Newbie Q re uploading of data

[RathmoreWeather]

Hi there - We have set up our first station, a WS3083 and so far, so good. The receiver downloads to the laptop via usb cable, which is OK, but I'm wondering if there is a way I can do that wirelessly? I don't mind if we're not online 24/7 but it would be great to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to uploading our data.

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[gabba]

Hi

Not that I'm aware of. I think we are all tethered to pc's or laptops in some shape or form.

That said there is a data store function you could use. The unit will still operate without a live sub connection but will only store up to   2 weeks at 5 min intervals or up to 3 months at 30min intervals, so as long as you remember to plug it in within that time frame, the software should just download what was missed.

Disadvantage tho is that you have to remember to do it, and your station will be offline while not connected to the laptop. That's why most of us just leave everything going ;-)

[RathmoreWeather]

Thanks Andrew, I was afraid that was the case. Frustrating, because getting the transmitter well-located has meant that the receiver doesn't have a great range within the house, and so isn't so handy to connect to the laptop. We might have to have a re-think about location - I am cursing my shelter-belt right now.

[TonyC]

As Andrew says, most of us connect our station receivers to an a dedicated PC of some sort. Mine is attached to a 15 year old Compaq desktop running on windows XP without a keyboard or monitor and operated through remote control software. It draws about 80 watts, so that's about a couple of electricity units a day. Hobbies always dib into the pocket!!

You could always extend your network from your router using a Powerline adapter or a wireless repeater close to your receiver so you can connect your laptop to it when attaching to your receiver if you didn't want to go to the trouble of an extra PC. Defeats the purpose of the station if you have to compromise on the optimum positioning. I use a Netcomm powerline extender (2 ethernet ports) which also extends the wireless reception. Not cheap, but works very fast and reliable.

Good luck with your new hobby.

Tony C.

[gabba]

That's a good point. My weather laptop sits next to the router , but I've extended my network from there via a couple of edimax power line adapters, to the other end of the house where the work is done with a wireless connection point and various media related devices. The power line adapters therefore do most of the donkey work in the network and work pretty well.

They are not cheap to start with, but once you have it set up you can just buy more adapters to plug into any socket in the house so is pretty flexible.

[RathmoreWeather]

Hmmm...at the moment, my biggest problem is not being able to move the station receiver off the kitchen window sill! That means my transmitter and receiver are well within 60 or so feet of one another. If I could get the receiver elsewhere in our (not especially big!) house, then I can connect it to the laptop a good deal of the time and look at a more permanent option to tether it to, like an older pc, down the track. (in my non-techie innocence I had thought there would be some kind of device which could send the data from the receiver unit wirelessly).

I guess the first thing we need to look at are batteries - the unit shipped with 1.5v rechargeable ones, would replacing them make a difference? The signal isn't going through too much in the way of walls, but they are coloursteel, would that make a difference?

[JennyLeez]

There is a bit here re the batteries:
http://www.localweather.net.nz/smf/station-accessories/lithium-needed-but-alkaline-given/

Also bottom of page 4 of the Manual under batteries.
Definitely change them.

I only use Lithium and they last for 6 to 8 months.

By memory you have 300 ft to play with. Change the batteries in both sensor and console and then move your console further into the house and eventually to where you want it. It sounds like you will be fine.
Mine is going through a few walls and ceiling and up a pole

Note: Electric fences can interfere.

Cheers

[TonyC]

Rechargeable batteries are only 1.2v compared with the 1.5v of Alkaline or Lithium, so your receiver will be operating near 1v more and the transmitter around .5v extra if you take Jenny's advice.
While most electronics have over-voltage protection, they don't step up if the input voltage is under the specification.

cheers
TC

[RathmoreWeather]

Well, we have put new lithium batteries in both transmitter and receiver. I've coaxed the receiver a further 15ft or so into an inconvenient but open spot and then drop the signal again. Getting there but still feel as though a wire coat hanger for an aerial wouldn't go amiss....

[TonyC]

As a matter of interest, do you have any other wireless equipment in the house such as video senders or wireless phones?
The WS3083 works on the 433mhz band. I know that Dominator garage doors work on that frequency.  If you do, you could always try turning them off to see if you get a better signal.
It may be that your station is a Friday assembly and TX and RX aren't quite tuned to their peak. Are your exterior walls colour steel as well?
I would try the station line of sight and see what distance you can get before losing signal to test it's range. At least you would eliminate the doubt that the problem could be the equipment.

[RathmoreWeather]

Morning Tony,

Yes, the exterior walls are coloursteel. We have a cordless phone, but nothing else like a garage door remote. I'll check distance for line of site this morning, go for a wander with the receiver and see how they go.

On a side note, I emailed Scientific Sales about the possibility of somehow sending the received data to the PC wirelessly, and they replied that they are working on a version for release during 2015.

Appreciate everyone's input so far 

[TonyC]

It is annoying when things don't go according to plan and unforseen problems stuff up what should be a plug and play situation.
It'll be no comfort to you, but Davis have a wireless repeater for their Vantage stations which in your case, you could have mounted by your window to beam into your house. That said, the price of the repeater is more than you probably paid for your station. Davis gear makes it an expensive hobby.
We have macrocarpa wind breaks on 3 sides of our property, so the wind readings aren't the same as properties further up the hill. The neighbour behind us usually doubles my reading to get a true indication. Nothing is perfect in this world {sigh}.

cheers
TC

[RathmoreWeather]

Cheers Tony. It does look like a walls issue. The range comfortably doubles outside keeping the transmitter in sight and if I was prepared to stand in the next paddock with the unit held in the air (Statue of Liberty style) I think it would go further.  But at least with the lithium batteries I have a little more leeway in the house, it just means the station won't be online as much. Shame,  but can't be helped at the moment.

I very much wanted a Davis, but felt that starting out we should see how we got on without spending Davis amounts and this unit seemed like a good starting point. I definitely see a Davis in our future!