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Weather Software => WeatherLink/weatherlink.com by Davis Instruments => Topic started by: 92merc on December 26, 2012, 01:17:29 PM

Title: Weatherlink.com
Post by: 92merc on December 26, 2012, 01:17:29 PM
I want to join Weatherlink.com, but when I bought my station, I went straight to VWS.  Never did use Weatherlink software.  Now that I do want to install it, i can't find the original box my data logger came in.  All I can find is upgrade versions of Weatherlink. 

First, do I need Weatherlink software to upload to Weatherlink.com?  If so, where can I find an upgradable copy?

Thanks...
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: hankster on December 26, 2012, 01:54:07 PM
Find a copy of the full install at http://toolbox.davisnet.com/downloads/weather/software/WL_6_0_2_Full_install
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: SlowModem on December 26, 2012, 01:59:02 PM
From the Weatherlink Site:

Quote
WeatherLinkIP™ allows you to automatically upload your weather data from a Davis Instruments weather station to your very own weather web site hosted by Davis Instruments!

Just use your Davis Vantage Pro®, Vantage Pro2™ or Weather Envoy™ and our new WeatherLinkIP:

I don't think just a regular datalogger will do the trick.

Please correct me if that is not right.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: dalecoy on December 26, 2012, 02:03:13 PM

I don't think just a regular datalogger will do the trick.

Please correct me if that is not right.

With a regular logger and a subscription:

http://www.davisnet.com/weather/products/weather_product.asp?pnum=06558
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: 92merc on December 26, 2012, 02:10:36 PM
Subscription?  I don't need that.  I already have a site going.  I just figured it would be another database to submit to.  For a fee, I don't think so.

But I downloaded the WL setup, just in case I would need it in the future.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: dalecoy on December 26, 2012, 04:09:38 PM
Subscription?  I don't need that.  I already have a site going.  I just figured it would be another database to submit to.  For a fee, I don't think so.

OK - you said "I want to join Weatherlink.com", so that was the question we answered. 

Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: 92merc on December 26, 2012, 05:53:42 PM
And I appreciate the answers.

I installed Weatherlink.  Took a brief look at it.  Actually like the NOAA reports a bit better than VWS.  Might have to use those on my website instead...
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: dalecoy on December 26, 2012, 06:21:40 PM
Ask questions before trying to use both WeatherLink and VWS at the same time.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: blizzardof78 on December 26, 2012, 08:08:25 PM
Subscription?  I don't need that.  I already have a site going.  I just figured it would be another database to submit to.  For a fee, I don't think so.

But I downloaded the WL setup, just in case I would need it in the future.  Thanks.

I agree. Davis has their hands in your pockets every turn you make. Starting to sound as bad as another site or two I know. You pay enough for their stations as it is... then another $150 here, $200 there, and so on. If you figure the THOUSANDS of stations submitting data at X $ per month, and by the way, having to pay a good chunk of $$$ to PURCHASE the Weatherlink program... dang!!!
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: PaulMy on December 26, 2012, 11:30:20 PM
Subscription?  I don't need that.  I already have a site going.  I just figured it would be another database to submit to.  For a fee, I don't think so.

But I downloaded the WL setup, just in case I would need it in the future.  Thanks.

I agree. Davis has their hands in your pockets every turn you make. Starting to sound as bad as another site or two I know. You pay enough for their stations as it is... then another $150 here, $200 there, and so on. If you figure the THOUSANDS of stations submitting data at X $ per month, and by the way, having to pay a good chunk of $$$ to PURCHASE the Weatherlink program... dang!!!
I disagree with these comments!  The price we pay is what Davis or their resellers will sell their product for.  We can like it or not like it but we have a choice whether we buy it, or whether we buy another station.  Not sure what the another $150 here, $200 there, and so on refers to.  I bought and paid for my VP2 and datalogger just once, and then use it without any more cost.  I selected the Davis system after due consideration of all costs I would encounter in comparison to the competitors for the same or similar.  I determined that for me the Davis value was worth the cost.  I upload to more than 5 services and my own website without any additional cost, which is the same as for most of the other weather stations.  Other than for the equipment cost, for which there are several lower cost options and some higher cost compared to Davis, there is no more cost to run a Davis for uploads, websites, etc.  With the Davis Weatherlink you can upload to weatherlink.com but you don't have to, and other brands of stations can't.  I, for one, like it that a company offers options which I can decide to buy or not buy, and that my basic unit without the options continues to perform as stated. 

