ACU-RITE 899 Manual

PACKAGE CONTENTS

Package Contents:

1. Wireless Collector
   
2. Main Unit
   

What You Need:

• Philips Screwdriver
• (5) AA batteries

NOTE: REMOVE PACKING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE OF THE RAIN COLLECTOR.
Also note that a clear film is applied to the LCD at the factory that must be removed prior to using this product. Locate the clear tab and simply peel to remove.

OVERVIEW OF FEATURES

MAIN UNIT

RAIN COLLECTOR

SETUP

A/B/C Wireless Selection

To allow for more than one main unit and wireless collector network to be used in close proximity, the main unit and the wireless collector have a small switch labeled "A B C" within the battery compartments. This switch selects one of 3 wireless modes to use, and both switches MUST be set in matching positions (either A, B, or C) for wireless communication to take place successfully.

Install Batteries

NOTE: Install all batteries in both units within a 6 minute period to ensure proper wireless functionality. Always install batteries into the wireless rain collector FIRST.

Rain Collector

2 "AA" Batteries Required (not included)

1. GENTLY SQUEEZE LOWER TABS AND PULL UP ON THE UPPER CASING TO SEPARATE
   
2. REMOVE THE BATTERY BOX BY SQUEEZING THE TWO LARGE TABS TOGETHER
   
3. INSTALL 2 FRESH "AA" BATTERIES AND RE-INSTALL THE BATTERY BOX
   
4. WITH THE BATTERY BOX SECURELY INSTALLED, RE-ATTACH THE UPPER AND LOWER CASING
   

Main Unit

3 "AA" Batteries Required (not included)

1. REMOVE THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT COVER BY SLIDING IT OFF
2. INSTALL 3 FRESH "AA" BATTERIES

Set Time/Date/Units

This wireless rain gauge is equipped with a history function and alarms, which rely on the proper date settings to function properly. It is very important that you set the date and time before placing the collector outside to record rainfall amounts.

To set the time/date/units: Press and hold the "SET" button to enter into setting mode. NOTE the "SET" icon and the flashing hour indicates you are in set time and date mode.

Press the "+" button to adjust the selected value up (press and hold the "+" button for FAST setting).

Press the "SET" button again to confirm your adjustment and move on to setting the next value.

The set order is as follows:
HOUR (note the "AM" and "PM" indicators)
MINUTE
MONTH
DATE
YEAR
INCH or MILLIMETER display mode

PLACEMENT

Now that setup is complete, you must choose a location to place the wireless rain collector and the main unit. The wireless rain collector MUST be placed less than 100 feet away from the main unit.
This wireless rain gauge uses radio frequency for communication, which is susceptible to interference from other electronic devices and large metallic items or thick walls. Always place both units at least 3 feet away from appliances (TV, microwave, radios, etc.) or objects (large metal surfaces, thick stone walls, etc.) that may interfere with the wireless communication.

Placement of Main Unit

Place the main unit in a dry area free of dirt and dust. You may place the main unit on a table top or other flat surface.

Placement of Rain Collector

The wireless rain collector MUST BE PLACED OUTDOORS to observe and record rain measurements and relay the information to the main unit display. The wireless rain collector must be placed less than 100 feet away from the main unit and MUST be placed on a flat, level surface to allow for proper rain measurement. Make certain the rain collector is not placed in a low spot that may become flooded or in an area where there are obstructions above it such as trees.

DO NOT
PLACE IN WATER OR IN UNEVEN OR LOW SPOTS THAT MAY BECOME FLOODED

DO NOT
PLACE IN AREAS WHERE PLANT GROWTH CAN GROW INTO CASE AND OBSTRUCT RAINFLOW THROUGH COLLECTOR

DO NOT
PLACE IN AN AREA WITH OBSTRUCTIONS ABOVE

DO
PLACE ON A LEVEL SURFACE WITH NO OBSTRUCTIONS ABOVE

Surface Mounting of Rain Collector

It is recommended that the rain collector be mounted to a solid, level surface with limited grass growth such as a deck railing or similar surface. To mount the rain collector, first separate the lower casing base from the upper casing. Next locate the two holes within the lower casing base. Then, using only hand tools (power tools may slip during use, possibly damaging sensitive rain collector components), secure the lower casing base to the chosen surface using the appropriate hardware.

