Davis Vantage Pro2 Reviews

The Davis Vantage Pro2 comes in a wireless and a cabled version. The cabled version uses a cable to send information from the outdoor sensor suite to the display console; the wireless version uses spread-spectrum radio technology to transmit the information. Both include comprehensive weather monitoring, advanced forecasting and graphs of weather data on the console. More information on the wireless version is available here ; and on the cabled version here .

Scientific American, August 2006

"I was intrigued when I learned that Davis Instruments, a company based in Hayward, Calif., had introduced a personal weather station that could wirelessly send me continual updates on the conditions outside, even in the crowded canyons of Manhattan. Although similar devices have become quite common among weather hobbyists, the Vantage Pro2 is the first to combine powerful transmission capabilities with proprietary software than can make accurate forecasts for the microclimate around your home." Weather Gets Personal: New devices can make forecasts for your own backyard by Mark Alpert, Scientific American, August 2006. Download PDF version of Vantage Pro2 review (140KB) courtesy of Davis Instruments.

Smart Computing, August 2006

"Why bother watching the crazy local weatherman? Now you can install a personal weather station right in your yard, on your house, or in a nearby field....The Vantage Pro2 ... displays tons of weather information at a glance, as well as the sensor station, which tracks rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed and more. ...using the [WeatherLink} software is pretty easy. You can display data on line or bar graphs and pie charts for quick visual reference. The ...display looks much like the console screen, only there's much more information and every detail is in full color. ...for anyone who's really affected by weather changes, this information is priceless." Smart Computing, August 2006.

eHam.net

"I have the wireless pro2 model, and I am very happy with it and its performance and accuracy. It has been the only unit tough enough to handle the conditions we have here in the northeast US: very cold to very hot with thunderstorms and hail. I have the unit hooked up to a PC and auto-sending reports to CWOPS, GLOBE and my website. No problems to date. When installing, I had one issue with the rain guage that required a reset of the unit: their support staff was very professional and quick. No problems at all." Davis Vantage Pro (General). Davis Vantage Pro (Wireless). Davis Vantage Pro (Wired).

Baltimore (Md.) Sun, July 2005

"This is a wireless, solar-powered Ferrari of a station."

Great Lakes Boating Magazine, June 2005

"Knowing the latest weather conditions is crucial for every boater's plans. The new Vantage Pro2... accurately displays critical weather readings for boaters."

Wall Street Journal, April 2005

"The unit that surprised us most was the most complex - a megasystem by Davis Instruments, which makes sophisticated weather products. Their flagship Vantage Pro2...was a breeze to set up and use. ...We also loved the ticker tape of forecast info. While this a station for the real weather buff, its accessibility made us feel we could finally leave Al Roker in the dust."

Wall Street Journal,
Orange County Register, April 2005

The Gadgeteer, November 2001

This review is for an ealier model, the Vantage Pro. This model is superseeded by the Vantage Pro2

"I can set the outside temperature alarm to sound if the temperature drops drastically so I can turn on the pool pump (it froze one night). The wind alarm went off at 3 a.m. one morning when the wind speed hit 35 miles an hour, so I jumped out of bed and cranked up the awning. " The Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Phil Philcox, November 2001.