Paul
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: d_l on December 27, 2012, 09:34:10 AM
Subscription?  I don't need that.  I already have a site going.  I just figured it would be another database to submit to.  For a fee, I don't think so.

But I downloaded the WL setup, just in case I would need it in the future.  Thanks.

I agree. Davis has their hands in your pockets every turn you make. Starting to sound as bad as another site or two I know. You pay enough for their stations as it is... then another $150 here, $200 there, and so on. If you figure the THOUSANDS of stations submitting data at X $ per month, and by the way, having to pay a good chunk of $$$ to PURCHASE the Weatherlink program... dang!!!

Like PaulMy, I disagree.  When considering the initial purchase of Davis equipment, I factored in the total costs ahead of time of the station, loggers, and an Envoy that I would need.  At that time the WLIP was not available so costs would have changed upwards with that purchase.

Davis is not forcing you to buy their equipment or the weatherlink.com service!  You choose to do so if you wish.

You could have bought LaCrosse or OS or other Chinese equipment which is much cheaper and I'm sure that their dongles are cheaper or even included in the purchase price.  Well we all know what their equipment precision, accuracy, and quality is like.

The subscription cost for Weatherlink.com service is $30/year for serial or USB loggers.  That is primarily for expanded cloud storage and access of your data and only minimal display of weather data and conditions.  You don't HAVE to purchase it.  The annual cost can be avoided with the purchase of a WLIP which includes a pre-payment charge for the service.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: 92merc on December 27, 2012, 11:52:53 AM
I already have VVP and have been using it for years.  So adding WL was a piece of cake.

The way I look at it, Weatherlink.com is probably there for someone who wants their weather data on the Internet, but doesn't want to take the time to design a website and pay for a hosting server.  So $30 a year isn't unreasonable.  I think like any other computer based company, they realize there is money to be made on services, not just hardware.

For Christmas 2003, I looked extensively at all the hardware and software out there.  I went with the VP1 and VWS.  When my VP1 started having issues, I decided to stick with Davis despite the higher costs.  But I could afford it and wanted a good station with good support.  Davis fit the bill "for me".

I do wish the Davis stuff was a bit cheaper.  But then they made the Vue for that.  And I like my VP2 better since I have the anemometer away from my ISS.  So it is what it is.   I'm happy.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: dalecoy on December 27, 2012, 12:26:04 PM
..... Weatherlink.com is probably there for someone who wants their weather data on the Internet, but doesn't want to take the time to design a website and pay for a hosting server.  So $30 a year isn't unreasonable.  I think like any other computer based company, they realize there is money to be made on services, not just hardware.

Yes, and they certainly have some per-customer cost (storage, bandwidth, administration, etc.) that they should pass on to the user.  As well as having to staff a "help desk" (even the most simple customer call is likely to actually cost the company $50, although many folks won't have to call).  And recovery of their development cost, investment in R&D, and of course that nasty profit.   We could argue forever about what price is reasonable. 


Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: SlowModem on December 27, 2012, 12:41:36 PM
..... Weatherlink.com is probably there for someone who wants their weather data on the Internet, but doesn't want to take the time to design a website and pay for a hosting server.  So $30 a year isn't unreasonable.  I think like any other computer based company, they realize there is money to be made on services, not just hardware.

Yes, and they certainly have some per-customer cost (storage, bandwidth, administration, etc.) that they should pass on to the user.  As well as having to staff a "help desk" (even the most simple customer call is likely to actually cost the company $50, although many folks won't have to call).  And recovery of their development cost, investment in R&D, and of course that nasty profit.   We could argue forever about what price is reasonable.

It's a wonder to me that anyone would pay Davis to host their data when PWSWeather, WU, CWOP, Weatherbug, etc., are out there for free.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: W3DRM on December 27, 2012, 01:06:01 PM
..... Weatherlink.com is probably there for someone who wants their weather data on the Internet, but doesn't want to take the time to design a website and pay for a hosting server.  So $30 a year isn't unreasonable.  I think like any other computer based company, they realize there is money to be made on services, not just hardware.

