Trixology

Weather => Weather Hardware/Measurement => Topic started by: xairbusdriver on March 25, 2015, 07:22:00 PM

Title: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 25, 2015, 07:22:00 PM
I've had my new Vantage Pro2 up and running for about 24 hours. Just bolted the anemometer to the post holding the main station until I could get the permanent pole-above-the-roof set up. I opened the box holding the Anemometer Kit (6332) to see what I might need to mount it on a bracket that arrived today.

First thing I noticed when moving the un-open box was a rattling. "Must be the hardware nots/bolts/u-bolt/etc." However, what I found was that the solar array was not attached to the door panel! I assumed there must be some instructions about how to do that; maybe even some 'professional' glue included in the box. Uh... nope. Looks like Davis might have forgot that step along the way to the boxing department. :o

I called them and very quickly 'Jerry' said he was sure that the solar panels was supposed to be permanently attached to the door. Made me feel a little less foolish! They are sending me another door, hopefully with the solar array attached... permanently.

I can start assembling the pole and its mounting brackets, but I may wait for the replacement door. I'd hate to get things set up only to find that the location needed changing and I don't want to carry around the transmitter with a lose solar panel/array. With my luck, it would fall out, break, and/or destroy the jack.

Question: Has anyone attempted to remove the door on these boxes? They are hinged (unlike the 'lid' on the ISS boxen). Of course, Jerry said, "Yeah, they are a little tight, but that's what has to be done." Any bets on what the next part I'll need? :P
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: Blicj11 on March 25, 2015, 07:29:45 PM
Dang. You don't like to start out your new adventure with that kind of quality control. I don't use that kit so have no experience with the door. Hang in there; things will get better. Or not.  :)
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 25, 2015, 08:31:25 PM
Here's my first thoughts on a "fix".
Transparent duct tape?
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Duct_tape_zpsdhdjuvqz.jpg)

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/hinges_zps5is5egfa.jpg)
The tricky part will be getting the door separated from the box... without breaking the box's, molded in hinge pin! I already no how to do it the 'other' way. :P [Colors/contrast edited to better show witch part of the hinge is molded into the door and the box.] I think a bit of 'lubricant would also help, lithium, probably. That would match the batteries! :P
Title: (Re: There's always something...)
Post by: elagache on March 25, 2015, 09:08:19 PM
Dear xairbusdriver, Blick, and WeatherCat Davis station troubleshooters,

Quote from: xairbusdriver on March 25, 2015, 07:22:00 PM
Question: Has anyone attempted to remove the door on these boxes? They are hinged (unlike the 'lid' on the ISS boxen). Of course, Jerry said, "Yeah, they are a little tight, but that's what has to be done." Any bets on what the next part I'll need? :P

I don't have one of these transmitters either, so I'm not of much help.  Your scheme to pry the clips free is probably a good plan-A.  I assume that this existing door is broken merchandise - correct?  If you cannot get the old door off by prying, you might try sawing the clip until you weaken it to make it easy to remove the door.  You'll still have a fight to get the replacement door on, but that has to be the way the door was installed in the first place, so with care the housing should survive the ordeal. 

I really find this trick of using the elasticity of plastic to make connections like this is just depraved.  I realize it saves money, but it sure makes maintenance miserable.

Good luck!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 25, 2015, 09:55:45 PM
Thanks! I now have a plan A and a plan B. Unfortunately, I will probably need a plan C, and maybe D!
Quote
it sure makes maintenance miserable.
Maintenance is not a problem for the manufacturer, they just throw the bad stuff away and raise the prices enough to cover those losses. ::)
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 26, 2015, 07:29:46 PM
Door removed. No damage to either half. Used Canola oil applied sparingly with Q-Tip. Still required a good deal of effort. Probably a specialized tool available at Tool Central or Grainger for only $54.95 + tax, shipping, and handling! "Order now and get a second one free!" [cheer]
Title: Glad mission accomplished. (Re: There's always something...)
Post by: elagache on March 26, 2015, 10:13:55 PM
Dear xairbusdriver and WeatherCat station caregivers,

Quote from: xairbusdriver on March 26, 2015, 07:29:46 PM
Door removed. No damage to either half. Used Canola oil applied sparingly with Q-Tip. Still required a good deal of effort.

