Davis Instruments and Vantage Pro User manual

VantageProManual Page1
WE L C O M ET O T H E VA N T A G EPR O 5
5
Vantage Pro Formats 5
Display & Keyboard 6
Console Modes 6
Multiple stations / Sensors 7
Optional Sensors 7
Optional Accessories 8
Vantage Pro Console Installation 9
Cabled Vantage Pro Console Installation 10
Powering your Vantage Pro 10
Connecting the Cabled Vantage Pro to the
Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS) 10
Wireless Vantage Pro Installation 11
Powering your Wireless Vantage Pro 11
Connecting the Wireless Vantage Pro console
to the Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS) 11
Displaying the Vantage Pro Console 11
Table & Shelf Display 12
Wall Display 12
Using the Vantage Pro Console
13
Chapter 3 13
Keyboard 14
Using the Navigation Keys 14
Display Features 15
Setup Mode 18
Current Weather Mode 18
Activating Weather Variables 18
Wind Speed and Direction 18
Temperature 18
Humidity 19
Wind Chill 19
Dew Point 19
Barometric Pressure 20
UV (Ultraviolet Radiation) 20

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Heat Indices 21
Rain “Year”, Rain “Month”, and Rain Rate 21
“Daily” and “Storm” Rain 22
Solar Radiation 22
ET (Evapotranspiration) 23
Selecting Units 24
To change the units for any variable: 24
25
Highs and Lows Mode 25
Alarms Mode 26
Graph Mode 27
Troubleshooting 29
Display 30
TEMPERATURE 31
Humidity 31
Wind Speed 32
Direction 32
chill 32
Repair & Warranty information 33
One Year Limited Warranty 33
Questions? Call the Davis Service Center 33
FCC Part 15 Class B Registration Warning 34
Appendix:
Weather Data 35
Weather Conditions Measured/Calculated 35
EvapoTranspiration (ETo) 36
Temperature 36
Apparent Temperature Measures 36
Wind 38
Solar Radiation 38
UV (Ultra Violet) Radiation 39
Rainfall 40
Barometric Pressure 40
Relative Humidity 41
Dew-Point & Leaf Wetness 41
Time 42

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AutoClear 42
42
Specifications 43
Function 43
Display Reading 43
Accuracy 43
Temperature 43

WelcometotheVantagePro5
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WE L C O M ET O T H E VA N T A G EPR O
Welcome to Davis Instruments’ Vantage Pro weather station console. The Van-
tage Pro console, part of the comprehensive Vantage Pro system, displays a
wealth of weather information -- up to ten weather variables simultaneously.
The Vantage Pro console is also a powerful weather computer, collecting, stor-
ing, and displaying historical data, including highs and lows, in graphical and
numerical formats.
The Vantage Pro also provides you with a forecast based on the latest meteoro-
logical algorithms. A quick glance at the graphical icons predicts the general
weather trend. A detailed forecast scrolls across the bottom of the screen,
including predicted xxx <!-- what? his and lows, sunny?, tornados?--!>.
Vantage Pro Formats
The Vantage Pro System is available in two formats: Cabled and Wireless.
• Cabled Vantage Pro System
The Cabled Vantage Pro system links the Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS)
sensor array to the console with standard four-conductor cable. The
Standard Vantage Pro system operates on AC power only.
• Wireless Vantage Pro
The wireless Vantage Pro console receives data transmitted by radio
from the solar-powered ISS. Neither the sensor array, nor the console
requires AC power in the wireless format.
1

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Display & Keyboard
The Vantage Pro display and keyboard are designed for easy access to the most
important weather information.
The keyboard allows you to interact with the station computer, view current
and historical data, set and clear alarms, change station modes, enter calibra-
tion numbers, set up and view graphs, select sensors, read the forecast, and so
on. To learn more about the keyboard, see “Keyboard” on page 26.
The Large LCD display is your window on current and past environmental
conditions, as well as the place to find the forecast. The console LCD can dis-
play up to 12 <!--what’s the real number? ticker adds many--!> weather vari-
ables at any one time. With the addition of Davis’ programmable weather
ticker, a scrolling alphanumeric display, you can completely personalize the
display to suit your needs, interests, and curiosities. To learn more about the
display’s features, see “Display” on page 21.
Console Modes
The Vantage Pro console operates in five different modes designed to give you
quick and easy access to the information you need:
• Setup
Setup mode is used to enter the time, date, calibration numbers, and
other information required for the processing and display of the weather
data.
• Current Data
Current data is the most common operation mode. In this mode you can
read the current weather information and access any weather data not
currently displayed using the keyboard.
• High / Low
The High and Low mode summaries are accessed using the High/Low
key.
• Alarm
Alarm mode allows the user to set, clear, and review alarm settings.
• Graph
Graph mode allows the user to access the advanced graphing capabili-
ties of the Vantage Pro weather computer.
For more information about using the console, see “Using the Vantage Pro
Console” on page 13 and following sections.

