Computer Lock Up

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I have a Davis Vantage Pro 2 Weather Station and use Weather Display Version 10.37P build 22 software.  My computer runs Vista 64 bit Home Premium.  When I start WD nine out of ten times my computer will lock up anywhere from immediately to within an hour or two.  It does not matter if other programs are running or if WD is the only program running.  Within a few minutes to an hour or two, the computer will lock up.  Happens every time.  Only way to get it to restart is to hold the on/off button down until the computer shuts off.  Then, restart.  Can you help?  Am tired of the locking up and having to restart.

[Budgie]

Which Davis data logger are you using?
If it's the USB version then that may well be your problem.
There is a know issue with the USB datalogger locking the USB ports on a PC or the whole PC and it seems to be caused by local interferrence from the likes of wireless phones or close electrical sources.
There are a couple of solutions that have been found to work:
1. Make sure that you have the latest USB drivers.
2. Change the mini USB cable for a thicker version and put a ferrite choke at each end of the cable.

You can also make sure that there are no electric cable running near to the mini USB cable as that will also help.

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I took your advice and updated the WeatherLink Software to 5.9.1 yesterday.  I let WD run all last night with three other programs running and no lock ups!!!  Thank you for your help.  It is appreciated.

[Budgie]

No problem. 
Just remember that if it happens again then try changing the USB cable from the VP2 to the PC as that's what worked for me. 

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Well, guess I spoke too soon.  Computer is back to locking up.  Can you tell me the type or model number of the cable you recommend and who might supply it?  Thanks.

[jjmcnelly]

Well, guess I spoke too soon.  Computer is back to locking up.  Can you tell me the type or model number of the cable you recommend and who might supply it?  Thanks.

You could try this one.  It says that it is shielded.  Not sure about the plug ends as I don't have the USB data logger.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=shielded+usb+cable&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADSA_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=1256240778595074551&ei=vPyaS63FOIrAsgP76qmuAQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBoQ8wIwAw#ps-sellers

Jim

[orion98665]

Well, guess I spoke too soon.  Computer is back to locking up.  Can you tell me the type or model number of the cable you recommend and who might supply it?  Thanks.

Had the same issues with Davis VP2 and WD. What worked for me is changing the usb cable out for a better
quality cable with choke and Updated all firmware. The real work around was changing power management
setting using control panel to not allow monitor to turn off,  run the screen saver, and do not allow the
HDD to turn off. Last, changed screen saver to come on after 1 minute of run time. I only do this setting
if I'm going to leave computer running at night or during the day if unattended. Make sure screen saver starts.
This seems to work for me. Of course all setting are set if plugged in to AC current and not running on batteries.


Good luck,

Bob 

[Budgie]

Well, guess I spoke too soon.  Computer is back to locking up.  Can you tell me the type or model number of the cable you recommend and who might supply it?  Thanks.

I used a USB cable from my camcorder, the cable diameter was twice that of the Davis supplied cable. I've got two ferrite chokes at the datalogger end and another single choke at the PC end.

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Can you tell me what a Ferrite Choke is?

[jbrooks987]

For a good explanation, try here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrite_choke

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I found them at Radio Shack and put one on each end of the cable a few minutes ago.  We'll see what happens.  Thanks for your help.

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Computer lock ups continue.  Have updated the Webupdater software, have changed my USB Cable and I have added Ferrite Chokes.  Computer still locks up.

[ZooWx]

Sadly,  this was the same issue I had with the USB data logger.  I tried all the various cable, ferrite core, placement fixes to no avail.    I switched to the serial version connected to a Keyspan USB converter and it worked great....until I switched computers and now have WD on a machine running Win7 Ultimate. (It has a different issue,  it flatlines periodically, but WD continues to run, respond etc.)  A search will give you pages of response about the USB data logger and the system locking up as you describe your issue.

[jbrooks987]

do you have any antivirus software running, or perhaps zone alarm?  If so, make sure that the antivirus software does not scan the WD folders, and try to run with zone alarm shut down and see if that makes any difference. 

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I have Norton 360 and Webroot Antivirus running.  I am not sure how to get them to stop scanning WD folders.  Sorry, I'm just an amateur at this.  I will look into the serial version.  Thanks.