Weather Display Software Hints & Tips

What kind of Webcams do you use?

Currently using a Logitech Pro 4000 interfaced via Weather Display. You can view the still image at http://weather.dcrooks.net/wx6.html

FAQ: Com port error

This often happens because some other software is using the com port, which might be something as obscure as a laptop hot sync program, or even a bluetooth cell phone sync program, etc. Make sure no other software is accesing the com port, especialy like other weather station software (e.g Heavy Weather if a La Crosse station). Also sometimes Windows can swap the com port numbers. If all fails you could use a USB to serial adaptor (use windows device manager to see what port was assigned to it after loading the software), or even a serial port PCI card (will give you 2 more com ports,and again use windows device manager to see what port numbers windows assigned to it).

FAQ: La Crosse 2010/7000/2200/2500 type station

if no data is coming from the separate WS2010-15 data loggerl. Tip:After inserting the batteries, you need to wait 20 minutes before any software should access the data logger. Also its a good idea to place the data logger away from the PC, and put RF baluns clamps around the serial cable. Note that Weather Display gets the data every 3 minutes or 5 minutes, depending on the station type. Note, the newer La Crosse 3600 you can now use with Weather Display without the need to run Heavy Weather, thanks to a 3rd party software developed by Sandere of Denmark.

TIP: Data logger

For weather stations that have a data logger, make sure the time and date match the PC (and there is options to have that updated auto from the PC time and date too), especialy after daylight saving changes, etc.

TIP: Quick hide/show

(applies to more recent version). When hidden in the system tray (next to the clock), right mouse click the icon, and there you will see show or hide, to easily and quickly bring the main screen visible or not

TIP: Updraging to a new verison of Weather Display.

Sometimes you need to download the full install to get updated programs, like the ftpupd.exe program (to upload files to your web site). Refer to the history http://www.weather-display.com/history.php link for changes to those support programs. Make sure you exit Weather Display before running the installer, and then simply install to the same location. If you get an error about a file in use, then check that WeatherD.exe is not still running with task manager (right mouse click on the windows task bar to bring that up, then go to the processes tab, and if needed, kill the process). When downloading the zip version, make sure to extract the zipped WeatherD.exe program to where you have Weather Display installed already (e.g c:\wdisplay), or for some windows setups with winzip, it means copying the WeatherD.exe file out of that zip folder after it has downloaded.

FAQ: Manual upload works, but Auto does not.

I have set times to upload the web pages in the FTP/internet setup, but it does not work at that times, but If I click on action, update internet now, it uploads the files. Answer: Check you have the main internet switch turned ON in the connection setup in the FTP/internet setup, or, if you are using the customise internet setup (i.e. you have the switch ON there), then make sure you set the times to create AND upload the files their (using the customise internet and file creation I recommend (ingore the not in use yet parts), because then you have control!.

FAQ: Where can I purchase a Weather Station from?

For New Zealand or Australia, then try: http://www.weatherdownunder.net http://www.metinstruments.co.nz http://www.scientificsales.co.nz

For the UK, try http://www.ukweathershop

For Europe, try http://www.weatherdisplay.de/inframe.php?text=Online-Shop&inframe=http://www.ffs.net/weather-display/shop/index.htm For the USA try http://www.provantage.com http://www.ambientweather.com

FAQ: Which weather station type do you recommend?

If you can afford it then a Davis VP. A Rain wise MKII is a good station, as its also wireless and has 1 second update rate. Next I would recommend a Oregan Scientific (or clone) WMR968 type station. Next would be a La Crosse (or clone) 2310 type station, or a 3600 type station (only every 1 minute update rate). You could add a 1 wire weather station (gives windspeed and direction for every 1 second update rate) to the weather stations with slower update rates, cost only 90$ (US), with Weather Display ability to do that.