Obtaining the latest drivers for use with Davis data loggers

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Unfortunately, Davis instruments tends to fall behind on providing software drivers that work with the latest versions of OS-XIf you are having difficulties connecting to your station using WeatherCat, consult with the [http://athena.trixology.com/ WeatherCat support forum] to determine which version of drivers are needed and where to obtain them.
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When using a Davis Instruments USB data logger, you need to install the [https://www.silabs.com/ Silicon Labs] USB-serial bridge driver into MacOSThe driver package can be found here: [https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers].  I would not try getting them from the Davis site; they have been reported to not keep them up to date.
  
Frequently, it is necessary to download the latest drivers from the manufacturer of the interface hardware used by Davis: [https://www.silabs.com/ Silicon Labs].  As before, check with the WeatherCat forum to be sure you are obtaining the correct drivers for your computer, operating system, and Davis station.  The link to the download page at Silicon labs has been for some time: [https://www.silabs.com/products/mcu/Pages/USBtoUARTBridgeVCPDrivers.aspx USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers]Scroll down until you see the drivers for OS-X.  The page also includes a link to software revision notes that may assist you in determining if you are downloading the correct drivers.
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'''When you upgrade MacOS to a new major version, you will normally need to upgrade the Silicon Labs serial driver.'''
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If you are having difficulties connecting to your station using WeatherCat, check the [http://athena.trixology.com/ WeatherCat support forum] to determine which version of drivers are needed for your system and Davis hardware, and where to obtain themIt may also be useful to review the release notes from Silicon Labs (found inside the installer zip files).
  
 
'''Note:''' ''Installing the Silicon Labs driver directly is at your own risk as it is not supplied by Davis.''
 
'''Note:''' ''Installing the Silicon Labs driver directly is at your own risk as it is not supplied by Davis.''
  
After running the installer included in the package WeatherCat should be able to successfully connect to your Davis station data logger.
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Follow the instructions for downloading and installing the drivers. The driver will prompt you to grant permission in System Preferences and give you a button that leads to the right place.  I strongly recommend doing this when prompted during the driver installation. It can be tricky to find later, and as of Catalina there is a 30 minute timeout window for you to do it.
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Upon successful installation, older MacOS versions may need to be rebooted manually (no longer needed in Catalina and Big Sur).
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After installing the driver, WeatherCat should be able to successfully connect to your Davis station data logger. To do that, select it in the communications window in WeatherCat as shown below:
  
''Note: This document is adapted from one originally published on the Lightsoft Weather Center LWC Forum in 2010.''
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[[File:Slabs_Connection.png]]

Latest revision as of 20:39, 4 June 2023

When using a Davis Instruments USB data logger, you need to install the Silicon Labs USB-serial bridge driver into MacOS. The driver package can be found here: USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers. I would not try getting them from the Davis site; they have been reported to not keep them up to date.

When you upgrade MacOS to a new major version, you will normally need to upgrade the Silicon Labs serial driver.

If you are having difficulties connecting to your station using WeatherCat, check the WeatherCat support forum to determine which version of drivers are needed for your system and Davis hardware, and where to obtain them. It may also be useful to review the release notes from Silicon Labs (found inside the installer zip files).

Note: Installing the Silicon Labs driver directly is at your own risk as it is not supplied by Davis.

Follow the instructions for downloading and installing the drivers. The driver will prompt you to grant permission in System Preferences and give you a button that leads to the right place. I strongly recommend doing this when prompted during the driver installation. It can be tricky to find later, and as of Catalina there is a 30 minute timeout window for you to do it.

Upon successful installation, older MacOS versions may need to be rebooted manually (no longer needed in Catalina and Big Sur).

After installing the driver, WeatherCat should be able to successfully connect to your Davis station data logger. To do that, select it in the communications window in WeatherCat as shown below:

Slabs Connection.png

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