Well at least clean living prevailed and you are now all set to put on the undamaged door when it arrives.  Now that you know how much effort it took to remove the door, you'll have some idea of the effort required to put the door back on.

Best of luck with that!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 26, 2015, 10:27:57 PM
I may need to check with Davis as to what brand of Canola oil they recommend... ::) I discovered that the removal was a bit easier with the door almost closed. I hope to remember that when installing the new one. I think it may put more support on the hinge pin also because more of the pressure will be at right angles to that side of the main box. Fortunately, the box/lid are about 1/8th in thick. I think the box on the Vantage Pro was much thinner, but it doesn't have hinges, just sliding 'fingers' and 'slots'. It would be easier to lose that door when opening it on top of a roof, also. Good idea to have the hinged door, IMHO... as long as one needn't have to remove it! [tup]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: Bull Winkus on March 27, 2015, 11:59:27 PM
I would'a went with chicken fat, being from Arkansas. But, Canola fat is good?

 [cheers1]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 28, 2015, 02:39:58 AM
Or Razorback BBQ?
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 31, 2015, 12:38:13 AM
Got an email with a tracking number for the replacement door with attached solar panel. Only took three business days to get it moving. Oh well... it will likely come Wednesday... before we get back into town from a two-day trip to St. Louis.

"When I have a 50/50 chance on something, 90% of the time I get it rong!" [banghead]

The good news is that the station is humming along nicely. I'm hoping it will also have some words soon... (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Groaner_zpsjqr46wqw.gif)
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: Bull Winkus on March 31, 2015, 01:19:10 AM
Nobody here wastes razorback BBQ on lubrication, ? uh, 'cept maybe perverts. Too sticky anyway, and it draws aunts? and uncles.

Can't you set it up and let it start reporting, without the solar electric door? Do like my uncle did for my auntie when it started raining and they lacked the forethought of carrying an umbrella, put a bag over its head. They also make very nice boots!

One of them nice fancy drawstring trash bags would do it and be easy to access when necessary.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/10/17/1413530199561_wps_9_LONDON_UNITED_KINGDOM_OCT.jpg)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x17FAhshRAs/UVb-bFfa5zI/AAAAAAAABCY/jCVdpngPTa8/s1600/Blogs+dot+Babble+dot+com.jpg)
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 31, 2015, 01:45:41 AM
Excuse me, Bull, did you rite sum thin it thet last post? I didn see nothin but sum pichers!!! 8-)

Wait I kin c yor rites now. I'm quite familiar with that use of plastic trash er... shopping bags! BTW, I do NOT recommend those 'draw string' types for use over the head!!!

Took a trip the England/Europe many years ago and while in London with our 13 year old. We decided to visit the Tower of London. We walked from our B & B, it was a nice day and stopped at St. Paul Cathedral. Had a pleasant visit at the Tower, with the Beef Eaters and the Ravens, decided not to by the Crown Jewels (or even the replica's), and it was time to return to our B & B.

Unfortunately, the same day of this adventure was also the Tube drivers decided to strike. No problem for us! We planned on walking and maybe taking a bus at the end. After all, those Brits almost speak our language! ;) However, we also didn't remember how often it rains there. With the Tubes not running, the only public transport left were the buses and cabs... which were absolutely packed with people trying to avoid the rain! We felt so smart because we always carried at least one trash bag for each traveller! We were also fortunate that the pizza place we ate dinner in had tile floors, otherwise, we would probably have been thrown out for destroying any wooden floor! They had to put "Caution! Wet Floor around these Yanks!" signs next to our table!
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 01, 2015, 03:31:13 AM
Monday came the tracking info for the replacement door with a 'permanent' and correctly installed solar panel. FedEx Ground. Should be here by 4/5, might be as early as tomorrow. Only problem with that is we're out of town until late tomorrow.

Today, I get an email from Davis Sales with an invoice for an Anemometer Kit. 65 bucks worth of invoice!!! :o What? I did not "order" anything!