Yes, and they certainly have some per-customer cost (storage, bandwidth, administration, etc.) that they should pass on to the user.  As well as having to staff a "help desk" (even the most simple customer call is likely to actually cost the company $50, although many folks won't have to call).  And recovery of their development cost, investment in R&D, and of course that nasty profit.   We could argue forever about what price is reasonable.

It's a wonder to me that anyone would pay Davis to host their data when PWSWeather, WU, CWOP, Weatherbug, etc., are out there for free.

True, but you are looking at it from an informed user/customer perspective. Many folks who are buying the Davis service are not aware of the other options available to them. That is the beauty of free-enterprise - it produces many options that we, as consumers can select from. Some of them are FREE while some of them are not. Doing some simple research on something BEFORE you make the purchase is always the best way of discovering your options but not everyone wants to take the time to do that. This applies to anything you may be interested in, not just weather-related euipment or services.

Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: SlowModem on December 27, 2012, 01:14:44 PM
It's a shame the URL for this forum isn't printed on the box for every weather station.   :idea:  We always have opinions and ideas laying around.   :grin:
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: dalecoy on December 27, 2012, 01:34:30 PM
It's a wonder to me that anyone would pay Davis to host their data when PWSWeather, WU, CWOP, Weatherbug, etc., are out there for free.

We're rather far afield from 92merc's original query.  But it's interesting to note that 92merc registered on this forum September 08, 2008 and is a Senior Contributor with (at this time) 152 posts.  And 92merc did not realize that WeatherLink.com (with a USB logger) is a for-fee service.

But you imply an interesting question.

I often choose for-fee computer services, rather than free ones, because (1) they are often more stable - don't disappear, etc.;  (2) services require some form of support, and "free" ones sometimes have a lot of advertisements, etc.; and (3) free services frequently have little or no "support" or "help" if I have questions or problems.  I also have the illusion that if I'm paying for it, I may have more influence on future directions.

I also tend to take my vehicles and other equipment to "authorized service" establishments.  I'm well aware that I could go elsewhere and usually get them fixed with perhaps the same convenience and quality and speed and ....
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: W3DRM on December 27, 2012, 01:35:21 PM
It's a shame the URL for this forum isn't printed on the box for every weather station.   :idea:  We always have opinions and ideas laying around.   :grin:

Agreed - Ambient does have a link to this forum from their website but you really have to look to find it buried at the bottom of their homepage as "Support Forum". I often wonder how folks really find this forum. We average 5 new members everyday (according to the stats page - http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?action=stats (http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?action=stats)). Is it from referals like Ambient, Google searches, word of mouth, etc, etc.? Might be a good topic to post a survey on.

Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: SlowModem on December 27, 2012, 01:47:31 PM
We're rather far afield from 92merc's original query.  But it's interesting to note that 92merc registered on this forum September 08, 2008 and is a Senior Contributor with (at this time) 152 posts.  And 92merc did not realize that WeatherLink.com (with a USB logger) is a for-fee service.

I had heard once that it was a pay site, but I thought it was mainly for WLIP and since I don't have one, I never really looked at it until this thread.
Quote

But you imply an interesting question.

I often choose for-fee computer services, rather than free ones, because (1) they are often more stable - don't disappear, etc.;  (2) services require some form of support, and "free" ones sometimes have a lot of advertisements, etc.; and (3) free services frequently have little or no "support" or "help" if I have questions or problems.  I also have the illusion that if I'm paying for it, I may have more influence on future directions.

I also tend to take my vehicles and other equipment to "authorized service" establishments.  I'm well aware that I could go elsewhere and usually get them fixed with perhaps the same convenience and quality and speed and ....


Since I'm not too tech savvy, I send my data to the "usual suspects" and I have a free site on google sites that is more or less "cut and paste".  I can understand those who know what they're doing having a pay host and making technical sites.

But I'm with you on cars and high-priced items.  I take the cars to the dealer because they're specifically trained on specific models and know the quirks and and recalls of their brand.

