Ambient Weather OBSERVER WS-1201 User Manual

Solar powered wireless weather station

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Ambient Weather WS-1201 OBSERVER Solar Powered

Wireless Weather Station User Manual

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2

What's New with the WS-1201 .............................................................................................. 2

1.1

Warnings and Cautions ................................................................................................................... 2

Quick Start Guide ............................................................................................................................ 2

Pre-Installation Checkout and Site Survey...................................................................................... 3

4.1

Pre Installation Checkout ....................................................................................................... 3

4.2

Site Survey ............................................................................................................................. 3

Getting Started ................................................................................................................................ 3

5.1

Parts List ................................................................................................................................. 4

5.2

Recommend Tools .................................................................................................................. 5

5.3

Sensor Array ........................................................................................................................... 5

5.3.1

Install Wind Vane ............................................................................................................... 7

5.3.2

Install Mounting Pole ......................................................................................................... 7

5.3.3

Install Batteries................................................................................................................... 9

5.3.4

Mount Weather Station ..................................................................................................... 11

5.3.5

Reset Button and Transmitter LED .................................................................................. 13

5.4

Indoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter ............................................................ 14

5.5 Best Practices for Wireless Communication ............................................................................... 15

5.6

Display Console ................................................................................................................... 16

Display Console Operation ........................................................................................................... 16

6.1

Home Screen Display ........................................................................................................... 16

6.2

History Mode........................................................................................................................ 18

6.2.1

Archive Memory Mode .................................................................................................... 19

6.2.2

Recall / Delete Annual Archive Memory ......................................................................... 19

6.2.3

Page Selection .................................................................................................................. 20

6.2.4

Historical Graphs ............................................................................................................. 21

6.3

Set Mode .............................................................................................................................. 23

6.3.1

Set Date and Time ............................................................................................................ 23

6.3.2

Time Format ..................................................................................................................... 24

6.3.3

Date Format ...................................................................................................................... 24

6.3.4

Temperature Units of Measure ......................................................................................... 25

6.3.5

Barometer Units of Measure ............................................................................................ 25

6.3.6

Wind Speed Units of Measure .......................................................................................... 25

6.3.7

Rainfall Units of Measure ................................................................................................ 25

6.3.8

Solar Radiation Units of Measure .................................................................................... 25

6.3.9

Rainfall Display Increments ............................................................................................. 25

6.3.10

Graph Time .................................................................................................................. 25

6.3.11

Backlight Display ......................................................................................................... 25

6.3.12

Longitude and Latitude ................................................................................................ 26

6.3.13

Barometer Display ....................................................................................................... 28

6.3.14

Weather Threshold ....................................................................................................... 29

6.3.15

Storm Threshold ........................................................................................................... 29

6.3.16

Current Weather ........................................................................................................... 29