Of course, the RMA number is on my desk 377.835 miles south of me. Called Tech support but they could not find anything with my name, they really need to know that RMA number and the other number I got last week. I haven't bothered calling Sales, they'll need those same numbers, I'm sure. I hope to get the confusion corrected Thursday... along with a screwed up 1099-R from the company "caring" for most of my retirement funds. [banghead]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: Blicj11 on April 01, 2015, 05:23:59 AM
Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 01, 2015, 03:31:13 AM
... along with a screwed up 1099-R from the company "caring" for most of my retirement funds.

Better late than never, but why so late? There are laws covering this type to thing.
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: Felix on April 01, 2015, 11:31:39 AM
Sorry to hear of your problems with Davis Instruments,  xairbusdriver...first an incorrectly assembled unit and now an invoice for what should be a warranty fix.

Usually, Davis weather equipment is a turn-key operation, mount it and it just works. But I'm sure you'll get it sorted out.

BTW, retired Eagle Driver (and several others) here.
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 01, 2015, 01:34:50 PM
After "sleeping" on the Davis invoice message, I think they are simlpy sending a complete Anemometer Kit instead of the door assembly. The tech did give me an RMA number, so they expect me to send the whole thing back. I'll confirm this before even opening the box, however.

Quote
Why so late?
Late? It's only 4/1, still 14 days to go! Besides, they've already got my money, except for the screwed up part. I didn't discover what I call a screw up until Saturday morning. I may have to pay more, but the company that created thi problem will lose an account. I doubt they will be too concerned about their solvency, however. [lol]
Title: Davis invoices are weird. (Re: There's always something...)
Post by: elagache on April 01, 2015, 11:34:08 PM
Dear Blick, xairbusdriver, and WeatherCat Davis owners,

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 01, 2015, 03:31:13 AM
Today, I get an email from Davis Sales with an invoice for an Anemometer Kit. 65 bucks worth of invoice!!! :o What? I did not "order" anything!

I got several invoices from Davis for my transmitter board and they had numbers which were unclear.  Take a careful look at that the invoice is saying.  In my case there was one of the invoices that indicated I had prepaid.  In your case this might be the cost that Davis would charge if it wasn't covered under the warranty.  Perhaps you'll find the words "covered under warranty" or something like that.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: Bull Winkus on April 02, 2015, 04:38:43 AM
I remember having the same invoice experience with them over a malfunctioning anemometer with an intermittent open in the signal wire. Credit for the invoice was given on return of the defective device.  [tup]

Don't know about your place, but we got a lot of rain here today. You could have been recording it. Highest rate was 6.40 inches per hour at about 3:45 pm. Water was stacking up like pancakes!

 [woohoo]

Ummm? for the pancakes. Not the rain.
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 02, 2015, 03:19:21 PM
We were driving back from St. Louis yesterday, getting ready to run over to take my Father-in-Law to an emergency doctor appointment. Saw that northern and NE AR was getting some heavy rain, we never saw more than a few minutes of it around Blytheville. Same line came through Memphis and I got a 2.67 in/hr "Alert" from that at 4:36 pm. Total rain was a mere 0.21 in! It was have all fallen within a minute!?

gotta go...
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: Bull Winkus on April 02, 2015, 06:16:14 PM
So, your were recording it? Sorry. I thought you were waiting for the door before setting it all up.

  [blush]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 02, 2015, 09:10:13 PM
I'm recording everything from the station which has the anemometer attached to the same post as the station. It's just a standard/default set up. I've not had time, much less the weather, to  build the support /mount for the pole where the anemometer will be eventually installed. The station is only ~6 feet off the ground and there is the cups are too protected there. Since the station is so new, however, it's setting 'records' almost every day! ;) Got two emails today for new high wind records. I'm still in NE AR with my F-I-L, just in case he gets a 'wound care' appointment today. :)

My data is not posted anywhere so I'm not concerned with publishing invalid or inaccurate data.
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 04, 2015, 03:30:36 AM
The replacement door and solar panel arrived this today! Installed on the Anemometer Kit. It shall remain on my desk until next week when I'll move things to the roof to verify reception before permanent mounting.

