44 PM
Hi Wim
Cant see where to select that in WeatherDisplay, been loking under Control panel/station type and settings ?
1. select Davis as a station
You select the davis VP in  ControlPanel => StationType&settings => tab Davis.
Select DavisV Pro/plus . . .  (with datalogger . . .,  then your solar and so on. You should select 19200 as baud rate.
2. Set the port to IP.
You select the port in ControlPanel => TCP/IP connection set the ip-addres of the meteobridge and the portnumber 22222
Check "Enabled" , and if needed "release connection" if you are uploading to WL.com also.
Do not check "Use with Meteohub".

It works with me OK,

Wim
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: stewart45 on May 25, 2015, 02:46:00 PM
Thanks Wim, working fine now, got the port no wrong, left out a 2
just one other thing does the data received get written to any file i.e. 12005lg.txt
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: wvdkuil on May 25, 2015, 03:21:34 PM
Thanks Wim, working fine now, got the port no wrong, left out a 2
just one other thing does the data received get written to any file i.e. 12005lg.txt
For WD there is no difference between this or any other Davis WL-ip attached weather station. That is the thing I know. I do not know what a 12005lg.txt file is though. If that file is generated with another Davis-ip station it should be generated now also.

Wim
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Jackietools on May 27, 2015, 09:00:02 PM
Can you also advise how to set this up in Weatherlink software using a Davis Vue? Thanks.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: SpartanWX on August 16, 2015, 12:48:34 AM
Maybe this is a no brainer... but can you use this new function to feed the Virtual VP program if you wanted? 
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Ladd on September 05, 2015, 12:09:07 PM
For a variety of reasons, I needed to restart my TP-Link MR3040 about a week ago and it downloaded the most current Meteobridge firmware. Since that time I have been unable to get WeatherCat software running on my Mac to connect to the TP-Link; WeatherCat says that it can't find anything to connect to. Prior to the Meteobridge firmware update, everything has been working fine since last January, over multiple updates of the firmware.

The TP-Link is sending camera still shots to the Meteobridge server every five minutes and the weather data is being uploaded to Weather Underground every few seconds, so the IP address I have for the TP-Link works. Yet when I enter that known IP address into Weathercat, it returns a "can't find anything" error.

On the Meteobridge "System Tab", The "Messages" section says:

"logger (06.09.2015 13:20:15): [IP Address of computer running WeatherCat]'s request on port 22222 accepted.
 logger (06.09.2015 13:20:31): connection on port 22222 closed."

No additional info given.

Has anything changed in the Meteobridge firmware to close port 22222 of the TP-Link?

Is there some way I can test to see if port 22222 is open?



Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 17, 2015, 02:13:01 PM
Hi folks - pretty new here. I have a Davis VantagePro2 with WeatherlinkIP, recently set up, all working fine. My great offense seems to be that I use a Macintosh though :-) Seems weird in 2015 but I have had a heck of a time feeding other services like Weather Underground, NOAA, etc. Today, I have been reading about Meteobridge and it would seem to overcome some of the issues. Wa thinking of contacting Davis and pleading that the IP was not what I actually needed, but the USB dongle instead. Whether they go for that or not, would it be correct to say that my console could "feed" the Meteobridge via the USB dongle and from there, I could export to Weather U, NOA< and so forth - perhaps even over WiFi? The documentation on Davis site is thin and really seems that I ought to be able to use a Mac. That said, I was about to get a low cost PC, stuff it int he basement, etc. but if Meteobridge will solve my trouble, seems much easier. How far off base am I? Thanks for any guidance.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: wvdkuil on October 17, 2015, 03:33:48 PM
Hi folks - pretty new here. I have a Davis VantagePro2 with WeatherlinkIP, recently set up, all working fine. My great offense seems to be that I use a Macintosh though :-) Seems weird in 2015 but I have had a heck of a time feeding other services like Weather Underground, NOAA, etc. Today, I have been reading about Meteobridge and it would seem to overcome some of the issues. Wa thinking of contacting Davis and pleading that the IP was not what I actually needed, but the USB dongle instead. Whether they go for that or not, would it be correct to say that my console could "feed" the Meteobridge via the USB dongle and from there, I could export to Weather U, NOA< and so forth - perhaps even over WiFi? The documentation on Davis site is thin and really seems that I ought to be able to use a Mac. That said, I was about to get a low cost PC, stuff it int he basement, etc. but if Meteobridge will solve my trouble, seems much easier. How far off base am I? Thanks for any guidance.
1. The Meteobridge can use your current Davis IP logger without any problem. No need to switch to an USB one.
2. Meteobridge can do almost all upload you want. To WeatherUnderGround and dozens others.
3. The Meteobridge can be connected in this setup to your cabled-Lan or to your wireless-lan (wifi).
4. The Meteobridge can also pass-thruogh the Davis logger to ONE other device/pc/mac with a weather-program and will act to that device as a real Davis IP logger.