Version 2.0

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Page 1: Table Of Contents
Ambient Weather WS-1201 OBSERVER Solar Powered Wireless Weather Station User Manual Table of Contents Introduction ............................. 2 What’s New with the WS-1201 ....................2 Warnings and Cautions ........................2 Quick Start Guide ..........................2 Pre-Installation Checkout and Site Survey..................3 Pre Installation Checkout .......................
Page 2: Introduction
Warranty Information ....................... 45 1. Introduction Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-1200 OBSERVER Solar Powered Wireless Weather Station. The following user guide provides step by step instructions for installation, operation and troubleshooting. To download the latest manual and additional troubleshooting tips, please visit: http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/ws1200...
Page 3: Pre-Installation Checkout And Site Survey
Please take this into consideration when choosing console or mounting locations. Make sure your display console is at least five feet away from any electronic device to avoid interference. 6. Visit Ambient Weather Mounting Solutions for assistance and ideas for mounting your weather station: http://www.ambientweather.com/amwemoso.html 5.
Page 4: Parts List
5.1 Parts List Item Image Display Console Frame Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.75 x 5.75 x 0.75” LCD Dimensions (LxW): 6.25 x 3.5” Thermo-hygrometer-barometer transmitter Thermo-hygrometer-barometer mounting bracket plus 3 mounting screws Sensor Array Wind Vane Version 2.0 ©Copyright 2017, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 4...
Page 5: Recommend Tools
Item Image 5V DC Adaptor Pole (straight and crimped) Pole mounting U-bolt Pole mounting clamps Pole mounting U-bolt nuts Allen wrench User manual 5.2 Recommend Tools  Precision screwdriver (for small Phillips screw on battery cover door)  Adjustable wrench (for mounting pole) ...
Page 6 Figure 1 Description Description Wind Vane (measures wind direction) Thermo-hygrometer Sensor (measures temperature and humidity) Wind Speed Sensor (measures wind speed) UV Sensor Solar collector Solar Radiation Sensor Battery compartment Rain Collector (self emptying) LED transmission indicator (turns on for 4 Bubble Level seconds on power up, flashes once per 16 seconds)
Page 7: Install Wind Vane
5.3.1 Install Wind Vane Reference Figure 2. (a) Locate and align the flat key on the wind vane shaft to the flat key on the wind vane and push the vane on to the shaft. (b) tighten the set screw with the hex wrench (included). Figure 2 5.3.2 Install Mounting Pole Reference Figure 3.
Page 9: Install Batteries
Reference Figure 5. Turn the mounting pole collar to lock the pole into place by rotating clockwise. Figure 5 5.3.3 Install Batteries Reference Figure 6. Locate the battery door on the bottom of the sensor array. Turn the set screw counter clockwise to open the battery compartment.
Page 11: Mount Weather Station
B. Option 2: Swedged Pole Mount. Insert the swedged end of the included mounting pole into the open end of any standard mounting pole solution (1 3/8” diameter) available from Ambient Weather, as shown in Figure 8. For more information on mounting solutions, visit: http://www.ambientweather.com/amwemoso.html Version 2.0...
Page 12 Figure 8 1. Reference Figure 9. Locate the four wind vane compass rose indicators of N, E, S, W (representing North, East, South and West). Align the compass rose direction upon final installation with a compass or GPS. Figure 9 Version 2.0 ©Copyright 2017, Ambient LLC.
Page 13: Reset Button And Transmitter Led
2. Reference Figure 10. Make sure the sensor array is completely level upon final installation. Failure to do so will result in inaccurate rain gauge readings. Figure 10 5.3.5 Reset Button and Transmitter LED In the event the sensor array is not transmitting, reset the sensor array. With an open ended paperclip, press and hold the RESET BUTTON for three seconds to completely discharge the voltage.
Page 14: Indoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter
5.4 Indoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter The indoor thermometer, hygrometer and barometer measures and displays the indoor temperature, humidity and pressure and transmits this data to the display console. Figure 12 Note: Do not install the thermo-hygrometer-barometer transmitter outside. This will cause errors in the barometric pressure due to large variations in temperature (barometric pressure is temperature compensated for accuracy).
Page 15: Best Practices For Wireless Communication
Figure 13 5.5 Best Practices for Wireless Communication Note: To insure proper communication, mount the remote sensor(s) upright on a vertical surface, such as a wall. Do not lay the sensor flat. Wireless communication is susceptible to interference, distance, walls and metal barriers. We recommend the following best practices for trouble free wireless communication.
Page 16: Display Console
