Davis Instruments GroWeatherLink, GroWeatherLink 1.2, 7871 User Manual
G
RO
W
EATHER
L
INK
®
Software
User’s Guide
For Windows™
0
Version 1.2
0
Product #7871
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved in writing by Davis Instruments may void
the user's authority to operate this equipment.
Product Number: 7871
Davis Instruments Part Number: 7395-075
GroWeatherlink®, Version 1.2
Rev. C Manual (July 16, 1999)
Controlled online: DI:Wx:Software:GroWeatherLink
This product complies with the essential protection requirements of the
EC EMC Directive 89/336/EC.
© Davis Instruments Corp. 1999. All rights reserved.
Weatherlink is a registered trademark of Davis Instruments Corp.
GroWeather is a trademark of Davis Instruments Corp. All other brand
or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies or organizations.
G
RO
W
EATHER
L
INK
®
Software
User’s Guide
For Windows™
0
Version 1.2
i
T
ABLE OF
C
ONTENTS
I
NTRODUCTION
Contents of Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
H
ARDWARE INSTALLATION
Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Direct Connection Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Phone Modem Connection Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Radio Multi-Point Connection Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Labeling Your Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Direct Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Typical Direct Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Short-Range Modem Pair (SRM) Direct Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Direct Connection Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Phone Modem Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Typical Phone Modem Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Phone Modem Installation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
A Few Notes About Phone Modem Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Hanging Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Radio Multi-Point Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
S
OFTWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Installing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Running the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Adding a Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
About the Walkthrough. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Adding a Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Finding the Correct Serial Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
U
SING
THE
S
OFTWARE
The Weather Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Multiple Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
New Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Open Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Delete Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
View Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Hang Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Merge Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
T
ABLE
OF
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ONTENTS
ii
Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Walkthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Station Config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Auto Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Select Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Set Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Set Archive Interval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Set Barometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Set Rain Cal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Set Temp Cal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Set Hum Cal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Set Total Rain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Set Deg Day Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Reset Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Set Auto Clear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Set Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Leaf Wetness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Display Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Bulletin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Strip Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Station Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Database Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Browse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Crop Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
New Crop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Open Crop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Delete Crop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Reports Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Temp/Hum Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Soil Temp. Hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Hours of Daylight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
PC Degree Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Leaf Wet Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Chilling Requirement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Total ET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Sunrise and Sunset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
NOAA Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
NOAA Summarize Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
NOAA Summarize Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Using the Strip Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Strip Chart Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
File Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
T
ABLE
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ONTENTS
iii
Add/Remove Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Span Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Colors Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Using the Plot Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Plot Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Add/Remove Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Span Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Colors Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Using the Browse Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Edit Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Crop Water Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Irrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
K Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Calculate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
PC Degree-Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Adding a Degree-Day Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Opening a Degree-Days Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Deleting a Degree-Day Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
PC Degree-Day Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
T
ECHNICAL
REFERENCE
Archive Memory vs. Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Archive Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Calibration Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Automatic Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Database Organization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Station Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Station Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Database Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Modem String. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Importing WeatherLink Data into Other Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
T
ABLE
OF
C
ONTENTS
iv
1
1
I
NTRODUCTION
Welcome to Davis Instruments’ GroWeatherLink Software. The WeatherLink and
software allows you to connect your personal computer to GroWeather™ stations
to store, view, plot, export, and print the weather data gathered by the station.
C
ONTENTS OF PACKAGE
Before proceeding, please check to make sure your GroWeatherLink package contains the following:
▲
PC COM Port Adapter
The PC COM port adapter is a 9-pin connector with an RJ connector jack in
one end. Use the PC COM port adapter to connect the WeatherLink to a 9-pin
serial port.
▲
40 feet (12 m) WeatherLink Cable (4-conductor
)
▲
WeatherLink Isolator Unit
The isolator unit provides upgraded protection against the electrical disturbances caused by ground offsets or static charges by placing an optical connection between the WeatherLink and your computer. Since electrical
disturbances cannot travel across the optical connection, the isolator unit will
help prevent lockups of the station console and possible damage to the console, WeatherLink, and PC.