This could be your setup, as an example:
a. Davis console/logger connected to your router using a RJ45 cable.
b. Meteobridge connected to your router either by RJ45 cable or by using the wlan of your router.
c. A Mac with WeatherCat (a Mac weatherprogram) wich would read the weatherstation by ip-meteobridge port 22222 and act if it was reading a WL-IP directly.

There is no need to physically connect the devices. They are "virtually" connected by your local IP network. The most diffecult choice is the place to put the Davis console with the IP-logger. Somewhere where it is acessible but close to a network connection.

There is no real need to use your Mac (or any other device) as the Meteobridge is capable of feeding WU-type sites and also your own future web-site.
Both the Saratoga- and the Leuven-Template fully support the Meteobridge as does the MeteoTemplate which also gives you a remote database of your data.

Success, Wim

P.S. Using an imac myself to develop scripts, and a mac-mini with weathercat and half a dozen other weather-programs to feed the demo site. Nothing weird to use a mac.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 17, 2015, 05:46:52 PM
Thank you very, very much Wim! This is what I love about forums like this. OK, great. I will spend some money this evening it sounds like - and happily =D&gt; . Just one additional question is about the templates you have mentioned. I am unfamiliar with these templates and what they provide, etc. Is there any reading or resource you could point me to, to learn more? Thanks again and hope you have a relaxing Sunday.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: PaulMy on October 17, 2015, 10:23:01 PM
You can get information and download -
Ken's Saratoga template and scripts - http://saratoga-weather.org/wxtemplates/index.php
Wim's Leuven template - http://support.leuven-template.eu/
Jachym's MeteoTemplate - http://www.meteotemplate.com/web/index.php

Enjoy
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Fox_Of_The_Wind on October 18, 2015, 08:42:24 AM
I have thought of going to the meteobridge setup for a while now. my old gateway 4 is not running so well anymore and I am kind of tired of leaving a big computer on 24/7. I have thought of using a old laptop but I just don't know....will have to do some more reading about meteobridge.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Jáchym on October 18, 2015, 10:02:56 AM
I can only recommend it.... it is absolutely great...
- cheap (in comparison to other solutions and also having a PC 24/7)
- small router - absolutely quiet, negligible power consumption
- possibility of remote control over the internet from anywhere
- bulit-in possibility to send data to many weather networks (weathercloud, WU, etc etc) at any interval from a few seconds to hours
- possibility to send custom reports to any FTP, MySQL at any interval
- HTTP GET requests at any interval
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on October 18, 2015, 11:23:55 AM
Wasn't there a discussion recently about the TP Link having enough horsepower to doa simultaneous SQL upload and run someo f the other functions?
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Jáchym on October 18, 2015, 11:38:36 AM
what do you mean?

I send data simultaneously to several weather networks + 2 FTP uploads + 1 MySQL upload
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on October 18, 2015, 12:35:48 PM
http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=23944.msg230968#msg230968  But I was confused:  this is only an issue when using Acurite, not Davis.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Fox_Of_The_Wind on October 18, 2015, 03:01:10 PM
I can only recommend it.... it is absolutely great...
- cheap (in comparison to other solutions and also having a PC 24/7)
- small router - absolutely quiet, negligible power consumption
- possibility of remote control over the internet from anywhere
- bulit-in possibility to send data to many weather networks (weathercloud, WU, etc etc) at any interval from a few seconds to hours
- possibility to send custom reports to any FTP, MySQL at any interval
- HTTP GET requests at any interval

I would want a system that can do all that my site can do now. and be able to run more then one computer off of it. and be able to share the connected weather station with more then one system.....don't know the right name for it right now....I do a lot of reading on there site....but still am at a loss on what 2 get...

I do a lot of reading on there site
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on October 18, 2015, 03:35:06 PM
Your site can easily be replicated with a Meteobridge.  And even made better!  Port 22222 will allow you to share with another computer.  Plus you could send data to an SQL database!
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Fox_Of_The_Wind on October 18, 2015, 03:47:12 PM
Your site can easily be replicated with a Meteobridge.  And even made better!  Port 22222 will allow you to share with another computer.  Plus you could send data to an SQL database!