But you never know how many folks will read this thread and, because of our discussion, maybe someone will be enlightened to the different options now.  :)
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: 92merc on December 27, 2012, 04:10:10 PM
We're rather far afield from 92merc's original query.  But it's interesting to note that 92merc registered on this forum September 08, 2008 and is a Senior Contributor with (at this time) 152 posts.  And 92merc did not realize that WeatherLink.com (with a USB logger) is a for-fee service.
I was a member of the "other forum" before it shut down.  So I've been watching forums since back in 2003 when I did my research.  But since day 1, I've been using VWS.  So I wasn't aware of what WL services were out there until I recently ran across it on Davis's site.

I do contribute to all the free sites I can.  But I also pay for GoDaddy to host my personal sites.  So for me personally, it didn't make sense to "pay again" just to contribute to Weatherlink.com.  Until the link above was posted, I didn't realize there was a fee.  Bad research on my part.

I guess that is one of the things I do like about Davis Hardware.  A lot of options both with hardware based data such as the WLIP, or just about all the software makers out there support Davis hardware.  So even after all of the above, I've decided to run WL and VWS.  Just not for the reasons I originally thought.  I'm sure I'll give Cumulus a stab too eventually, just because I can, and it's free...
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: dalecoy on December 27, 2012, 04:24:59 PM

I was a member of the "other forum" before it shut down.  So I've been watching forums since back in 2003 when I did my research.  But since day 1, I've been using VWS.  So I wasn't aware of what WL services were out there until I recently ran across it on Davis's site.

I do contribute to all the free sites I can.  But I also pay for GoDaddy to host my personal sites.  So for me personally, it didn't make sense to "pay again" just to contribute to Weatherlink.com.  Until the link above was posted, I didn't realize there was a fee.  Bad research on my part.


I hope you recognize that I was not criticizing you. 

I was just commenting (indirectly) on "It's a shame the URL for this forum isn't printed on the box for every weather station."  I agree with that sentiment, and this forum is certainly valuable.  And you got the answer that caused you to make the decision. 

But the forum didn't help until after you tried something and then had a question.

As Slow Modem said; " maybe someone will be enlightened to the different options now."



Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: d_l on December 27, 2012, 04:36:43 PM
The way I look at it, Weatherlink.com is probably there for someone who wants their weather data on the Internet, but doesn't want to take the time to design a website and pay for a hosting server.  So $30 a year isn't unreasonable.  I think like any other computer based company, they realize there is money to be made on services, not just hardware.

Bingo.  Sorry, I wasn't trying to harsh your comments specifically with my previous post.  The $30/yr subscription fee probably isn't targeted to most of us here.  Frankly I don't think I understand what their target market really is.  I'm not sure how many people want to have their USB/serial logger's archival capacity expanded by 4X with uploads to a cloud server that require the expense of leaving a computer on 24/7.

Now there might be people that want to have their data posted on the Davis net maps because WU does not discriminate or differentiate between erroneous data from crappy PWSes and those from quality stations.  The WU maps are rapidly becoming GIGO maps.  The Davis maps are rudimentary now and limited to temps.  If they were to invest in some programming on their network maps, they could have the highest quality PWS maps in the world and blow WU out of the water (and Weather4U too unfortunately).

Another possibility of this $30/yr charge, is that Davis could sell the WLIP without the permanent weatherlink.com subscription at a greatly reduced price as a plain IP logger with the option that the buyer could always subscribe to the network.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: SLOweather on December 27, 2012, 05:19:53 PM
As someone actively developing a product/service similar to WLIP and WL.com/WU (but better than, I hope :) ), I follow conversations like this with great interest. People like free until the system crashes or slows down or is supported by too many ads or the provider wants to profit from their data somehow. Then it's hard to determine what a reasonable monthly/annual fee is to cover the not-inconsequential back end programming, server, and Internet costs of providing the service.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: blizzardof78 on December 27, 2012, 07:17:37 PM
Subscription?  I don't need that.  I already have a site going.  I just figured it would be another database to submit to.  For a fee, I don't think so.

But I downloaded the WL setup, just in case I would need it in the future.  Thanks.