▲ Loopback connector
The loopback connector is a short piece of wire with a cable plug at one end
and a red plastic cap at the other. The loopback connector can be used to determine what serial ports are available for the WeatherLink (see “Finding the
Correct Serial Port” on page 23).
▲
WeatherLink Software Diskette
I
NTRODUCTION
Contents of Package
2
3
2
H
ARDWARE INSTALLATION
There are three basic types of installations: direct connection, phone modem connection, and radio multi-point connection.
▲
Direct connection
Involves connecting the GroWeatherLink/ET Data Logger (simply referred to
as “WeatherLink”) directly to your computer. Direct connections include
installations that use Davis’ Short-Range Modem Pair (#7875) and/or a base
and station (i.e., single-point) radio.
▲
Phone modem connection
Refers specifically to any installation where the WeatherLink is connected to a
telephone modem and a second modem is connected to your computer.
▲
Radio multi-point connection
Refers to installations where more than one station transmits WeatherLink
data to your computer via radio modem.
Note:
If you have not yet purchased a remote communications device—such as a telephone or
radio modem—and you would like to know more about the various options, contact our
tech support team (at 510-732-7814) and ask for the “WeatherLink Radio Communications” application note.
H
ARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
The required hardwar e dif fers depending on whether you are attempting to make
a direct connection, phone modem connection, or radio multi-point connection.
Direct Connection Hardware Requirements
In addition to the provided hardware, check that you have the following items.
▲
GroWeatherLink/ET Data Logger
▲
Computer running Windows™ 3.1, NT, or 95 with at least 5 MB of free disk space, 4MB
of RAM, and one free serial port
The amount of space necessary for the data files depends on the archive interval. Database files containing data stored at a 30-minute archive interval
require approximately 64K of disk space per month of data. The file size
changes in a linear fashion depending on the archive interval. For example,
data stored at a 1 minute interval requires approximately 1.92 MB/month
while the data stored at a 2 hour interval requires approximately 16K/month.
▲
Short-Range Modem Pair (SRM)—optional
For transmitting data over twisted-pair cable at a distance of up to seven miles
(11 km). SRM (#7875) and twisted pair cable (#7884) available from Davis.
▲
Radio—optional
You may use a third-party radio to transmit data from the WeatherLink to the
PC or SRM. Davis offers an installation kit for two such radios (see “Radio
Multi-Point Connection” on page 9 for more information). May also require
Alarm Output Module to conserve power.
H
ARDWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Labeling Your Cables
4
Phone Modem Connection Hardware Requirements
In addition to the provided hardware, check that you have the following items.
▲
GroWeatherLink/ET Data Logger
▲
Computer running Windows™ 3.1, NT, or 95 with at least 5 MB of free disk space, 4MB
of RAM, and one free serial port
See “Direct Connection Hardware Requirements” on page 3 for an explanation of hard disk requirements.
▲
One external modem to connect to the WeatherLink
The modem must be Hayes
®
compatible and run at either 1200 or 2400 baud.
▲
One internal modem or external modem connected to your computer
The modem must be Hayes compatible and run at either 1200 or 2400 baud.
▲
Telephone Modem Adapter
The Telephone Modem Adapter (#7870) provides the connection between the
WeatherLink and the modem.
Radio Multi-Point Connection Hardware Requirements
In addition to the provided hardware, check that you have the following items.
▲
GroWeatherLink/ET Data Logger
▲
Computer running Windows™ 3.1, NT, or 95 with at least 5 MB of free disk space, 4MB
of RAM, and one free serial port
See “Direct Connection Hardware Requirements” on page 3 for an explanation of hard disk requirements.
▲
Spread spectrum or UHF radio modems for each weather station and base station
Davis recommends some excellent third-party radio modems: YDI Spread
Spectrum Radio Modem (available at YDI, #910-DAVIS), and RF Neulink
UHF radio modem (available at RF Neulink, #9600).
▲
One Antenna/Installation Kit for each radio modem - optional
The Antenna/Installation Kits include the hardware necessary to connect a
radio modem to a WeatherLink data logger at the field site or to a personal
computer at the base site.