5.6 Display Console Connect the display console power jack to AC power with the power adapter (included), as shown in Figure 14. Place the sensor array and indoor thermo-hygrometer transmitter about 5 to 10 feet from the display console and wait several minutes for the remote sensors to synchronize with the display console. Description Memory card slot for upgrades and backup data Power jack...
Page 17 Figure 15 Description Description Graph (barometer, temperature or humidity) Rainfall Wind Direction Date and Time Wind Speed Sunset Wind Gust Moon Phase Wind Chill Sunrise Indoor Temperature & Humidity Barometer Outdoor Temperature & Humidity Dew Point Solar Radiation Heat Index (blank unless above 80 °F) Low Battery Indicators IN –...
Page 18: History Mode
Icon Description Pressure display key Press this key to choose the display between Absolute pressure and Relative pressure. Rain key Press this key to Shift the display between Rain Rate, Rain Day, Rain Week, Rain Month, and Rain Year. History key Press this key to enter History Mode Set key Press this key to enter Set Mode...
Page 19: Archive Memory Mode
6.2.1 Archive Memory Mode View archive memory for all parameters, based on the date and time. Figure 17 Recall Recall scroll left scroll scroll up scroll View graphs return home annual page right down records 6.2.2 Recall / Delete Annual Archive Memory Recall and delete annual archive memory.
Page 20: Page Selection
Figure 18 Delete annual record scroll left scroll right Recall annual record return archive memory mode 6.2.3 Page Selection While viewing the annual archive memory, press the key to view a specific page of memory. Version 2.0 ©Copyright 2017, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 20...
Page 21: Historical Graphs
Figure 19 Increase Decrease Scroll digit scroll digit Toggle Toggle page page to left right cancel, then press cancel, then press number number to confirm to confirm 6.2.4 Historical Graphs Display historical graph data. Version 2.0 ©Copyright 2017, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 21...
Page 22 Figure 20 Zoom in Zoom scroll scroll x-axis Recall scroll Return Return home Y-axis x-axis (time) right annual parameter Max/Min Y-axis (time) left archivc pages data Version 2.0 ©Copyright 2017, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 22...
Page 23: Set Mode
6.3 Set Mode Enter the Setup Mode Figure 21 Select units Select Select Select Scroll field Scroll Enter return of measure units value value field sub-setup to home scroll measure or down mode value up scroll value down 6.3.1 Set Date and Time Set the date and time.
Page 24: Time Format
to decrease the time zone. With time zone highlighted, press to set Daylight Savings Time (DST). Press to toggle ON or OFF. Note: the DST should be always checked to automatically update the time when DST changes. 4. Deviation(S/D). Adds or subtracts seconds per day from the clock to account for inaccuracies. Example: If the clock gains three seconds per day, enter +3 to offset this time drift.
Page 25: Temperature Units Of Measure
6.3.4 Temperature Units of Measure Press to change the temperature units of measure between °F and °C. 6.3.5 Barometer Units of Measure Press to change the temperature units of measure between inHg, mmHg and hpa. 6.3.6 Wind Speed Units of Measure Press to change the wind speed units of measure between mph, bft (beufort scale), ft/s, m/s, km/h and knot.
Page 26: Longitude And Latitude
Figure 23 adjust up or adjust down scroll left scroll right scroll up scroll down return home check or uncheck 6.3.12 Longitude and Latitude x 12 Set longitude and latitude for your location. This calculation is used for the sunrise and sunset calculation.
Page 27 Figure 24 To determine your longitude and latitude, we recommend the following website: www.bing.com/maps Reference Figure 25 below: 1. Enter your address and select the search button 2. The latitude (first number) and longitude (second number) are returned. In this example: Latitude = 33.2981181889772 Longitude = -111.960209459066 The table below defines the hemisphere based on the positive or negative sign:...
Page 28: Barometer Display
3. In this example, the location entered into the display is as follows: Latitude = 33.30 North Longitude = 111.96 West after rounding to two significant digits. Record your longitude and latitude here for future reference: Longitude: Latitude: Figure 25 6.3.13 Barometer Display x 13 Press...
Page 29: Weather Threshold
around the world. Relative pressure measurements greater than 29.92 inHg (1013 mb) are considered high pressure and relative pressure measurements less than 29.92 inHg are considered low pressure. 6.3.14 Weather Threshold Currently not used. 6.3.15 Storm Threshold Currently not used. 6.3.16 Current Weather Currently not used.
Page 30: Calibration Mode
You can also set a time of day alarm using the same method. Figure 26 Increase Decrease Select Select Scroll field Scroll Enter return alarm limit alarm limit value value field sub-setup to home values values down mode 6.5 Calibration Mode Enter the Calibration (Correct) Mode Version 2.0 ©Copyright 2017, Ambient LLC.
