Summary of Contents for DAVIS Vantage Pro2 GroWeather 6820
- Page 1 USER MANUAL Vantage Pro2 GroWeather Sensor Suite with Solar Radiation Sensor Product numbers 6820 and 6820C Davis Instruments, 3465 Diablo Avenue, Hayward, CA 94545-2778 U.S.A. • 510-732-9229 • www.davisnet.com...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Changes or modification not expressly approved in writing by Davis Instruments may void the warranty and void the user's authority to operate this equipment. FCC ID: IR2DWW6328 IC: 378810-6328... -
Page 3: Introduction
Introduction The Sensor Suite collects outside weather data and sends the data to a receiver such as a Vantage Pro2 console. The wireless sensor suite can also transmit data to wireless Vantage Connect, Vantage Vue console, Envoy8X, or wireless Weather Envoy. -
Page 4: Included Components And Hardware
Included Components and Hardware The sensor suite comes with all the components and hardware shown in the following illustrations. Components Vantage Pro2 GroWeather Sensor Suite with Solar Radiation Sensor Debris Screen with locking grooves (locks inside cone) Anemometer Bird Vane Spikes Solar Radiation Control... - Page 5 Hardware (Included) Bird Spikes (15) U-Bolts 1/4" x 3" Lag Screws 1/4" Flat Washers #4 x 1-1/8" Machine Screw 1/4" Lock Washers #4 Tooth 1/4" Hex Nuts 3-Volt Lock Washer Lithium .05" Allen Battery Backing Plate #4-40 Hex Nut (wireless Wrench models only)
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Page 6: Prepare The Sensor Suite For Installation
Prepare the Sensor Suite for Installation Follow the steps in the order they are presented as each builds on tasks completed in previous steps. Tip: Use a well-lit work table or work area to prepare the sensor suite for installation. Assemble the Anemometer The anemometer measures wind direction and speed. - Page 7 4. Slide the tooth-lock washer and hex nut onto the machine screw. Tighten the hex nut while holding the screw with a Phillips head screwdriver to prevent it from turning. 5. Press the sensor cable firmly and completely into the zig-zagging channel in the base, starting from the arm and progressing downward to the bottom of the base.
- Page 8 Check Sensor Interface Connections and Connect the Anemometer Cable The sensor interface is located in the transmitter shelter on the front of the sensor suite. It contains all the connections for the weather sensors of the sensor suite. Follow the steps below to check the sensor interface and ensure that all sensors are connected properly.
- Page 9 Check the Factory Installed Sensor Connections 1. Verify that the rain collector and temperature/humidity sensor cables are plugged into the receptacles labeled RAIN and TEMP/HUM on the sensor interface. 2. Verify that the solar radiation sensor cable is plugged into the receptacles labeled SUN on the sensor interface.
- Page 10 Prepare the Rain Collector The tipping mechanism is secured at the factory to protect it from damage during shipping. Note: Be careful not to scratch the silver-colored coating on the tipping spoons under the cone. 1. Remove the rain collector cone from the sensor suite base by rotating the cone counter-clockwise.
- Page 11 Optional: Insert the Metric Measurement Adapter The rain collector tipping spoon mechanism takes measurements in 0.01'' (US versions) or 0.2 mm (M, EU, UK and OV) increments for each tip of the spoons. If you have a US version and would like to convert it to a metric measurement, you can insert the metric adapter that is included in your hardware kit.
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Page 12: Cabled Sensor Suite Assembly
The console cable can be extended up to 1000' (305 m) in length with extension cables purchased from Davis Instruments. With the console powered, plugging the console cable into the console powers the sensor suite and establishes communication between the sensor suite and the console. - Page 13 Verify Data from the Sensors 1. Near the center of the screen, look for the outside temperature (TEMP OUT). 2. Spin the wind cups to check wind speed, pressing WIND if necessary to alternate between speed and direction in the compass rose. 3.
- Page 14 AC power adapter from the console and removing the console batteries for at least 30 seconds. If the console is still not displaying sensor readings from the sensor suite after powering back up, please contact Davis Technical Support.
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Page 15: Wireless Sensor Suite Assembly
Note: If there is another Davis weather station within range of your console or Vantage Connect, you should change the Transmitter ID. Remember to use the same ID for the sensor suite and console. - Page 16 Verifying Data from the Sensors Use these steps to verify reception of sensor suite data at the wireless Vantage Pro2 console and to test the operation of the sensors. 1. If the console is in Setup Mode, press and hold DONE until the Current Weather screen displays.
- Page 17 Change the Transmitter ID if any of the following issues are true: • Another Davis Instruments wireless weather station operating nearby already uses Transmitter ID 1. • You have purchased additional Vantage Pro2 or Vantage Vue wireless transmitting stations and one of the stations has been designated as Station No.
- Page 18 On the sensor suite, the Transmitter ID is set using the DIP switches located on the sensor interface. To access the sensor interface, open the transmitter shelter cover. See “Open the Transmitter Shelter” on page 6. DIP Switches Transmitter ID DIP switches in top-right corner of sensor interface To change to another ID, use a ballpoint pen or paper clip to toggle DIP switches #1, 2, and 3.
