Vantage Vue™ Sensor Suite Installation Manual

Introduction

The Vantage Vue™ wireless sensor suite collects outside weather data and transmits it wirelessly to a WeatherLink Console via a low-power radio. The sensor suite is solar-powered and includes a battery back-up.

The suite contains a rain collector, temperature/humidity sensor, anemometer, and wind vane. The temperature/humidity sensor is housed within a passive radiation shield to minimize solar radiation's impact. The anemometer measures wind speed, and the wind vane measures wind direction.

The Sensor Interface Module (SIM) is the core of the sensor suite, acting as the system's "brain" and radio transmitter. It collects weather data and sends it to your WeatherLink Console or WeatherLink Live.

Your Vantage Vue sensor suite can transmit to an unlimited number of consoles. It can also transmit to classic Davis Vantage Pro2 & Vantage Vue consoles, Davis Weather Envoy, and WeatherLink Live.

Included Components and Hardware

Vantage Vue Sensor Suite Components

The sensor suite includes the following primary components:

• Rain collector debris screen: Protects the rain collector from debris.
• Solar panel: Powers the sensor suite during the day.
• Wind vane: Measures wind direction.
• Wind cups: Measure wind speed.
• Radiation shield: Houses and protects temperature/humidity sensors.
• Tipping spoon (rain) assembly: Measures rainfall by collecting and tipping water.

Hardware

The sensor suite package includes:

• U-Bolt
• Backing plate
• 1/4" lock washers
• 1/4" hex nuts
• Debris screen
• 0.05" Allen wrench

Tools Needed

• Adjustable wrench or 7/16" (11 mm) wrench
• Compass or local area map

If any hardware components are missing, contact Customer Service at 1-800-678-3669.

Setup the WeatherLink Console

If using a WeatherLink Live or other Davis receiver, consult its manual for setup instructions.

1. Ensure the Console has power.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts on the WeatherLink Console to configure it to "listen" to your sensor suite.

The WeatherLink User Guide is available at https://support.davisinstruments.com.

Preparing the Sensor Suite for Installation

Follow these steps in order, as each builds on the previous one. Use a clean, well-lit work area.

1. Attach the wind cups to the anemometer.
2. Attach the wind vane.
3. Install the rain collector tipping spoon assembly.
4. Install the debris screen in the rain collector.
5. Apply power from the sensor suite battery.
6. For advanced setup: Verify transmitter ID and change if necessary.
7. Verify data from the sensor suite.

Attach the Wind Cups to the Anemometer

The anemometer measures wind speed. The wind cups attach to the anemometer shaft.

1. Gently slide the wind cup assembly onto the anemometer's stainless steel shaft as far as it will go.
2. Use the provided Allen wrench to tighten the set screw near the top of the wind cups' "hub" section. Ensure the set screw is fully tightened.
3. Pull gently on the hub to confirm the anemometer is securely fastened.
4. Spin the wind cups to ensure they move freely.

If the wind cups do not spin freely, loosen the set screw, remove the cups, and repeat the installation steps.

Diagram Description: Shows wind cups being attached to the shaft and the set screw being tightened with an Allen wrench.

Attach the Wind Vane

The wind vane measures wind direction and mounts on a shaft opposite the wind cups.

1. Hold the sensor suite assembly with the anemometer and radiation shields on your left, and the wind vane shaft on your right.
2. Ensure the wind vane shaft is horizontal, with its flat side facing right.
3. With your left hand holding the assembly, grasp the wind vane with your right hand, pointing the "arrowhead" end down.
4. Gently slide the wind vane onto the shaft, rotating it slightly if needed, until the shaft end is visible and protrudes slightly from the vane's bottom surface.
5. Secure the wind vane by firmly tightening its set screw with the Allen wrench.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the process of attaching the wind vane to its shaft.

Install the Rain Collector Tipping Spoon Assembly

1. Locate the tipping spoon assembly slot on the underside of the sensor suite base.
2. Insert the wider end of the tipping spoon assembly into the slot first, sliding it under the raised lip.
3. Fit the narrow end into the slot and tighten the thumbscrew securely.

