New Zealand Local Weather Forum
Weather Discussion => Hardware Software and Technology => Weather Stations => Topic started by: JennyLeez on November 14, 2012, 09:53:21 PM
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I have roamed around reading reviews but of course these retailers all write glowing reviews for all their weather station.
So I thought it would be best to ask here for your opinions as at least you guys will not steer me wrong plus I may need you to help me set it up .
No radar, just the basics plus solar and UV I guess. I want those sunshine hours :)
So which weather Station make and model do I upgrade to please?
Thanks in advance.
JL
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Some questions:
(a) How much do you want to spend
(b) Willing to stick with cumulus or weather display (gives you an option to use 1-wire for solar for about $100 more)
(c)Do you have room to put a weather station out away from any obstructions, or are you constrained. Might not be worthwhile going for a $$$$ station when you are going to get the same accuracy out of a $$ station
(d) how important is overall accuracy to you?
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a) As much as it takes.
b) Cumulus :)
c) At present it is 25ft up on a pole away from anything.
d) Accuracy is important hence why I want to upgrade.
Thanks Gabba :)
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As far as I know, there are better stations than Davis - its just that the Davis are commonly used and readily available. They do break down, have problems with moisture, batteries, communication, failed wind speed cups, failed solar cells, connector sockets etc.
There are others that don't. The Vaisala family for one, they are ruggedised and are remote station primary choice. No moving parts... Texas Instruments have a range that are pretty tough and accurate too. But I am not sure if either of those two are compatible with Cumulus, but WD does talk to both of them :) I know the Vaisala is available in NZ but not sure about TI. Need to search out any others...
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Yep - ditto to what Tokww said. Apart from the high end professional ones, a wireless Davis would be your next best bet
You'd get the solar sensor, and the ability to stick sensors in their optimum positions. Will work with Cumulus too.
Next down I'd suggest a Vantage Vue with Weather display and a 1 wire solar sensor. You'll need WD as it handles the 1 wire sensor, whereas Cumulus won't do that directly. If you are starting from scratch you are probably looking at about half the price of a wireless Davis Vantage Pro, and for that you loose the flexibility to put the sensors in an optimum position.
According to Davis there is not a significant difference, and measurements I did against my old OS WMR928 with separate sensors also suggested there was little difference. It really depends on if you can justify the cost for the extra flexibility.
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Ok I have looked these all up.
The Vaisala appears to be more for the north pole or the auckland airport :)
The Texas ones are just plain confusing.
Is the the best I can get in NZ as far as the Davis range goes?
http://www.davisnet.co.nz/6/vantage_pro2_weather_stations/vantage_pro2_stations/wireless_vantage_pro2_systems/6163_wireless_vantage_pro2_plus_/ (http://www.davisnet.co.nz/6/vantage_pro2_weather_stations/vantage_pro2_stations/wireless_vantage_pro2_systems/6163_wireless_vantage_pro2_plus_/)
Also could one of you please explain what is meant by 1-wired weather station
Is this like a separate part cabled to your PC.... shrug I dont get this :(
Thanks
JL
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the guys are just trying to save you some money re going with 1 wire solar and UV instead of getting that with the davis
but if you have the budget then go with either a VP or VUE with solar and UV
I live in an extreme environment (very coastal) and the VP works great
note that you need to add a data logger though
I use an IP data logger
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You make your choice and pay your money... :)
The performance specifications are obviously a major part of decision making, but there are other things to include in the consideration of any equipment - some that come to mind are
Design quality
Build quality
Reliability
Ease of set up
Compatibility with other equipment
Availability of replacement parts
Upgradeability
It's also important to remember that, for what you want, that you don't need the utmost precision and accuracy that is "claimed" for some scientific weather stations sensors - in short, the type of spec's that Davis quote for their equipment are what you should be looking for and any another manufacturer that matches them may be worth considering.
I spent a lot of time looking at options before deciding to get my Davis VP2 (wireless), I'm extremely happy I did and have absolutely no feeling of "upgraditis" with it - if someone stole it, or a tree fell on it (not that likely now they're all gone), I'd go out and buy another one (only concession would be to get the fan aspirated radiation screen). :)
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Yep 1-wire is a cost saving measure. It means a Cat5e network cable plugged into the back of your PC, and connected to a sensor at the other end (ie not wireless). I guess it also has the advantage that if something fails in your weather station and you can't get parts you have the opportunity to connect up another sensor via the 1-wire network
Haven't compared the prices on the VP2's I've brought all my weather stuff from a guy in Blenheim (Scientific Sales) He does Davis stuff as well so it would be worthwhile at least comparing prices.
