Subject: From: Date:

RE: [ECS] Peet Bros. Ultimeter 2000 support for ECS Michael David Mon, 30 Aug 1999 23:08:00 -0400

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Hi Mark S.!

Here's what I hope to do with one:

1) Have ECS monitor external temperature and humidity so that it can shut
off the "fresh air" damper going into the HEPA filter when it's too hot, or
too humid outside;

2) Have ECS monitor internal humidity so that it can regulate the
whole-house humidifier on the furnace.  I had planned to monitor
internal/external temp/humidity with the Enerzone stuff.  However, I found
that a weather station provided much more functionality for the same price
as the extra stuff I was getting from Enerzone to do this;

3) Have ECS tell me that it's hotter-than-hell out, and I should roll down
the windows in the sauna-van before the interior melts.

4) Have ECS know when it's raining so that it can tell me to go out and roll
up the DAMN WINDOWS in the aforementioned van - BEFORE the seats get soaked!
(Actually, I'm working on a way ECS roll up/down the windows
automatically...)

5) Have ECS notify me when it's about to freeze outside, so that it can
remind me to shut off the water to the outside faucets, and to bring in any
potted plants that don't have a death wish;

6) Have ECS start the van automatically to let it warm-up/cool-down when
it's hot/cold outside, just before we are ready to leave in the morning;

7) Know the actual chill-factor, so that I have an excuse not to go out and
shovel the snow;

8) Have ECS warn me when there's a storm-a-brewing, so that I can take my
umbrella to work;

9) Have ECS automatically move the BUD (big ugly dish - as in C-Band
satellite) to whet ever position causes the least wind-resistance in high
winds;

10) Have ECS automatically, if we are not home, shut down all the computers
and A/V equipment if there is an obvious storm outside. I plan for this to
include X10 breakers to disconnect critical equipment from the mains.  ECS,
and the necessary interfaces (security, phone, etc) would then switch to
back-up power until things calm down outside.

11) Have ECS remind me that we haven't had much rain lately, so that I can
remember to water the trees (we've lost a couple trees this year, just
because I was too busy to notice that it hadn't rained much).

12) Allow me enough information to predict the weather as accurately as any
TV weatherman;

13) Maintain historical data that I can use when comparing utility bills;

14) Revel in the coolness of a really neat toy! :)

Cheers!

Michael David
michael@michaeldavid.com




-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Sekelsky [mailto:Mark@sekelsky.com]
Sent: Monday, August 30, 1999 6:48 PM
To: ecs-list@netbloc.com
Subject: RE: [ECS] Peet Bros. Ultimeter 2000 support for ECS


I am curious to how people are using their weather stations.  To me it has
seemed like a very expensive toy (OK, OK I have a lot of expensive toys).
What are the practical applications?

Mark S

-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Carrington [mailto:dc_grafx@microworks.net]
Sent: Monday, August 30, 1999 8:52 AM
To: ecs-list@netbloc.com
Subject: Re: [ECS] Peet Bros. Ultimeter 2000 support for ECS


Thanks for the info.  Has anybody offered funds to help get ECS to support
it?

Dan





Michael David wrote:
>
> Hi Dan!
>
> Oh, several reasons:
>
> 1) The Ultimeter 2000 is a bit less expensive, depending on what you
order;
> 2) It includes the serial port - David charges $165, which includes a
wimpy
> piece useless of software;
> 3) It has built-in surge protection and a grounded power cord - the Davis
> doesn't
> 4) I like the "no moving parts rain gauge" - the Davis only has the
"tipping
> bucket" kind;
> 5) It allows for compass calibration from the unit - the David requires
that
> you climb on the roof and "re-aim" the wind sensor;
> 6) It's control unit can be either wall mounted (my preference) or placed
on
> a desk - the David is desktop only;
> 7) It's inside humidity sensor can be remote mounted from the unit (again,
> my preference)- the Davis humidity sensor is in the base.  Note that both
> have the internal temp probe in the bases, which is not my preference.
> However, because of the HVAC project, I am in the middle of, this won't be
> an issue.
> 8) The Ultimeter 2000 spits out way more useful data than the Davis;
> 9) The people at Peet Bros are VERY nice and helpful - the Davis folks
were
> far from the same.
>
> Cheers!
>
> Michael David
> michael@michaeldavid.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dan Carrington [mailto:dc_grafx@microworks.net]
> Sent: Sunday, August 29, 1999 2:13 PM
> To: ecs-list@netbloc.com
> Subject: Re: [ECS] Peet Bros. Ultimeter 2000 support for ECS
>
> I have yet to get a weather station of any kind.  Can you tell us a small
> synopsis as to your preference of the Peet Brothers unit?  What all do we
> need
> to buy from their extensive list of pieces and parts.  End cost
comparisons
> and
> such.  Benefits of one unit over the other.  It may encourage us to go
that
> route and support the cost of the ECS support.
>
> Thanks
> Dan Carrington
>
> Michael David wrote:
> >
> > Hi Folks!
> >
> > As I implied in my last post, I have been looking for the right weather
> > station to add to ECS.  After much reasearch, I really like the Peet
Bros.
> > Ultimeter 2000, which can be found here:
> >
> > http://www.peetbros.com/
> >
> > Of course, this system is not as interesting if ECS doesn't support it!
> :)
> > So, I asked Mark to come up with a quote on how much it would cost to
> > implement Ultimeter 2000 support for ECS.  He estimates $400, perhaps a
> bit
> > more it he hits any snags.  I think this price is quite reasonable,
> > eespecially considering the Ultimeter 2000 spits out 115 parameters!
> >
> > So, anyone interested in pitching in to add Ultimeter 2000 support to
ECS?
> >
> > Cheers!
> >
> > Michael David
> > michael@michaeldavid.com

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