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Weather Station Hardware => What Weather Station Should I Buy? => Topic started by: mixer on January 27, 2021, 04:50:30 PM
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Hi. I'm hoping I can get some real-world experience here. From reading posts in this forum and online reviews, I'm seeing a trend where people are either replacing parts or entire units on a pretty regular basis. Out of curiosity, I've called both Davis and Ambient. What I found out, was that the average life of a PWS is about three to five years, and at that point some people buy a new one or the components. I was also told that it depends on where you live. With colder climates, windier climates, and coastal climates being the worst.
I know things wear out.....but I figure I was naive thinking 10+ years was more the norm for a $300 USD PWS
If anyone wants to post here I wouldn't mind hearing what your experiences are.
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I have a Maplin WH1081 which has been in use since May 2012, in that time I have replaced the wind sensor. Other than that pretty much trouble free. Cost a lot less than 300 USD, under £40 in a sale IIRC
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I'm on my 3rd weather station.
I've had two Ambient Weather stations that averaged 1.5 years each before failure.
Since the Ambient Weather were all-in-one stations, any component failure meant total replacement.
For my 3rd WS I decided to go with a more expensive Davis separate component system.
I've had the Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus since Aug, 2020 and happy so far. :thumbsup:
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Can only really comment for Davis stations, but 10 years service life is perhaps about par for the course, though I know of several that are still going strong at 20 and even 25 years (older model types obviously).
Given that most Davis stations are typically configured with sensors outdoors and console/logger indoors, it's the outdoor parts that tend to show cosmetic degradation and other more serious issues first. Some sensor elements have only a finite service life, especially the temp/hum sensor (maybe up to 5 years, though it varies with circumstances) and the 6410 anemometer, maybe 5 years on average though can usually be easily fixed in the current design with an inexpensive new wind speed cartridge.
Often, a station may get replaced not because of failure but because after eg 10-12 years, the technology has moved on significantly. Although the Davis model names and broad design remain the same for some years, there are many detailed enhancements to the design over time, especially for sensors. So it's commonplace for users to replace the outside sensor assembly (but not necessarily the parts indoors) after 10-15 years in order to get the latest production parts.
And, for Davis, is does depend which model you're talking about. The Vue does not have replaceable sensor elements so a serious fault usually requires replacement of the outside sensor assembly (the ISS), which is certainly available separately. The VP2 model is much more amenable to replacement of individual sensors - it costs more upfront, but the in service costs are typically less so overall it's potentially a more cost-effective station long-term. The VP2 was introduced as a general model designation in 2004/5 and there are still multiple examples of the original station design going strong (albeit with sensor repairs as required).
After-sales support is another aspect to consider. Davis, through the factory and resellers worldwide, typically provide good support for the lifetime of the station. For cheap stations support may well be much more patchy, though of course you didn't pay so much for the station in the first place.
Overall, the maxim that you get what you pay for applies to weather stations as much as many other things in life.
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I'm on my 3rd weather station.
I've had two Ambient Weather stations that averaged 1.5 years each before failure.
Since the Ambient Weather were all-in-one stations, any component failure meant total replacement.
For my 3rd WS I decided to go with a more expensive Davis separate component system.
I've had the Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus since Aug, 2020 and happy so far. :thumbsup:
That comes though pretty consistently in these forums, thats why I went for a component system
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Hi. I'm hoping I can get some real-world experience here. From reading posts in this forum and online reviews, I'm seeing a trend where people are either replacing parts or entire units on a pretty regular basis. Out of curiosity, I've called both Davis and Ambient. What I found out, was that the average life of a PWS is about three to five years, and at that point some people buy a new one or the components. I was also told that it depends on where you live. With colder climates, windier climates, and coastal climates being the worst.