L
ABELING
Y
OUR
C
ABLES
Use the label sheets provided with your GroWeather to mark your WeatherLink
cables before you begin installation. Make sure you label every cable end, includ-
ing extension cables. Doing this now will help prevent confusion during the
installation and if you ever need to disconnect a cable at a later date.
▲
Place the C3/LINK label on the end of the short cable coming from the WeatherLink.
▲
Place the LINK/L1 label on the end of the long cable coming from the WeatherLink.
▲
Place a L2/LINK to PC/PC label on each end of the 40-foot (12-m) WeatherLink cable.
This cable runs from the isolator unit to the computer or external modem. On
one end of the cable, orient the label so L2 is closest to the end of the cable. On
the other end, orient the label so PC is closest to the end of the cable.
H
ARDWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Direct Connection
5
D
IRECT
C
ONNECTION
The instructions below explain how to make a typical direct connection. Also
included is an illustration showing how to make a direct connection using the
SRM.
Typical Direct Connection
The instructions below explain how to make a typical direct connection, using
only the hardware and cables provided. You may not use extension cables with
the Link Isolator , meaning that the WeatherLink must be within 48’ of the PC.
T
YPICAL
D
IRECT
C
ONNECTION
Short-Range Modem Pair (SRM) Direct Connection
If you want to locate the console more than 48’ (14.5 m) from the computer you
will need to use the SRM. Specific instructions for connecting via the SRM are
contained in the SRM manual.
S
HORT
-R
ANGE
M
ODEM
P
AIR
C
ONNECTION
Note:
You do not need the Link Isolator when connecting via the SRM.
H
ARDWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Direct Connection
6
Direct Connection Installation
1. If the station has been operating for some time and/or you have changed the default
settings, make a note of the barometric pressure, total rainfall, and (if applicable) calibration numbers.
You must remove power from the station to install the WeatherLink, which
will cause these values to be erased. Use the software to reenter these values
after restoring power to the station.
2. Remove the mounting base from the station and remove all power from the station by
removing the AC-power adapter and battery backup.
Failure to remove power to the weather station before installing the WeatherLink may cause damage to the WeatherLink or station.
3. Insert the cable plug at the end of the short cable coming from the WeatherLink into
the jack marked C3 (To LINK) on the bottom of the console.
4. Restore power to the weather station by reattaching the power adapter and battery
backup.
The weather station should beep three times. The third beep, which should
occur within 30 seconds, indicates that the WeatherLink is operating correctly.
5. To identify which link revision you have, look at the label on the back of the WeatherLink and write down the first two letters of the manufacturing code.
If the first two letters are “LD,” you have revision D. If the first two letters are
“LE,” you have revision E. The Rev. E W eatherLink has been enhanced for use
with radio connections.
6. Place the WeatherLink inside the mounting base and reattach the mounting base.
P
LACE
W
EATHER
L
INK
INSIDE
BASE
.
7. Insert the cable plug at the end of the long cable coming from the WeatherLink into the
jack marked L1 (To LINK) on the isolator unit.
8. Insert the cable plug at one end of the 40-foot WeatherLink cable into the jack
marked L2 (To PC) on the isolator unit. Use the cable plug on the end of the cable where
the L2 side of the cable label is closest to the cable’s end.
H
ARDWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Phone Modem Connection
7
9. Insert the cable plug at the other end of the 40-foot WeatherLink cable into the jack
marked PC on the PC COM port adapter. Use the cable plug on the end of the cable
where the PC side of the cable label is closest to the cable’s end.
This connection totals 48 feet (14.5 m) which is the maximum connection distance you may have without using Davis’ SRM.
10. Attach the PC COM port adapter to a free serial port on the back of your computer.
Look for a “male” connector with 9 pins.
P
HONE
M
ODEM
C
ONNECTION
The instructions below explain how to make a typical phone modem connection.
