Ambient Weather WS-14 Manual

Getting Started

Note: The power up sequence must be performed in the order shown in this section (insert batteries in the remote transmitter(s) first, Display Console second).

The WS-14 weather station consists of a display console (receiver), and a thermometer (remote transmitter).

Parts List

Floating Pool and Spa Thermometer Sensor Set Up

Note: We recommend fresh alkaline batteries for temperature ranges between -4°F and 140°F and fresh lithium batteries for temperature ranges between -40°F and 140°F. The solar panel does not charge the batteries, so rechargeable batteries are not needed or recommended.

Figure 1

1. To insert the batteries:
   1. Twist the KEY lid to unlock,
      
   2. remove the key, and
      
   3. twist the main body of the sensor by removing the lid, as shown.
      
      
      Turn the lid counter clockwise to open, like the lid of a jar (Figure 3). Turning the lid clockwise may overtighten the lid.
      
      Figure 3
2. The floating thermometer includes dip switches for assigning channel numbers.
   BEFORE inserting the batteries, locate the dip switches on the inside cover of the lid of the transmitter. Figure 5 displays all four switches in the OFF position (factory default setting).
   
   Figure 5

NOTE: The second generation pool float includes a reset button.

If the display does not power up after inserting the batteries, press the reset button shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4

If your pool float does not include a reset button, cover the solar panel with one hand, remove the batteries, wait 60 seconds, reinsert the batteries, and uncover the solar panel.

Channel Number: The WS-14 supports up to eight transmitters. To set each channel number (the default is Channel 1), change Dip Switches 1, 2 and 3, as referenced in Table 1.

Temperature Units of Measure: To change the transmitter display units of measure (°F vs. °C), change Dip Switch 4, as referenced in Table 1.

Table 1

3. Reference Figure below. Install 4 x AAA batteries.
   1. Open the battery compartment and
      
   2. insert 4 x AAA batteries into the battery compartment, observing the correct battery polarity.
      
4. After inserting the batteries, the remote sensor LED indicator will light for 4 seconds, and then flash once per 60 seconds thereafter. Each time it flashes, the sensor is transmitting data.
5. Verify the correct channel number (CH) and temperature units of measure (°F vs. °C) are on the display, as shown in Figure 7.
   
   Figure 7
   1. temperature
   2. temperature units (°F vs. °C)
   3. channel number
6. Close the battery door. Make sure both red colored gaskets are properly seated in their traces prior to closing the battery door, as shown in Figure 8. Failure to properly seal the floating thermometer will result in water leakage and damage.
   
   Figure 8
7. To close the lid,
   1. Twist the lid until it is firmly locked and the key is aligned.
      
   2. Insert the key and turn 90 degrees to lock the lid, as shown below.
      
   3. A tether can be added into the key as shown in Figure 10.
      
      Figure 10

Place the sensor in the water and make sure that it is within the effective transmission range from the display console.

Sensor Placement

1. Place the sensor in the pool or spa within 100 feet of the display console (Figure 11, reference A). Avoid transmitting through solid earth or ground (Figure 11, reference B). Use a tether (string) to fix the sensor in the pool or spa.
2. Place the console at least three feet away from computers, TVs and wireless phones.
3. Avoid transmitting through solid metal barriers.
   
   Figure 11

NOTE: The F007PF is designed to float. If the F007PF is used under a cover and the sensor is constantly submerged, the additional pressure will lead to premature gasket failure. Moisture will enter the sensor compartment and cause sensor failure.

Maintenance

During each battery change (1-2 years), we recommend applying waterproof silicon grease to the seals:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone_grease

Silicone grease is available at most hardware and pool stores.

Display Console Set Up

Move the remote thermometer(s) about 5 to 10' away from the display console (if the sensor is too close, it may not be received by the display console).

If you have more than one thermometer, make sure they are all powered up and transmitting on different channels. Remove the battery door on the back of the display, as shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12

Fold out the desk stand, remove the battery cover, and insert three AAA (alkaline or lithium, avoid rechargeable) batteries in the back of the display console. All of the LCD segments will light up for a few seconds (to verify all segments are operating properly).