I know things wear out.....but I figure I was naive thinking 10+ years was more the norm for a $300 USD PWS
If anyone wants to post here I wouldn't mind hearing what your experiences are.
also consider your climate and location , myself exposed to long dry summers persistent high uv for months , living near the sea front exposed to strong winds all year round , saltwater corrosion, dense fog where dew finds its way in the smallest of openings. in the past i owned ambient,oregon neither went beyond a year without some form of internal component repair, ambient wind vane basically crumbled under the long high uv summer , the casing originally a dull white turn a moldy yellow ,saltwater corrosion on the thermistor board and bearings. high uv especially long periods plays havoc with low cost plastic designs though many manufacturers claim to use uv resistant methods the tell tell sign is the white turning yellow .
having dumped those to the dumpster cupboard and gave up i took the jump and purchased a davis vp2 in late 2017 never once had to repair anything and neither replace anything and it gets a regular 3 month service so i always have the chance to look for the tell tell signs but in 3 years not one. all i did last week was replace the CR123A battery though it didnt need it just a piece of mind .for me durability is one of the key factors when waying up cost the other availability of replacement parts if ever needed . third buy from a trusted reputable dealer dont be swayed by over generous online discounts you might not be in safe hands when you might need a part or an upgrade , ive seen 20-30% difference in davis weatherstations prices from various online sources the cheaper ones very rarely offer the parts availability.. a Davis VP2 offers a friendly upgrade path to add on extras yourself so its not always necessary to buy the full kit i.e VP2 plus you can upgrade as when funds permit.
if i get 10 years out of mine its money well spent i think.
my nearest neighbor has some fine offset rebranded similar to ecowitt model but the uv sensor is terrible it reads 3-4 points to high i believe it is not actually measuring uv it is using some formula as solar,uv is a single combined light sensor . correct me if im wrong but on inspection all i see is a single light source. the wind direction sensor is a bit erratic it bounces around like a yo-yo when the wind picks up think it could benefit from a diy weighted method to make it a bit stable in windy conditions. that said she paid considerably a lot less than I did and apart from the UV readings she is happy . end of the day its your budget , your hard earned money buy a Davis if you can justify you will struggle to find better in the consumer range.
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The good thing with Davis is that if things go wonky, you can send it in for a refurb.
at the minimum you can get replacement parts easily.
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My Davis VP2 was originally installed in 2011, and was taken down and moved. It was out of service for a few weeks in 2014 due to the move.
I had a problem with the humidity sensor, replaced under warranty back in 2011.
I have added sensors, DFARS, T/H station, consoles, Envoys, etc. The only other items that were actually replaced on the basic ISS were the "Aero Cone" and the tipping spoon rain sensor. These were an upgrade, and were still serviceable and did not need to be replaced. I still use the regular cone in the winter, but this one is not the original. Again, not due to any kind of failure, just to "upgrade" (whether it was needed or not).
Greg H.
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Its horses for courses and how deep your pockets are:
My original fine offset station (Maplin branded) lasted 10 years before transmission became erratic.
The newer fine Offset stations (ecowitt) are light years better and now modular so its easy to swap out bits or upgrade as you want. Of course the price has somewhat increased as well but they are substantially cheaper still than a Davis. Support for these are also excellent so don't let that put you off either.
If you have the money however no one will dispute how good the Davis stations are.
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Excellent. Thanks for taking time time to add some opinion and factual details. This is a great topic.
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I've had my VP2 for 4 years now, and I can't report a single issue during these years (touch wood). The sun has taken its toll on the temp/hum plastic shield, but nothing to worry about for the moment.
There are also some guys here in Spain who own an old fine offset model and they have had them running for 8-10 years with no issues.
I'm actually pretty interested to see how long the new models can last for. If they last an average of 5-7 years, Davis might have to reconsider their prices, specially for the Vantage Vue which is like the expensive version of the fine offset models
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@pacojavi
Thanks for your observations and information.
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VP2 has spent 14+ years in the AZ sun, had to replace the two bowls over the fan and the solar door cover three years ago, they were shot, about $30. The rest of the shield is still like new. All the electronics (super-cap as well) are still not missing a beat. That includes my remote anny TX as well (it's about 8 years old). That said, I no longer use the stock fan and tipper, and haven't in years, so can't really comment there.
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mixer, I installed my VP2 (eventually a "plus" #-o) in May of 2013. In the last 7-1/2 years I've:
Replaced the anemometer cartridge 2-3 years ago.
