![]() What about cost? Are you looking for a solution that’s low-cost? Or are you willing to spend a bit more (maybe £50-150 more) in return for a solution that offers more flexibility, features etc.Are you looking for a relatively simple solution, with graphics etc designed by someone else and requiring minimal ongoing management? Or are you a keen computer hobbyist who enjoys customising how the data is analysed & presented and who perhaps wants to run your own individual website?.(CumulusMX and weewx will both run on Macs – and indeed Linux machines more generally – as well and are both good programs, but both also need more OSX/Linux familiarity to set up.) It is a key advantage of cloud platforms like that they don’t care about local operating systems or hardware and can be accessed from any computer or other device with a modern web browser. As usual, Windows PCs tend to have the widest choice of programs and Macs are less well served, with Weathercat being the only Mac program we’d recommend to new users. Note that local software programs are often only available for particular operating systems.Are you planning to use simply a standard station with perhaps only one or two extra sensors added? Or do you need the flexibility (perhaps for the future) to add multiple sensors and transmitters? Unsurprisingly, multiple sensors are more demanding on software and you may therefore prefer a Weatherlink Live unit and WLL-compatible software.Some computer options use unobtrusive and very low-power miniature devices like enhanced loggers or Raspberry Pi computers which are fine running 24/7 at minimal energy cost.) (But this does not necessarily mean that a large PC or Mac needs to be switched on continuously. For continuous updates remember that the computer must also be switched on 24/7/365. But other users may want their data continuously and automatically updating and also perhaps viewable remotely across the Internet. How often do you want the data updated? Some users may be content to use their console display for live weather data and just download historical data to a computer eg once a day or once a week.Where do you want to be able to see the data? Just on a local computer in your home or office? Or accessible across the Internet so that you can view data eg away from home on a smartphone or tablet? Maybe you want some combination of the two, eg a full history available on a home computer but current weather accessible remotely on a phone?.You may need both or only one of these types of data but the optimum computer solution is likely to depend on your choice Computer-linked weather stations deliver two main types of data: a snapshot of current weather conditions (sometimes called ‘live’ weather) and a full summary history or database of all weather readings since the station was first set up, which can then be charted, summarised and analysed as required.Linking the weather station to a computer can achieve many objectives but it is important to be clear about what you need from the system – the choice of hardware and software needs to be tailored to your personal or business requirements. For installation at remote field sites, Enviromonitor or Connect might often be the preferred station type. The Davis Enviromonitor (and Connect) stations typically upload data via their gateways direct (and only) to mostly via the mobile/cellular phone network and are not explictily discussed here – please see their respective linked pages for further details. IMPORTANT: Enviromonitor: The notes here cover the Vue and VP2 range of consoles and loggers only. However, once a decision is made on logger, computer and software, the actual implementation is usually very straightforward. But there are several alternative ways to make the computer link and the sheer choice available and the pros and cons of each option can be confusing to new users, hence these extra notes. Linking a Davis station to a computer, whether local or remote, is easily achieved by most users whatever their computer experience. And automatic uploads to your own live weather website can add further interest (see one example right). Impressive graphics plus the option of comprehensive data storage and analytical features genuinely add a new dimension to the power, usefulness and enjoyment of the station. But irrespective of the computer’s location, a data logging/software package has to be the number one accessory for your Vantage Vue or VP2 station.
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