I do know that. but it looks like it would be a lot of hard work to setup a meteobridge. I don't want to get the wrong hardware and be stuck with it.

From what I can tell it looks like the Raspberry would be the best hardware to use on it. I did find a place were I could get a ebox 2300 cheap. but it would be a used system.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on October 18, 2015, 03:56:07 PM
... I do know that. but it looks like it would be a lot of hard work to setup a meteobridge. ...

Sorry, what? ;) It has a web interface and with a few clicks you're ready to go. And you can still hook up any software that requires the serial protocol of the console (or WLIP). I doubt that any RPi/small computer solution is easier. Anyway, the MB is a SW license, you can repurpose an existing compatible router so you might not be required to pay a dime for that. IIRC it has a free trial period with full functionality so you can test it before shelling out for a license.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Fox_Of_The_Wind on October 18, 2015, 04:11:05 PM
... I do know that. but it looks like it would be a lot of hard work to setup a meteobridge. ...

Sorry, what? ;) It has a web interface and with a few clicks you're ready to go. And you can still hook up any software that requires the serial protocol of the console (or WLIP). I doubt that any RPi/small computer solution is easier. Anyway, the MB is a SW license, you can repurpose an existing compatible router so you might not be required to pay a dime for that. IIRC it has a free trial period with full functionality so you can test it before shelling out for a license.

I do know I don't have anything that could be repurpose for this setup. Wish I did I am liking it more and more.
I may just buy the use PC eBox that I been looking at. it is not much money and like you said I could try to install it first to see if it works. and I did read someplace else if I do ever buy the software I can move it on new hardware latter

My setup now had to be rebooted about once a week now and its getting old fast. I just want something that would last for a month....or two?

Thanks for the info. I am saveing this thread in my bookmarks
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on October 18, 2015, 04:25:38 PM
Also take note of the supported hardware (http://www.meteobridge.com/wiki/index.php/Hardware). A PC cannot be repurposed to run it.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Fox_Of_The_Wind on October 18, 2015, 04:30:21 PM
Also take note of the supported hardware (http://www.meteobridge.com/wiki/index.php/Hardware). A PC cannot be repurposed to run it.

and that is why I am lost..    :oops:
thanks for the info.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Jáchym on October 18, 2015, 05:17:18 PM
I think you dont quite understand how meteobridge works, for meteobridge you DO NOT NEED any computer at all! You buy one of the very cheap and small routers, upload alternative firmware to it and then connect your station to it via USB port. This router can then be accesed via a web interface (even remotely) and you can set up everything. So there is no direct connection or use of any computer! :)
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on October 18, 2015, 05:55:37 PM
I don;t think I have EVER rebooted my Meteobridge.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Fox_Of_The_Wind on October 18, 2015, 06:23:05 PM
I think you dont quite understand how meteobridge works, for meteobridge you DO NOT NEED any computer at all! You buy one of the very cheap and small routers, upload alternative firmware to it and then connect your station to it via USB port. This router can then be accesed via a web interface (even remotely) and you can set up everything. So there is no direct connection or use of any computer! :)

I do know that the meteobridge can upload all info with out a computer. I just would want to use the meteobridge feature that can share a connected davis station with another program :-)
I am so close to buying a TP-LINK TL-MR3040 on ebay that I can smell it.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Jáchym on October 18, 2015, 06:27:36 PM
That´s the one I have :) MR-3040
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 19, 2015, 10:52:09 AM
Wow, this is pretty interesting discussion. I just talked to Davis as I mistakenly thought they made a product that I could buy off the shelf, based on Meteobridge and was informed that this is not so. So, I just looked on eBay and the 3040 is easily acquired for about $30-$40. I am more than willing to buy that today but could use a little advice before I do. Earlier in this thread it was stated by Wim that I can continue to use my WeatherlinkIP and that I do not need a USB connection from console to 3040, etc. So if I buy the 3040, what are the steps then needed to get it functioning in my home network and feeding data to the other 3rd party services like WU and NOAA? I assume I have to install some firmware on the 3040? Is that process straightforward? I could really benefit from a high level description of the steps necessary to get this working or a  pointer to documentation somewhere "out there." Anything like that would be much appreciated. thank you
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on October 19, 2015, 10:54:51 AM
Have you looked on the official page (http://www.meteobridge.com/wiki/index.php/Home)?
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 19, 2015, 11:04:56 AM
Have you looked on the official page (http://www.meteobridge.com/wiki/index.php/Home)?