OptionalSensors
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Multiple stations / Sensors
The Wireless Vantage Pro system is capable of receiving transmissions from up
to eight different transmitters. See “Optional Sensors” below.
OP T IO N A LSE N S O R S
The Vantage Pro system is extremely flexible. The following optional sensors
enable calculation and measurement of specialized weather information. All
optional sensors are available from your dealer or may be ordered directly
from Davis Instruments. Please be aware that some options are available only-
for wireless units.
• Solar Radiation Sensor
Enables you to measure and display solar irradiance and incident
energy. Also required for calculating Evapotranspiration (see “Evapo-
Transpiration (ETo)” on page 11).
Available for Cabled and Wireless stations. Requires Solar Radiation /
UV mounting shelf. See “Optional Accessories” on page 8.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Sensor
Enables you to measure and display UV wavelength irradiance.
Required for calculating the burn index.
Available for Cabled and Wireless stations. Requires Solar Radiation /
UV mounting shelf. See “Optional Accessories” on page 8.
Note: TheWirelessVantageProconsoleiscapableofreceivingsignalsfrom up to eight separate transmitter
stations, including:
• Wireless Integrated Sensor Suite
A complete sensor package including Rain, Temperature, Humidity,
Wind Speed and Direction, with options for Solar Radiation and UV sen-
sors.
• Wireless Wind Station
Measures and transmits wind speed and wind direction to the console.
• Wireless Rain Station
Measures and transmits rainfall from a remote location to the console.
• Wireless Temperature Station
Measures and transmits air temperature from a remote location to the
console.
• Anemometer Transmitter Kit
Allows separation of anemometer from ISS to capture wind speed and
direction from a remote location.

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OP T IO N A LAC C E S S O R IE S
The following accessories, designed for use with the Vantage Pro, are available
from your dealer or may be ordered directly from Davis Instruments.
• VantageLink™ Data Logger & PC Software
Logs data gathered by the Vantage Pro, downloads it to your PC, and
generates reports and graphical displays. Storage interval (1, 5, 10, 15,
30, 60, or 120 minutes) is set by the user. The data logger will store 4, 20,
40, 60, 120, 240, or 480 days worth of data depending on the selected
storage interval. Windows™-compatible software lets you analyze, plot,
print, sort, and summarize the data.
VantageLink™ includes data logger with attached eight foot cable , soft-
ware, and manual. Requires IBM compatible PC running Windows 95 or
98 and one free serial port.
• VantageLink™ 8’ extension cord
Extends the distance between Vantage Pro console and computer an
additional 8 feet.
• Solar Radiation Sensor/ UV Sensor Mounting Shelf
Required for mounting the optional Solar Radiation and / or UV Sen-
sors. The mounting shelf attaches to the ISS.
• ConsoleLink™ Transmitter
The ConsoleLink Transmitter allows a Cabled Vantage Pro console to
broadcast to Wireless Vantage Pro Console Receivers located within 100
to 400 feet (800 line of site).
• AC Power Adapter
Allows Wireless Vantage Pro console to draw power from an AC plug.
Useful if you would like to leave the backlights on all the time, or if you
run more than three remote transmitter stations.
• Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter
Allows the Vantage Pro to draw power from a standard car cigarette
lighter.
Warning: Do not use an older Davis AC Power Adapter or older Davis Cigarette Lighter Adapter.
You will damage the circuitry inside the unit. Use only the Vantage Pro power adapters.

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Chapter 2VA N T A G EPR O
CO N S O L E
IN S T A L L A T I O N
The Vantage Pro console is a precision instrument designed to give extremely
accurate readings. As with any precision instrument, care must be used in its
assembly and use. Although installation of the Vantage Pro console is relatively
simple, following the steps outlined in this chapter-- and assembling the Van-
tage Pro correctly from the start-- will ensure that you will enjoy all of its fea-
tures with a minimum of time and effort.

