Weather Vane substitute for Davis Vantage Pro

thingiverse

My Davis Vantage Pro Wind Vane became faulty, the potentiometer sensor was intermittently going open circuit which was unable to be serviced (encapsulated in resin in the head). The wind cups and its sensor part was OK so rather than replace the combined unit I built this weather vane to interface (bypassing) into the cable that goes back to the wireless transmission unit but still allowing the anenometer signals to pass. It may be a bit of an overkill but I designed in bearings and flexible coupling to the Potentiometer to minimise wind buffeting stresses that may have caused the failure on the OEM unit. The sourced potentiometer replacement seems to have a little more starting torque resistance than the OEM but that may change as it wears in. At the moment in very light breezes (<3 kph) it doesn't respond as well as the OEM. I will post updates if the performance changes. Parts List Ball Bearing 608ZZ (8x22x7)mm (2 off) Flexible shaft coupling joint 6.35mm x 8mm M5 x 40mm (1 off) M3 x 10mm (1 off) M3 x 6mm (2 off) Brass Rod 8mm diam x 50mm long 4 wire Telephone cable Continuous 360° 20K Potentiometer - BOURNS 6639S-1-203 or Vishay 157B203MX