No I hadn't but now have - thank you: perfect to get me going and I just ordered the TP-Link TL-MR3020 which should be here tomorrow. Thanks for the pointer!
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Fox_Of_The_Wind on October 19, 2015, 02:12:20 PM
That´s the one I have :) MR-3040

its a done deal. just got one it is used but it was cheap. incase it don't work for me or I make a brink out of it I will not be out of much money.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 20, 2015, 02:37:10 PM
I got the MR-3040 and while the Official Meteobridge page is very clear and helpful, the product itself on my Mac network will not let me change the WPA2 password nor can I type in the recommended IP address (192.168.0.254) and locate the TP product. I was expecting to have issues but not as soon as I plugged it in. Any suggestions from anyone?
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: johnd on October 20, 2015, 03:17:13 PM
Try a wired LAN connection first, not WiFi.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on October 20, 2015, 03:38:50 PM
Yes, first you need to access the router via a cabled connection. It's probably best to disable wifi on the Mac, plug it directly in the router so you can access it on its default address (192.168.1.1 or 0.1, see the manual), and flash the MB frimware that you previously downloaded. The process is documented on a subpage of that page I linked earlier. Only with the flashed MB firmware will you be able to access the web interface provided by the MB.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 20, 2015, 04:02:58 PM
Thanks, folks. I tried that (interestingly, the TP documentation that came with the unit said to use IP address 192.168.0.254) and ultimately get a "cannot access that" page. I did try both IP addresses and other variants with same result. Something is flaky! I appreciate the attempt to help, thank you. I did notice that the cable plugged in to my router does not have a green light blinking as they others do. I swapped cables around to confirm that it is not a cable issue and it's not - same behavior. For whatever reason, it seems the MR-3040 is not being recognized on the local network even when plugged directly in to router with WiFi off. Again, thanks for that suggestion.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on October 20, 2015, 05:14:37 PM
Sorry, but I didn't find it obvious from your last post but did you try the following? Turn off wifi on the mac itself, then use a network cable directly between the Mac and the MR3040's only ethernet port.

I've seen gigabit routers that refuse to recognise 100 Mb connections. The MR3040 has a 100 Mb port, maybe this is the issue. OTOH, the light blinking can also mean that a Gb connection is present, so with 100 Mb it might use a different color or might not blink at all. Another possibility is of course that you have a faulty TP-Link router.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 20, 2015, 05:50:02 PM
Thanks again. Well, the iMac I have has only one ethernet port on back so if I run a cable from i to the 3040 then there is absolutely no internet involved. I tried that for kicks but there was no way. So, what I did originally and again now is that I have my iMac running an ethernet cable to my router (4 ports) and the 3040 also running an ethernet cable to the router and WiFi on the Mac off entirely.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on October 20, 2015, 06:08:00 PM
Yeah, you're right, in my suggested scenario there's no internet connection to the outside world, but the router should still function and provide the iMac with an IP via its own DHCP server. If that doesn't work, then well, sht happens, you'll prolly have to swap the router as things stand.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on October 20, 2015, 07:42:53 PM
Is the 3040 in 3G/4G or WISP mode? There is  a switch on the side of the router.  Check it.  And you should be able to use the 192.168.0.1 address.  Again - TURN OFF WIFI!
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on October 20, 2015, 07:44:22 PM
This.  http://www.tp-link.com/en/faq-749.html
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 20, 2015, 09:08:21 PM
Bushman - Schwing! Thank you amigo. That was what I needed (that and the realization that this is a 3020, not a 3040 - DUH and because of that the IP address is different (in the instructions). So thank you. I think I'll sleep on this because I def did not want to mess up my functioning iMac - that said, my understanding is that I want to flash this little module with the Meteobridge firmware, which came as a .bin file. I double clicked that and now have a .bin.cpgz file so not sure what's up yet but will read more. Thanks for the assist. I had pretty much given up until I got your reply and thanks to Kabuki too - thanks guys!
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on October 20, 2015, 11:15:05 PM
No problema boss!  :)  http://osxdaily.com/2013/02/13/open-zip-cpgz-file/
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on October 21, 2015, 06:27:25 AM
... this is a 3020, not a 3040 ...