SQUEEZE TABS TO OPEN

INSTALL 2 SCREWS USING HAND TOOLS ONLY. THEN RE-ATTACH UPPER CASING

Care Instructions for Rain Collector

Debris and Foreign Matter
The Wireless Rain Collector was designed with materials suitable for outdoor use. However, certain environmental conditions may require periodic cleaning of the collector components. If the funnel becomes extremely dirty, rain water may not flow correctly into the rain collector. More extensive clearing out and cleaning of the funnel and other components may be required in these cases. It is recommended that the funnel and be checked and cleaned periodically to ensure proper operation of the rain gauge system.

Winter Climates
The Wireless Rain Collector is designed to collect and record liquid rainfall only, it will not detect or record snowfall levels. It is recommended that the rain collector be brought indoors if you live in an area that has extreme cold weather, ice and snow during the winter months.

OPERATION

Wireless Reception

The main unit has a wireless signal reception icon in the right display area. If there are a low number of "bars" present, you may experience no communication ( flashing tower ) or inaccuracy. In either case, you may need to relocate one or both of the units. If most or all 4 of the bars are present, wireless reception is good and no action is required

Display Mode

Pressing the "MODE" button changes the rain amount display mode. While in the selected mode, the history and clear buttons refer to the currently selected mode only.

"EVENT" MODE:
The Event display mode shows the current or most recent rain event total. Events are periods of rain associated with a weather system. Events may be a brief drizzle, or a multi-day storm. The rain event ends when no rainfall has been recorded for at least 8 hours. After that, any new rainfall will be automatically recorded as the next newest event.

CALENDAR DISPLAY MODES:
1 DAY= One calendar day rain total
WEEK= 1 calendar week rain total (week= SUN through SAT)
TOTAL A= All-time rain total A (clear to re-set counter)
TOTAL B= All-time rain total B (clear to re-set counter)

History Mode

Pressing the "HISTORY" button will enter into history mode for the currently selected DISPLAY MODE. Each additional time you press the history button, you will step backward in time and see the historical rainfall amounts and the time/date they were recorded. If there is no button activity within a 30 second period, the display will return to current display mode.

VIEWING & CLEARING EVENT HISTORY

EVENT MODE: Pressing the "HISTORY" button while in EVENT mode steps backward through the last 7 rain event rain totals, one event per "HISTORY" button push. The display will show the time/date of each past recorded event. To clear any event from memory, press and hold the "CLEAR" button. Clearing any data from the EVENT mode will not affect any of the CALENDAR based rain totals.

VIEWING & CLEARING CALENDAR HISTORY

1 DAY MODE: Pressing the "HISTORY" button while in 1 DAY mode steps backward through the last 7 DAYS' rain totals, one day per "HISTORY" button push. The display will show the time/date of each past DAYS rain totals. To clear any days' rain total from memory, press and hold the "CLEAR" button. Clearing a days rain will also subtract that same amount from the WEEK, and also TOTAL A & B

WEEK MODE: Pressing the "HISTORY" button while in WEEK mode steps backward through the last 7 WEEKS' rain totals, one WEEK per "HISTORY" button push. The display will show the start time/date of each past WEEK rain totals. To clear any WEEK rain total from memory, press and hold the "CLEAR" button. Clearing a weeks rain will also subtract that same amount from TOTAL A & B, also with the corresponding DAYS rain.

TOTAL A/B MODE: Pressing the "HISTORY" button while in TOTAL A/B mode simply displays the total A/B start time/date. These two modes are similar to a cars trip odometer, it keeps counting up until you clear and reset it. To reset the TOTAL A or TOTAL B counters, press and hold the "CLEAR" button while the total is being displayed.

