Initially we did not consider the limits of the software and the Vantage Pro hardware. We assumed wrongly that we could change the computers interpretation as long as we received the rain numbers in proportion to the kWh. What we did not consider is that the Vantage Pro ROM is programmed to only count rain up to 104 inches and then it stopped. So if we input too many pulses, the kWh is very accurate until we reach 104 inches, then we have no reading. Since we wanted to display a monthly total, this was unacceptable. Our kWh would only reach around 19, then stop. We already knew that our turbine in this location was producing over 300 kWh each month.
There were three ways we could possibly remedy this.
- We could write our own custom software to reset the monthly total periodically on the Vantage Pro, while keeping the real numbers totaling on the computer display. This would take much time and work, and was frustrating because we already had bought the software, etc. All we needed was less pulses.
- Build our own circuit reducing the square wave output ten times. This would take time and resources, and would not be easy to recommend to others.
- Order a custom Wattnode: We decided this is the best choice, and that it is what we would have originally done if we had known beforehand. We might have spent $300 on parts and labor on either of the above options besides.