Needed to replace the humidity sensor for a couple of years but I keep procrastinating doing it...I'll get around to it one year. :roll:
I replaced (upgraded, actually) the rain bucket several years ago with one of the newer ones with bird spikes. (And by the way that was a TERRIFIC UPGRADE!!!!
And just a few months ago I replaced the ISS battery...well over seven years out of that battery. Who'd of thunk it!!!! :lol:
Some other things:
*I will say that the little plastic clip thing that holds the solar panel/cover on the ISS broke several years ago. I haven't done anything to it to repair it but it slides down and seals just fine.
*The solar panel is really dull and flaky-looking. But, it's still working fine so....let'er roll!!!!! ;)
*I literally never clean the rain bucket out. It just doesn't get junk in it...and I'm in a hayfield with a pine forest at the edges and a too-big clump of vitex negundo (big tall bushy plant) near by.
*The mocking birds and bluebirds love to ride the anemometer like a carnival ride on occasion.
*I really don't pay the ISS much attention. It just sits out there doing its thing. I might check it every couple of months. It just works.
It is getting a little long-toothed but I'm very satisfied with the performance and durability of my Davis VP2.
Best wishes on whatever you decide on!
Ed
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@Intheswamp Thanks for the detailed comments. You ought to be in sales for Davis....maybe parts and support? Ha.
@CW2274 Thumbs up for the AZ sun. Brutal for a lot of things. Your summer temps make mine feel cool (95765)
Incredible information and experience in this topic. Thanks to everyone that has posted their PWS experience in the various climates.
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Just curious. Did you get a Davis?
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10 years here with a Davis.
A refurb in 18 and a anny cartridge last year.
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11+ years from my Lacrosse WS2355 and still all original sensors, although I didn't install the anemometer when we moved 4 years ago.
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My anemometer had also quit working a few days ago. I finally found a nicked place in the cable so yesterday I cut that section out and spliced the wires back together. Yellow wire nuts are a bit of overkill, but....I did use some putty I use to seal ham radio antenna connections with and then wrapped it all in electrical tape so maybe it'll hold for a few years (if not I'll re-do it! ;) ). So, after getting that done and feeling like I was on a roll I replaced (finally) my temperature/humidity sensor. But, it had been needing it for several years and I've just been lazy. :-P
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I've had 3 Lacrosse Stations; 2310/7 years, 2317/ 2 years and a 2813 2 years and still in service. Also, a Vantage Vue ; 4 years then barometer failed as did humidity sensor. Temp and wind still works after 10 years.
I now have 2 Logias ;5 in 1 and a 7 in one. Both WiFi. 2 months with these so far and working great. The 5 has a bit of a fault with solar shielding as it runs about 3 f high during a sunny day. 7 in one is accurate. Right up there with Davis I dare say.
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$100 or more every three to five years is why I stopped buying them. Davis is entirely out of the question for me for several reasons and the consumer level models haven't been durable enough to keep spending money on.
For my purposes of curiosity, I decided a $10 thermometer outside the window would suffice.
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My Davis VP2 plus pro was installed in 2012, i bought few weeks ago a kit to make an overhaul, because here in Venezuela the uv are high and destroy all kind of plastics.
Since it was installed dont have any issue with it.
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I was lucky enough to be given a Davis VP1 back in 2005 by my wife as a present. I've only just retired it at the start of 2021 because it had just started to fail. Not bad considering we live near the sea, about 800 yards as the crow flies OK not close enough for spray but the air is quite salty at times. Now I'm retired I have replaced it with a GW1003 which hopefully will last a reasonable time.
Stuart
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I have had my Davis Vantage Pro for 16 years. Sent it in 3-years ago for a rebuild.
Would definitely buy another one.
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My Davis VP1 went into service January 2004. I've sent it in 3 times since then for a check-up/rebuild. Each time, it checked out fine. Just two weeks ago, finally had to replace the anemometer. It's still going strong.
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I have a Davis PV2, located in Florida. It is now 18 years old.
I've replace 1 temp sensor and 1 fan. Other than that, I take it down about once a year to clean it and inspect.
Its been through lots of 95+ degree days and 7 hurricanes including 2 direct hits.