Typical Phone Modem Installation
The illustration below shows a typical phone modem connection. This involves
connecting the WeatherLink to the weather station and to a modem at the station
site and connecting your computer’s modem to a phone line, which will allow
you to “dial” the weather station.
T
YPICAL
P
HONE
M
ODEM
I
NSTALLATION
H
ARDWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Phone Modem Connection
8
Phone Modem Installation Instructions
Before installing the WeatherLink for a phone modem connection, you need to
install and configure a modem for use with your computer (according to the
instructions supplied by the manufacturer). Make a note of the COM port and
IRQ used by the modem. You will need this information when entering serial port
settings for the station (see “Serial Port” on page 32).
1. If the station has been operating for some time and/or you have changed the default
settings, make a note of the barometric pressure, total rainfall, and (if applicable) calibration numbers.
You must remove power from the station to install the WeatherLink, which
will cause these values to be erased. Use the software to reenter these values
after restoring power to the station.
2. Remove the mounting base from the station and remove all power from the station by
removing the AC-power adapter and battery backup.
Failure to remove power to the weather station before installing the WeatherLink may cause damage to the WeatherLink or station.
3. Insert the cable plug at the end of the short cable coming from the WeatherLink into
the jack marked C3 (To LINK) on the bottom of the console.
4. Insert the cable plug at the end of the long cable coming from the WeatherLink into the
jack marked L1 (To LINK) on the isolator unit.
5. Insert the cable plug at one end of the 40-foot WeatherLink cable into the jack
marked L2 (To PC) on the isolator unit. Use the cable plug on the end of the cable where
the L2 side of the cable label is closest to the cable’s end.
6. Insert the cable plug at the other end of the 40-foot WeatherLink cable into the jack
marked PC on the PHONE MODEM adapter. Use the cable plug on the end of the cable
where the PC side of the cable label is closest to the cable’s end.
This connection totals 48 feet (14.5 m) which is the maximum connection distance you may have without using Davis’ SRM.
7. Connect the PHONE MODEM adapter to the external modem.
8. Connect the external modem to an available phone jack.
9. Turn the modem on.
The modem must be on before you restore power to the weather station.
10. Restore power to the weather station by reattaching the power adapter and battery
backup.
The weather station should beep three times. The third beep, which should
occur within 30 seconds, indicates that the WeatherLink is operating correctly.
11. To identify which link revision you have, look at the label on the back of the WeatherLink and write down the first two letters of the manufacturing code.
If the first two letters are “LD,” you have revision D. If the first two letters are
“LE,” you have revision E. The Rev. E W eatherLink has been enhanced for use
with radio connections.
H
ARDWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Radio Multi-Point Connection
9
12. Place the WeatherLink inside the mounting base.
P
LACE
W
EATHER
L
INK
INSIDE
BASE
.
13. Reattach the mounting base to the weather station.
As you do so, guide all the cables through the slots on the mounting base.
A Few Notes About Phone Modem Connections
If you indicate a phone modem connection when setting up your station (see
“Serial Port” on page 32), the software automatically dials the station (using the
phone number you provided) whenever you attempt to initiate a program action
which requires the software to “talk” to the WeatherLink.
Note:
The software dials the station only after you choose Ok or Yes to initiate a program action. If
you do not wish to connect, press Esc before you are actually connected.
While connected to a phone modem station, the software displays your on-line
time in the main program window’s title bar. Once connected, the software will
remain “on line” with the phone modem station until you choose to hang up. The
software remains “on line” whether or not you are doing something which
requires it to be connected.
Hanging Up
1. Choose Hang Up.
The software prompts you to confirm that you want to hang up.
2. Choose Yes.
The software hangs up the modem and closes the On Line window.
R
ADIO
M
ULTI
-P
OINT
C
ONNECTION
If you have more than one station, follow the instructions included with the
Installation Kit. If you have only one station, treat the system as a “Direct Connection” on page 5.
H
ARDWARE INSTALLATION
Radio Multi-Point Connection
10
11
3
S
OFTWARE INSTALLATION
This chapter covers software installation and setup.
