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Re: [TowerTalk] Weather Stations that don't transmit near the 70 cm band

To: Christian Kennedy <chris@af6ap.com>, towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Weather Stations that don't transmit near the 70 cm band?
From: Larry McDavid <lmcdavid@lmceng.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2022 12:21:34 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I believe it is the spread-spectrum, frequency-hopping of the Davis Instruments wireless weather systems that gives them such wireless reliability; they claim 1000 foot range and while I don't use that much I've never had a connection problem or loss of data with my Vantage Pro 2 system. It can be set for up to 8 "channels" in case you have multiple sensor transmitters.

I have had one weather vane bearing problem in 9 years or so. But, Davis has an excellent exchange/repair offer for these sensor suite components. They do have system re-build kits but I prefer to buy just the parts I need to replace. I have replaced one 24-hour fan because it would not run at night on the two NiCd cells (it ran fine during the day on its solar cells) and I replaced one remote electronics plastic cover due to sun exposure. Otherwise, my Vantage Pro 2 system has performed well for at least 9 years out in the So. Cal. sun. The Vantage Pro runs on solar power. There is one 123 Li primary cell in case of prolonged cloudy days but an internal super-capacitor is charged by the solar cells and can run the system for several days minimum. I believe I replaced that one 123 Li cell once in 9 years.

I don't do 900 MHz weak-signal work but I've never had any kind of RFI problem.

An earlier Davis Instruments "Weather Monitor" system I ran for 25 years was wired. Too many wires... Wireless is definitely the way to go today. Spread spectrum wireless is likely more reliable.

The Vantage Pro 2 can add other optional sensors, such as UV and solar radiation. I added the solar radiation sensor because I have a 6 KW photovoltaic solar system on my house and wanted to compare some curious dips in solar output between what the solar system reports every 6 seconds and what the Davis solar radiation sensor sees. If you are into gardening or farming, there are numerous other sensors you can also add. They can be remote from the main sensor suite and also wireless.

But, yes, there surely are less expensive weather systems out there. And, the Davis Instruments Vantage Vue system is itself a good example, though it gives up some of the capability of the Vantage Pro 2.


Best wishes,

Larry McDavid W6FUB
Anaheim, California (SE of Los Angeles, near Disneyland)

On 9/19/2022 11:01 AM, Christian Kennedy wrote:

On 19/09/22 10:48, towers@mhtc.net wrote:
Adding to the question, are there any that do NOT transmit in the 440 vicinity?  My YL bought me a wireless wx station and I had to return it, as it sent data bursts every few seconds that tore up my 70cm weak signal station.

Davis Pro2 is frequency hopping 902-928.

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