And definitely you will need a data logger of some type. It's save my bacon many a time, and is especially useful in storing data if you go away. Davis units need the data logger to connect to the PC
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I'm back :)
Ok I found lots of stuff I can add once the basic is up and running.
But I cant find this data logger you speak of.
http://www.davisnet.co.nz/6/vantage_pro2_weather_stations/vantage_pro2_stations/wireless_vantage_pro2_systems/6162_wireless_vantage_pro2_plus_/6162_options_accessories/#Installation%20Options (http://www.davisnet.co.nz/6/vantage_pro2_weather_stations/vantage_pro2_stations/wireless_vantage_pro2_systems/6162_wireless_vantage_pro2_plus_/6162_options_accessories/#Installation%20Options)
Why do I need this.
Does the console not have a memory?
Meanwhile ones software has all the data stored.
So why do I need a data logger please.
Have also looked around S Sales site, thanks for this info :)
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http://www.davisnet.co.nz/6/vantage_pro2_weather_stations/vantage_pro2_stations/wireless_vantage_pro2_systems/6162_wireless_vantage_pro2_plus_/6162_options_accessories/#Installation%20Options[/url]
Why do I need this.
Does the console not have a memory?
Meanwhile ones software has all the data stored.
So why do I need a data logger please.
Have also looked around S Sales site, thanks for this info :)
The datalogger comes with WeatherLink, which is the Davis software interface for their stations. You do not need to run WeatherLink software but if you are going to connect to a PC then you have to do so using the datalogger as there is no other connection provided in the console for this.
Here's the link, http://www.davisnet.com/weather/products/weather_product.asp?pnum=06510USB
(that's for the USB logger)
So the datalogger fits into a compartment in the rear of the console where there is a connector for it, then there is a cable from the logger to the PC which can either be a serial connector or a USB (you choose when ordering it) - for USB you may need to do some configuration to make it a virtual serial port or something like that.
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There is also an IP data logger that plugs straight into your router, I am not exactly sure how you get your data off it though. Don't know if you can get it straight or whether you have to download it from Davis' weatherlink site.
Could be a good option if you are in the habit of using lots of computers - or as a backup if your PC breaks down,,,,, - then you could use any PC as a backup.
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I use an IP data logger myself
WD connects straight to it (via your router, which its plugged into)
using the IP address that its assigned to
works great
I have seen reports of cumulus loosing the connection to an IP data logger so I would not recommend getting one to use with cumulus
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If I was to change to an IP data logger would I have to get the whole thing or just the cable from the existing (serial) logger?
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the whole thing...
and the cable is different..it has a dongle (which I presume handles the IP part) to plug in a normal LAN connection to your router or similar
(which has a flashing led light on it and a RF balun between that and the actual data logger that seats into the console (like the USB or serial one..same size/shape)
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Hi
I have a Cabled Davies VP2 Pro which I imported from the States about 4.5 years ago. The savings was about $600. Before that I had a La Crosse.
Since I have had my VP2 I have had to replace the reed switch twice on my anemometer and it has failed again for a third time this week. The cost of a new switch is only a couple of bucks but soldering in a new one is tricky.
I have also replaced a temp/humidity sensor about 12 months ago.
If my VP2 died I would get another one.
If I had a bit of spare cash I would buy another one and have a spare station.
Cheers
Tony
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Looks like I will get myself one - looks to be the easiest way to have a backup system (and I want to add to my flashing LED collection :D )
That is part 6555 (http://www.davisnet.com/weather/products/weather_product.asp?pnum=06555) isn't it?
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yup, thats the blimmin
and I want to add to my flashing LED collection
hahahaha!
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I originally used a LA CROSSE station and had endless issues with unreliability and innacuracy so went out a got a davis vp2. Compared with most of the other so called proffesional wx stations the shields and general build seems far superior. I couldnt amagine putting a WMR or Lacrosse station out in the sun and expecting accurate temperature readings as one example, I know the Lacrosse station suggested putting it in a shaded area but that seems to cost in accuracy in particular humidity.
My davis vp2 has been running now for nearly 4 years and up until the last few months its been flawless. Only recently Ive had two fails 1 was due to a broken windcup and the other the temp/humidity sensor failed. The great thing about these stations is the parts are easily replaceable and easy to get. I have recently had thoughts of replacing mine with the fully aspirated version as the current one only has the daytime aspiration kit add on but thats more money and a wife to negotiate with for that!