I
NSTALLING THE SOFTWARE
1. Place the Install Disk in your disk drive.
2. Choose Run from the File menu, type A:SETUP (or B:SETUP) in the text box, and choose
OK to begin the installation.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
R
UNNING THE SOFTWARE
To run the software, double-click on the GroWeatherLink icon.
A
DDING
A
S
TATION
In order to interact with your station, you must “add” a station, which entails
naming the station, configuring the software to work with that station and with
your computer hardware, and setting station values such as time, barometric
pressure, total rainfall, and calibration numbers. For performance reasons, the
software reads these values from the station configuration file saved on your har d
disk rather than from the station itself. Therefore, you must set station values
from the software. If you set station values from the station itself, the readings
you see in the bulletin, database, and plots may not agree with your station’s
readings.
About the Walkthrough
The software includes a station setup walkthrough which steps you through the
entire station configuration procedure. After adding a new station, the software
automatically prompts you to indicate whether or not you want to be walked
through the configuration procedure. If you choose Yes, the software takes you
through the following dialog boxes:
▲
Station Configuration
▲
Choose Units
▲
Serial Port Settings
▲
Set Degree-Day Thresholds
▲
Set Barometer
▲
Set Rain Cal
▲
Enter Total Rainfall
▲
Set Time and Date
▲
Set Archive Interval
S
OFTWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Adding a Station
12
▲
Start Growing Period
▲
Set Auto Clear
▲
Set Station Alarms
▲
Set Auto Download Time(s)
▲
Set Leaf Wetness or Soil Temperature
You may, of course, choose No and set up the station by choosing all of the necessary commands from the menus. A Walkthrough command is included in the
Setup menu which allows you to go through the walkthrough procedure at any
time.
At each step in the walkthrough procedure, the software will provide confirmation boxes prompting you to indicate whether or not you wish to continue.
W
ALKTHROUGH
CONFIRMATION
BOX
To continue, choose OK. To skip this step and move to the next step, choose Skip.
To cancel the entire walkthrough procedure, choose Cancel.
Adding a Station
Follow the procedure below to add a station. Note that where necessary in the
procedure below, the software will automatically dial a phone modem station. See
“A Few Notes About Phone Modem Connections” on page 9 for instructions on
dialing and hanging up.
Note:
Repeat this procedure for each station you want to add.
1. Choose New Station from the main menu.
The software opens the Add New Station dialog box.
A
DD
N
EW
S
TATION
D
IALOG
B
OX
S
OFTWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Adding a Station
13
2. Type the station name into the text box.
The station name may be up to 40 characters/spaces long. Note that the software uses the first eight characters of the station name (not counting spaces or
punctuation marks) as the name of the directory into which it saves this station’s database and configuration files. The first eight characters of each station name must, therefore, be unique. The software also uses the first three
characters as the file extension for that station’s database files (the first three
characters need not be unique).
3. Choose OK.
The software saves the station name, creates a directory for that station using
the first eight characters in the station name (not including punctuation and
spaces), and prompts you to indicate whether you want to enter the walkthrough procedure.
B
EGIN
W
ALKTHROUGH
C
ONFIRMATION
4. To begin the walkthrough, choose Yes.
The software prompts you to confirm that you want to select your station and
accessory options.
5. Choose OK.
The software opens the Station Configuration dialog box. In this dialog box,
you may enter information about your station. For more detailed instructions
on this dialog box, see “Station Config” on page 30.
S
TATION
S
ETUP
D
IALOG
B
OX
6. When finished entering information, choose OK.
The software saves the information and prompts you to confirm that you
want to select the units of measure in which information is displayed.
S
OFTWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Adding a Station
14
7. Choose OK.
The software opens the Choose Units dialog box. In this dialog box, you may
set the units of measure in which you want the software to display, plot, and
print information.
U
NIT
P
REFERENCES
D
IALOG
B
OX
8. When finished selecting units of measure, choose OK.
The software saves the information and prompts you to confirm that you
want to select your serial port options.