Made a call to Davis "Sales" and they confirmed that the "invoice" is simply a book keeping process and I should be (those two, always paired words [lol] ) getting a credit "invoice" when they get my returned two part door and solar panel. It was tempting to keep the panel, but not at the risk of paying $65! :P The box is "In the mail" (actually FedEx), Davis should get it by Wednesday PM. We'll see how long the book keeping department takes to do their magic. ;)
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 07, 2015, 04:15:02 PM
"Life" and weather delays are keeping me off the roof to verify transmission acceptability. SWMBO is leaving Wed. for over a week, so I'll have to make at least one trip up/down to verify that. Then I can proceed, hopefully, with a permanent install on the pole, with the wall mounting set up. May look for some cheap golf shoes that would help with traction on the roof slope... or maybe just one of those "Help! I've fallen..." devices. At least I won't freeze now that Spring has sprung!
Title: Let us know! (Re: There's always something...)
Post by: elagache on April 07, 2015, 09:49:47 PM
Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 07, 2015, 04:15:02 PM
"Life" and weather delays are keeping me off the roof to verify transmission acceptability.

 ;) . . . . . Now really, are you going to let a little thing like - life - stand in the way of getting your weather station up and running? . . .  [lol2]

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 07, 2015, 04:15:02 PM
SWMBO is leaving Wed. for over a week, so I'll have to make at least one trip up/down to verify that. Then I can proceed, hopefully, with a permanent install on the pole, with the wall mounting set up.

Sounds like your golden opportunity!

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 07, 2015, 04:15:02 PM
May look for some cheap golf shoes that would help with traction on the roof slope... or maybe just one of those "Help! I've fallen..." devices.

 ;) . . . . Uh, . . . . Yeah!?!?!? . . . .  [rolleyes2]

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 07, 2015, 04:15:02 PM
At least I won't freeze now that Spring has sprung!

Yes indeed the seasons are changing.  Alas for those of us in the west it is turning toward the worst season of the year.  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/desert-smiley.gif)

Do keep us posted on your progress!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 08, 2015, 04:18:46 AM
Had a successful test of the location. Pictures at ten... tomorrow! ;) The Console picked up the new ID and I now have a new wind record! I expect it won't last long after the pole is up!

Had to stop work because the Sun set! I thought we could apply for some of that Saved Daylight! Guess I didn't get my request in early enough...

Tomorrow, the pole mounting begins! Made one more trip up the ladder tonight! I remembered I had left the solar panel with the battery installed! Removed the battery; no use wasting its energy on nothing connected to it right now. Funny how that ladder seems taller every time I climb it...  :o
[cheer] "Tomorrow! Upward and onward!" [rockon]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: Blicj11 on April 08, 2015, 05:13:29 AM
Nice to get started on a plan. Don't fall.
Title: Must have something to do with Murphy's law! (Re: There's always something.)
Post by: elagache on April 08, 2015, 10:14:46 PM
Dear xairbusdriver, Blick, and WeatherCat station caregivers,

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 08, 2015, 04:18:46 AM
Funny how that ladder seems taller every time I climb it...  :o

Must have something to do with that darned Murphy's law! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Quote from: Blicj11 on April 08, 2015, 05:13:29 AM
Don't fall.

That's also why such advice is . . . . .advised! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek-sign.gif)

Keep us posted!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 09, 2015, 04:20:00 AM
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Temp-Testing_zpsbefn1efa.jpg)
My temporary-testing setup.

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Wall_Mount_zpsoikvtkfj.jpg)
The highly engineered, meticulously measured, and sloppily cut wall mount!

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Intermediate_zpstfpv0drb.jpg)
View from the roof (looking almost due west). What's wrong with this picture?
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: Bull Winkus on April 09, 2015, 08:49:53 PM
Quote
View from the roof (looking almost due west). What's wrong with this picture?

Hmmm? Your solar collector follows the sun in its morning to evening trajectory?

Or? The anemometer is skewed to the ENE a little more than a wee bit?

Ya think CWOP will notice?

