® Integrated Sensor Suite Installation Manual Model #6357 3465 Diablo Ave., Hayward, CA 94545 USA 510.732.9229 • www.davisnet.
Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................1 Included Components and Hardware .................................................................1 Vantage Vue ISS Components ...............................................................1 Hardware ................................................................................................2 Tools Needed ...............................................................
Introduction The Vantage Vue® wireless Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS) collects outside weather data and sends the data wirelessly to a Vantage Vue console via a low-power radio. The ISS is solar powered and includes a battery back-up. The Vantage Vue ISS contains a rain collector, temperature/humidity sensor, anemometer, and wind vane. The temperature/humidity sensor is mounted in a passive radiation shield to minimize the impact of solar radiation on sensor readings.
Hardware Hardware included with the Vantage Vue ISS: Battery cover with thumbscrew U-Bolt 3-Volt lithium battery Backing plate Debris screen 1/4” lock washers 0.05” Allen wrench 1/4” hex nuts Note: If any of the hardware components are missing or not included, contact Customer Service toll free at 1-800-678-3669 about receiving replacement hardware or other components.
Attach the Wind Cups to the Anemometer The Vantage Vue anemometer measures wind speed. The wind cups are mounted on the anemometer shaft on the top of the ISS assembly. 1. Gently slide the wind cup assembly down onto the anemometer’s stainless steel shaft as far as it will go, as shown. 2. Use the Allen wrench provided to tighten the set screw near the top of the “hub” section of the wind cups, as shown. Ensure that the set screw is screwed in fully and is tight. 3.
Install the Rain Collector Tipping Spoon Assembly Tipping spoon assembly slot 1. Locate the tipping spoon assembly slot on the underside of the ISS Base. 2. Insert the wider end of the tipping spoon assembly into the slot first, sliding it under the raised lip of the slot. 3. Fit the narrow end into the slot and tighten the thumbscrew securely. Tipping spoon assembly Install the Debris Screen The Vantage Vue ISS rain collector debris screen captures debris that may otherwise clog your rain collector. 1.
When you release the pushbutton, the LED will blink once (indicating transmitter ID 1), then begin to flash every 2.5 seconds to show transmission of a data packet. This flashing will stop within a few minutes to conserve battery life. Note: If you have not already set up and powered your Vantage Vue console, do so before continuing with the ISS installation. For best reception, the console and ISS should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) apart. 3.
mometer Transmitter Kit with ID 1. To set a new transmitter ID: 1. Push and hold the transmitter ID pushbutton until the LED begins flashing quickly. This indicates it is in the setup mode. 2. Release the pushbutton, and the LED will go dark. 3. Push the pushbutton the number of times equal to your desired new transmitter ID. That is, if you want to change the ID to “3,” push the pushbutton three times; for a desired ID of “4,” push the pushbutton four times.
Installing the ISS Choosing a Location for the ISS The ISS assembly includes the rain collector, wind vane, anemometer, temperature and humidity sensors, radiation shield, and SIM housing. You will use the U-bolt and associated nuts and washers that are included with your ISS mounting hardware package to install the ISS on a pole. (See “Hardware” on page 2.) To ensure that the Vantage Vue weather station performs at its best, use these guidelines to select the optimum mounting location for the ISS.
ISS Installation Guidelines • • • • • • Ideally, mount the ISS so that it is between 5’ (1.5 m) and 7’ (2.1 m) above the ground in the middle of a gently sloping or flat, regularly mowed grassy or naturally landscaped area that drains well when it rains. You can also mount the ISS on the roof, between 5’ (1.5 m) and 7’ (2.1 m) above the roof surface. For areas with average maximum yearly snow depths over 3’ (0.9 m), mount the ISS at least 2’ (0.6 m) above this depth.
ISS Installation Guidelines Recommended Accessories for Pole Mounting • Use the Mounting Tripod (#7716) for easiest mounting. • Use the Mounting Pole Kit (#7717) to raise the installation height of the ISS by up to 37.5" (0.95 m). General Guidelines for Installing on a Pole • With the supplied U-bolt, the ISS can be mounted on a pole or rod having an outside diameter ranging from 1" to 1.75" (25 – 44 mm).
ISS Installation Guidelines 7. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, rotate the ISS on the pole so that the solar panel is facing south; if you are in the Southern Hemisphere, rotate the ISS so that the solar panel is facing north. The more precisely the solar panels face due south or north, the more accurate your wind direction readings will be. Note: Do not rely on a compass unless it is properly calibrated. In North America there can be up to 15° variation between true north and a raw compass reading.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Maintenance Cleaning the Radiation Shield The outer surface of the radiation shield should be cleaned when there is excessive dirt and build-up on the plates. Use a damp cloth to clean the outer edge of each ring. Note: Spraying down or using water excessively to clean the radiation shield can damage the sensitive sensors or alter the data the ISS is transmitting. Check the radiation shield for debris or insect nests at least once a year and clean when necessary.
Troubleshooting 1. Unscrew the thumbscrew securing the tipping spoon assembly to the ISS base. Slide the assembly down and away from the base. 2. Use a damp, soft cloth to gently remove any debris from the tipping spoon assembly, being careful not to damage any moving parts or scratch the spoon. 3. When all parts are clean, rinse with clear water, and replace the assembly. (See “Install the Rain Collector Tipping Spoon Assembly” on page 4.
Troubleshooting Problems Using Two Transmitting Stations A single Vantage Vue console can receive signals from one ISS, either a Vantage Vue or a Vantage Pro2 ISS, and an optional anemometer transmitter kit. Make sure the transmitter IDs are configured correctly. See your Vantage Vue Console Manual for information on configuring transmitter IDs. Most Common Rain Collector Problem “My rain data seems too low.
Appendix A: Specifications See complete specifications for your Vantage Vue station on our website: www.davisnet.com Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS) Specifications Operating Temperature................................... -40° to +150°F (-40° to +65°C) Non-operating (Storage) Temperature ............-40° to +158°F (-40° to +70°C) Current Draw (ISS SIM only)........................... 0.20 mA (average), 30 mA (peak) at 3.3 VDC Solar Power Panel (ISS SIM) .......................... 0.5 Watts Battery (ISS SIM)..