I don't think I could ask or expect more from a piece of equipment. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat
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I've had a davis VP2 since 2011. I have had to replace the outdoor temp/hum sensor twice in that time and the anemometer once (latter gave up again last year but WD40 fixed it). the FARS fan broke years ago. gave up on that
the weather here can be very wild with 120kph winds and very damp. i've been pleased with the unit and it has done well considering an atlantic seaboard setting
pete
ps november 2021 the supercap in iss went leaky. i replaced supercap following great advice on this site. working again now
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I have a LaCrosse ws-2310/15. Had it since Nov 2002, and it's still chugging along. Kinda remarkable as it's been in the Sonoran Desert since 2006. Things replaced - 1) Anemometer twice, one for damage when a haboob took down the pole, around 2014/5, and 2) rain gauge once. Is it totally accurate? Rain gauge is off by .2 inches after a 5 in storm, and the humidity sensor doesn't register when its 5% or lower.
I've talked with AZ State University abut the errors etc. Temp reads a little cool (1 degree, maybe 2 at 0600 or so), but got good news from them. Since it's been in the desert for 15 years, there's a certain degree of validity to the figures as they are over a pretty good period. U of A Ag center uses my data and log files very often....
When it finally bites the dust, it won''t be replaced.
Ken
So, all in all I'm happy.
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I have an Acurite 5in1 that's been running since January of 2016. No issues.
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My Vantage Pro2 is less than 3 years old. New and out of the box, the anemometer didn't work and I've had 3 different anemometers since then. Earlier this year, I had to buy and replace the control board and now the rain gauge isn't working. Their tech support is practically non-existent and it typically takes weeks before any hardware problem is diagnosed and fixed.
In the meantime, I've resorted to using a spare stainless steel dog bowl as a rain gauge.
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I have/had an original VP one which it wasn't called, and a few years ago the temp/humidity bit the dust, but the solar and wind and barometer continue to work. The Anemometer then got tired and squeeky, and a nearby lightning stroke sort of took it out. How long ago, maybe I got it early 2000s, but since then there are reports of less robust stuff.
I have a few Heathkit 4001 and 5001 s that have been retired due to issues, but the old 4001 a friend has is still working. Is that late 1990s?
Texas Weather Instruments, four of them running just fine, with the issue of maintaining humidity sensors, but there are work arounds for those if you want. One is certainly 20 years old.
Peet Brothers is another I've had excellent luck with the original which I got at Dayton Hamvention, again an ancient station. Just recently a storm broke the wind direction indicator, but after all that time in the hot sun year after year, I can't complain, but cannot climb up to replace the sensor myself and finding a climber nowadays is hard. That station is again over 15 years old.
And the RM Young stuff just keeps chugging along. Well over a decade old, maybe some parts even 15 years.
Maybe I'm just lucky.
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My ambient 6.5 year old WS-1400 IP just died, but it had help. I accidentally killed it. The rain gauge was not working due to normal bugs and stuff. I went to clean it and got a little aggressive with the bleach. Long story short, I killed the temp/humidity sensor but fixed the rain gauge LOL. FWIW: the observer IP has always struggled through the firmware versions; seems with every firmware there is a certain timeframe where the device will hang/lock up, which means you have to smartplug it to automate powercycles.
Going this time with all Fine Offset/Ecowitt sensors and the GW1000 with Meteobridge.
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I realize this is a late post to this thread, but I figured I'd put my two cents in anyway.
I got an Ambient Weather WS-1400-IP for Father's day six years ago. First array was damaged 11 months later in a hail storm (my home owner's insurance covered it, woo hoo!!). Second array lasted until about two years ago, when the humidity sensor failed. I figured that if one sensor was failing, then the rest would soon follow, so I replaced it with a WS-2902 array, which has been great. While I know that the Davis systems are great, I'm pretty darn happy with mine. Not counting the array paid for by insurance, I've got maybe $280 in this system, so that means that so far, it's cost me about $3.78 per month. Is it the best weather system out there? No it isn't. Are there things I wish were different about it? Yep, I'd love to have separate sensors instead of a single array. The WS-2902 array is a good compromise, I think. Regardless, it does what it was designed to do, and I have no complaints. :grin: :grin:
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I have a Davis VP2 that is 19 years old. It’s based in Florida and has been through 7 hurricanes in that time(2 direct hits). In that time I’ve replaced a temp/humidity sensor and the fan. Once each. Other than that, it’s been flawless.