I agree. Davis has their hands in your pockets every turn you make. Starting to sound as bad as another site or two I know. You pay enough for their stations as it is... then another $150 here, $200 there, and so on. If you figure the THOUSANDS of stations submitting data at X $ per month, and by the way, having to pay a good chunk of $$$ to PURCHASE the Weatherlink program... dang!!!

Like PaulMy, I disagree.  When considering the initial purchase of Davis equipment, I factored in the total costs ahead of time of the station, loggers, and an Envoy that I would need.  At that time the WLIP was not available so costs would have changed upwards with that purchase.

Davis is not forcing you to buy their equipment or the weatherlink.com service!  You choose to do so if you wish.

You could have bought LaCrosse or OS or other Chinese equipment which is much cheaper and I'm sure that their dongles are cheaper or even included in the purchase price.  Well we all know what their equipment precision, accuracy, and quality is like.

The subscription cost for Weatherlink.com service is $30/year for serial or USB loggers.  That is primarily for expanded cloud storage and access of your data and only minimal display of weather data and conditions.  You don't HAVE to purchase it.  The annual cost can be avoided with the purchase of a WLIP which includes a pre-payment charge for the service.

Nah, I went ahead and purchased Rainwise as well as Heathkit. If you would like me to clarify my comments regarding "$150 and $200 there and so on" I'll be glad to when I have the time.

La Crosse is pure JUNK and I will never EVER purchase another of their stations, again, EVER. I'm not saying Davis had 'junk'; quite the opposite. But you must understand that those of us who can NOT afford to toss out $'s on a whim can not afford all the bells and whistles some of you have. Maybe those of us with lesser incomes should belong to a different forum? Now there's an idea!!

Those are my opinions. Don't like them? Kick me out!
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: d_l on December 27, 2012, 07:56:00 PM
blizzardof78, I want to apologize for the harshness of my comments. I re-read your post and realized that you  probably were someone who is being nickle and dimed (well really a hundred here and a hundred there) to death by life.  It took me five years to save up enough for my initial VP2 station.  Since then I have an annual expansion/repair/web host/domain registration budget.  Running a wx station is not cheap.

The Rainwise computer links are much more expensive than Davis's.  If I understand them correctly they only sell the equivalent of a combined  Envoy and a logger at a much higher price than Davis charges for both.  Their WLIP equivalent is also pricier than what Davis charges.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: blizzardof78 on December 27, 2012, 09:01:11 PM
blizzardof78, I want to apologize for the harshness of my comments. I re-read your post and realized that you  probably were someone who is being nickle and dimed (well really a hundred here and a hundred there) to death by life.  It took me five years to save up enough for my initial VP2 station.  Since then I have an annual expansion/repair/web host/domain registration budget.  Running a wx station is not cheap.

The Rainwise computer links are much more expensive than Davis's.  If I understand them correctly they only sell the equivalent of a combined  Envoy and a logger at a much higher price than Davis charges for both.  Their WLIP equivalent is also pricier than what Davis charges.

Thanks d_l I appreciate it. I have been eyeing the necessary equipment to send my Rainwise data to the web but that, too, is good and expensive. Maybe Income Tax return time. Take care and thank you again.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: JoansGarden on January 05, 2013, 11:20:41 PM
I'm a new member and I found this forum while googling for an answer to a question. I'm a real neophyte when it comes to weather so I can answer another question that was raised in this thread. I went with the subscription to upload to the Davis weather map because 1) no set up 2) $30 is not so expensive for a full year of service (possiby dinner for 2?) 3) it's an easy way for me to track what's happening at home when I'm not there. I live in a very rural area and there aren't other weather stations reporting.
Title: Re: Weatherlink.com
Post by: blizzardof78 on January 05, 2013, 11:28:54 PM
I'm a new member and I found this forum while googling for an answer to a question. I'm a real neophyte when it comes to weather so I can answer another question that was raised in this thread. I went with the subscription to upload to the Davis weather map because 1) no set up 2) $30 is not so expensive for a full year of service (possiby dinner for 2?) 3) it's an easy way for me to track what's happening at home when I'm not there. I live in a very rural area and there aren't other weather stations reporting.

Welcome to the forum!! So what is the name of your station, or better yet, can you direct us to a direct link to your data? Thanks!

Don in Ohio