Getting wind speed spikes... Software or hardware?

[Alec Bennett]

Lately about once a week I'll get a wind reading of about 150 knots for a few minutes from my Davis Vantage Pro. The reading is on the console as well as weewx so I have a feeling it's the amenometer, but before replacing that I wanted to see if anyone has another theory? 

[vince]

On Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 11:34:36 PM UTC-7, Alec Bennett wrote:

Lately about once a week I'll get a wind reading of about 150 knots for a few minutes from my Davis Vantage Pro. The reading is on the console as well as weewx so I have a feeling it's the amenometer, but before replacing that I wanted to see if anyone has another theory? 

Sounds like anemometer failing.   Mine did a similar thing last year (after 9 years in service), reading crazy high, far higher than reasonable.   I replaced it with a new anemometer for about $105 or so which is kinda pricey for sure. https://www.scaledinstruments.com/shop/shop-by-product/anemometer/davis-6410-anemometer-for-vantage-pro2-vantage-pro/ is where I got mine.

The newer ones have a replaceable cartridge, so then it would only be $25 or so.   https://www.scaledinstruments.com/shop/davis-instruments/parts/vantage-pro2-parts/anemometer-parts/davis-7345-999-pro2-anemometer-wind-speed-cartridge/ for one link.   Be sure you know which hardware you have so you don't try to buy a replacement cartridge for an old anemometer that it won't fit.   There's a diagram on the cartridge web page, it's pretty obvious.

When in doubt call Davis support.   They diagnosed my problem as perhaps a short in the cable due to the cable cracking or something, and sent me a diagnostic cable to try to use to test the sensor and station.   I got ok results, but finally just decided to throw the money at it and replace the anemometer completely.   The Davis folks were great as always in terms of support.