Page 31 Figure 27 Increase Decrease Select Select Scroll field Scroll Enter return calibrated calibrated value value field sub-setup to home value value down mode To adjust the parameter, press to scroll to the parameter you wish to change. Press highlight the sign (positive vs. negative, if applicable) and significant digit. Press change the calibrated value.
Page 32 Parameter Type of Default Typical Calibration Source Calibration Temperature Offset Current Value Red Spirit or Mercury Thermometer (1) Humidity Offset Current Value Sling Psychrometer (2) Offset Current Value Calibrated laboratory grade Barometer barometer REL Barometer Offset Current Value Local airport (3) Wind Direction Offset Current Value GPS, Compass (4)
Page 33 Without a calibrated source, wind speed can be difficult to measure. We recommend using a calibrated wind meter (available from Ambient Weather) and a constant speed, high speed fan. (8) The rain collector is calibrated at the factory based on the funnel diameter. The bucket tips every 0.01”...
Page 34: Factory Default
http://www.ambientweather.com/stprraga.html Make sure you periodically clean the rain gauge funnel. Note: The purpose of calibration is to fine tune or correct for any sensor error associated with the devices margin of error. Errors can occur due to electronic variation (example, the temperature sensor is a resistive thermal device or RTD, the humidity sensor is a capacitance device), mechanical variation, or degradation (wearing of moving parts, contamination of sensors).
Page 35 thermo-hygrometer-barometer. Press to highlight this field. Press key to select re-register indoor transmitter. Press key to ”Are you sure you want to register the new indoor transmitter?” popup the Message Box Press to select Yes or No. Press the key or key to confirm the selection.
Page 36 Figure 29 Select Select Select year Select year Scroll field Scroll Start or return to Setting Setting history file history file field stop Factory down backup menu Figure 30 Version 2.0 ©Copyright 2017, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 36...
Page 37: Export Data File Format (Data Logging)
6.6.1 Export Data File Format (Data Logging) The format of the data is csv (comma separated value) and can be opened in a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel for advanced data analysis, with the following headers: Column Parameter 1 No (data point number) 2 Time 3 Indoor Temperature (°F) 4 Indoor Humidity (%)
Page 38 Term Definition way as possible with a second device (instrument). Dew Point The dew point is the temperature at which a given parcel of humid air must be cooled, at constant barometric pressure, for water vapor to condense into water. The condensed water is called dew.
Page 39: Specifications
Term Definition (inHg) Rain Gauge A rain gauge is a device that measures liquid precipitation (rain), as opposed to solid precipitation (snow gauge) over a set period of time. All digital rain gauges are self emptying or self dumping (also referred to as tipping rain gauge).
Page 40: Measurement Specifications
8.2 Measurement Specifications The following table provides the specifications for the measured parameters. Measurement Range Accuracy Resolution Indoor Temperature 32 to 140 °F ± 2 °F 0.1 °F Outdoor Temperature -40 to 149 °F (lithium ± 2 °F 0.1 °F batteries) -4 to 140 °F (alkaline batteries)
Page 41: Advanced Rain Gauge Cleaning
Figure 31 2. Clean the solar radiation and UV sensors every 3 months with water and towel. 3. Clean solar panel every 3 months with water and towel. 4. Replace batteries every 1 to 2 years. 9.1 Advanced Rain Gauge Cleaning If the rain gauge stops updating, it is possible for spiders and other insects to nest inside the sensor array housing and interfere with the rain gauge mechanism.
Page 42: Troubleshooting Guide
Figure 33 10. Troubleshooting Guide If your question is not answered here, you can contact us as follows: 1. Email Support: support@ambientweather.com 2. Live Chat Support: www.ambientweather.com/chat.html (M-F 8am to 4pm Arizona Time) 3. Technical Support: 480-346-3398 (M-F 8am to 4pm Arizona Time) Problem Solution The maximum line of sight communication range is about 300’.
Page 43 Problem Solution Move the display console around electrical noise generating devices, such as computers, TVs and other wireless transmitters or receivers. Outdoor sensor array The sensor array may have initiated properly and the data is registered by the does not communicate console as invalid, and the console must be reset.
Page 44: Accessories
Class 4 Flash MicroSDHC for data backup and advanced data analysis. Memory Card SDC4/8GB Ambient Weather Mounting Ambient Weather provides the most comprehensive mounting solutions Solutions for weather stations, including tripods, pole extensions, pole mounting kits, guy wires, ground stakes and more.
Page 45: Warranty Information
Modifications not expressly approved by this company could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Statement according to FCC part 15.105: NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

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