What I've posted up till now is generally applicable to both. You can't mess your Mac up by using a different router temporarily, nor by disabling its wifi. BTW, instead of juggling around with compression formats, I suggest re-downloading the .bin... It is NOT going to be installed by clicking on it. You will need to follow TP-Link's standard firmware upgrade procedure to turn the router into the MB.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 21, 2015, 01:08:53 PM
Wow, how many times can you reboot a router  \:D/ Anyway, thanks again guys. I have everything working. I'm stoked! Only issue is that Weather Underground has some password or ID issue. I have a support email out to them and meanwhile I'll go set up CWOP etc. Thanks a million.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on October 21, 2015, 01:10:09 PM
Great!

What was the problem after all?
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Brainersan on October 21, 2015, 01:16:54 PM
Combination of a few things I believe: the "hard wire" direct from my computer to the 3020 with wireless off got me to be able to see the device. I kept getting a rapidly flashing LED and it seemed that when I switched the side selector from say ASP to Wireless, it seemed to do an effective reboot of sorts. Once I was able to get into the management console, the initial few saves of information took a long time with no feedback, but eventually all good - you know how this goes. Since I saved myself $200 over the cost of a similar Ambient Weatherbridge, I feel I ought to treat myself to a WeatherCam - or perhaps I ought to treat you guys to a beer.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Jáchym on October 21, 2015, 01:18:29 PM
Great! Enjoy your new station!
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on October 21, 2015, 02:46:56 PM
Beer is good.  :)
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Fox_Of_The_Wind on October 23, 2015, 04:49:51 PM
Just a update
I go my working also. Now time to see if I can get it to work the way I want before the time on it expires  :-)
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: kobuki on October 23, 2015, 04:56:30 PM
Beer is good.  :)

 UU
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Bushman on October 23, 2015, 07:04:39 PM
Just a update
I go my working also. Now time to see if I can get it to work the way I want before the time on it expires  :-)

We are here to help.  I am playing with alarm emails right now.  The MB is 600 kms away.  :)
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: SpartanWX on November 20, 2015, 10:11:06 PM
Maybe this is a no brainer... but can you use this new function to feed the Virtual VP program if you wanted?

Why yes, SpartanWX, it is a no brainer.  And it feeds VirtualVP just fine. 
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: IbanezGuiness on June 05, 2016, 09:49:53 PM
Hello everyone, new member and new owner of a used Davis VantageVue station with the meteobridge and usb data logger. I have the setup working and uploading data to weather underground. I'm also able to connect one software program at a time via the IP address. Am I correct in understanding that if I update the firmware (is that right?) on the meteobridge that I would be able to continue to upload to weather underground and connect say two different computers at the same time to see the weather data?

Also at the beginning of this thread there was mention of using a computer to connect several devices at one time, I would be very interested in how to do this if it is still possible.

Thanks!
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Tazz 316 on June 01, 2019, 04:32:17 PM
Easiest and cheapest option
http://www.smartbedded.com/wiki/index.php/Meteostick

Not really since no one in the US has it in stock.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: Tazz 316 on June 01, 2019, 04:33:51 PM
Maybe this is a no brainer... but can you use this new function to feed the Virtual VP program if you wanted?

Why yes, SpartanWX, it is a no brainer.  And it feeds VirtualVP just fine.

You could feed lots of PC software doing it that way.
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: hamoper on November 14, 2019, 07:44:56 PM
I have the WeatherLink #6540 which is a serial data Logger. Could I set up a meteobridge to work with the weather display software. This particular Davis WeatherLink software/data Logger is for a special APRS amateur radio application/TNC. I have seen a lot of talk about a usb hub for use with the meteobridge so I just want to be clear that the meteobridge could work for me.... #-o
Title: Re: NEW: Meteobridge can share a connected Vantage with another program
Post by: galfert on November 14, 2019, 10:10:25 PM
Yes, but you'll need to convert the serial connection of your logger to USB via a serial to USB adapter. This adapter needs to have the Prolific pl2302 chipset or the FTDI chipset. You'll likely also need a powered USB 2.0 hub if the serial to USB adapter is not a USB 1.1 device. Unless you use one of the newer Meteobridge hardware that has a USB 2.0 port already built in. Be sure to set logger to 19200 baud.

Or you could just get a WeatherLink Live. Both the Meteobridge and Weather-Display will see this device on the network and both talk to it at the same time. Yes this is a more costly solution for those that have already invested in an existing logger. But it is a less cluttered setup and it frees your console to just be a viewing device with only a power connection coming from it. The WeatherLink Live and the Meteobridge can be out of sight, leaving just the console out in sight.