Davis Instruments vantage vue to Synology docker Cumulus MX using 6510 USB Datalogger

[Pretzal]

Hi all,

Just trying to draw on the group's experience here.

I have Cumulus MX running in a docker container on my Synology NAS. It is working and I can see Cumulus MX running on my phone and can access it outside of my network (no input data yet). I also have a 10 year old Davis Instruments Vantage Vue that I like, but want to be able to view the data on my phone while not at home.The vantage vue is still fully operational but has no datalogging capability as yet.

I am considering buying a used 6510USB WeatherLink USB Data Logger that I can install in my Vantage Vue console and then connect it to a free USB port on my NAS. The used USB datalogger will set me back about A$100 ($75US). I am cautiously optimistic it will work with the NAS but it's a bit of a leap of faith to ensure it will all work as expected through what is pretty old hardware. I am aware of the A$500 Weatherlink Live but am looking to do this on the cheap as I can't justify the HUGE spend plus I enjoy tinkering with this sort of thing.

My question is - Will it be likely that I will get it working via the USB datalogger/Synology Cumulas MX?
OR
Am I better off biting the bullet and just getting a Ecowitt G1011 Weather station (no console) for A$120 and being done with it.

Thanks in advance

[water01]

My question is why are you running it in a docker but in answer to my own question the answer could be you are on DSM 6.

If you switched to DSM 7 you can run CMX 3 natively on Mono or shiny new CMX 4 on .NET 8 both of which are available in DSM 7.

I will leave others to answer the Davis questions!!

[Pretzal]

Hi David,

Thanks so much for your input. No I'm running 7.2 so can probably run the other 2 versions you refer to. If I'm confident the hardware will work, I will look into those versions as running them natively will likely give better results all round - particularly with the USB input from the datalogger.

Only discovered this forum (and cumulus!) yesterday so really appreciate the guidance.

[PaulMy]

Hi,

My question is - Will it be likely that I will get it working via the USB datalogger/Synology Cumulas MX?

I don't know anything about Synology but Davis USB logger are generally very good (mine now over 15 years) and work well with Cumulus/CumulusMX. The important thing is to make sure the logger is set as serial mode.

Enjoy,
Paul

[water01]

If you want to run version 4 I put together this tutorial to install it on a Synology NAS running 7.2.

viewtopic.php?p=181978#p181978

I have it running perfectly on DSM 7.2.2-72803 on DS720+.

[Pretzal]

Thank you Paul for your information (I will have to hunt around for the correct serial settings required for the datalogger). I have faith in the datalogger quality - just trying to ensure it *can* work with my intended plan!

David - Thanks again for the extra information. The instructions are stretching the limit of my command line skills (basic at best). I can follow the intent of your instructions but will be a slow process for me to ensure I get it correct - IT is not my trade - only a hobby!

Question I have is - what is wrong with the docker implementation? It is running and working - what does v3/4 do for me that the docker won't? The main aim of this little project is to be able to record the rainfall and have it stored, the data presented in a meaningful way and made available away from home.

[water01]

The docker will not let you keep up with the continual improvement that Mark Crossley is putting into CumulusMX especially in V4. You are reliant on someone else keeping you up to date by upgrading the docker.

V4 with .Net 8 is a big improvement and a major step up in the reliability of CumulusMX as Mono at best was a bit flaky, and I very much doubt that the developers of Mono on Synology DSM 7.2 will be upgrading it given the release of .Net 8.

It is entirely up to you, but I want my Weather Station to be providing the best information in the most reliable format and running native using V4 is the best way to do that.

If you need any help to do this I am happy to help via email or PM.

[Pretzal]

Thanks you very much for the excellent summary. Ok - it sounds like it's the best implementation of Cumulus. I will try over the next few days to get it up and running. Thank you also for the offer of support I might need it! I will try and read through your posts on the subject first before I dive in.

[water01]

If you take it step by step and check every step after completion you should be fine. No hurry V4 is not going away soon, says he when he knows there is a new one in Beta trials!!

[Pretzal]

Hi David,

Your instructions were excellent - got it running already! The only issue I've encountered so far is not all the menus (Data Logs, Settings and Edit) are opening on Safari on my Mac. They work fine however on Chrome on my Mac and Safari on my iPhone. Essentially the dropdown menus don't function in Safari on Mac. Not sure what is causing this but it's a minor inconvenience.

Now I need to secure the datalogger and hope that I can get it running with the NAS and CumulusMX.

Thank you for your advice and instructions - fabulous!

[water01]

Weird that Safari should have a problem.

Glad you got it working well done.

[PaulMy]

Hi,

I will have to hunt around for the correct serial settings required for the datalogger.

This site has excellent information https://www.manula.com/manuals/pws/davi ... mms-issues

Enjoy,
Paul

[Pretzal]

Thanks Paul for that link.

I have purchased the Data logger today so it will arrive in a few days. Hopefully I can turn all the dashes on the Cumulus MX Dashboard into useful data when it arrives.

Will report back.

[Pretzal]

OK so the 6510 Datalogger has arrived and I have tried installing it into the Synology 918+. It doesn't seem to recognise it when I install it into the USB port (nothing is showing up in Control Panel > External devices). I tried downloading the 'SynoKernel USB Serial Drivers' from the Community tab in Package Center but the device is still not recognised/seen by the Synology.

I have downloaded the old WeatherLink software onto a windows laptop and was able to setup a connection to the Vantage Vue console so have concluded that the Datalogger is working.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do next??

[freddie]

The data logger needs to be running in serial mode. Have you checked that is the case? It won't show up as a usb device on your Synology - it will be a serial device. You can find these in the /dev directory. Typically on Linux it presents as /dev/ttyUSB0