After almost 20 years the white plastic housings are oxidized by sunlight and in need of replacement, but I’m incredibly impressed with the Davis quality and durability.
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I have a Davis VP2 that is 19 years old.
It's possible that 16 years before I bought mine, they were well made. Then sometime years later, they started selling expensive junk.
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The first 5 in one by Acurite went 2 years, the second unit was a Ambient WS1400 IP and went 5 years and I replaced the array with a 1401 and am now into the 3rd year with that replacement. I was thinking of a VP2 but it most likely will outlast me.
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I have a Davis VP2 that is 19 years old.
It's possible that 16 years before I bought mine, they were well made. Then sometime years later, they started selling expensive junk.
Just as a matter of fact that is simply not true. Of course it is possible to get an individual bad example of any man-made product. But I would say that the quality of the VP2 stations has been consistently improving over the past several years, especially on sensor reliability - rain, T/H and anemometer are all definitely better than they were 10-15 years ago. That said, all of these sensors have a finite service life - it's difficult to make a sensor that lives out in the weather year-round and that lasts forever. But somewhere in the 4-10 year window is par for the course for an individual sensor and depending on environment, barring mechanical damage, lightning strikes etc.
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But somewhere in the 4-10 year window is par for the course for an individual sensor and depending on environment, barring mechanical damage, lightning strikes etc.
That doesn't explain multiple failures, out of the box and within 3 years, of multiple components in a mild climate.
Maybe I was sold junk and Davis doesn't care. They got their money for a new weather station and the money for the replacement parts.
If I have to pay for replacement parts every 6-9 months, I'll make them pay by preventing new buyers from buying Davis junk. It's just business.
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But somewhere in the 4-10 year window is par for the course for an individual sensor and depending on environment, barring mechanical damage, lightning strikes etc.
That doesn't explain multiple failures, out of the box and within 3 years, of multiple components in a mild climate.
Maybe I was sold junk and Davis doesn't care. They got their money for a new weather station and the money for the replacement parts.
If I have to pay for replacement parts every 6-9 months, I'll make them pay by preventing new buyers from buying Davis junk. It's just business.
Every product has examples of individual buyers getting snake bitten. I wouldn't say one example dilutes the success of many.
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Like so many products. Being in the Automotive industry for over 30 years I have seen some customers have nothing but problems with their cars and others only need maintenance. Karma? I have also heard the expression, never buy a car built on Friday.
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But somewhere in the 4-10 year window is par for the course for an individual sensor and depending on environment, barring mechanical damage, lightning strikes etc.
That doesn't explain multiple failures, out of the box and within 3 years, of multiple components in a mild climate.
Maybe I was sold junk and Davis doesn't care. They got their money for a new weather station and the money for the replacement parts.
If I have to pay for replacement parts every 6-9 months, I'll make them pay by preventing new buyers from buying Davis junk. It's just business.
I have three VP2s that I have acquired over the years and are still using now. They are great tools and in my case, reliable. One is about 10 years old and going strong. I have found Davis support very good and availability of replacement parts excellent and reasonably priced. None of my 3 consoles have ever required repair or “tweaking.” The integrated sensor suite (ISS) requires normal modest cleaning which can easily be done by the average pws owner. I think Davis’ weak points are its humidity-temperature sensor, rain gauges that are inconsistent during heavy rain and its datalogger to upload data to WU and other locations on the internet. The Humidity-temperature sensor I don’t have a good answer for—I just live with its impossible answer that humidity never reaches 100%, but the rain gauge can be easily replaced with the Rainwise 111 gauge (instead, I use the CoCo gauge for accurate rainfall measurements and update and correct my WL software accordingly) and the Davis datalogger is easily replaced, and enhanced, with the outstanding WiFiLogger—available in the United States at Scaled Instruments or elsewhere in the world from Prodata Weather Systems in the United Kingdom.
