Reviewed by: ronaldpippin on 03-May-06 Rating: 
Strengths:Easy to set up and use. Reliable connection from over 100 feet away.
Weaknesses:Needs either the 24 hour aspirator or daytime aspirator to provide accurate temperatures during sunlight hours.
Summary:This product works as advertised and provides me with a lot of enjoyment. I joined the Citizens Weather Observer Program and send the data collected from my Vantage Pro 2 to NOAA. Anyone can then view the data over the Internet. This requires the purchase of a data logger and related Weatherlink software available from Davis or one of its authorized dealers. NOAA critiques my data based on surrounding stations so I know my station is working properly. NOAA identified that my daytime temperature readings were off which I corrected after installing the daytime aspirator.
Davis has good support either on the phone or via e-mail, but response via e-mail takes about 2-3 days.
A few minor issues.
1. The rain data collected by the Vantage Pro 2 includes everything you want to know. Rain rate, rain during a storm, 24 hours, etc. However, when this data is submitted to NOAA, only limited data is submitted. Apparently, Davis is aware of this issue and attempting to fix.
2. Until recently, the ability to update the firmware in the Vantage Pro 2 console required special hardware available only from Davis. What a hassle. Davis has now corrected that issue such that the data logger I use with the Weatherlink software works over the Internet to update the firmware. So, check to see if the firmware in the unit you are buying has been updated such that you don\'t need the special Davis hardware. Davis states that if the firmware is dated November 28, 2005 or later, you don\'t need the special hardware.
3. The Weatherlink software occassionally quits working properly requiring a reboot. Davis is aware of this issue and has advised me the issue only occurs when using a USB connection. Apparently, the users connecting via a serial connection aren\'t encountering this problem. This is not a big deal however.
4. When using this product, there is some minor maintenance. Such maintenance is required of all stations, not just those sold by Davis. Specifically, one must periodically clean the unit, in particular the rain collector of bugs, leaves and other debris. This doesn\'t take a lot of time but should be done every few weeks or so. More frequently if leaves are falling.
In short, a great product that I am having fun with!
Davis has good support either on the phone or via e-mail, but response via e-mail takes about 2-3 days.
A few minor issues.
1. The rain data collected by the Vantage Pro 2 includes everything you want to know. Rain rate, rain during a storm, 24 hours, etc. However, when this data is submitted to NOAA, only limited data is submitted. Apparently, Davis is aware of this issue and attempting to fix.
2. Until recently, the ability to update the firmware in the Vantage Pro 2 console required special hardware available only from Davis. What a hassle. Davis has now corrected that issue such that the data logger I use with the Weatherlink software works over the Internet to update the firmware. So, check to see if the firmware in the unit you are buying has been updated such that you don\'t need the special Davis hardware. Davis states that if the firmware is dated November 28, 2005 or later, you don\'t need the special hardware.
3. The Weatherlink software occassionally quits working properly requiring a reboot. Davis is aware of this issue and has advised me the issue only occurs when using a USB connection. Apparently, the users connecting via a serial connection aren\'t encountering this problem. This is not a big deal however.
4. When using this product, there is some minor maintenance. Such maintenance is required of all stations, not just those sold by Davis. Specifically, one must periodically clean the unit, in particular the rain collector of bugs, leaves and other debris. This doesn\'t take a lot of time but should be done every few weeks or so. More frequently if leaves are falling.
In short, a great product that I am having fun with!