Replacement Station

[WoodburyMan]

I currently have a WS-1090 station. I've had it for a little over 2.5 years now. In the next few months, perhaps in the Spring here, I will be looking to replace it, as was a fairly cheap station to being with ($100 USD). I want something a little more professional. I'm torn between another Fine Offset station and a Davis Vantage Pro2, although I'm not discarding other possibilities. The Pro2 is fairly expensive and not sure if I can justify spending that much. Likewise the Davis Vue and Pro2 station consoles seem a little.. outdated, as they haven't had new designs in over 3 years where as even my brand new WS-1090 I got 2.5 years ago has been replaced and discontinued. (Not necessarily a bad thing, as they say don't fix what's not broken). But I'd like assurance that I wont buy it, then say Pro3 series come out soon after.

My only real requirement is that the console must connect USB or my PC, and I must be able to have multiple consoles. (I have one hooked up to PC in a bedroom, and one downstairs in the main section of the house for easy access). if it doesn't break the bank, that'd be good. And of course, Cumulus support. Solar power would be nice but not needed, and must have a good solar shield (or fan aspirated). UV sensors would be nice, but also, not needed as the location is on the east side of a large hill and any solar readings would be off, given the sun sets over almost 2 hours earlier here than on the horizon.

Opinions and suggests would be very welcome!

[tjaliwalpa]

Sounds like you are going through the same process I have just gone through. I've opted for a Davis Vantage Pro2 Wireless with USB Data Logger (don't forget you need a data logger). My decision was a little more rushed than yours as my FO 1082 had started to fall apart (for the second time) with wind and rain sensors not working.

What I liked about the VP2 was the capacity to add more sensors and devices later, including fan aspiration. What I didn't like was the price, particularly in Australia. US pricing from some of the discount suppliers is much less, even when I added the freight. However the wireless frequencies of the US items did not conform with regs in Australia. Because of sensor placement issues, cabled units were not an option.

Having received the VP2 only 3 days ago, it's not set up in its final location. Compared to the FO console units I have experience with, the VP2 is miles in front and much easier to read. And you get to add additional consoles if you want, so that meets your wish, although since I have a Cumulus website, I tend to use that as a replacement for additional consoles. I've set up an iPad, iPhone page that serves this purpose, plus the Steel Gauges page comes in hand on iPad and PC as a console.

Side by side there is a huge difference in the build quality of the FO equipment and the Davis. In making my decision, I looked at it as a long term investment.

I'm currently designing a pivot tower for my wind sensors, possibly 45 feet (15 metres) or slightly less to clear trees and buildings. Something like that could work for UV and solar sensors in your case.

Wishing you all the best with your decision.

[PaulMy]

You can't go wrong with a Davis, specially the VP2. If there is to be a VP3 it will likely be quite a while in the future - certainly many months or longer. The Davis comes at a cost but most USA on-line dealers have special unpublished prices that they will email you. As mentioned by tjaliwalpa you would also need the data logger that comes at an extra cost. As for an extra console, you can get the lower cost Davis Envoy instead of a full console to connect to your computer. Davis does offer the basic aspirated VP2 model 6152 as well as the VP2 Plus, or optional solar, UV, etc. and then there is the wired version at a lower cost if that is suitable.

Paul

[Paul-G0HWC]

I just upgraded today from a F/O to a Davis Vue.
all went very well and worked first time talking to
Cumulus

Will keep a eye on it for the next few days.

The old F/O had got corrosion in both the connectors
on the outside sensor !

Paul