2nd Anemometer Failing

[Mapantz]

I have just witnessed my 2nd anemometer failing, within 10 months. It's the same issue too, the consoles are reading 360 ° permanently, sometimes they flick to a different bearing briefly, but then go back to 360 °
It has been moving back to where it should be slightly more now, but it still flicks to 360 ° even though it is not pointing in that direction.

Why does this keep happening? I got sent a new one for free last time it happened, but they won't do it now.

I see so many people praise Davis stations, but I had problems with the Vue, and multiple problems with the VP2 - and at that sort of money, its unnaceptable

[mcrossley]

Mine lasted about 9 years (its first 7 years were in a coastal location) so it sounds like you were unlucky. But if you've got the dosh...
http://www.lcjcapteurs.com/product/soni ... c/?lang=en

[Mapantz]

I think that's a bit out of my price range!

What i'm trying to work out, is what version of the anemometer I have? I have been reading about 'reed switch' issues and wondered if I had the old version? But then I thought to myself, I was supposed to have the newer Davis VP2 setup - EU 6152 SIM VER 2.0 with the newer rain cone & bird spikes.
The anemometer that I got with it, and the replacement had the Davis logo on the vane, but when I looked at the 6410 version, here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Davis-Anemome ... SwxcRW-RQh

There's no logo, but it does state: Improved design without the troublesome reed switch.

So, do I have the older version? And what is the difference between ones with logo's and ones without?
Obviously, i'll purchase that particular one anyway - looks like i'll be climbing up 11m to the chimney next week.

[RayProudfoot]

If you bought the second one only 10 months ago it's almost certainly the 'new' version without the reed switch. The brass tip on the vane is only on the newer model. Don't you get a 12 month warranty with Davis kit?

My anemometer bought in April 2009 broke in Jan 2014. Its last measurement was 56mph - a new record for me but well within the limits for a Davis. I complained long and hard to Davis and eventually they sent replacement cups. But to ensure I kept continuous records I bought the new one from Prodata. The cups are still sitting in a drawer.

I agree that their claims about durability don't match reality but hopefully what they've leant from the Mk 1 won't be repeated in the Mk 2. As for that anemometer Mark pointed to they've got to be taking the mick with that price!

[AllyCat]

Hi,

Is it actually the anemometer (windspeed sensor) or the Vane that's causing problems? If the speed is reported as zero then AFAIK Cumulus will/may report 360 degrees (north) regardless of the actual vane direction.

The reed switch (which in practice can be a remarkably reliable component) was in the anemometer and the new "Hall effect" semiconductor magnetic sensor "should" be more reliable. But it does need a power supply (taken from the vane sensor I believe) and of course other faults could occur, for example in the bearing.

The wind Vane (still) uses a mechanical potentiometer which (as an engineer) I found very surprising. But it is produced by a well-known specialist manufacturer, so I would hope it was "designed for the job".

Cheers, Alan.

[Mapantz]

It is the vane causing the problems. I have spotted a trend to it as well, it starts going tits up when the wind direction was roughly from the West, this is what happened the first time around.

We had a bit of a squall come through yesterday, prior to that, the wind was coming from the South - No problems with the vane then. As soon as the squall passed through, and the wind changed to West and gusting to 35mph, it kept hopping back and forth from 360 ° to 279 °for over an hour. This is exactly what happened with the first anemometer. It has been doing it again this morning, I stood outside with the console, watching the vane, there was no wind, the vane was pointing roughly West, and the console continuously bounced from North to West every few seconds.

I did think it was a possible fault with the transmitter, but then it occurred to me that I bought the anemometer transmitter back in September, so I could situate it on the chimney. So, that means that this fault has happened on two different anemometers, on two different transmitters.

[Mapantz]

After doing a bit of searching re the same issue as mine, it seems to be a common problem. It is either a failed potentiometer, or there's a break in the cable. I can't see how i've suffered a break in the cable twice in a row?! I have always been careful, and the cable has been wrapped up and secured well so that it doesn't move around or rub against anything.

It's very disappointing to have suffered this twice!

[RayProudfoot]

Mapantz, do you have a warranty?

[mcrossley]

It does sound like the direction pot may have failed. Like Alan I find it a surprising solution. Pots can get 'noisy' with wear and contamination, and these are being put in quite a harsh environment, but I guess it's cheap solution.

If the sliding contacts fail to do their job on any section, then it will go open circuit and the "North" resistor will be the only thing in circuit, hence the North reading. If the cable is broken then usually there will be an open circuit which would result in a "not connected" state being reported - if it lasts for any length of time.

[zooeyhall]

Came across this thread just now, while researching a similar issue.

I've had a Vantage Pro2 since 2010. In 2014 the anemometer gave out (bearing failure). Now the replacement is giving out, only a little more than 2 years later.

I have contacted Davis about it. But was wondering if others had this problem?

[uncle_bob]

The wind Vane (still) uses a mechanical potentiometer which (as an engineer) I found very surprising

Gee, that is surprising, and kind of disappointing.

[ConligWX]

I'm glad I got 3 Years warranty then with mine

[Mapantz]

Good news!

I got in touch with the German suppliers, and they are going to send me another one, and take a look at the one I send back to them. I asked them to let me know what the exact problem is too.

[Mapantz]

Anemometer has been put up, normal service has resumed. I have upgraded to a 1.5" steel galvanized pole, instead of a cranked aluminium aerial pole. It's far more rigid now, especially having 4ft of pole below the bracket, and 6ft above. let's hope I won't need a 3rd anemometer/wind vane?!

P2190097.JPG

[RayProudfoot]

I've posted in a separate anemometer thread but I'll post here too. It looks like the new style anemometer I've had since Jan 2014 is now playing up. Wind speed remain zero in obvious breeze. They do spin eventually but it requires a stronger breeze to kick-start them.

I'll be speaking to my UK supplier tomorrow as any failure this soon after purchase is not acceptable given the cost of these supposedly quality components.