- Page 19 Plan the Sensor Suite Installation Locating the Sensor Suite and Anemometer For the weather station to perform at its best, use these guidelines to select the optimum mounting locations for the sensor suite and anemometer. Be sure to take into consideration ease of access for maintenance, sensor cable lengths and wireless transmission range when siting the station.
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Page 20: Plan The Sensor Suite For Installation
• If mounting on a roof, mount the anemometer at least 7' (2.1 m) above the roof apex. (When using a Davis Mounting Tripod, install the anemometer at the very top of the pole.). - Page 21 Optional: Wireless Transmission Considerations The range of the radio transmission depends on several factors. Try to position the transmitter and the receiver as close as possible for best results. Typical maximum ranges include: • Line of sight: 1000' (300 m). •...
- Page 22 Testing Wireless Transmission at Sensor Suite Location After a suitable place has been found for the wireless sensor suite, it is very important to test reception from the installation location before permanently mounting it there. 1. Set the sensor suite in the desired installation location. 2.
- Page 23 • If you would like to install your anemometer even farther away from the sensor suite or without using a cable, use a Davis Anemometer Transmitter Kit, product number 6332. General Installation Guidelines •...
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Page 24: Install The Sensor Suite
To ensure correct orientation of the wind vane, mount the anemometer so that the arm points true north. If your anemometer arm cannot be mounted aiming true north, you will need to calibrate the wind direction on your console to display accurate wind directions. See your Vantage Pro2 Console User Manual. - Page 25 2. Remove the rain collector cone if it is installed on the sensor suite mounting base. 3. Insert the 1/4" x 3" lag screws through the metal backing plate and the holes in the mounting base into the post. Make sure the sensor suite is level by checking the built-in bubble level.
- Page 26 General Guidelines for Installing on a Pole • With the supplied U-bolts, the sensor suite and anemometer can be mounted on a pole having an outside diameter ranging from 1 " to 1 " (32 – 44mm). • Larger U-bolts (not supplied) can be used to mount to a pole with a maximum outside diameter of 2 "...
- Page 27 5. Raise the sensor suite unit to the desired height on the pole and swivel it so the anemometer arm is pointing north. 6. Using an adjustable wrench or 7/16" wrench, tighten all four hex nuts until the sensor suite is firmly fastened on the pole. 7.
- Page 28 Finish the Installation Close the Transmitter Shelter 1. If the solar panel cable was disconnected during sensor suite assembly, reconnect 2. Find the two raised alignment indicator lines on both the shelter and the cover. Match these alignment indicators as you place the cover against the box.
- Page 29 Not all cables are compatible with your Vantage Pro2 system. To be sure they will work, order Davis extension cables from your dealer or directly from Davis Instruments. Be aware that the maximum measurable wind speed reading decreases as the total length of cable from the anemometer to the sensor suite increases.
- Page 30 • Wireless Temperature Station (#6372) • Wireless Temperature/Humidity Station (#6382) • Wireless Leaf & Soil Moisture/Temperature Station (#6345) For more details, please visit our website or see the most recent Davis Precision Weather Instruments catalog.
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Page 31: Maintenance And Troubleshooting
Turn the shafts the cups and vane rotate on. While the wind direction shaft should have more resistance than the wind cup shaft, if either feels gritty or stiff, contact Davis Technical Support. Reattach the cups and vane and tighten with the Allen wrench. - Page 32 Maintaining the Radiation Shield The outer plating of the radiation shield should be cleaned when there is excessive dirt and build-up on the plating. Wipe the outer edge of each ring with a damp cloth. Note: Spraying down or using water excessively to clean the radiation shield can damage the sensitive sensors or alter the data and readings the sensor suite is transmitting.
- Page 33 Maintaining the Rain Collector Cone To maintain accuracy, thoroughly clean the rain collector several times a year. Note: Cleaning the rain collector and tipping spoons may cause false rain readings. Unplug the rain sensor from the sensor interface before cleaning so that no inaccurate readings are logged, or clear the weather data that was logged on the Vantage Pro2 console after cleaning is complete.
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Page 34: Contacting Technical Support
Do not lubricate the shaft or bearings in any way. When replacing the cups, make sure they are not rubbing against any part of the anemometer head. Contacting Technical Support For questions about the sensor suite or Vantage Pro2 system, please contact Davis Technical Support. We’ll be glad to help. Note: Please do not return items to the factory for repair before calling to get a Return Materials Authorization number. -
Page 35: Appendix
License: ......Low power (less than 8 mW), no license required Primary power: ..... Solar power – Davis solar charger Backup power: . -
Page 36: Sensor Interface
GroWeather®, Vantage Pro2™, Weather Envoy™, Envoy8X™, Vantage Vue® and Vantage Connect® are trademarks of Davis Instruments Corporation, Hayward, CA. Copyright © 2017 Davis Instruments Corp. All rights reserved. Information in this document subject to change without notice. Davis Instruments Quality Management System is ISO 9001 certified.