Great pictures, by the way! Also, great codger engineering! That's the most elegant use of a discarded two-by-four I've ever seen.

 [cheers1]
Title: Congratulations . . . (Re: There's always something...)
Post by: elagache on April 09, 2015, 10:55:09 PM
Dear xairbusdriver, Herb, and WeatherCat station design consultants, . . . .

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 09, 2015, 04:20:00 AM
My temporary-testing setup.

Okay, that's as good a test as any. . . . .

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 09, 2015, 04:20:00 AM
The highly engineered, meticulously measured, and sloppily cut wall mount!

Interesting . . . .  I would have built the bracket out of wood rather than metal.  I suppose that's my bias.  I'm comparatively new to metal fabrication. 

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 09, 2015, 04:20:00 AM
View from the roof (looking almost due west). What's wrong with this picture?

Well, call me a nit-picker, but you didn't trim the cable ties so that they were as flush to your tube as you could.  Perhaps a bit more serious, those cable ties don't look like the UV resistant variety.

Will you finally tell us what you are actually alluding to? . .. . .

Curious minds want to know!

Seriously congratulations on finally getting the anemometer installed!!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. So what is the status of the ISS?
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 10, 2015, 03:53:48 AM
You are almost correct about the Sun position sensor/follower. I just couldn't get the old SCSI cable to fit into the SIM. It's now just a (hopefully) stationary pole, but aimed at the North Star. I didn't have a compass, so I just waited until the stars appeared that night. I must admit that it was difficult to aim the dark black support tube in the very dark night. :P

Quote
That's the most elegant use of a discarded two-by-four I've ever seen.
They are actually 2 X 12! I reframed the garage door openings last Summer. "Primed" the ends and several knots. Finally decided one of the "company selected" boards was simply too crooked, but I couldn't take it back with all my "art work". Never throw away anything that won't fit in a standard garbage can, is one of my motto's! The aluminum looking, odd shaped piece is actually aluminum! It's just to keep the bottom of a real 2 X 4 from slipping off the 2 X 12. You might want to know that the four 5/16 x 3" screws holding the two 2 X 12's (at a measured 90? angle, of course) are counter sunk! Plans are available for a modest fee plus shipping and handling. Over night is extra, unless you order a dozen or more copies.

As for the ISS, it's still in LEO last I heard. (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Groaner_zpsjqr46wqw.gif)  [blush]

Wait! You mean that other ISS! [banghead] It's setting temp and wind records! 84F, gusts of 26! Currently showing lighter winds from the South, confirmed by personal reports! I was about 90 miles away much of the day and saw 30+ winds reported there. Driving both ways definitely required both hands on the wheel most of the time. Unfortunately, all the gas I saved on the northward trip was spent on the return, southern return leg. Just proves "There's always something..."
Title: Did I miss the ISS installation? (Re: There's always something...)
Post by: elagache on April 11, 2015, 12:27:52 AM
Dear xairbusdriver and WeatherCat station design consultants,

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 10, 2015, 03:53:48 AM
As for the ISS, it's still in LEO last I heard. (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Groaner_zpsjqr46wqw.gif)  [blush]

Ooh, that's an emoticon I've gotta steal! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/mischief.gif)

Quote from: xairbusdriver on April 10, 2015, 03:53:48 AM
Wait! You mean that other ISS! [banghead]

I might have missed the big news.  Is the ISS permanently installed yet?

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: There's always something...
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 11, 2015, 02:04:03 AM
Quote
Is the ISS permanently installed yet?
Yep, it has been installed since just before I started this thread. You didn't miss much. It's pretty much a 'station on a stick'! [lol] The 'stick' is a greenish tinted, approximately 4" x 4" X 7.166' post sitting in a 36" metal spike stuck 31inches into the ground. There is a picture of a similar device back in <this link (http://athena.trixology.com/index.php?topic=1601.msg13985#msg13985)>. It's now had a high temp record of 84.8F, lowest pressure of 29.807inHg, highest pressure of 30.411inHg, 0.49 inches of rain in one day, and highest winds (since moving the cups to the roof) of 26mph. [cheer]