DAVIS WeatherLink APRS Add. User Manual

WeatherLink® for APRS

Addendum

Introduction

This Streaming Data Logger is designed for use by Ham Radio Operators with a TNC modem capable of accepting APRS data packets. The product will allow the user to transmit weather data over Ham Radio without the need for a PC.

This product also contains the functionality of the WeatherLink for Vantage Pro Serial version. Please consult the WeatherLink for Vantage Pro™ Getting Started Guide and on-line Help files for information on the use of the WeatherLink installation), package contents, and optional accessories for this product.

Hardware Installation and Requirements

In addition to the requirements for WeatherLink, the streaming data capability of this product has the following additional hardware requirements.

• Ham Radio with attached TNC modem capable of accepting APRS

• Computer running any version of Windows™ with at least 3 MB free

Please refer to the WeatherLink Getting Started Guide, page 7, “serial Port Installation” for detailed hardware installation instructions for connecting this product to the console and a PC. To connect this product to a TNC modem, connect the cable plug at the end of the 8’ cable to the supplied 25-pin TNC Modem adapter. Plug the adapter into the 25-pin port labeled Computer on the TNC modem. If your TNC modem requires a 9-pin or RJ connection, these parts are not available from Davis Instruments.

Note 1: Davis highly recommends you use the same serial port on your computer for both WeatherLink communicate to both programs at the same time.

Note 2: While APRS the Vantage Pro console may communicate at any baud rate including the default 19,200 baud.

Note 3: Due to its normal operation, this product will draw more current from the Vantage Pro™ Console and Weather Envoy™ than in typical use.

program (including its hardware requirements and typical

data packets. of RAM and 512 KB of free hard disk space.

and APRS®, however, you cannot

can communicate up to 9600 baud, WeatherLink® and

Davis recommends you use the power adapter provided with your product if you are concerned about battery life.

For further and more detailed information on APRS, please visit the following website: http://web.usna.navy.mil/~bruninga/aprs.html

Software Installation and Setup

Installing the Software

Follow the installation instructions for WeatherLink configuration software. The install file contains this program as well as WeatherLink

if you ever need to install the program manually.

Running the Configuration Software

To run the configuration software, double-click on the Streaming Data Utility icon in the Streaming Data Utility directory of the WeatherLink select the Streaming Data Utility from the Start Menu under the WeatherLink

directory.

Finding the Correct Serial Port

The configuration software includes a procedure for locating the serial port to which your streaming data logger is connected or determining whether that serial port is working.

Note: Using the Auto Detect command in WeatherLink the serial port. The Loopback command will help you determine whether the serial port is functioning. Consult the WeatherLink Getting Started Guide and on-line Help files for more information. Use the Serial Port Settings dialog box to select the correct COM port and baud rate to communicate to the streaming data logger. The correct baud rate will be the one set in your Vantage Console, and in WeatherLink. The default value is 19,200 baud. You may manually set the COM port setting or use the Auto Detect button to automatically find where your streaming data logger is connected.

. This will also install the

directory or

can help you locate

for Vantage Pro™

Note: If you have more than one streaming data logger connected to your system, it is highly recommended that you manually set the com port and baud rate.

Consult your TNC modem and Ham Radio documentation to determine how to configure your streaming data logger to communicate APRS data to your Ham Radio.

Logger Type

The software indicates the logger type and firmware revision level of the streaming data logger in the logger type box.

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