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I have a Davis Vantage 2 Pro Plus and have had it for 18 years. Moved from IL to AZ to ME and its still running, but getting tired. Ongoing issues with the rain spoons (I HATE THOSE) and the anemometer was replaced last year. She has done her job well, but now I am looking at changing this entire setup to a Ambient Weather WS5000. It will mean saying goodbye to all those other sites that I have uploaded info to for so many years (AWEKAS, MET OFFICE, PWS WEATHER etc-unless someone knows how I can work around that), and also saying goodbye to WeatherCat software, which I have used the entire time.
It is sad--but to refurbish this Davis would be quite a bit of money--and the tech really is beginning to show its age.
If anyone has any comments, ideas or flotsam to throw this way--please post a reply??
Thanks in advance.
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I have a Davis Vantage 2 Pro Plus and have had it for 18 years. Moved from IL to AZ to ME and its still running, but getting tired. Ongoing issues with the rain spoons (I HATE THOSE) and the anemometer was replaced last year. She has done her job well, but now I am looking at changing this entire setup to a Ambient Weather WS5000. It will mean saying goodbye to all those other sites that I have uploaded info to for so many years (AWEKAS, MET OFFICE, PWS WEATHER etc-unless someone knows how I can work around that), and also saying goodbye to WeatherCat software, which I have used the entire time.
It is sad--but to refurbish this Davis would be quite a bit of money--and the tech really is beginning to show its age.
If anyone has any comments, ideas or flotsam to throw this way--please post a reply??
Thanks in advance.
I upgraded from Ambient Weather to my VP2+ a year ago. I'm also using the new Davis WLL 6100. I absolutely love the new Davis Android phone app. I've never used the old teeter totter spoon as mine came with the new single spoon. I'm very pleased with my upgrade to Davis.
Ambient Weather does have a large following on the forum. Good luck with your decision.
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I have a Davis Vantage 2 Pro Plus and have had it for 18 years. Moved from IL to AZ to ME and its still running, but getting tired. Ongoing issues with the rain spoons (I HATE THOSE) and the anemometer was replaced last year. She has done her job well, but now I am looking at changing this entire setup to a Ambient Weather WS5000. It will mean saying goodbye to all those other sites that I have uploaded info to for so many years (AWEKAS, MET OFFICE, PWS WEATHER etc-unless someone knows how I can work around that), and also saying goodbye to WeatherCat software, which I have used the entire time.
It is sad--but to refurbish this Davis would be quite a bit of money--and the tech really is beginning to show its age.
If anyone has any comments, ideas or flotsam to throw this way--please post a reply??
Thanks in advance.
Read the reviews of the WS5000 on Amazon. Some are positive but several are negative, but a common theme is poor customer service and less than desirable longevity. Say what you want about Davis enhancements over the years—in particular the spoon rain tipper, in my view, is a step backwards, the temperature -humidity sensor is less than desirable (how can a humidity sensor never record humidity at 100% even in a pouring rainstorm for hours?). Davis stands behind its products and has most replacement parts readily available. Have you contacted Davis to get a price on refurbishing your unit?
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Thank you for your reply.
After 18 years, almost everything would need to be replaced in order for it to function another 18 years. I wanted a heated rain collector (those parts alone would be over $300), the new sonar anemometer would be $500...so in short order I am looking at close to $1000 to refurbish, the entire cost of the machine was $1400.
I do not trust Amazon reviews at all, I do use ReviewMeta.com for a more reliable snapshot of reviews. I have never had the occasion to contact Davis for any customer support, so I can not speak to their services.
Finally, the Davis unit it showing its design age. I am in no way complaining about their products but I realize there are design flaws and issues that only become more pronounced as the machine ages.
Many thanks for your suggestions and thoughts!
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Thank you for your reply.
After 18 years, almost everything would need to be replaced in order for it to function another 18 years. I wanted a heated rain collector (those parts alone would be over $300), the new sonar anemometer would be $500...so in short order I am looking at close to $1000 to refurbish, the entire cost of the machine was $1400.
I do not trust Amazon reviews at all, I do use ReviewMeta.com for a more reliable snapshot of reviews. I have never had the occasion to contact Davis for any customer support, so I can not speak to their services.