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In support of the La Crosse, mine has been running for 7 years plus now and still get good accurate data - often cooler on bright sunny summer days than a local VP at the base of an 8m pole on a lawn. I replaced the reed switch on the rain bucket with a more robust but also more sensitive one, and I have replaced the hygro twice, but now have a spare dried out in a cupboard ready for swap out. The console was replaced free(!!!) (from US) for me when LCD elements stopped working (it still goes) and so did the central button. The anemometer was replaced with a mates "broken bracket one" when water entry became too regular. I regularly get higher wind readings and cooler max temps than those others around me (3 in town). I upgraded the cables - the anemometer one with shielded instrument cable (3 times the price of Cat5e but free to me..) as it is 32m away from the hygro on the fence.
Ok I have had some failures in every component LOL! but it has given me excellent readings after improving the shielding and applying 24hr FARS to the new insulated (upturned narrow bucket) with draft tube out the top. It is a hobby, and I have solved most ("all" is a bit hopeful!) of the issues with replacement or better cables, weather proofing (spraying battery and cable connections with CRC regularly) - and just being a caring careful owner. I wont be buying a Davis, (they break down too as reported) I would next get a Vaisala WXT520 (I think there is another model now). I have also added to the set with 1-Wire elements too for solar and night-time cloud sensor, plus temp monitor in my camera box etc.
It is a hobby and it takes nothing from me anymore except removal of bird bombs out of the rain bucket and spiders, and moisture out of connections.
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Soldering!!!!! well thats me out :(
If I had a bit of spare cash I would buy another one and have a spare station.
Reading all the advise and following all links etc I am now up to around $3,000.
With this latest piece of advise I am now on $6,000.
Think it is time to change my hobby :)
On the serious side. This has been interesting reading the views of those with much bigger and supposedly better stations. I have actually come to conclusion I am better off with my cheap and nasty one. Reasons why?
Well I have 3 of them and lots of spare parts cause they are cheap enough to class as 'throw aways'. I just head to Farmlands and order whatever I want. Easy. It rarely lets me down. When it does I just change part and worry about cleaning whatever later. I have 2 x cheapo PCs set up to run weather console. So if PC fails. Swap PC.
Sure I am missing bits but then one has to consider how many of my viewers actually would read sunshine hours, leaf and soil moisture etc. Mostly they look at temp, rain and forecast.
I have been doing our forum summaries for 10 months or so now. You all have your down times, you all throw crazy values from time to time. There does not seem to be a difference what stations you are running or software you are using everyone 'falls off' now and again. Some alas more than others.
However I want to play with the big boys so I will be buying that which has been suggested above, wireless and no 1 wired anything....lol
My next question is, who is going to do all this soldering for me that Tony speaks of :-\
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Anything with moving parts (including reed switches) that sits out in the elements will be prone to fail no matter what the supposed quality is. I imported my wireless VP2 direct from the USA which was quite a saving. I believe though that the US version uses a different frequency to the NZ one that could be close to cell phone frequencies. As we are in the middle of nowhere that isn't an issue here, but it would be something to consider if going down that path. My VP2 is nearly two and a half years old and has not given any trouble. It does need regular cleaning (making sure spiders don't build webs in them and not letting the hole in the rain gauge block up). I check the VP2 rain readings against an ordinary plastic gauge every so often to keep it honest.
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yes, the spider thing in the rain guage can catch you out...if a spider web causes the tipping spoon to be not seated at either end, you can end up with biblical rains!
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Well it has been 3 months since I asked for advice concerning 'what to buy next'.
I think what stands out the most reading through all the answers is I need 2 of everything. Manga has that bit right.
So that adds up to $6000. How can I possibly justify that to my conscience ...lol
Why would I want a data logger? They are built in. Much easier and backed up by software one uses. I have read so many issues on many forums with these data loggers I definitely do not want to go there.
So for the meanwhile I have purchased a $400 station which gives me a built in data logger, solar, Lux and UV. Later in the year I shall venture out and buy the Davis you have all suggested and this one will then become my backup unit. But no data logger.
Accuracy is neither here nor there at present. I am not phased regarding a difference of maybe .5. I actually dont think it is the sensor model that throws crazy values but probably more the location with a lot of our 'micro climate' Stations.
