Topic: Davis vantage pro2

[pyejam]

I believe I want to purchase the pro2. Two questions...what is my best method to get the data to weather underground? Also, I live in an area that loses power frequently and still want tocapytee and upload that data. Is that possible?

[Mattk]

Last question. Yes, in normal time by installing some form of primary backup power to the station and router/modem to handle the main power loses or the least option is to use the VP2 backup capability (which isn't very good/long if using IP loggers) which will allow the station to continue running/logging at which time when the main power comes back will upload the backlog.

By far the better method is some form of UPS running the station & router full time   

[azchrisf]

Depends on how complex you want to get. The console itself has 3 C batteries, so that will last a little while (hours to days, don't remember exact time frame).

A laptop (which has a battery obviously) directly connected to the console is the most sure fire way, but if you want something small, a Meteobridge with a small backup power supply will work too.

[Mattk]

Assuming VP2 console & WLIP less than 2 days (Envoy less than 1 day), to use a standard (serial type) logger then one would be reliant on a continuously operating PC and that creates additional overheads and power requirements.

[benay ra'am]

I use a Laptop and UPS and anything over a Hour with out power, I fire up a 10Kw Generator................

[Bushman]

Depends on how complex you want to get. The console itself has 3 C batteries, so that will last a little while (hours to days, don't remember exact time frame).

A laptop (which has a battery obviously) directly connected to the console is the most sure fire way, but if you want something small, a Meteobridge with a small backup power supply will work too.

" The Vantage Vue console does not require the use of an AC adapter. You may use the included adapter if you wish, but three C-cell batteries (not included) should power a wireless console for up to nine months."  - Davis

Your archive interval choice will determine how many days of archiving you get.

[johnd]

" The Vantage Vue console does not require the use of an AC adapter. You may use the included adapter if you wish, but three C-cell batteries (not included) should power a wireless console for up to nine months."  - Davis

Though as Mattk says, this is clearly not true when the IP logger is fitted. Personally, I think that the batteries are best taken out with an IP logger and a UPS used on the mains supply - that's better than having the IP logger stall after some hours of battery-only use and then not always restart properly when the power comes back on after an outage.

[Old Tele man]

I power BOTH my modem and my Vue Console with WL-IP dongle from an APC 350VA UPS...the modem needs to be working too if you want your data transmitted (assuming only LOCAL power outage)!

[dalecoy]

Personally, I think that the batteries are best taken out with an IP logger and a UPS used on the mains supply

I'm curious - why remove the batteries in that case?

[johnd]

I'm curious - why remove the batteries in that case?

The batteries run down pretty quickly in the event of an outage (especially if not brand new) and in the past I'm sure that I've had IP systems with batteries+mains fail to reboot properly after a mains outage. Not 100% sure what the cause was, but guessing that the batteries fairly quickly reach a voltage where they cannot support error-free Ethernet comms but the rest of the circuitry is trying to keep going. Or something like that!

[dalecoy]

I'm curious - why remove the batteries in that case?

The batteries run down pretty quickly in the event of an outage (especially if not brand new) and in the past I'm sure that I've had IP systems with batteries+mains fail to reboot properly after a mains outage. Not 100% sure what the cause was, but guessing that the batteries fairly quickly reach a voltage where they cannot support error-free Ethernet comms but the rest of the circuitry is trying to keep going. Or something like that!

Yes.  However:

Personally, I think that the batteries are best taken out with an IP logger and a UPS used on the mains supply

You specified having a UPS.  Wouldn't the batteries provide a (perhaps just a few hours) additional bit of safety, if the UPS runs out of power? 

[johnd]

You specified having a UPS.  Wouldn't the batteries provide a (perhaps just a few hours) additional bit of safety, if the UPS runs out of power?

I'd regard it as safer to have the unit reboot correctly after an outage rather than have the unit 'stalled' and potentially offline for an extended period until the lack of fresh data was noticed - that's the point I'm making. But admittedly it's not a fault state that I've investigated a lot.

[Mattk]

The trick is to try and ensure the Console/Envoy/logger combination doesn't have to reboot which can be a bit of a call in a remote situation using a WLIP, not always possible but it's all a matter of time, how much time do you require on backup and internal batteries just don't cut it?

Considering a serial logger runs 1 milliamp and WLIP around 100 milliamp it's not that difficult to gauge which is the better logger "option" when longevity is required but as far a data loss then this is also linked to the archive interval, not much point having 3-4 months backup if the logger starts to roll over after a few weeks, you will still have a hole in the data.     

[johnd]

The trick is to try and ensure the Console/Envoy/logger combination doesn't have to reboot which can be a bit of a call in a remote situation using a WLIP...

Well yeah, but the majority of users need a simple solution. UPS is probably  as far as most users wish to go. For remote locations (assuming a cell signal is available) then Connect or EM would be the preferred solution.

[Mattk]

The trick is to try and ensure the Console/Envoy/logger combination doesn't have to reboot which can be a bit of a call in a remote situation using a WLIP...

Well yeah, but the majority of users need a simple solution. UPS is probably  as far as most users wish to go. For remote locations (assuming a cell signal is available) then Connect or EM would be the preferred solution.

....Connect or EM would be the preferred solution....

Well yes maybe in the case of users who want a plug and play solution while being locked into what is essentially a propriety system but even for non remote sites I believe there has to be a better option as far as the internal battery type backup, this has always been a PITA right from the WMII days