Finally, the Davis unit it showing its design age. I am in no way complaining about their products but I realize there are design flaws and issues that only become more pronounced as the machine ages.
Many thanks for your suggestions and thoughts!
Have you considered sending it to Davis for refurbishing? I am getting ready to send in my Vantage Pro 2 with 24 HR FARS and was quoted $200 plus shipping. I was provided a quote over the phone by calling Davis Tech Support.
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CamarilloWX:
Thank you for the reply---and actually that is my next step! Keeping the Davis running for another 3-4 years for $200 seems very attractive. Perhaps they could also replace that rain unit. Through it all? My FARS is still running like a top!
Will give them a call today.
=D>
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CamarilloWX:
Thank you for the reply---and actually that is my next step! Keeping the Davis running for another 3-4 years for $200 seems very attractive. Perhaps they could also replace that rain unit. Through it all? My FARS is still running like a top!
Will give them a call today.
=D>
Since you have the plus version, expect to pay more than $200! When you do get a price from Davis, please post it here—it will be useful information.
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the refurb is well worth the money
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CamarilloWX:
Thank you for the reply---and actually that is my next step! Keeping the Davis running for another 3-4 years for $200 seems very attractive. Perhaps they could also replace that rain unit. Through it all? My FARS is still running like a top!
Will give them a call today.
=D>
Since you have the plus version, expect to pay more than $200! When you do get a price from Davis, please post it here—it will be useful information.
As requested!
Price quoted for refurbishment of VP2+ with FARS/Solar is as follows from Arturo:
Hello Jenna,
We do offer a repair service for your Vantage Pro2 Plus w/ fan. The fee on this service is $200.00 plus shipping cost back to you. The repair fee will include all work and any parts needed. You will want to send the station to the address below. Please include inside the box a note with your name, return address, telephone number and email. Currently, the turnaround time once we receive the station is about 2 weeks.
Davis Instruments
Attn: Repairs
3465 Diablo Ave
Hayward, CA 94545
Art Sapiandante
Customer Support
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$200 is a great price for a complete refurbishment of a VP2+. Thanks for sharing this information.
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My Davis VP2 has been running strong since 2006. I have replaced the wind, reed switch on the rain gauge, and temperature sensors, but the ISS is still running strong. Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you.
I just ordered another VP2 and RM Young 05103 to interface with the ISS via the Universal Anemometer Mount. Very happy with the VP2 system.
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Settling on a WeatherFlow Tempest ...
Previous Acurite (Atlas) PWS had parts that go longer than a year, and parts that barely make a year (inside touch screen display failed at 13 months, can't access menu). Add to that the changeover in their data upload device (old model phased out, forcing you into new one), and it's a tad expensive in that range of PWS to own Acurite. One-year warranty in most cases of the parts.
Contrast with a recently purchased Tempest, at 2-year warranty (and longer with extensions) and no moving parts, and I'm out of the acurite business.
Year-old thread, but hope the Acurite info helps others ...
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I have a Vantage Pro (one) going on 17+ years. I'd say it lasted ~10 years without a real failure. Overall, I have been VERY pleased with the product and the service. I also have an extra temperature sensor that I move around the house (attic, garage, etc.).
In the past 7 years, the rain gauge reed switch went, which I replaced. Also the on board super capacitor went, which I also replaced (had to solder in a new one). Currently the anemometer, is broken (registers 2x the real wind speed). Also, something is gone in the charging systems as it only works when the sun is shining. :-)
So right now, I have a weather system that only works on sunny days, only in the day time and won't give me proper wind speed. :-) So I'm considering my next move.
Does anyone know if a fairly simple way to get all the data out of my Vantage Pro (one) console and into another VP console? I love having 17+ years of data in the console and I love the little graph function on the Vantage Pro.
To replace the whole thing with a VP2 (including Weatherlink) would be pretty expensive and AFAIK, I wouldn't be able to retain my old VP1 console data :-( So if I can't retain my old data, I think I might as well get an Ambient 2000. I like having the ability to add extra sensors.
