Apologies if a repeat - WC & Integration with Davis' NEW! WEATHERLINK Display

[bob2k2]

Just noticed Davis has gotten rid of the old standard console type except for their wired systems and moved to a LCD WetahreLink iPad like display (see picture). My Davis systems is pretty old and I'm worried if I have to replace it whether this new system can integrate with WeatherCat. I apologize if this question has already been asked/answered.TIA

[WeatherguyNH]

Hi:

How come no one ever replied to this thread?
Is there another on the same topic?

Thanks

Rich

[xairbusdriver]

I can understand the concern! I saw the standard equipment offering with a "Cabled Vantage Pro2 Console, #6312C, $335.00" link below it (Sold Out). However, that appears to be a "Cabled" unit. The Console that I use is not connected to the "sensor suite" by wire. The 'wireless' Console (SKU #6313) would be the one I would use to replace mine or add to a new setup.

I think the use of the new Console is just an attempt to "encourage" the use of WeatherLink while keeping everything as humanly simple as possible. Their market is really commercial outfits that need the data but are not really hobbists(sp?).

[mcrossley]

The new console has no local data access capabilities, so no software can interface to it.

If you buy the console and want local access, you will also have to buy a WeatherLink Live 6100

[xairbusdriver]

At 81 I am quickly leaving behind my "market talk" understanding! Davis still sells a USB (and also a Serial version) data logger for the new Console. But the only use stated in the Console manual 'brands' them as "WeatherLink Data Loggers". Actually, the old Console (Rev. K, 1/12/12) uses the same name. The manual describes the "Optional WeatherLink Software" on page 2. There are 8 different loggers listed. The Macintosh[sic] version (6520) is no longer found at the Davis web site.

Of course, with Davis' new software, we are shown only 2 versions and the only software mentioned is:

The WeatherLink data logger connects your Vantage Pro2 console directly to your computer, providing enhanced weather monitoring capabilities, and a continuous preserved data record. View the data on the WeatherLink Cloud with any connected device or smart phone, or on your computer with free WeatherLink Computer Software.

Whether or not Stu can add code to parse that data for use by WC is unknown. The lack of a sustainable future for basic, raw data from Davis instruments may be part of the cause for a decrease in recent updates to WC. At 81, I have no incentive to go to 'cloud-based' data storage. My use of WeatherCat may end with whatever dies first; me or the hardware!

[mcrossley]

The new console does not accept any data loggers, they only fit the old LCD consoles.

There is currently** no way of getting data out of the new consoles, they can only send it weatherlink.com

** Lots of people are asking them to add the local API as the WeatherLink Live supports, however there is no sign that Davis are currently willing to do that.

[elagache]

Dear Rich, Mark, X-Air, and WeatherCat fans,

The new console has no local data access capabilities, so no software can interface to it.

If you buy the console and want local access, you will also have to buy a WeatherLink Live 6100

Thanks for answering this fundamental question.  When the new console first came out it wasn't clear if there would be any sort of API that would allow software to access the data.  Now we know there isn't.  Davis is clearly attempting to take control of the data that owners of Davis equipment generate.  There is no doubt it is an excellent business model and very trendy given the obsession towards cloud computing.  However, anyone considering Davis equipment these days should ask themselves some tough questions about how comfortable they are with having to pay to access their own weather data.

Oh well, . . . . . Edouard

[xairbusdriver]

Perhaps part of my confusion comes from the text I quoted previously and the "Getting Started Guide" pdf which claims the "WeatherLink Data Loggers (Rev. M 1/29/21)
[are]
For Vantage Pro2, Vantage Vue, and Weather Envoy
Products 6510USB and SER

The diagrams in this booklet show the exact same place where the logger goes in the current Console. It is also interesting that the site claims there is only one in stock!

[mcrossley]

There is no doubt it is an excellent business model and very trendy given the obsession towards cloud computing.  However, anyone considering Davis equipment these days should ask themselves some tough questions about how comfortable they are with having to pay to access their own weather data.

Oh well, . . . . . Edouard

Indeed. There is currently a fuss in the UK because Ring doorbells have hiked their subscription prices for the second time in two years. They have gone up 50% in that time. Suck 'em, and hike the price when they are hooked. This quite apart from other issues like Amazon, not you, owning the rights to all video stored on the cloud that the doorbells capture. Then there are other cloud-based systems that go bust leaving you with a useless device and no access to your old data.