When it comes to producing top-notch weather stations, Davis Instrument is second to NONE.
They have been ruling this industry for 50 years. And the way they are going, it is expected that they will continue to do for at least another 50.
Now, weather stations don’t come any better than their latest release Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2.
The wireless vantage pro2 comes with an integrated sensor suite to measure temperature and humidity, barometric pressure, precipitation, and wind speed and direction.
One thing that sets it APART from its competitors is that you can mount the anemometer separately. As a result, the anemometer can transmit precise readings of wind speed.
An LCD console with quality features is also included in the unit.
In addition, with the WeatherLink.com cloud platform, you can now receive your data from anywhere via your tablet or pc.
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PROS
CONS
Build Quality
The manufacturers have used over-molded plastic for the station. The molded plastic helps to prevent moisture from influencing the sensors.
The device has had a makeover, and most of its parts are now colored black. The black color carries a significant implication.
The black color helps the station to defrost quickly when iced up. It results in improved reading when the weather gets particularly bad.
In addition, it also includes a bird deterrent. So, if you detest clearing bird droppings (who doesn’t), then you will love this feature.
The vantage pro2 is powered by a solar-powered panel, while a super-capacitor is employed to help it operate during the night. A lithium battery is also provided for the backup.
Accuracy
It’s difficult to find an equal to this weather station when it comes to accuracy.
Wait: I was wrong, it’s IMPOSSIBLE. There’s no other weather in the industry that can match their accuracy. Moreover, this wireless vantage pro2 has included a radiation shield to protect the sensors.
Installation
The vantage pro2 provides a transmission range of 1000 feet.
Yes, most people do not need a 1000 feet range, as you want to install the device in your yard, not in your neighbors.
However, the extra yards will help you to get a strong signal compared to the cheaper alternatives. Now, the unit comes in two parts: The outdoor sensor array and a separate anemometer.
While installing the outdoor array would be a walk in the park (just mount it on a 1” pole), I can’t say the same about the anemometer.
You’ll have to set up the wind sensor at the recommended height of 33 feet. Once you’ve mounted the anemometer, you will need to plug it into the outdoor array by using 40 feet of wire. The 40-feet wire will be provided by Davis vantage.
Display Console
Although the LCD isn’t colored, it has a nice design and seems more modern than its predecessors.
It comes with essential hardware for wall mounting or tabletop use. AC adapter has been employed to run the console, but it can run on batteries if necessary.
The Vantage Pro2 console display has several valuable features. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- Shows both time and date, along with sunrise and sunset time
- A user-friendly keyboard
- Shows all the moon phases, from new to full
- Measurement of indoor and outdoor temperature, indoor and outdoor humidity, wind direction and speed, and precipitation
- The forecasting feature tells you what to expect—rain, sun, or snow
- Allows you to compare with the temperature and barometric pressure of the previous day
- Provides graphical analysis of weather info
- A shedload of alarms to warn you of impending natural disasters such as thunderstorm, flood, blizzard
- Displays the trend of barometric pressure
- Updates of the weather elements every 2.5 seconds
Moreover, if you buy the additional sensors, the display will show data for soil moisture, leaf wetness, UV, and solar radiation.
Anemometer
The anemometer can be installed separately at the recommended height of 33 feet. That means, unlike other competitors, it won’t under-report 30% wind speed.
In addition, its wind speed also gets a boost reaching a MAXIMUM of 200 MPH. The resolution rate of the wind vane is 1 degree.
Rainfall
Davis has redesigned the rain gauge to make it perform more accurately during natural disasters such as thunderstorms and hurricanes.
They have given the rain gauge a shape that prevents turbulence and stops the rain from entering the gauge.
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Outside Temperature
The temperature sensor has an accuracy rating of ±1 F, which is excellent. The unit includes a radiation shield to protect it from sunlight. The shield is of appropriate size and works pretty well.
Humidity
Gets protection from the radiation shield and provides accurate data. It uses a range of 0-100% to calculate the relative humidity.
Additional Sensors
A valuable feature of this station is its ability to add additional sensors such as UV and solar sensors. They have an accuracy rating of ± 5%.
Connectivity
The only drawback of this otherwise amazing weather station is that: You are required to buy additional accessories to connect the station to the internet.
WeatherLink USB or a WeatherLink IP could help you in this regard. Unfortunately, this can increase your overall cost significantly.
What Are Users Saying?
Many users mentioned that you could not beat the Davis devices. The device is highly durable and has lasted for decades at their home.
People also loved the usability and intuitive system. They mentioned that the console was very updated with great software. The battery lasted for a long time and still runs solid.
Yet, many people faced issues with customer service. However, it was easy to mount and great to handle.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
No, it doesn’t. It does not have a battery recharger in the transmitter.
Yes, it does.
Final Words
The Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 is vastly superior to other competitors in terms of reporting data accurately.
Hence, the Vantage Pro2 would be an ideal choice for anyone who gives data accuracy the most priority.
Nevertheless, the internet connectivity of this station is less than impressive as it doesn’t allow you to connect to the internet directly.
However, this issue can be solved easily with additional accessories.
In my opinion, if you can afford the device, then it’s a no-brainer, for there’s no better alternative available on the market.
Hence, if you can afford it, go have it!