1. Replace the battery door, and place the console in the upright position with the desk stand folded out.
   The console will instantly display time, indoor temperature as designated by the icon. The remote temperature will update on the display within a few minutes on the appropriate channel.
   While in the search mode, the remote search icon will be constantly displayed.
   If you have more than once remote sensor (up to eight remotes are supported), the display will automatically toggle between sensors until all sensors have reported in.
   Do not touch any buttons until the remote sensor has reported in, or the radio search icon is no longer on, otherwise the remote sensor search mode will be terminated. When the remote sensor temperature has been received, the console will automatically switch to the normal mode, and all further settings can be performed.

If the remote does not update, please reference the Troubleshooting guide.

Display Console Layout

Figure 13

Sensor Operation Verification

Verify the indoor and outdoor temperature match closely with the console and sensor array in the same location (about 5 to 10' apart). The sensors should be within 2°F (the accuracy is ± 1°F). Allow about 30 minutes for both sensors to stabilize. The temperature can be adjusted or calibrated later to match each other or a known source.

Display Features

Console Operation

Note: The console has three buttons for easy operation: SET button, MIN/MAX button, and CH/+ button.

Set Mode

The Set Mode allows you to set the time and time format, time alarm and units of measure.
To enter the set mode, press and hold the SET key for 3 seconds.

1. 12 hr/24 hr time format. Press the [+] key to switch between 12 and 24 hour format. Press the SET key to advance to the next setting.
2. Hour. Press the [+] or [-] key to increase or decrease the hour. Press the SET key to advance to the next setting.
3. Minute. Press the [+] or [-] key to increase or decrease the minute. Press the SET key to advance to the next setting.
4. Alarm Hour. Press the [+] or [-] key to increase or decrease the alarm hour. While the alarm value is flashing, press and hold the SET button for three seconds to toggle the alarm on and off the alarm. The time alarm icon will appear when set, and disappear when disabled. Press (do not hold) the SET key to advance to the next setting.
5. Alarm Minute. Press the [+] or [-] key to increase or decrease the alarm minute. While the alarm value is flashing, press and hold the SET button for three seconds to toggle the alarm on and off the alarm. The time alarm icon will appear when set, and disappear when disabled. Press(do not hold) the SET key to advance to the next setting.
6. Temperature Units of Measure. Press the [+] key to switch between °F and °C units of measure. Press the SET key to advance to the next setting.
7. Max/Min Clearing. The Max/Min can be programmed to clear daily (at midnight) or manually. Press the [+] key to switch between "Clears Daily" and Clears Manually. Press the SET key to exit setting.

Viewing the High and Low Alarms

The high and low alarms can be set for Channels 1 and 2 only. Press the CH/+ button to switch the display between Channel 1 and 2.

Next, press the SET button to view the High (MAX) and LOW (MIN) alarm along with the alarm time. Press the SET button again to return to the normal mode.

Alarm Defaults

Setting the Min and Max Alarm

The high and low alarms can be set for Channels 1 and 2 only. Press the CH/+ button to switch the display between Channel 1 and 2.

Next, press the SET button once, and the alarm icon will appear ,Press and hold the SET button for 3 seconds, and the temperature HIGH (max) alarm will flash. Press the CH/+ button to increase the HIGH alarm and the MIN/MAX button to decrease the HIGH alarm. Press and hold the + or - button to change rapidly. While the alarm value is flashing, press and hold the SET button for three seconds to toggle the alarm on and off the alarm. The alarm icon will appear when set, and disappear when disabled.

Press (do not hold) the SET button again to set the LOW (min) temperature alarm. The LOW alarm for temperature will flash. Press the CH/+ button to increase the LOW alarm and the MIN/MAX button to decrease the LOW alarm. Press and hold the + or - button to change rapidly. While the alarm value is flashing, press and hold the SET button for three seconds to toggle the alarm on and off the alarm. The alarm icon will appear when set, and disappear when disabled.