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CA B L E DVA N T A G EPR O CO N S O L EIN S T A L LA T IO N
The Cabled Vantage Pro is powered by 9-volt DC (direct current) with battery
backup. Power may be supplied by an AC adapter (supplied with Cabled Van-
tage Pro stations), or with the optional 12 to 9-Volt Car/Boat/RV power
adapter. (See “Optional Accessories” on page 8.)
• WARNING: The Vantage Pro system uses power differenly from the way older Davis stations did. Use only
a Davis Vantage Pro 9-volt power converter. Using an older Davis adapter will damage your Vantage Pro!
Powering your Vantage Pro
Because the Cabled Vantage Pro console supplies power to the sensor array
through the connecting cable, you must use the AC power adapter or the
optional Car/Boat/RV adapter to supply primary power. The three C-cell bat-
teries provide backup power and will operate the station for only a few days.
1. Insert the power adapter plug into the jack located on the right side of the console,
then plug the other end of the adapter into an appropriate power outlet.
The Vantage Pro should run through a brief self-test procedure. All the dis-
play segments on the LCD appear and the console will beep<!--number_!>
times.
<!--Don Raime figure here--!>
2. Insert the C-cell battery backup.
Remove the access cover located on the back of the console. Insert 3 C batter-
ies into the battery channel, negative (or flat) terminal first. Push gently on
the last battery to seat all three in the channel and complete the circuit.
<!-- Don Raime illustration here--!>
3. Replace the battery cover.
After power-up the Vantage Pro will automatically enter Setup Mode. Setup
mode will lead you through setting up and calibrating your station. See “Setup
Mode” on page 28.
Connecting the Cabled Vantage Pro to the
Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS)
The Vantage Pro comes with 40 feet of cable. Maximum cable length from ISS
to console is 1000 feet. See “Optional Accessories” on page 8 to purchase addi-
tional cable.
1. Remove access cover
2. Insert the console end of the 4 conductor wire running from the ISS into the console
receptacle marked ISS.
<!-- Don Raime illustration required here.--!>
3. Replace access cover
Ensure that the ISS cable is threaded through the mouse hole on the access
plate.
<!-- Don Raime illustration required here.--!>

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4. Test the connections between the ISS and the console.
Spin the wind cups and change the direction of the vane. If the ISS is pow-
ered and the connection between the ISS and the console is correct, you
should see the wind direction and speed fields changing. Look at the other
data fields to ensure they’re reporting data from the sensors.
WIR E L E S S VA N T A G EPR O IN S T A L LA T IO N
Powering your Wireless Vantage Pro
Because the Wireless Vantage Pro console does not supply power to the sensor
array, an AC adapter is not required to operate the console. You may purchase
the AC adapter separately. See “Optional Accessories” on page 8.
1. Remove the access plate from the back of the Vantage Pro console.
Insert 3 C-cell batteries as shown. Insert the negative (or flat) terminal first.
The Vantage Pro should run through a brief self-test procedure. All the dis-
play segments appear and the console will beep <!--number_!> times. <!--
same illustration as above--!>
2. Replace the battery cover.
Note: Regarding Battery Use. Under normal circumstances, 3 C cell alkaline batteries should power your
wirelessVantage Pro console for approximately 1 year. Davis Instruments does not recommend using
rechargeable NiCad batteries with the Vantage Pro, because the Vantage Pro will not recharge them
and they will not last as long.
After powering up and running through its self-test mode, the Vantage Pro
console will automatically enter Setup Mode. Setup Mode will lead you
through setting up and calibrating your station. (See “Setup Mode” on
page 28.)
Connecting the Wireless Vantage Pro console
to the Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS)
As you position your console, be aware of possible interference from cordless
phones and other items. To prevent interference, maintain a distance of 10 feet
between the Vantage Pro console and the cordless phone (handset and base).
Also, for best reception, avoid positioning the console near large metallic sur-
faces (e.g., most refrigerator surfaces).
For more information about locating the sensor transmitter and testing recep-
tion, consult the ISS or other transmitter manual.
DIS P L A Y IN GT H E VA N T A G EPR O CO N S O LE
You should place the Vantage Pro computer console indoors, in a location
where the keyboard is easily accessible and the display is easy to read. For
more accurate readings, follow these suggestions:
• Avoid placing the Vantage Pro console in direct sunlight. The casing heats up in
direct sunlight. This may cause erroneous readings and / or damage to the unit.