Diagram Description: Shows the location of the tipping spoon assembly slot and the assembly itself.

Install the Debris Screen

The debris screen prevents debris from clogging the rain collector.

1. Locate the small black plastic debris screen in your hardware package. It has four tabs for securing it.
2. Press the screen into the rain collector opening until its tabs snap into place.

Diagram Description: Depicts the debris screen being inserted into the rain collector.

Apply Battery Power

The sensor suite uses solar power and has a 3-volt lithium battery backup. The battery compartment is located on the underside of the base. The battery is shipped with a pull tab to prevent connection.

1. Unscrew the thumbscrew to remove the battery compartment door.
2. Hold the battery and remove the pull tab.
3. To verify power, wait 30 seconds, then press and release the white transmitter ID button next to the battery compartment. The green transmitter ID LED should illuminate.

Press the button once and release. Do not press multiple times or hold it down. The LED will blink once (indicating transmitter ID 1) and then flash every 2.5 seconds to show data transmission. This flashing will stop after a few minutes to conserve battery life.

Diagram Description: Shows the underside of the sensor suite with the battery compartment, pull tab, Transmitter ID button, and LED.

3. Replace the battery compartment door.

Advanced Installations: Confirm the Transmitter ID of the sensor suite

The console and sensor suite must have the same transmitter ID to communicate. The factory default is ID 1.

1. Push and release the transmitter ID button once. The LED will illuminate and then turn off.
2. After a short pause, the LED will blink one or more times (up to 8) to indicate the transmitter ID number.

Unless intentionally changed, the LED should blink once (ID 1). If you have changed the ID, it will blink the number of times corresponding to the new ID (e.g., twice for ID 2).

After indicating the ID, the light will flash every 2.5 seconds, showing packet transmission.

If you accidentally enter the "set new transmitter ID" mode by holding the button too long, release it and wait four seconds. The original ID will remain active.

Diagram Description: Shows the transmitter ID button and LED on the sensor suite.

Advanced Installations: Set a New Transmitter ID on the Sensor Suite

Changing the transmitter ID is usually not necessary. If required (e.g., due to interference from another nearby station with the same ID), ensure the sensor suite and console use the same ID.

The Vantage Vue sensor suite supports eight selectable transmitter IDs. The default is ID 1.

To set a new transmitter ID:

1. Push and hold the transmitter ID button until the LED begins flashing quickly, indicating setup mode.
2. Release the button; the LED will go dark.
3. Push the button the number of times corresponding to your desired new transmitter ID (e.g., three times for ID 3).

After four seconds of inactivity, the LED will blink the new transmitter ID number, then flash every 2.5 seconds for transmission.

Verify Data from the Sensor Suite

WeatherLink Console:

1. Check your console for outside sensor data. If data is missing, consult the WeatherLink Console User Guide for troubleshooting.

Test reception in potential mounting locations. Check signal strength via the Console's Account icon (person icon) > Device Information. Signal should be "Good" or "Fair," and "Connected" should be "Yes."

WeatherLink Live:

1. Open your WeatherLink.com page.
2. Look for outside temperature data.
3. If data is absent, click the Tools icon (wrench icon), then choose Health Data. Ensure the DavisTalk RSSI signal strength is above -90.

Refer to the WeatherLink Live User Manual for details on checking wireless signal strength.

Installing the Sensor Suite

Choosing a Location for the Sensor Suite

The sensor suite assembly includes the rain collector, wind vane, anemometer, temperature/humidity sensors, radiation shield, and SIM housing. Use the provided U-bolt and hardware to mount it on a pole. (See "Hardware" on page 2.)

Follow these guidelines for optimal performance, considering maintenance access and wireless transmission range:

When mounting on a rooftop, ensure the location is far from power lines. Seek professional help if unsure about installation safety.

Sensor Suite Installation Guidelines

These guidelines represent ideal conditions; perfect installations are rare. Better siting leads to more accurate data.

