Precise Description of Hardware Needed

[sciscom]

Hello, I am thinking of purchasing the Davis Vantage Pro weather station and using weathercat software.  What EXACTLY do I need to purchase in order for the hardware system to link to Weathercat?  Do I need a data logger? If so, what type? 

Thanks!
Michael.

[elagache]

Hi Michael and WeatherCat Davis fans,

Golly we don't have exactly a description like what you are looking for.  Perhaps we need to add this to the Wiki.  There is some information in the WeatherCat manual starting at page 19, but it is terse.

Basically you need to purchase two products from Davis:

• A Davis Vantage Pro-2 (one of the various models they sell)
• Either the Davis Mac WeatherLink package or the Davis WeatherLink IP package

Yes, that means buying the Davis software along with the Data logger.  However, that's the way Davis sells their products - no way to get around it.  The Mac version of the WeatherLink software will include a USB data logger.  This works fine and most of us Davis users go that route.  The only issue is to download the latest drivers.  There is a Weather Wiki description on how to do that: http://wiki.trixology.com/index.php/Obtaining_the_latest_drivers_for_use_with_Davis_data_loggers

The downside to the USB interface is that it requires you keep your console next to your computer (within the length of a USB cable.)  That might not be the most convenient.  One way around this the WeatherLinkIP.  The WeatherLinkIP also will upload data to various weather websites without having to have your computer running.  Although this is somewhat limiting in its own right.  WeatherCat can upload to twice as many services as WeatherLinkIP can.

Another mousetrap to consider is getting a Weather Envoy.  It is basically a "faceless" console that acts as an interface between your weather instruments and the data logger.  That way you can put your Vantage Pro-2 console somewhere else in your house and still have your computer connected to your Davis instruments.  The WeatherLinkIP is about twice as expensive as the Mac WeatherLink package.  So the Mac WeatherLink and Weather Envoy combo would end up not being that much more expensive.  However, if you want to upload data 24/7, then your Mac would have to operate 24/7.  Many of us find that just fine, but that won't do if you are an energy penny-pincher.

Sorry, this is a little complicated.  That's a feature because Davis can be configured in lots of ways.  Take a little time to go over the Davis website and other information.  Then feel free to ask us questions.  The majority of folks on this forum are Davis users.  So there is a lot of expertise on how to set up Davis hardware.

Best of luck! 

Cheers, Edouard 

[sciscom]

Thanks Edouard,

So it sounds as if the Weatherlink for Mac and the Envoy is the way to go if I don't want to use the Davis console as the interface and instead use WeatherCat interface...correct?

Michael.

[Steve]

Hi Michael, and welcome to the forum!

Yes, that is correct, and how I initially had my station set up. The console hangs on the wall in the kitchen and the Envoy on my desk, connected to the Mac with the data logger. I've since added a second console to use instead of the Envoy.

Once you figure out what you're getting, be sure to shop around for pricing. Archer Trading Post has great service and prices. Some say you can get further discounted prices by contacting them. (Davis is one of those companies that only allows certain advertised discount prices. Lower prices available on occasion or by request.) http://www.archertradingpost.com

Also look at Rainman Weather, and be sure to request the emailed price. It makes a substantial difference! Both companies have fantastic reputations for customer service. http://www.rainmanweather.com

I've added Ambient because they carry a wide variety of stuff, but looking now, it seems they've joined the "email for best price" group. www.ambientweather.com

Once you've emailed each company, you can bookmark the non-public "best price" page.

Example:

Davis #6316 Wireless Weather Envoy:
List: $195
Ambient: $175
Ambient emailed price: $136.89
Archer Trading Post: $175
Archer Trading Post emailed price: $127
Rainman Weather: $175
Rainman Weather emailed price: $125.97

Now, which Vantage Pro2 station are you going to get? You might have just saved enough to move up a model or two. (we love spending other people's money.)

I hope that helps, and again, welcome!
Steve

[Xipper]

I ordered my system from Archer, I am using a Vue console in one room and the Vantage Pro console in another (connected via USB link to desktop).  When I looked it seemed like a console was almost cheaper than any other options.

[elagache]

Dear Xipper and WeatherCat fans,

I ordered my system from Archer, I am using a Vue console in one room and the Vantage Pro console in another (connected via USB link to desktop).  When I looked it seemed like a console was almost cheaper than any other options.

Yes the Vantage Vue console is a very appealing solution if you can mount it somewhere within view of your computer station.  It isn't much more expensive than a Weather Envoy.  In my case there was no nice place to mount the console where I could easily see it, the Weather Envoy was effectively the best solution.

Cheers, Edouard