WM-918

[TRR]

Hello everyone;

Recently I was given a working WM-918, I know it is old, but it works really well. I just figured out that I could connect it to my server and start logging my data. So I ran out and got a usb to serial cable and connected it to my pc and guess what nothing happened. I checked the port settings to the best of my knowledge. 9600 8n1 no party or flow control. I even increased the response time to make sure the unit had time to talk. I am at a lost on what to do. I would really like to get this unit talking. I have attached my debug file.

[steve]

The PC isn't receiving any data at all from the station. I would think the most likely suspect would be the serial/USB converter. You definitely have the correct COM port number configured in Cumulus?

[TRR]

I believe so, when I go under device in the control panel. I see that com port 5 is the one attached to the USB to serial adapter. Under the advanced tab serial emmulator is checked. Com port 1 just says communication port.

[steve]

Then I suspect the serial/USB adapter is not suitable. Searching this section of the forum suggests that people have only had success with these stations with adapters which use FTDI chipsets - what does yours use?

[TRR]

The adapter is a FTDI chipset and I am using the most up to date drivers. Is there anything I have to do on the base station itself? Why in the log does it say logging disabled?

[steve]

Is there anything I have to do on the base station itself?

I wouldn't have thought so, but I don't know anything about WM918 stations.

Why in the log does it say logging disabled?

That message gets printed in the debug log if the debug log is turned off.

[TRR]

It seems like the program can see the base station, because when I unplug it with the program running it causes an error.

Do you think the unit is bad and that's why it does not send data?

[steve]

It seems like the program can see the base station, because when I unplug it with the program running it causes an error.

It's probably able to open the com port OK (it would give an error at start up otherwise); but it doesn't receive any data.

Do you think the unit is bad and that's why it does not send data?

It's hard to say; that would be one possible explanation. I guess you really need to try it with a real serial port, or if you don't have one available, try different software.

[TRR]

Well I try two different programs and neither one was able to record data. I don't have a real serial port to be able to use. I also tried reseting the base unit, and that did not help either. Is there anyway to test the serial port and see if it is working? Oh and I also swapped out the adapter to see if that was the problem.

[steve]

Is there anyway to test the serial port and see if it is working?

I can't think of anything other than connecting it to a PC, sorry.

[TRR]

Well I ran a serial port monitor, and there is no signal coming from the unit at all. Im going to mess with some settings while the monitor is running and see if I can get something going.

[gwheelo]

This probably does not relate to your situation - but the WM918 must be plugged into the mains to transmit over the USB port - the port is in-operative on batteries only.

gwheelo

[Gary918]

Hey;TRR.,I have a WM-918 and as far as what gwheelo stated,I'm pretty sure you don't have to have the station plugged in to have it send data,do to the fact that the station get's it's power from the rear power board and the serial chip is on the main board.in regards to your data problem,Try only using com-1.,I have had the same problem with mine using other weather software.,it would only work using com-1.,I hope this help's you.,Good luck,Gary.

[StoryOMine]

Also - check your motherboard - many/most modern motherboard DO have a serial header on them - they just aren't connected so you have to provide the header to back panel cable/connector (easily bought).

USB/Serial adapters can be used on the WM918 but are generally unreliable and prone to occasionally failures/time outs.

Failing this - get yourself a Serial PCI card - they aren't expensive and, like the header, very reliable.