S
OFTWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Adding a Station
15
9. Choose OK.
The software opens the Serial Port Settings dialog box. In this dialog box, you
may select all of your communications options, including serial port, IRQ line,
modem baud rate, phone number, etc. For more detailed instructions on this
dialog box, see “Serial Port” on page 32.
S
ERIAL
P
ORT
S
ETTINGS
D
IALOG
B
OX
▲
Serial Port
Select the serial port. If you do not know the serial port setting for your
station, you may use the Loopback button in this dialog box to determine
the correct settings. see “Finding the Correct Serial Port” on page 23 for
instructions on using Loopback.
▲
Link Revision
Select the link revision. To determine which revision you have, check the
manufacturing code on the back of the WeatherLink. The second letter
(the first letter should be an “L”) is the revision letter of the WeatherLink.
▲
Connection Type
Choose the type of connection from the drop down list. For most connections, “Transparent” is the appropriate choice. Otherwise, if applicable,
choose “Phone Modem” or the appropriate multi-point radio modem. (See
“Serial Port” on page 32 for details.)
▲
Radio Name
If you are using a multi-point radio modem to connect to the WeatherLink,
select the name of the radio from the drop down list. The name should
match the name you used when configuring the radio.
▲
Phone
If you are using a telephone modem to connect to the WeatherLink, enter
the modem’s phone number in this field.
S
OFTWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Adding a Station
16
▲
Modem String
The default modem string should work for almost all modems. Before
changing the modem string, consult the README.TXT file for an explanation of what each part of the string means.
10. Test your connection to the weather station by choosing Connection Test.
The test will attempt to communicate with the station. If successful, you will
be informed that you are connected to a GroWeather station. If unsuccessful,
use Loopback to find the correct settings in a transparent connection(see
“Finding the Correct Serial Port” on page 23), or use the Modem Test to test
and confirm that a modem is attached at the specified COM port.
11. Once the serial port settings are correct, choose OK.
The software prompts you to confirm that you want to set the station’s degreeday thresholds.
12. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set Deg-Day Threshold dialog box. In this dialog box
you may set the high and low degree-day thresholds on the station. This does
not affect the degree-day totals calculated by the software (see “PC Degree
Days” on page 58).
S
ET
D
EG
-D
AY
T
HRESHOLDS
13. After setting degree-day thresholds, choose OK.
The software sets the degree-day thresholds and prompts you to indicate
whether you want to set the barometer.
S
OFTWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Adding a Station
17
14. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set Barometer dialog box. In this dialog box, you may
set the barometric pressure on your weather station to the correct barometric
pressure. For more detailed instructions on this dialog box, see “Set Barometer” on page 38.
S
ET
B
AROMETER
D
IALOG
B
OX
15. After setting the barometric pressure, choose OK.
The software sets the barometer on the weather station and prompts you to
indicate whether you want to set the rainfall calibration number (Rain Cal) on
the weather station (to make sure the calibration number is correct for the type
of rain collector you indicated in the station setup).
16. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set Rain Cal confirmation box. For more detailed
instructions on this box, see “Set Rain Cal” on page 38.
S
ET
R
AIN
C
AL
C
ONFIRMATION
B
OX
17. Choose Yes.
The software sets the rainfall calibration number and prompts you to indicate
whether you want to enter a total rainfall amount for the weather station (for
example, to reenter the amount of total rainfall you had registered before you
removed power from the weather station to install the Weatherlink).
S
OFTWARE
I
NSTALLATION
Adding a Station
18
18. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set Total Rain dialog box. In this dialog box, you may
enter a total rainfall amount. For more detailed instructions on this dialog box,
see “Set Total Rain” on page 40.
S
ET
T
OTAL
R
AIN
D
IALOG
B
OX
19. After entering the total rain, choose OK.
The software sets the total rain on the weather station and prompts you to
indicate whether you want to set the time and date on your weather station.
20. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set Time and Date dialog box. In this dialog box, you
may set the weather station’s time and date. It is important that you do this so
the weather station, Weatherlink, and computer are synchronized. For more
detailed instructions on this dialog box, see “Set Time” on page 36.