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Have you ever watched Only Fools and Horses, its a UK comedy, PWS = Triggers broom......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56yN2zHtofM&t=1s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56yN2zHtofM&t=1s) go to 1:32
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After 1.5 years my WS 2902A stopped working during the cold weather winter of 2020. When it warmed up, I brought it inside and found the alkaline batteries split and rusted connections. Took it apart and used WD-40 light oil as a cleaner on the rust. Alcohol cleaned the case and internals. Reassembled. Replaced the batteries and all good since
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I have a Vantage Pro (one) going on 17+ years. I'd say it lasted ~10 years without a real failure. Overall, I have been VERY pleased with the product and the service. I also have an extra temperature sensor that I move around the house (attic, garage, etc.).
In the past 7 years, the rain gauge reed switch went, which I replaced. Also the on board super capacitor went, which I also replaced (had to solder in a new one). Currently the anemometer, is broken (registers 2x the real wind speed). Also, something is gone in the charging systems as it only works when the sun is shining. :-)
So right now, I have a weather system that only works on sunny days, only in the day time and won't give me proper wind speed. :-) So I'm considering my next move.
Does anyone know if a fairly simple way to get all the data out of my Vantage Pro (one) console and into another VP console? I love having 17+ years of data in the console and I love the little graph function on the Vantage Pro.
To replace the whole thing with a VP2 (including Weatherlink) would be pretty expensive and AFAIK, I wouldn't be able to retain my old VP1 console data :-( So if I can't retain my old data, I think I might as well get an Ambient 2000. I like having the ability to add extra sensors.
The console doesn't store data, only the data logger does and it's very limited depending on your archive interval. Did you mean Weatherlink software?
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I have a Vantage Pro (one) going on 17+ years. I'd say it lasted ~10 years without a real failure. Overall, I have been VERY pleased with the product and the service. I also have an extra temperature sensor that I move around the house (attic, garage, etc.).
In the past 7 years, the rain gauge reed switch went, which I replaced. Also the on board super capacitor went, which I also replaced (had to solder in a new one). Currently the anemometer, is broken (registers 2x the real wind speed). Also, something is gone in the charging systems as it only works when the sun is shining. :-)
So right now, I have a weather system that only works on sunny days, only in the day time and won't give me proper wind speed. :-) So I'm considering my next move.
Does anyone know if a fairly simple way to get all the data out of my Vantage Pro (one) console and into another VP console? I love having 17+ years of data in the console and I love the little graph function on the Vantage Pro.
To replace the whole thing with a VP2 (including Weatherlink) would be pretty expensive and AFAIK, I wouldn't be able to retain my old VP1 console data :-( So if I can't retain my old data, I think I might as well get an Ambient 2000. I like having the ability to add extra sensors.
The console doesn't store data
IIRC, the VP2 console stores a running three weeks worth of data viewable via the graph. That's what I used before I got WL USB.
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The console holds highs and lows for the last 24 days/months/years. See starting on page 29 of the user manual. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0515/5992/3873/files/07395-234_im_06312.pdf?v=1623784828
Also see starting on page 33 concerning graph mode which, of course, the console needs to store some data to produce graphs. Also of course it's very limited, you're not going to get complete climatological reports solely from the console, and I know of no way to download or transfer.
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Also, something is gone in the charging systems as it only works when the sun is shining. :-)
Does it eat batteries, or just not work with a fresh CR123 battery?
Are you sure the supercap didn't go out again? You could unsolder or unsnip the supercap and clean the board if it leaked, and try with just the battery, might be worth a try if you're just going to junk it anyway.
If you can get it working, you can get a new anemometer for it, the original VP and VP2 anemometers are interchangeable.
My original VP from 2003 is still in operation. I also replaced supercaps, the anemometer, and bought spare parts fairly cheap when they discontinued it for the VP2.
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The console holds highs and lows for the last 24 days/months/years. See starting on page 29 of the user manual. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0515/5992/3873/files/07395-234_im_06312.pdf?v=1623784828
Also see starting on page 33 concerning graph mode which, of course, the console needs to store some data to produce graphs. Also of course it's very limited, you're not going to get complete climatological reports solely from the console, and I know of no way to download or transfer.
I stand corrected. I didn't know that.
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My experience so far with the Ambient Weather WS2902C is pretty good. I have had it for 2 months and it works like a charm!