• Place the sensor suite away from heat sources like chimneys, heaters, air conditioners, and exhaust vents.
• Position it at least 100 feet (30 m) away from asphalt or concrete surfaces that absorb and radiate heat. Avoid locations near fences or sun-exposed building sides.
• Install the sensor suite as level as possible for accurate rain and wind measurements. Use the built-in bubble level above the solar panel.
• Solar Panel Orientation: In the Northern Hemisphere, face the solar panel south for maximum sun exposure. In the Southern Hemisphere, face it north.

Diagram Description: Shows the solar panel orientation for the Northern Hemisphere (South) and Southern Hemisphere (North).

Wind direction is calibrated assuming the solar panel faces south. If installed otherwise, calibrate your console for accurate wind direction readings. Consult the WeatherLink Console User Guide.

• Ideally, mount the sensor suite 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) above ground in a gently sloping or flat, regularly mowed grassy area. Alternatively, mount it 5 to 7 feet above a roof surface. In areas with deep snow, mount it at least 2 feet (0.6 m) above the average maximum snow depth.
• Never install where it can be directly sprayed by sprinklers.
• Avoid installations near bodies of water like swimming pools or ponds.
• Do not place under tree canopies or near building sides that create "rain shadows." In forested areas, choose a clearing or meadow.
• Site the sensor suite for good sun exposure throughout the day.
• For agricultural applications: Mount 5 to 7 feet above ground, between similar crop types. Avoid areas with frequent agricultural chemical applications. Do not install over bare soil; it performs best over well-irrigated, mowed grass. If these conditions aren't met, install at the edge of the primary crop.

Siting guidelines that may affect the anemometer

• For optimal wind data, mount the sensor suite so the wind cups are at least 7 feet (2.1 m) above obstructions like trees or buildings.
• For optimal wind data, consider roof mounting for easier access, ideally with wind cups at least 7 feet above the roof apex.
• Standard meteorological/aviation practice is 33 feet (10 m) above ground. Seek professional help for such installations.
• Agricultural standard for wind cups is 6 feet (2 m) above ground for evapotranspiration (ET) calculations.

For roof mounting, consider the optional Tripod (#7716). For other installations, use the Mounting Pole Kit (#7717).

For detailed siting suggestions, see Application Note #30 at www.davisinstruments.com/support/weather.

Mounting the Sensor Suite

The Vantage Vue sensor suite mounts only on top of a pole or rod.

A mounting pole is not included and must be purchased separately from Davis Instruments or a hardware retailer.

Recommended Accessories for Pole Mounting

• Mounting Tripod (#7716) for easiest mounting.
• Mounting Pole Kit (#7717) to raise installation height by up to 37.5" (0.95 m).

General Guidelines for Installing on a Pole

• The supplied U-bolt fits poles or rods with a 1" to 1.75" (25 – 44 mm) outside diameter.
• For smaller poles, a U-bolt with a longer threaded section may be needed.

Diagram Description: Shows the U-bolt attaching to the C-shaped bracket on the sensor suite base.

Installing the Sensor Suite on a Pole

1. If using a Davis Mounting Tripod or Pole Kit, follow their specific instructions.
2. For other poles, use a galvanized steel pole with a 1" to 1.75" (25 – 44 mm) diameter.

Ensure the mounting pole is plumb (vertical). Use a level to verify.

3. Position the sensor suite on top of the pole, with the wind cups and radiation shield on the left.
4. Align the sensor suite's mounting base with the pole. Place the U-bolt ends around the pole and through the holes in the C-shaped bracket.
5. Slide the metal backing plate over the bolt ends extending from the bracket.
6. Secure the backing plate with a lock washer and hex nut on each bolt end.
7. Tighten the hex nuts by hand until the sensor suite is just secure enough to hold its position.
8. Orient the sensor suite: solar panel facing south (Northern Hemisphere) or north (Southern Hemisphere) for accurate wind direction readings.

Do not rely solely on a compass; North America can have up to 15° variation between true north and compass readings.

8. When properly oriented, tighten the hex nuts securely with a wrench. Do not exceed 96 inch-pounds (10.8 newton-meters) of torque.

Use the built-in bubble level to ensure the sensor suite is as level as possible.

Finishing the Installation

The wind vane is factory-calibrated for a south-facing solar panel. If your panel orientation differs, calibrate your console to display accurate wind direction readings. Console calibration can also fine-tune station accuracy.

