VirtualVP
VirtualVP is a program that lets you connect up to 4 weather programs to a single Davis Vantage Pro 1 or 2 weather station (console or Envoy).
Before you download and install VirtualVP, you may want to download the User's Guide (pdf file) and read at least the overview and appendix describing the various third party drivers.
If you just want to try it out as quickly as possible, download and install the N8VBvCOM driver (linked below), and then download and install VirtualVP.
The only configuration you'll need to do is set the COM port of your VP console in the Communications Settings of VirtualVP, and set each of the virtual consoles to use Virtual COM ports COM16 through COM19.
Beginning with the next version of VirtualVP, the virtual consoles will default to those values.
You will need to change the COM port setting for any weather programs you want to connect to VirtualVP. The default installation just described will have ports COM6, COM7, COM8, and COM9 setup for this purpose. Set each weather program to use one of those four COM ports.
The VirtualVP installation program will install the full featured version of the program. The free trial period expires after 30 days. To continue using VirtualVP after the trial period, you'll need to register.
You will need to change the COM port setting for any weather programs you want to connect to VirtualVP. The default installation just described will have ports COM6, COM7, COM8, and COM9 setup for this purpose. Set each weather program to use one of those four COM ports.
The VirtualVP installation program will install the full featured version of the program. The free trial period expires after 30 days. To continue using VirtualVP after the trial period, you'll need to register.
VirtualVP most recent version
What's new in version 1.1.4 BetaFixed bug that sometimes caused virtual ports to not get reopened if console connection was lost and then quickly re-established.
| Software Product | Current Version | Download | Docs | License | Buy |
| VirtualVP - Beta
Connect 8 programs to single console |
1.1.4 - 24/Nov/06 | exe | Release Notes (txt) | Shareware $30 |
|
| VirtualVP - Stable
Connect 8 programs to single console |
1.1.1 - 24/Sep/06 | exe | User Guide (pdf)
Quick Start (pdf) Release Notes (txt) |
Shareware $30 |
|
Previous versions:
VirtualVPSetup-1.1.2
VirtualVPSetup-1.0.3
Third Party Tools
These are freeware drivers that can be used with VirtualVP.
Clicking on "more info" below will direct you to the author's website for the tool.
If you want to support any of these freeware projects with a donation, click on the PayPal
button for that tool. This will allow you to donate directly to that software author.
| Software Product | Current Version | Download | Docs | License | Donate |
| N8VBvCom Driver (more info)
Virtual serial port driver Now icludes configuration tool |
226b 25/Apr/06 | exe | freeware - GPL | ||
| Lantronix Redirector (more info)
TCP/IP to serial bridge |
3.1.0.1 - 21/Dec/2005 | exe | freeware | ||
| HW VSP (more info)
TCP/IP to serial bridge |
2.4 - 12/Sep/2005 | zip | html | freeware |
Roadmap for future versions
The scope of the next major version (2.0) of VirtualVP has expanded, and this has resulted in pushing out the expected release date.
The main reason for this was to make some changes in the way low level communications are handled.
This should improve overall robustness. It will also result in more efficient communications with the VP, allowing the VP to spend less time responding to commands, and more time processing sensor data.
Another benefit will be an increase in the number of programs that can connect to VirtualVP, and easier communications configuration.
Because of the time needed to complete version 2.0, the release of some needed bug fixes and features has been delayed too long. I'm planning on releasing a series of 1.x releases that make available bug fixes and new features while working on the official 2.0 release. Although I expect these beta versions to be fairly stable, I will not be updating the manual to match the changes until the majority of the new features have been released. The release notes will briefly describe the new features.
changes planned for future versions
More robust implementation of data logger archive caching, including long term archive history (making the virtual consoles appear to have huge archive memory).
Partial language support for Français and Deutsch (email me with other languages you'd like added).
Ability to run as a service application.
If there's a feature you'd like to see, let me know at support@softwx.com
Because of the time needed to complete version 2.0, the release of some needed bug fixes and features has been delayed too long. I'm planning on releasing a series of 1.x releases that make available bug fixes and new features while working on the official 2.0 release. Although I expect these beta versions to be fairly stable, I will not be updating the manual to match the changes until the majority of the new features have been released. The release notes will briefly describe the new features.
changes planned for future versions
More robust implementation of data logger archive caching, including long term archive history (making the virtual consoles appear to have huge archive memory).
Partial language support for Français and Deutsch (email me with other languages you'd like added).
Ability to run as a service application.
If there's a feature you'd like to see, let me know at support@softwx.com