Manually Reset Max/Min

In normal mode, Press the MIN/MAX button once to view the MAX values. Press the MIN/MAX button again to view the MIN values.
Press the MIN/MAX button again to return to normal mode.
To reset the Max/Min values, press and hold the MIN/MAX- button for 3 seconds.

Channel Selection

Press the CH/+ button to switch the display between remote sensors 1 through 8, and scroll mode . In scroll mode, all of detected outdoor sensors will be displayed in five second intervals.

Sensor Search Mode

If any of the sensor communication is lost, dashes (--.-) will be displayed on the screen. To reacquire the signal:

1. If a specific channel is lost, press the CH/+ button to display this channel, then Press and hold the CH/+ button for 3 seconds, and the remote search icon will be constantly displayed for up to 3 minutes. Once the signal is reacquired, the remote search icon will turn off, and the current values will be displayed.
2. If new sensors are added, subtracted, or multiple sensor channels are lost, Press and hold the CH/+ button for 5 seconds (on any channel), and the remote search icon will be constantly displayed for up to 10 minutes. Once the signal is reacquired, the remote search icon will turn off, and the current values will be displayed.

Best Practices for Wireless Communication

Wireless communication is susceptible to interference, distance, walls and metal barriers. We recommend the following best practices for trouble free wireless communication.

1. Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI). Keep the console several feet away from computer monitors and TVs.
2. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). If you have other 433 MHz devices and communication is intermittent, try turning off these other devices for troubleshooting purposes. You may need to relocate the transmitters or receivers to avoid intermittent communication.
3. Line of Sight Rating. This device is rated at 150 feet line of sight (no interference, barriers or walls) but typically you will get 100 feet maximum under most real-world installations, which include passing through barriers or walls.
4. Metal Barriers. Radio frequency will not pass through metal barriers such as aluminum siding. If you have metal siding, align the remote and console through a window to get a clear line of sight.

Adjustment or Calibration

Note: The calibrated value can only be adjusted on the console. The remote sensor(s) always displays the un-calibrated or measured value.

The purpose of calibration is to fine tune or correct for any sensor error associated with the devices margin of error. The measurement can be adjusted from the console to calibrate to a known source.

Calibration is only useful if you have a known calibrated source you can compare it against, and is optional. This section discusses practices, procedures and sources for sensor calibration to reduce manufacturing and degradation errors. Do not compare your readings obtained from sources such as the internet, radio, television or newspapers. They are in a different location and typically update once per hour.

The purpose of your weather station is to measure conditions of your surroundings, which vary significantly from location to location.

Remote Sensor Temperature Calibration

Prior to entering the calibration mode, press the CH/+ button to select the remote temperature sensor you wish to adjust.

To enter the temperature calibration mode, press and hold the SET and CH/+ buttons at the same time for 5 seconds and the remote temperature value will begin flashing. Press the CH/+ button to increase the temperature and the MIN/MAX button to decrease the temperature reading in 0.1° increments. To rapidly increase (or decrease) the temperature reading, press and hold the CH/+ or MIN/MAX button.

To return the temperature to the actual or uncalibrated measurement, press the SET button.

Once the displayed temperature equals the calibrated source, press and hold the SET button for three seconds, or wait 15 seconds for timeout, and the temperature value will stop flashing.

Indoor Temperature Calibration

To enter the indoor temperature calibration mode, press and hold the SET and MIN/MAX buttons at the same time for 5 seconds and the IN-TEMP temperature value will begin flashing. Press the CH/+ button to increase the temperature and the MIN/MAX button to decrease the temperature reading in 0.1° increments. To rapidly increase (or decrease) the temperature reading, press and hold the CH/+ or MIN/MAX button.

To return the temperature to the actual or uncalibrated measurement, press the SET button.

Once the displayed temperature equals the calibrated source, press and hold the SET button for three seconds, or wait 15 seconds for timeout, and the temperature value will stop flashing.