High on the list of considerations for me is not being able to maintain to the point of soldering as such. Hence I need to be able to lower my pole and just swap them over if anything is broken. Yep Manga put me right off here...lol
I have watched last couple of months our stations stability. Which ones were off line for a while and why. Spoke with some of the owners, learnt some new words :) and made my decision. Strangely enough the odds are stacked against the Davis owners here stress wise because when something goes wrong, sourcing parts and fixing was a manger in a few cases. Because the Davis is so expensive it does have to be fixed as opposed to my attitude of oh well, cheap and nasty, throw away and buy another - no stress.
Thank you to everyone above. I have learnt heaps googling this and that :)
Cheers
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Just bumping this topic along again. My La crosse has had a final failure - from young calves chewing cables, to me trying a fix and inadvertantly plugging the anemometer cable into the rain bucket position which has 5v + and - across two contacts which i think did the anemometer comms board in and it won't talk anymore, so it only displays temp, humidity and barometer - sighhh.
I have gone for the Irox Pro X2 from the Weather Station Co near Warkworth / Lee for $695 + $20 frt.
http://www.weatherstation.co.nz/shop/iROX.html (http://www.weatherstation.co.nz/shop/iROX.html)
(http://www.weatherstation.co.nz/site/weatherstation/images/items/prox2.1.jpg)
(http://www.weatherstation.co.nz/site/weatherstation/images/thumb/Rain%20Bucket.jpg) (http://www.weatherstation.co.nz/site/weatherstation/images/thumb/Solar%20Powered%20Aneometer%20HSW80.jpg) (http://www.weatherstation.co.nz/site/weatherstation/images/thumb/ThermoHygro%20HTS55.jpg)
I have photos of the units open as I strip them for battery plastic strip pulls and will make a project out of the install.
Clock function: actual time, date and day, several alarms, advanced alarms depending on outside temperatures
Sunrise/sunset function: displays sunrise/sunset times for your location
Moon phase function: displays actual moon phase and previews and reviews +- 39 days
Barometer: displays atmospheric pressure and weather forecast
Thermometer/Hygrometer: indoor temperature/humidity and wireless reception of outdoor temperature/humidity via remote sensor (1 sensor is included and up to 5 sensors can be used). Temperature can be set to activate if outdoor temperature falls below or rises above a certain temperature.
Dew point for thermo/hygro indoor and outdoor
Rain Gauge: measures rain rate (history of total rainfall for past 24 hours, day, week and month)
Wind: solar powered anemometer with rechargable batteries and backup alkaloine, measures actual wind speed, gust peaks, wind direction, wind-chill temperature
History: the main unit records over 3'000 data sets which can be downloaded to your PC via USB-cable for further analysis (software included)
Dimensions main unit: (H,W,D) 220 x 165 x 32 mm
Batteries for main station and all remote sensors included
Brand: iROX of Switzerland
Cheers
Graeme
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Hi Toko,
Sounds all good and an excellent price also. Keep us posted as to performance please.
I did not read whether it has solar for UV, Solar Rad and sunshine hours. Does it?
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No, just like the La Crosse I had, and most other station equipment too, it is missing both a solar sensor and UV sensor. I must get my 1-Wire network up and running again so I can have cloud cover estimation working again!! - Even at night!! I got despondent with the old LC when the inquisitive calves from next door were using our little back paddock and they started chewing on anything visible - a small loop of cable before it entered the conduit tube was all it took in several places!! Aaaarrrggh! So was the line back inside to base unit, rain bucket cable, and anemometer cable all got some interest from the chewing calves!! Then the draft fan died, found no juice in cable but also fan Was dead! So a few things yet to fix before this station goes live.
Hopefully this weekend will see it connect to my website.
The unit is very well made - all battery encosures have up to 8 machined screws which screw into brass fittings embedded in the plastic casing, and each panel as a matching o-ring seal on the main body. However, these screws are easily flicked, dropped and lost...
The anemometer has a solar power panel for a rechargeable and also two alkalines for nighttime and cloudy weather.
So - unlike the Davis Vantage View which has everything integral - great for some locations, these are individual components and easily placed apart in more appropriate positions - if you feel you need to! As each is radio connected. 433MHz I think. 30m distance so it says.
The base unit has so many options on the control panel (and has a remote which is very useful) flip open option/control buttons and switching from one parameter to another within the same part of the panel is a trick I have yet to master other than by accident!! (it is not a touch screen). But yes, it is a hobby!! And yes, I got growled at by the OH despite it being my birthday and my (our) money!! HEHE!
Graeme
More to come in a project methinks.