S
ET
T
IME
AND
D
ATE DIALOG BOX
21. After entering the time and date, choose OK.
The software saves the settings and prompts you to indicate whether you
want to set the archive interval.
S
OFTWARE INSTALLATION
Adding a Station
19
22. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set Ar chive Interval dialog box. In this dialog box, you
may set the interval at which data is stored to the Weatherlink. For more
detailed instructions on this dialog box, see “Set Archive Interval” on page 37.
SET A
RCHIVE INTERVAL DIALOG BOX
23. When finished selecting an archive interval, choose OK.
The software informs you that this procedure will clear the archive memory.
24. Choose OK.
The software sets the archive interval and clears your archive memory. It then
prompts you to indicate whether you want to start the growing period on the
station.
25. Choose OK.
The software prompts you to confirm that you want to restart the period on
your station. Consult your station’s manual for information on the period.
26. Choose Yes.
The software clears all period totals and averages and begins a new period on
the station. It then prompts you to indicate whether you want to set the AutoClear status on the station.
S
OFTWARE INSTALLATION
Adding a Station
20
27. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set AutoClear dialog box. From this dialog box, you
may select the which highs, lows, and daily totals should be cleared by the station’s AutoClear feature as set the time at which they should be cleared each
day. For more detailed instructions on this dialog box, see “Set Auto Clear” on
page 42.
SET A
UTOCLEAR DIALOG BOX
28. When finished selecting the functions you want cleared, choose OK.
The software sets the station’s AutoClear feature and prompts you to indicate
whether you want to set the station’s alarms.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Adding a Station
21
29. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set Station Alarms dialog box. From this dialog box
you may set alarm points for any of your station’s alarms. For more detailed
instructions on this dialog box, see “Set Alarms” on page 43.
SET S
TATION ALARMS
.
30. After entering alarm thresholds, choose OK.
The software sets the station’s alarms and prompts you to indicate whether
you want to set up the software automatic download feature.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Adding a Station
22
31. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set AutoDownload Time(s) dialog box. From this dialog box, you may select the time (s) at which you want the software to automatically download data from the WeatherLink each day. For more detailed
instructions on this dialog box, see “Auto Download” on page 34.
SET A
UTODOWNLOAD TIME(S
) D
IALOG BOX
32. After selecting automatic download times, choose OK.
The software sets the autodownload times for this station, and prompts you to
indicate if you want to log leaf wetness or soil temperature data.
33. Choose OK.
The software opens the Set Leaf Wetness dialog box. From this dialog box you
may configure your software and console to log either leaf wetness or soil
temperature data. For more detailed instructions on this dialog box, see “Leaf
Wetness” on page 44.
34. After selecting a sensor, choose OK.
The software informs you that you have completed the walkthrough procedure, and prompts you to indicate whether you want to return to the beginning of the walkthrough.
35. To complete the walkthrough, choose No.
The software returns you to the main menu.
36. If necessary, hang up a phone modem connection (see “Hang Up” on page 28).
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Finding the Correct Serial Port
23
FINDING THE CORRECT SERIAL PORT
The software contains a procedure for locating the serial port to which your station is connected or determining whether that serial port is working.
Note:
This procedure will only work for direct connections. If you are making a phone modem connection, you may w ant to simply check the communications softw are you normally use for the
correct serial port setting. Otherwise, you must consult the documentation supplied with your
modem.
In order to use this procedure, you will need the loopback connector (the short
wire with a phone jack on one end and a red plastic tip on the other) supplied
with your GroWeatherlink software package.
1. If necessary, disconnect the 40-foot WeatherLink cable from the PC COM port adapter.
2. Insert the loopback connector into the PC COM port adapter.
3. Choose Serial Port from the File menu.
The software opens the Serial Port Settings dialog box.
S
ERIAL PORT SETTINGS
4. Choose Loopback.
The software will search the currently selected serial port for the loopback
connector.
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