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• Avoid placing the Vantage Pro console near radiant heaters or heating / air condi-
tioning ducts
•If you are mounting the Vantage Pro console on a wall, choose an inner or interior
wall. Avoid walls that heat up or cool down depending on the weather.
By changing the orientation of the kickstand, you may display the Vantage Pro
on a tabletop, set it on a shelf, or mount it on a wall.
Table & Shelf Display
The kickstand may be set at five different angles appropriate for different dis-
play angles.
1. Lean the kickstand out.
2. Slide the catch to arrest the kickstand in the appropriate angle.
Choose low angles (settings 1 & 2) for display on a coffeetable or other low
area. Choose higher angles (settings 3 - 4) for display on a desk or shelf.
<!--Don Raime illustrations required here--!>
Wall Display
1. Hold the template provided here flat against the wall and use a pencil to mark the
location of the two keyholes.
If you are installing a standard Vantage Pro console with sensor cable run-
ning inside the wall, attach the console over an empty switch box.
<!-- get dimensions and make template --!>
2. Use an electric drill with a #29 (.136” or 3.5mm) drill bit to make pilot holes in these
locations.
3. Using a screwdriver, drive the two #8 x 3/4” pan head self-threading screws into the
wall. Leave at least 1/8” between the wall the the heads of the screws.
4. Retract the kickstand into its upright and locked position.
5. Slide the keyholes on the back of the console over the two screw heads.

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US I N GT H E VA N T A G EPR O CO N S O L E
The Vantage Pro display and keyboard are designed for easy access to the most
important weather information. The large LCD display is your window on cur-
rent and past environmental conditions, as well as the place to find the forecast.
The keyboard allows you to interact with the station computer, view current
and historical weather information, set and clear alarms, change station modes,
enter calibration numbers, set up and view graphs, select sensors, read the
forecast, and so on.
CH A P T E R3

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KE Y B O A R D
To access the station’s many features, the Vantage Pro console possesses three
kinds of keys:
• Function keys
The six primary function keys,
TEMP (Temperature), HUM
(Humidity), WIND (Wind speed
and direction), RAIN yr (Total
Year Rain), UV (Ultra-Violet irra-
diance), and BAR (Barometer)
are used to access current
weather information. They lie in
the left side of the double key
column.
• Operation keys
The six operation keys lie on the
right side of the double column.
2ND, TIME, GRAPH, HI/LOW,
CLEAR, and DONE are used to
enter different console modes,
set and clear alarm values,
change measurement units,
selectstation transmitters, and so
on.
There is a special operation key,
the 2ND key, located in the
upper right hand corner of the
keypad.
• The 2nd key
The second key is used in conjuction with other keys to access alternate func-
tions. Above each function and operation key lies a legend identifying that
key’s alternate use. For example, FORECAST is listed above the TIME key. To
access the Vantage Pro’s forecast, press and release the 2nd key, then press and
release the TIME/FORECAST key.
• Navigation keys
The four navigation keys, two horizontal and two vertical, are arrayed in a
cross shape in the lower right corner of the console. The Navigation keys are
used to enter or change data, and to scroll between displays.
Using the Navigation Keys
You should become familiar with the use of these keys, since they serve many
purposes in operating the Vantage Pro. The Navigation keys are used the same
way, regardless of the current console mode.

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Essentially, pressing the right or left navigation key activates the next (or previ-
ous) field on the screen. The up and down navigation keys scroll through digits
or entries.
DIS P L A Y FE A T U R E S
The large LCD display is your window on current and past environmental con-
ditions, as well as the place to find the forecast.
The display is organized to maximize the information available to you. The
following section explains some of the features that may appear on your con-
sole.
1. Compass Rose
The wind rose displays the speed and direction of the current wind, as well
as the variation in wind direction over the last three <!-- true?--!> minutes
2. Graph and Hi / Low mode settings
Combinations of these indicators appear only when the Hi /Low or Graph
modes are selected.
3. Forecast Icons
From left to right, these icons represent predicted snow, rain, clouds, partly
sunny, and sun. The forecast is updated every three hours.
Vantage Pro console display

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4. Moon Phase Indicator
The moon phase indicator depicts the current phase of the moon.
5. Time / Sunrise Time
Time may be displayed in 12 or 24 hour format. Time of sunrise is also dis-
played in this field. You must enter the correct correct lattitude and longi-
tude for your location for the time of sunrise to be accurate.
6. Date / Sunset Time
Date may be displayed in day / month or month.day format. Time of sunset
is also displayed in this field. You must enter the correct lattitude and longi-
tude for your location for the time of sunset to be accurate.
7. 2nd button indicator
The 2nd indicator icon lights when the 2nd button is pushed.
8. Barometric Trend Arrow
The barometric trend arrow displays the pressure trend in five dif-
ferent positions: strongly rising, rising, steady, falling, and strongly
falling.
The steeply rising (or falling) arrow indicates the pressure has
increased (or decreased) 0.06” Hg or more in three hours.
The shallow rising (or falling) arrow indicates the pressure has increased (or
decreased) more than 0.02” Hg, but less than 0.06” Hg over three hours.
A flat arrow indicates the pressure has changed less than 0.02” Hg in three
hours.
9. Graph Icon
The graph icon is always displayed next to the active weather vari-
able. The graph will always show that variable’s history according to
your settings.

