I had a Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks laying around for web chats.  I recently replaced it with a Microsoft LifeCam VX-800 in an attempt to address from audio feedback issues.  I also have an old Toshiba Protégé TabletPC.

I connected the QuickCam to the TabletPC and then installed the demo version of ImageSalsa.  I read through the ImageSalsa manual.  I created a new portfolio and a new canvas.  I followed the instruction to enable the camera and add it as a graphic.  I was able to see the video feed in ImageSalsa.  I did a text overlay of the date and time.

The first issue I had was the image appeared to be fuzzy.  I wasn’t sure if it was the software or the TabletPC screen.  But then I remembered the QuickCam has a manual focus ring.  I played with that and was able to get a sharper image but still wasn’t happy with the sky image.  It was an overcast afternoon but the clouds were completely washed out in ImageSalsa.  The resolution was only 320 x 240 which I thought might have something to do with it.

I decided to try the LifeCam next.  This time the image was completely wrong like the RGB values were off.  I did some web searching and found a reference on Microsoft’s knowledge base that there may be driver issues if a Logitech camera was installed first.  So, I uninstalled the Logitech drivers but the image was still wrong.  I also looked for LifeCam drivers but there weren’t any for this model.

I did some more research and also found many new web cameras that had auto-focus and HD resolution.  I started to think that if I am going to go through all the effort to setup a weather camera, maybe I should have a decent camera.

The Vantage Vue arrived.  Inside the box was the Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS) and the console.  I also ordered a pole mounting kit.

The Integrated Sensor Suite was basically pre-assembled and looked a lot better as a single unit than my previous weather station.  There was a brief assembly process to attach the wind cups, wind vane, debris screen, rain collector tipping spoon assembly and the battery.  It went together very quickly.

I next added three “C” batteries to the console unit and followed the initial startup procedures.  The only thing that I had to look up was my latitude and longitude.  Once it was turned on, the console and sensor suite started communicated wirelessly.

I took a look at the pole mounting kit.  It was basically two interlocking metal tubes.  The manual said it was designed to connect to a wood post.  However, I was going to mount next to another metal post that is part of a chain linked fence in my backyard.  So, the next day I went to a hardware store to get a longer metal pipe.  The requirements were the post needed to be between 1” and 1-3/4”.  Their mounting kit was 1-1/4” so I figured that was the best size.  I had a slight issue thinking about how to get a 10’ metal pipe into my SUV.  But, it fit.

The next day I cut the 10’ pipe into two sections to make it easier to wrap the bottom section around the existing fence pole and secure that with straps.  I then used a coupler for the top section.  I took the top section and attached the sensor unit.  I then took that whole assembly outside and attached it to the bottom section.  It looked great!!!

I checked the console unit and date was flowing in.  I took a quick glance at the console manual and found the command to reset all the data.  My next step is to read the console manual and figure out all the features.