Davis VP2 and a Mac?

[Rocket]

I'm purchasing a VP2 based on a conversation with the Davis Sales Rep. The thinking is that the VP2 with radiation Shield is not needed in this part of New England as we usually have a t least a breeze. Anyone agree? I'll mount it on the roof so will probably get their tripod (unless someone has an alternative).

Next is being able to publish data to the web. The Rep tells me the Weatherlink for Mac does not support Lion and the IP version requires a PC too. I want to be able to put data out so that it is viewable from mobile devices and I need to keep data/records during the winter. What software is out there that will work nicely with the Mac OS Lion and the VP2 (and a newb to weather casting)?

Thanks for your responses.

[bobbutts]

I'd look into a cheap old pc to do the job.. I recently got something more than sufficient for that on craigslist for $30

If you're doing a 24/7 task like that, there are some advantages to using a dedicated system instead of sharing your primary desktop.

[Rocket]

Thanks for the idea.

How about setting up their IP software with a borrowed PC? That software does not need a PC to keep it going, no? What type of data can I keep from the IP setup? Are there data files of some sort?

Another question/train of thought I have is will any of these or a third party solution work behind a firewall?

Thank you again.

[snowman21]

Thanks for the idea.

How about setting up their IP software with a borrowed PC? That software does not need a PC to keep it going, no? What type of data can I keep from the IP setup? Are there data files of some sort?

Another question/train of thought I have is will any of these or a third party solution work behind a firewall?

Thank you again.

You can export from WeatherLink into a CSV format or something that's easily importable into Excel. The raw data files that WeatherLink uses are binary, but if you're handy writing your own software you can decode them.

[Rocket]

Well, I set up the station in the yard. I have to get it on the roof somehow. I got the tripod so it is just sitting out there. I got a great price so I got the radiation shield version.

I hope I did this correctly. I purchased the WeatherLink software package because I was told I have to have the data logger that is in the package. The only problem is that the package says it is for Windows 2000 and above. This isn't the IP version is it? Does this mean I cannot broadcast to WeatherLink.com? Where is it most useful to broadcast data? I'm in the center of three airport broadcasts and none of them ever match what is going on here. The closest broadcasting home station that I have found is in the next town but does not have much data being published. This one might be useful to someone else other than me.

Back on point…

The box says version 6510. The Mac version is supposedly 6520 (but remember that it does not work on updated Macs so it is of little use to me). The Internet version is 6555 (but I am still confused as to what is being purchased with that version-wouldn't an ethernet cable work?). Is all I need the cable from any of these? What is so special about the cable?

Next is software. Is anyone using a Mac based software in Lion that logs data, has decent graphs, and is in a word useful? How is WeatherSnoop?

[Rocket]

UPDATE: I got it installed not he roof and working just fine throughout Irene.

I am still stuck with the software/connection to a computer but let me rephrase the question a bit here. Not to sound snobby or anything but what good is publishing data to the web? Is it more a "feel good" situation or is there any evidence that it is being used for public safety or something else just as important? I've found two stations within five miles and several more within ten of me on WeatherUnderground. I have only found one station being reported on CWOP for the entire state. I thought there would be much more on CWOP actually. What is the benefit of publishing the data?

Locally, I can honestly say that I like being able to see the data on the Vantage Pro 2—and I can carry it in and out of the house, room to room. What I am seeing with the four or five software options for the Mac (WeatherTracker, WView, LightSoft Weather Center, WeatherSnoop, and VanProd) is the ability to send data to a private website, Wunderground, or CWOP. I don't see any added value as to what can be seen locally, on the computer. If I am understanding this I am going to put the VP2 behind/under/on top of a computer and use the graphics on the computer. Am I understanding this correctly?

Lastly, is anyone using these software? Which do you like? I've installed two of the five so far and have not been able to get them to work. I've requested help from the developers and am waiting. I don't think it is the software's fault. It's probably me not knowing what I am doing.