15-03-2015, 23:58
![[Image: WD_Pro2_logo02.png]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=www.meteocercal.info%2Fforum%2Fimages%2F01forum_img%2FWD_Pro2_logo02.png)
It's time to say something more about the purpose of the flash memory, included on the parts list of all WeatherDuino Pro2 RX boards since v4.xx
During the last 5 months, I have been developing a new software version that includes support for an hardware Data Logger.
The Data Logger functionality will be compatible with almost all software that supports a Davis Vantage weather station, which of course includes Cumulus 1 and the upcoming Cumulus MX.
It works exactly the same way as the Davis data logger, and can be used by everyone that already have an RX v.4xx board, you just have to add the flash memory chip.
The new software, code name "Chapin" is almost done and stable, and soon we will start a beta test program with a restricted number of users, to find some eventual bugs and do final adjustments.
There isn't yet a roadmap for a public release of "Chapin", but likely it will not happen before May / Jun 2015.
"Chapin" will bring also some other news. The WeatherDuino Pro 2 system have since long time the ability to deal with extra temp / hum sensors. With "Chapin", in conjunction with the Wireless Display units, this ability will be enhanced. The Wireless Display units will allow monitoring the data from those sensors with a precision of 0.1º (C or F), unlike the Davis extra sensors where data is shown with only a precision of 1 Fahrenheit degree.
Using three TX units, you can have up to five extra Temperature / Humidity sensors.
Two important notes to all that are now starting building the system:
1º - May be wise, install the flash memory chip right now, as it is more easy doing it when starting to assemble the RX board, than after when the board is already filled with all the components.
2º Due to Arduino Nano memory restrictions, the Data Logger can't be used simultaneously with the 1.8 TFT display. If you want to use the Data Logger functionality, you must use in your RX unit, an 20x4 or a 16x2 LCD display.
Even with "Chapin", if you don't want to use the Data Logger, you can still use an 1.8 FTF display, exactly as now.
"Chapin" will be backward compatible with all previously released RX boards. Of course with boards prior to v4.xx you can't use the new functionalities
If you haven't yet found a good reason to build a WeatherDuino Pro2 system, now you have some more...to think about.
Thanks for reading