Discussion: Temperature errors can occur when a sensor is placed too close to a heat source (such as a building structure, the ground or trees).

To calibrate temperature, we recommend a mercury or red spirit (fluid) thermometer. Bi-metal (dial) and other digital thermometers are not a good source and have their own margin of error. Using a local weather station in your area is also a poor source due to changes in location, timing (airport weather stations are only updated once per hour) and possible calibration errors (many official weather stations are not properly installed and calibrated).

Place the sensor in a shaded, controlled environment next to the fluid thermometer, and allow the sensor to stabilize for 48 hours. Compare this temperature to the fluid thermometer and adjust the console to match the fluid thermometer.

Glossary of Terms

Specifications

Wireless Specifications

• Line of sight wireless transmission (in open air): 150 feet, 100 feet under most conditions.
• Frequency: 433 MHz
• Update Rate: 60 seconds

Measurement Specifications

The following table provides specifications for the measured parameters.

Power Consumption

• Base station (display console): 3 x AAA 1.5V Alkaline or Lithium batteries (not included)
• Remote sensor: 4 x AAA 1.5V Alkaline or Lithium batteries (not included)
• Battery life: Minimum 12 months for base station with one sensor and excellent reception. Intermittent reception and multiple sensors may reduce the battery life.
  Minimum 24 months for water sensor (use lithium batteries in cold weather climates less than -4°F)

Troubleshooting Guide

If your question is not answered here, you can contact us as follows:

1. Email Support: support@ambientweather.com
2. Technical Support: 480-346-3398 (M-F 8am to 3pm Arizona Time)

Problem	Solution
Wireless remote (thermo-hygrometer) not reporting in to console. There are dashes (--.-) on the display console.	If any of the sensor communication is lost, dashes (--.-) will be displayed on the screen. To reacquire the signal, press and hold the CHANNEL/+ button for 3 seconds, and the remote search icon will be constantly displayed. Once the signal is reacquired, the remote search icon will turn off, and the current values will be displayed.
	The maximum line of sight communication range is 300' and 100' under most conditions. Move the sensor assembly closer to the display console. If the sensor assembly is too close (less than 5'), move the sensor assembly away from the display console. Make sure the remote sensor LCD display is working and the transmitter light is flashing once per 60 seconds. Install a fresh set of batteries in the remote thermo-hygrometer. For cold weather environments, install lithium batteries. Make sure the remote sensors are not transmitting through solid metal (acts as an RF shield), or earth barrier (down a hill). Move the display console around electrical noise generating devices, such as computers, TVs and other wireless transmitters or receivers. Move the remote sensor to a higher location. Move the remote sensor to a closer location.
Pool float does not power up.	If the display does not power up after inserting the batteries, press the reset button shown in Figure 4. If your pool float does not include a reset button, cover the solar panel with one hand, remove the batteries, wait 60 seconds, reinsert the batteries, and uncover the solar panel.
Temperature sensor reads too high in the day time.	Make sure the thermo-hygrometer is mounted in a shaded area on the north facing wall. Consider the following radiation shield if this is not possible: http://www.ambientweather.com/amwesrpatean.html
Indoor and Outdoor Temperature do not agree	Allow up to one hour for the sensors to stabilize due to signal filtering. The indoor and outdoor temperature sensors should agree within 2°F (the sensor accuracy is ± 1°F). Use the calibration feature to match the indoor and outdoor temperature to a known source.
Display console contrast is weak	Replace console batteries with a fresh set of batteries.

Accessories

The following software and hardware accessories are available for this weather station at www.AmbientWeather.com.

Documents / Resources

References

• Silicone grease - Wikipedia
• Ambient Weather SRS100LX Temperature and Humidity Solar Radiation Shield
• Highest Rated Personal Weather Stations - Ambient Weather
• Ambient Weather WH31E Sensor for WS-1550-IP, WS-2000, WS-2902B, WS-2902C, WS-3000 & ObserverIP Series Weather Station
• Energizer AAA Lithium Battery (2-pack) - Batteries for Long Life and Cold Weather

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