2 Getting Started ................................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Parts List ....................................................................................................................................... 2
13.1 Quick Set Mode .................................................................................................................... 19
13.2 Set Mode ................................................................................................................................... 20
1 Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-1171A Advanced Weather Station with
Temperature, Humidity, Barometer and Advanced Forecasting. 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/ws1170
2 Getting Started
Note: The power up sequence must be performed in the order shown in this section (remote
transmitter first, Display Console second).
The WS-1171A weather station consists of a display console (receiver), and a thermo-hygrometer
(remote transmitter).
2.1 Parts List
2.2 Recommend Tools
Philips precision screwdriver
Drill for mounting bracket
2.3 Thermo-Hygrometer Sensor Set Up
Note: To avoid permanent damage, please take note of the battery polarity before inserting the
batteries.
Remove the battery door on the back of the sensor with a Philips screwdriver (there is only one screw,
at the bottom of the unit). Insert two AAA batteries as shown in Figure 1 (we recommend lithium
batteries for cold weather climates, but alkaline batteries are sufficient for most climates).
Replace the battery door and set screw. Note that the temperature and humidity will be displayed on
the LCD display. Looking at the back of the unit from left to right, the polarity is (-) (+) for the top
battery and (+) (-) for the bottom battery.
Note: To avoid permanent damage, please take note of the battery polarity before inserting the
batteries.
Place the remote thermo-hygrometer about 5 to 10’ away from the display console (if the sensor is too
close, it may not be received by the display console).
Remove the battery door on the back of the display. Insert three AA (alkaline or lithium, avoid
rechargeable) batteries in the back of the display console. Looking at the back of the unit (left to right),
the polarity is (+) (-) for the top battery, (-) (+) for the middle battery and (+) (-) for the bottom battery.
The display will beep once and all of the LCD segments will light up for a few seconds to verify all
segments are operating properly.
Replace the battery door, and fold out the desk stand and place the console in the upright position.
The console will instantly display indoor temperature, humidity, barometer, tendency, date and time.
The remote search icon will turn on in the OUT section of the display . The outdoor temperature
and humidity will update on the display within a few minutes.
Do not touch any buttons until the remote sensor reports in, otherwise the remote sensor search
mode will be terminated and the search icon will turn off. When the remote sensor data 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 in Section 7.
2.4.1 Radio Controlled Clock (RCC)
The RCC is received by the main console. After the remote sensor is powered up, the sensor will
transmit weather data for 30 seconds, and then the sensor will begin radio controlled clock (RCC)
reception and the RCC search icon will turn on. During the RCC time reception period
(maximum 10 minutes), no weather data will be transmitted to avoid interference.
If the signal reception is not successful within 1 minute, the signal search will be cancelled, the
outdoor temperature and humidity will update as normal, the RCC icon will turn off, and the RCC
9. Indoor temperature and humidity low
alarm and high alarm
10. Indoor temperature display
11. Temperature display units
16. Outdoor humidity display
17. Outdoor temperature and humidity
low alarm and high alarm
18. Temperature display units
19. Outdoor temperature display
20. General outdoor alarm icon
21. Weather forecast icon
22. Weather tendency indicator
23. Pressure with 24 hour history graph
24. Pressure high alarm
25. Pressure low alarm
26. Absolute or relative air pressure
selection
search will automatically resume every two hours until the signal is successfully captured. The regular
RF link will resume once RCC reception routine is finished. In some locations, RCC reception may
take a couple of days to receive the signal. The temperature and humidity data will continue to
transmit during this period.
Once the radio controlled time is received the WWVB icon will be present above the time (reference
Figure 2).
Note: The RCC search icon is normally off and will momentarily flash when updated. The
signal is passed from the outdoor sensor to the console, and will not update if the outdoor sensor is not
updating properly.
2.4.2 Display Console Layout
Note: The following illustration shows the full segments of the LCD for description purposes
only and will not appear like this during normal operation.
12. Indoor temperature and humidity
alarm on indicator
13. Remote sensor transmit signal
indicator
14. MIN/MAX information
15. Dew point temperature display
27. Barometer air pressure
28. Pressure display unit (inHg or hPa)
29. Pressure alarm ON indicator
NOTE: The snooze key is on the top of
the display console
2.4.3 Sensor Operation Verification
Verify the indoor and outdoor humidity match closely with the console and sensor array in the same
location (about 10’ apart). The sensors should be within 10% (the accuracy is ± 5%). Allow about 30
minutes for both sensors to stabilize.
Verify the indoor and outdoor temperature match closely with the console and sensor array in the same
location (about 10’ apart). The sensors should be within 4°F (the accuracy is ± 2°F). Allow about 30
minutes for both sensors to stabilize.
3 Remote Sensor Installation
3.1 Sensor Placement
It is recommended you mount the remote sensor on a north facing wall, in a shaded area, at a height at
or above the receiver. Direct sunlight and radiant heat sources will result in inaccurate temperature
readings. Although the sensor is weatherproof, it is best to mount in a well protected area, such as an
eve.
Use 3 screws (included) to affix the mounting bracket to the wall with a precision screwdriver.
Connect the remote sensor to the wall bracket. It is recommended to drill pilot holes first.
Figure 2
Note: Make sure the sensor is mounted vertically and not lying down on a flat surface. This will
insure optimum reception.
3.2 Wireless Reception Considerations
Wireless signals are impacted by distance, interference (other weather stations, wireless phones,
wireless routers, TVs and computer monitors), and transmission barriers, such as walls. In general,
wireless signals will not penetrate solid metal and earth (down a hill, for example).
The following is a table of reception loss vs. the transmission medium. Each “wall” or obstruction
decreases the transmission range by the factor shown below.
4 Console Operation
Note: The console has four keys for easy operation: SET key, ALARM key, MIN/MAX key and
+ key. There are four program modes: Quick Display Mode, Set Mode, Alarm Mode and Min/Max
Mode.
Any program mode can be exited at any time by either pressing the SNOOZE/LIGHT key (on the top
of the display console), or waiting for the 10-second time-out to take effect.
4.1 Quick Display Mode
A quick reference guide for the Quick Set Mode is available in Section 13.1.
While in Normal Mode, press the SET key to enter the Quick Display Mode as follows (once for
outdoor temperature and dew point and twice for absolute pressure and relative pressure):
1. Display Outdoor Temperature and Dew Point. Press the MIN/MAX or + key to toggle
between outdoor temperature and dew point.
2. Absolute Pressure and Relative Pressure. Press the MIN/MAX or + key to toggle between
absolute pressure and relative pressure.
4.2 Set (Program) Mode
A quick reference guide for the Set Mode is available in Section 13.2.
While in Normal Mode, press and hold the SET key for at least three seconds to enter the Set Mode.
The first setting will begin flashing. You can press the SET key again to skip any step, as defined
below.
Note: In the Set mode, press the + key or MIN/MAX key to change or scroll the value. Hold
the + key or MIN/MAX key for 3 seconds to increase/decrease rapidly.
Note: Press the SNOOZE key (or wait 30 seconds for the programming mode to timeout), and
the Set Mode will return to Normal Mode.
1. Daylight Savings Time (DST). The DST (ON or OFF) setting will begin flashing. Press the
+ key to toggle between DST ON and DST OFF.
2. Time Zone Settings. Press the SET key again to adjust the Time Zone (TZ) setting.