New with a few Q's

[Digz]

Hi All,

New to this forum and the arena of weather recording / logging.

I am an Architect by training, a photographer and astronomer by hobby (with a pinch of MTB on the side.) and have always been interested in recording my own weather observations so I can link them to when I get out with my scope, or when I dont manage to get out as the case has been lately...... So I have recently purchased a Maplins USB weatherstation and downloaded the Cumulus software to view and record my data.

Now, here come the silly questions: (I have searched the forum and google and have probably missed the answers so apologise in advance for this )

1. Am I right in assuming that when I connect my station to my PC the data is downloaded and the record files in the data folder (i.e. today, year, alltime etc) are updated to record the data from the device? Therefore these data files are the complete record of data from the device updated each time I connect.
2. When the memory on the device if full it just gets overwritten?
3. How do I backup my data onto a separate drive just incase there is an issue with my machine? Can I just copy the data folder or is it better to make a copy of the whole cumulus folder from my C: drive? Are there any better ways?

I think thats enough silly questions for now. I look forward to what your comments may be.

[steve]

1. Am I right in assuming that when I connect my station to my PC the data is downloaded and the record files in the data folder (i.e. today, year, alltime etc) are updated to record the data from the device? Therefore these data files are the complete record of data from the device updated each time I connect.

Yes; strictly speaking the download occurs when you start Cumulus, not when you connect the station. In other words, make sure the station is connected before you start Cumulus each time.

2. When the memory on the device if full it just gets overwritten?

Yes.

3. How do I backup my data onto a separate drive just incase there is an issue with my machine? Can I just copy the data folder or is it better to make a copy of the whole cumulus folder from my C: drive? Are there any better ways?

The data folder is the important bit, but you may as well copy the entire Cumulus folder (it's what I do) because then you're also backing up your settings.

[Digz]

Thanks for the quick response Steve.

Of Course you are right, I meant to say when Cumulus is started not when the basestation is connected

Im already having great fun seeing that the wind has been gusting here at 30mph (we live on the side of an exposed hill!).....