Should I choose a cabled or wireless Vantage Pro station?

This is the commonest question and an important one, so it merits its own section. Ultimately of course each buyer needs to choose whether a cabled or wireless station is likely to meet their needs best, by assessing the pros and cons for each type against their own requirements.

1. Cabled models are limited to the standard six sensors plus the optional solar radiation and UV sensors. If you may need  further additional sensors, either now or perhaps in the future, then you should consider the wireless version;
2. Cabled stations require running one single thin ribbon cable between ISS (the main outside sensor unit) and the VP console. (The supplied cable length is 30m, with a maximum run length of up to 300m permitted - but that's a lot of cable and a significant expense in its own right for very long runs.) For extended runs of cable outdoors, in many cases the cable may need to be buried in a simple conduit, or otherwise protected.
3. The wireless version is primarily intended for convenience of installation, not for transmitting data over long distances. Reliable reception range is limited to about 100-150m line-of-sight unless one or more optional wireless repeaters is used. Each repeater used will give an increase in range of 100m or more. Solid walls and other substantial obstructions that intervene in the signal path between ISS and console may cause a substantial reduction in reliable range. Please see our separate page that deals with wireless pros and cons for a more detailed discussion.
4. Wireless stations may occasionally experience short periods of poor reception for a variety of reasons, such as very heavy rain or transient interference. While this may not necessarily affect the logging of data, applications that require the optimum continuity of data, perhaps for legal or official reasons, might be better served by the cabled version;
5. Secondary displays (other than displays on a PC monitor) can only easily be set up for wireless stations;
6. Cabled stations cost about £100 less than the equivalent wireless version;

General Questions

Are the stations difficult to set up?

The stations require no specialist knowledge to set up. All Davis systems come complete with everything needed to set up the basic weather station, including comprehensive instructions plus fixings to attach the sensors to a suitable existing mast or post. Fixing the external sensors therefore needs only very basic DIY skills. For best performance, the anemometer should be installed at higher level such as on a TV mast, which may require using a specialist such as a TV aerial installer.

How are the sensors fixed?

All Davis stations are supplied complete with fixings (eg U-bolts and screws) to attach the sensors to a suitable mast, post or other support. On the standard VP systems, there are only two main sensor assemblies to install: ISS and anemometer. Each of these may be fixed to a mast (32-44mm diameter) using the U-bolts supplied or to a 4" square wooden fence post or other flat surface with substantial 3" screws also supplied.

Where should the sensors be sited?

Recommendations for sensor siting will be found in the Using Weather Stations area.

How can the console be mounted?

The VP console has an integral hinged support arm and will be self-standing on any flat surface. Alternatively, the console can be wall mounted.

Can I detach the solar/UV sensors and rain gauge from the ISS?

The solar and UV sensors are designed to be mounted in the special mounting shelf that attaches to the ISS. With the use of standard Davis extension cables it is possible in principle to separate both sensors from the ISS, but the user would need to make for themselves a new mounting shelf or bracket to hold the sensors firmly in a horizontal plane in their new location. Note that long solar and UV sensor cables will introduce a finite level of error into the readings from these sensors.

How does solar radiation intensity relate to sunshine hours?

The Davis solar sensor technically measures global solar irradiation, which is the intensity of sunshine – zero when dark, moderate values when overcast and high values under conditions of bright sunshine and, overall, weaker in winter than summer. This is the unambiguous scientific measure of the sun’s power at any given time. In contrast, ‘hours of sunshine’ as traditionally measure by a Campbell Stokes sunshine recorder is a more vague and subjective measure. It is possible in principle to convert solar radiation to sunshine hours by setting a threshold value, above which the sunshine level is deemed to be bright; this conversion is performed by the Weatherlink software but the result can only be regarded as an approximation. We are awaiting software versions that may be able to perform this conversion more accurately.

Is Weatherlink essential to link to a PC?

Yes, the Weatherlink package is essential to link any Davis station to a PC because it (a) converts the proprietary raw data output of the console into a standard serial format for interfacing to the PC and (b) acts as a data buffer to store up to several weeks worth of data when the PC may be switched off. The Weatherlink data logger is only available within the package and cannot be bought separately (ie without software).

Can I use an alternative power supply for the console?

Vantage Pro consoles can be powered from a stable DC source rather than mains power, including suitable car/caravan/boat supplies, by use of a small optional connector lead. (NB It is essential to use the correct Davis lead for this. Other leads are likely to damage the console.) VP consoles can also run for several weeks or months on their internal batteries, but see the question below.

Solar power in conjunction with a suitable back‑up battery is also an option; exact specification and cost will vary with detailed requirements.

What about battery life?

The wireless VP console can run on internal alkaline batteries alone for up 9 months. This period will be reduced if the backlight is used often or if rechargeable batteries (which can only store a fraction of the power of the best alkaline cells) are used. Note though that if the Weatherlink data logger is fitted and frequent (eg every 5 minutes) automatic download of archive data has been set up, the batteries will run down much faster. It is recommended that the mains adapter be used for stations where this facility is needed. The cabled VP console will run on internal batteries for only a few weeks because it must also power the external sensors.

The wireless ISS is powered by a lithium battery supplemented by a small solar panel powers. Expected battery life is one to two years.

Cabled ISS units are powered via the connecting cable from the console and don't possess their own battery or solar panel.

How accurate are the stations;

For a summary of VP accuracy specifications please see the VP display page.

How long do the sensors read accurately?

Sensor readings should remain accurate within specifications for a few years at least, although a small amount of drift may progressively occur with time. Recalibration at a service centre is possible at the customer's expense though this is only directly relevant to temperature, humidity and solar radiation sensors and only when confirmation of maximum accuracy is crucial. Where recalibration is required, suggested intervals are 5 years for temp/humidity and 3 years for solar/UV sensors. Where anemometer inaccuracy is suspected this may require a service rather than recalibration. Pressure readings can readily be checked and recalibrated by the user. Rainfall performance should remain stable, but can readily be checked either by the user or at a service centre.

What are the recommendations for sensor maintenance?

The Davis sensors are designed for long life with no requirement for routine maintenance beyond the following:

• The rain gauge bowl should be checked every few weeks for deposits of rain-borne dust, accumulations of blown leaves etc, and cleaned if necessary;
• At least annually, the inside of the rain gauge should also be checked for cleanliness – a build‑up of debris such as spiders' webs can occasionally impair operation;
• Other sensors should be cleaned occasionally in accordance with the Davis instructions;
• The anemometer may benefit from a routine service by Davis after a few years of operation, especially in windy locations;

How long is the warranty?

All Davis weather stations supplied by Prodata Weather Systems are covered by a two year return to base limited warranty. Please see our Terms and Conditions section for warranty details.

Size and weight of packaged stations;

The standard Vantage Pro stations are supplied packed into a colourful product package measuring roughly 15" x 12" x 10" and fitted with a carrying handle for easy transportation. The weight of this package is ~5kg. (For courier shipping this is further packed inside a double-walled corrugated cardboard packing container for added protection.)

Some common accessories such as the Weatherlink pack are relatively small and light, but please note:

• one or two accessories, notably the Mounting Tripod, are relatively large and heavy;
• where a station plus several accessories has been ordered, the overall package will be significantly larger and heavier;