Flood Watch Alarm

Pushing the "FLOOD WATCH" button activates the flood watch alarm. The flood watch alarm Icon and text will be displayed indicating that the alarm is "ON." The alarm will sound if the main unit receives rain data that would indicate any of the flood and saturation conditions, as listed below:

> 3" in the last 7 days and then >0.7" in the last two hours or >1" in the last 24 hours
> 2.3" in the last 4 days and then >0.7" in the last two hours or >1" in the last 24 hours
> 1.5" in the last 2 days and then >0.7" in the last two hours or >1" in the last 24 hours
> 1.4" in the last two hours
> 1.6" in the last eight hours
> 1.8" in the last 24 hours

If these conditions occur, the alarm will sound for one minute or until any button is pushed, silencing the alarm. If no buttons are pushed, the audible alarm tone will stop sounding after one minute, but the display icon will continue to flash and the will sound three tones on the hour for the next 8 hours.

If no buttons are pressed to silence the flood alarm, the flood alarm feature will automatically be active at the start of the next event.

NOTE: The main unit will actively monitor the rain and saturation conditions, even when the flood alarm is off. If the flood alarm is activated, and the audible alert sounds immediately, the conditions for flooding to be possible have already taken place.

Rain Alarm

Pushing the "RAIN ALARM" button activates the rain alarm. The rain alarm Icon and text will be displayed indicating that the alarm is "ON." The rain alarm will sound if the main unit receives any rain data.
The alarm will sound for up to a 1 minute or until any button is pushed, silencing the alarm. If no buttons are pushed the alarm tone will stop sounding but the display icon will continue to flash for up to 30 minutes.
If no buttons are pressed to silence the alarm, the unit will automatically be reset to come on at the start of the next event.

This device is intended to be a weather monitoring device for personal use only. The FLOOD WATCH and RAIN ALARM alerts are for convenience and monitoring use. This device is NOT a safety device or a weather hazard warning device

Set Wireless ID

In the event that you have reception problems due to interference, both the main unit and the wireless rain collector have a selectable wireless ID. The ID switches are located within the battery compartments of the main unit and the wireless rain collector.
You may choose A, B or C; but both the main units' and the wireless rain collectors' IDs must match for successful synchronization

Calibration & Adjustment

To test the unit, slowly drip 1 cup (or 8 oz.) of water through the collector funnel. For best results the water should drip through the unit at a very slow rate, similar to how the rain falls. Poking a pin hole in a small container or cup works well to simulate rain fall. The display should read 1.68 inches

If you need to make adjustments based on the results of the test:
One HALF turn (+/-) of the screws will adjust the unit by approximately (+/-) 0.08 inches
One FULL turn (+/-) of the screws will adjust the unit by approximately (+/-) 0.16 inches

To adjust or calibrate the unit, turn both calibration screws in equal amounts, according to the following table:

TROUBLESHOOTING

Please DO NOT return product to the retail store. For technical assistance and product return information, please call Customer Care: 877-221-1252 Mon. - Fri 8:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M (CST)
www.chaneyinstrument.com

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Measurement Range

Rainfall
Accumulative Rainfall Range: 0 to 99.99 inches (0 to 2540 mm)

Specifications

Rain Gauge General Specifications
Rainfall Resolution: 0.01 inches
Rainfall Units: Inches (in) and millimeters (mm)
Wireless Rain Collector: automatic self emptying, continuous rainfall measuring

Power Requirements
Main Unit: 3 x "AA" alka ine or lithium batteries
Wireless Rain Collector: 2 x "AA" alkaline or lithium batteries

Wireless Communication
Radio Frequency: 433 mhz
Transmission Intervals: every 60 seconds

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

For in-warranty repair, please contact:
Customer Care Department
Chaney Instrument Company
965 Wells Street
Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Chaney Technical Support
877-221-1252
Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. CST
www.chaneyinstrument.com

Please DO NOT return product to the retail store. For technical assistance and product return information, please call Customer Care: 877-221-1252 Mon. - Fri 8:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M (CST)
www.chaneyinstrument.com

Documents / Resources

References

• Acurite GDPR Notice

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