Datasheet

• The official Davis policy of ”smokescreen lies” may work for a short while — until
someone takes the trouble to document what really goes on. Sadly, there is only
room for one character at the bottom line — it all boils down to $.
5.4 Email correspondence
In late December, 2012, the following email exchanges took place between the author
and Davis technical support. At this point the nature of the ”original data logger re-
quirement” had already been identified.
>I've been made aware of a recent design change to the Vantage
>Pro2 console, related to the use of the expansion connector at
>the rear of the unit. Specifically, there are talks of
>"firmware version 3" which prohibits use of non-Davis data
>loggers, etc. Is this correct? If so, why?
The latest firmware version 3.0 supports the latest display
console hardware for the Vantage Pro2 and Vantage Vue. We have
updated the hardware on the consoles which requires version 3
firmware. We don't support non-Davis data loggers so I wouldn't
be able to tell you if a non-Davis data logger would work.
Apparently, the hardware in the consoles has been updated. That’s an interesting
statement, as both high-resolution x-ray scans
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and inspection of the individual com-
ponents of green dot and non-green dot consoles reveal ... very little change. Even if there
had been a significant hardware change, the ATmega128L remains the same — there is
definitely no requirement to lock down the serial line, which remains capable of saying
”NO” — only confirming that it’s still able to receive and send data. Surprisingly, the
”why” question was never answered or commented upon.
You need a current data logger to work with current consoles.
We never supported communicating without a data logger. If you
were able to do this at 1.90 but not at 3.0 it is a byproduct of
the hardware, not by design.
Oh, come on. There is absolutely no need for a data logger — and you know that!
You may not support it or even like it, but don’t blame the hardware. It’s all Davis
firmware running the show, and you know just too well what you have done to cripple
the new green dot consoles. Now the world also knows.
You always did need to use a data logger to communicate with the
station, this is nothing new.
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Unfortunately, these scans were made available for ”inspect and destroy” use only — in a strictly
controlled environment. Images would otherwise have been included here.
http://meteo.annoyingdesigns.com 29