Calibration is required if you are in the Southern Hemisphere or if your Northern Hemisphere installation cannot have the solar panel facing south.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintenance

Power down your Console or WeatherLink Live before performing maintenance to avoid erroneous data collection.

Cleaning the Radiation Shield

Clean the outer surface of the radiation shield with a damp cloth to remove dirt and build-up.

Excessive water or spraying can damage sensors or alter data transmission.

Check the radiation shield annually for debris or insect nests. Buildup can reduce sensor effectiveness and cause inaccurate readings.

1. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, loosen the two #6 x 2 1/2" screws holding the five radiation shield plates.
2. Carefully separate the plates, maintaining their original order, and remove any debris.
3. Reassemble the plates in the same order and fasten them with the screws.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the radiation shield plates, showing solid plates and drain holes oriented towards the mounting pole.

Cleaning the Rain Collector, Debris Screen, and Tipping Spoon Module

Clean the rain collector cone and debris screen as needed, or at least once a year, for accuracy.

Cleaning the rain collector and tipping spoon may lead to false rain readings.

1. Use a damp, soft cloth to remove debris from the collector and screen.
2. Use pipe cleaners to clear any remaining debris from the screen.
3. Rinse all parts with clear water.

Troubleshooting (Tipping Spoon)

To clean the tipping spoon assembly, it must first be removed from the sensor suite base.

1. Unscrew the thumbscrew securing the tipping spoon assembly and slide it down and away from the base.
2. Use a damp, soft cloth to gently remove debris from the assembly, being careful not to damage moving parts or scratch the spoon.
3. Rinse with clear water and replace the assembly (refer to "Install the Rain Collector Tipping Spoon Assembly" on page 4).

Troubleshooting Sensor Suite Reception

If the console is not displaying data from the sensor suite:

1. Verify that both the sensor suite and console are powered. (See the WeatherLink Console User Guide.)
2. Ensure the sensor suite battery is properly installed.
3. Move the console around the room to test reception in various locations. Check connection and signal strength via the Console's Account icon > Device Information.
4. Press the transmitter button. If the Transmitter ID LED does not light, contact Technical Support.

If the Transmitter ID LED flashes (indicating transmission) but the console receives no signal:

• The sensor suite Transmitter ID may not match the console's ID.
• Frequency interference from outside sources, or excessive distance/barriers, may be disrupting reception.
• There might be an issue with the WeatherLink Console itself.

Interference must be very strong to prevent reception in the same room.

5. If wireless transmission issues persist, contact Technical Support.

See "Contacting Davis Instruments" on page 13.

Most Common Rain Collector Problem

"My rain data seems too low."

Clean the debris screen and tipping spoon module to clear any obstructions.

Most Common Anemometer Problems

"The wind cups are spinning but my console displays 0 mph."

The wind cups may not be turning the shaft. Remove the cups by loosening the set screw, reattach them firmly down the shaft, and retighten the set screw.

"The wind cups don't spin or don't spin as fast as they should."

Wind may be blocked, or friction may be interfering. Remove the cups, clear any insects or debris, and reattach them. If the shaft feels gritty or stiff, contact Davis Technical Support.

Do not lubricate the shaft or bearings.

"Readings aren't what I expected them to be."

Comparing your readings to external sources (TV, radio, neighbors) is not a valid verification method, as readings can vary significantly over short distances. Siting also greatly affects accuracy. Contact Davis Technical Support for assistance.

Contacting Davis Instruments

For questions about the sensor suite or Vantage Vue system, or for installation/operation problems, contact Davis Technical Support.

Do not return items to the factory for repair without prior authorization.

• Online: www.davisinstruments.com (See the Weather Support section for manuals, specifications, application notes, and software updates.)
• E-mail: support@davisinstruments.com
• Telephone: (510) 732-7814 (Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time)

Appendix A: Specifications

Complete specifications are available at www.davisinstruments.com.

Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS) Specifications

Frequency Ranges

• Transmitter ID codes: 8 user-selectable
• License: Low power (less than 10 mW), no license required

Update Interval by Sensor