I’m considering buying a Davis VP2 wireless (model 6152EU). Using WD on a 24/7 running PC, do I need to buy the Davis Datalogger (model 6510, serial) as well? Or can I do without? Somewhat confused here.
Yes, you must have the datalogger in order to connect the VantagePro console to a computer. No question about it, no known workarounds, no other options. If you don’t want to connect the VantagePro to a computer, no datalogger is needed (and would be rather pointless).
Do get the serial version; many people have had many problems with the USB version. I’m using a serial connector via a serial-to-USB adapter and that works just fine for me with Weather Display (and most, but not all, other weather software.)
yes, thats my recommendation too, get your own USB to serial adaptor and use with a serial data logger instead of getting a USB data logger 
Thank you very much Gary and Windy! For now I am running a La Crosse WS 3600 and the rain sensor already has given up on me (no data). That’s after about 3 month’s from purchassing. This I do not like. The unit will go back for repairs next week, so I will be without weather (?) for several days. 
As far as I can see the VP2 does not have a radio controlled clock, is that right?
Correct, and some of them don’t keep time very well. Weather Display can synch the VP console clock to that of the PC to which it is attached though (every 6 hours, I believe), which is nearly as good.
That is very nice of WD as my PC uses the W32Time service to keep synchronised with the outside world.
Is it still the situation that to update a DAVIS VP2 firmware, one would have to buy (or borrow) a so-called “Firmware updater”? Which by the way may need to have its own firmware updated also (by a second updater?)? My goodness…
If you get a console with the very latest firmware on it (check the Davis web site at www.davisnet.com), you’ll be able to do future firmware updates without the “updater” tool. Since you haven’t bought yours yet, you’re in a good position to ensure that the retailer from whom you buy it sends you one with that latest release already on it. Otherwise, you’re absolutely right…
Thanks Gary, I will pay due attention to that aspect when the time comes.
After several sleepless nights I have taken the plunge and I am now ordering a Davis VP2 wireless. For me this is a LOT of money, but I actually can’t stand the quality level I encountered with the La Crosse WS 3600 (plastics, sealing, cabling, transmitter housing, etc.).
Good for you Ton 
Enjoy!
It is a lot of money, no doubt about it, but you won’t regret your decision, Tom! The VantagePro is a wonderful weather station.
The Davis VP2 ISS installation manual shows a 3-volt lithium backup battery for the SIM. Is this a rechargeable battery? I thought Lithium batteries cannot be recharged. Or is it something else in the SIM that gets recharged by the solar panel? What is it?
You are correct, Lithium batteries are NOT rechargeable. But no worries! The VP’s solar panel actually charges up a “super capacitor” on the Sensor Interface Module, and this super-cap runs your VP virtually all of the time. The Lithium battery only comes into play if the super-cap completely discharges, which, frankly, is quite rare.
Davis claims that the 3V battery can run the unit for 8 months of complete darkness (e.g., NO charge getting to the super-cap, and running 100% on battery power). They recommend replacement of the battery every two years, and that seems to be dead on. I’ve taken to replacing mine once a year during routine maintenance (they cost abot $9-10 USD here in the US) as a safeguard, and have never had issues with the battery.
Thanks for the info Gary, much appreciated.
Ton
I am in Europe as well, and had an awful time trying to get a VP2 at a reasonable price. IN the end I went with these guys: www.weatherstation.net
They did me a good deal when I said I could get a better price from the states (but you’ll still have to pay shipping and duty of course). Defintely get the EURO model - mine works great and apparently the US models conflict with a few frequencies over here (not to mention the illegalities). AND the serial datalogger
Matt
Matt, Thanks, I already ordered with www.hamonline.nl (thats in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands). The owner (Dick van de Wijngaard) is a nice fellow, coming I suppose from the HAMradio world, and he made me a good price. But above all, he is very responsive, nows what he is talking about, knows his languages and gives good service.
Which one did you buy and how much was the final cost?
Matt
Matt,
I ordered a VP2 wireless EU model and it was 599 EURO’s, including Taxes (19%) and shipping. That’s without the data logger / software (Weatherlink; that’s another 165 EURO’s). That’s the lowest price I could find here in the Netherlands.
I did consider buying in the USA, but the Customs would then apply a Customs tax plus I would additionally have to pay the dutch VAT (19%) + shipping and insurance.
And then I would have a vendor that is more difficult to reach if someting nasty happens. So I bought in the Netherlands.