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Well, another issue - I'm not getting any anemometer wind readings from this one either. With the unit inside, and even a change of batteries, still not talking to each other. Still I put it up on a small board about 3m long attached to a post and left it out in the rain and wind. Connected the cable up to PC with two stations connected, chose Honeywell/IROX and hey presto, I got the slightly different data from the new station instead. Impressed with the way that changeover worked in Weather Display!! The data was quite close, not the same in each parameter.
Anyway, plenty to work on this weekend - wet tomorrow but at least I now have rain measurement!!!
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Well dredging up an old topic but one commonly visited I hope by new members.
My Irox has given me some grief, despite the quality of the build and assembly.
The outside hygro (temp and humidity) has had a series of non communication with the inside console, giving huge breaks in my data. The answer was to open the right hand side flap to give access to buttons and use the second button down - hold for 5 secs and it starts searching again for a hygro. All very well, but often it never finds it, or holds it only for 30mins. It seems to be locked on well enough now (after an 8 week vacation in Europe and time to follow up on it) after many trials and button pressings.
Another feature I was disgruntled about was the very coarse rain bucket captures. I have multiplied this 2.4 times in sensitivity with a 150mm (6") funnel and an adjustment factor in Weather Display.
While during a storm this year and low then very high barometric pressures, I found it sluggish to move but at the height of the 1032mB which lasted several days, the IROX only got to about 1029mB - quite disappointing.
Wind speed recording is also quite sluggish and over a long period - 30secs or something I think the manual said (temp is over 90secs). My previous station, the cabled La Crosse had an 8sec new data update (all values), and it had a good capture of gusts. My gusts are quite a bit down on the two Davis units in town.
Also, during strong rain storms, my anemometer stops communicating - i expect the signal from above the iron roof is too weak when the roof is wet and earthed and the console is inside nearly directly below, hmmm!
So overall not a happy camper and as well, my usb 1-Wire network has not behaved for some time now :(
But it is a hobby and somewhere between things like expenditure and value there exists a compromise!
it is a nice station and communicates well and quickly with Weather Display although it has gone missing a couple of times ?? LOL!
And then there is the story of a UPS - Uninterrupted Power Supply (or Unreliable Power Supply) which I have not extended to yet. There is always something to improve upon and most things need both time and money!!
For starter kit, it seems the Aercus or Fine Offset are a good compromise in price and reliability and reasonable data quality (several are using them).
I may be on the lookout for another "splittable" independent sensor WS shortly!!
Cheers
Graeme
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Exactly the same problems I had with my iROX which led to me dumping it in favour of a Davis VP2.
Actually, I had another problem too, regarding the UV Sensor. It would last about 6 months each time after I bought a replacement. I seem to remember the UV Sensor has now been removed from later models.
As you say, the iROX is nicely built; a cut above LaCrosse and the like. However, the reliability of its wireless comms is a big letdown and also the poor resolution of the rain gauge and slow wind speed updates.
My Davis VP2 is 5 years old now and I've had to replace a few parts during that time. They are readily available at short notice from the USA and don't cost that much. Things that have failed are outdoor Temp/Hum sensors, the fan inside the FARS and the NiCd batteries which power the fan at night. The Temp/Hum sensors have failed sooner than I expected but the other items require regular maintenance so it's reasonable to expect to replace them every few years. The service from the spare parts supplier I use is excellent. I typically receive them in just over a week.
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I had my first weather station for less than one week, as I soon discovered it was not what I expected/wanted. Replaced it in July 2008 with a Davis VP2. I have been lucky, since that time I have replaced the ISS battery once, because I thought I should about 5 years ago, and nothing since. It keeps on turning and sending data without fail to my console and to my Envoy which is connected to my weather computer. Our weather goes from about -30°C in the winter to about 35°C in the summer, including occasional totally covered by snow. I have thought about FARS, and likely will get that when I decide I should get a new clean VP2 (mine is quite dirty and faded).
I have been very happy.
While the Davis VP2 w/data logger is quite expense even here in North America now at about C$600, I understand much more so in other parts of the world so understand people getting a lower cost unit for their weather hobby.
Enjoying,
Paul
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Hi Paul
Im always wanted a Davis vintage pro 2 but to costly I then ended up with a cheap one AERCUS with the help on the group I will continue with the cheap one till it dies I will change it to the one above because the water Gage gives faulty readings with rain if its very windy as I said the down side to the one I mentioned is you cant run it on the web.
Thanks for your comments Paul
Martin