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10.Current Rain Indicator
The umbrella icon announces that it is currently raining.
11. Staton Number Indicator
The station number indicator shows which sensor transmitter
the console is currently displayed.
Note: Multiple sensors are available for the wireless Vantage Pro system only.
12. Weather Ticker
The Davis Weather Ticker is a unique and useful addition to the weather sta-
tion console. The ticker displays a broad spectrum of messages to the con-
sole user, including instructions during console setup.
The ticker also displays detailed forecast messages.
13. Graph Lock mode indicator
This padlock icon activates to show that you have locked the graph
in a particular setting (see “Graph Mode” on page 27).
14. Graph Field
The graph features an astounding array of features that I haven’t quite fin-
ished thinking about and will write later.
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15. Alarm icon
The bell icon is active when an alarm is set. <!-- What about when alarm
going off?--!>
SE T U PMO D E
<!--Not yet written--!>
CU R R E N TWE A T H E RMO D E
The Current Weather screen is the heart of the display and where you’ll likely
spend most of your time. Up to ten weather variables are displayed simulta-
neously on the Vantage Pro’s LCD screen. Some of these variables are always
displayed: Barometric pressure, Outside Temperature, and Outside Humidity,
as well as Wind Direction. Other variables share display space and must be
accessed through keypresses.
Activating Weather Variables
Displaying any current weather information is straightforward. Press any func-
tion key to display that weather variable’s current value. Selecting a variable
also activates that variable’s graph.
Note: The graph icon is always displayed next to the active weather variable.
You can also select any variable currently displayed on the LCD screen using
the navigation keys. Pushing the left, right, up, or down arrows will move the
graph icon to the next data field in the selected direction.
Wind Speed and Direction
• Wind Speed
Press the WIND / CHILL key to select the wind speed
field. Wind speed may be displayed in miles per hour
(mph), kilometers per hour (kph), meters per second (m/
s), and knots (knots).
• Wind Direction
The large arrow within the wind rose graphically displays the cur-
rent wind direction. Smaller arrows display the range of wind direc-
tion within the last 3 minutes.
To activate a digital readout of the wind direction, press the WIND / CHILL
key again. The digital wind direction is displayed in degrees. See “Wind” on
page 34.
Temperature

CurrentWeatherMode
VantageProConsoleManual Page19
• Outside Temperature
Press the TEMP / HEAT key to select the outside temperature
field. Note that the graph icon appears next to the data field.
Temperature data may be displayed in both degrees Farenheit
(ºF) and Centigrade (ºC).
• Inside Temperature
Press the TEMP / HEAT key again to activate the inside temperature field.
Again, the graph icon appears next to the data field.
Humidity
Press the HUM / DEW PT key to select the outside humidity
field.
Press the HUM / DEW PT key again to activate the inside
humidity field.
Humidity is displayed in percent relative humidity. See “Relative Humidity”
on page 37.
Wind Chill
• Current Wind Chill
Press and release the 2ND key, then press the WIND
/ CHILL key to select the Wind Chill field.
Wind Chill is displayed either degrees Farenheit (ºF)
or Centigrade (ºC). See “Apparent Temperature
Measures” on page 32.
Dew Point

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• Current Dew Point
Press and release the 2ND key, then press the
HUM / DEW PT key to select the Dew Point
field.
Dew Point is displayed in either degrees Farenheit (ºF) or Centigrade (ºC). See
“Dew-Point & Leaf Wetness” on page 37.
Barometric Pressure
• Current Barometric Pressure
Press the BAR / ET key to select the barometric pressure.
Barometric pressure may be displayed in inches (in), millime-
ters (mm), millibars (mb) or hectoPascals (hPa). See “Baromet-
ric Pressure” on page 36.
• Pressure Trend Arrow
The Barometric Trend Arrow depicts the current barometric trend, measured
over the last 3 hours. The trend arrow is always displayed, whether the baro-
metric pressure is selected or not.
UV (Ultraviolet Radiation)
• Current UV
Press the UV / SUN key to display the current UV read-
ing.
UV may be displayed as an index (1-7) or in MEDS. See
“UV (Ultra Violet) Radiation” on page 35.
Humidity, Pressure, Dew Point, & Wind Chill