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WS-2902C
User Manual
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Ambient WS-2902C User Manual

Version 3.0 ©Copyright 2020, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 1
Ambient Weather WS-2902C Wi-Fi OSPREY Solar Powered
Wireless Weather Station User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Warnings and Cautions .............................................................................................................................................. 3
3. Quick Start Guide ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Pre-Installation Checkout and Site Survey ................................................................................................................ 4
5. Getting Started ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
5.3.1 Install Wind Vane ........................................................................................................................................... 5
5.3.2 Install Wind Cups ........................................................................................................................................... 6
5.3.3 Install U-Bolts ................................................................................................................................................ 6
5.3.4 Install the Rain Gauge Funnel ........................................................................................................................ 7
5.3.5 Install the Funnel Coil Filter .......................................................................................................................... 8
5.3.6 Install Batteries .............................................................................................................................................. 8
5.3.7 Install Mounting Pole ..................................................................................................................................... 9
5.7.1 Vertical Desk Stand ...................................................................................................................................... 13
6. Display Console Operation ...................................................................................................................................... 14
6.2.1 Button Operation .......................................................................................................................................... 16
6.3.1 Time Zones ................................................................................................................................................... 18
6.4.1 Viewing Absolute vs. Relative Pressure ....................................................................................................... 19
6.4.2 Rate of Change of Pressure Graph ............................................................................................................... 19
6.4.3 Viewing Pressure History ............................................................................................................................. 19
6.4.4 Relative Pressure Calibration Discussion .................................................................................................... 19
6.5.1 Rain Increments of Measure ........................................................................................................................ 20
6.5.2 Resetting Rain .............................................................................................................................................. 20
6.5.3 Increments of Rain Definitions .................................................................................................................... 20
6.7.1 Wind Chill, Dew Point and Heat Index Display .......................................................................................... 20
6.8.1 Viewing High and Low Alarms .................................................................................................................... 20
6.8.2 Setting High and Low Alarms ...................................................................................................................... 21
6.9.1 Viewing Max/Min Values............................................................................................................................. 24
6.10.1 Calibration Settings .................................................................................................................................. 24
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6.10.2 Calibration Ranges ................................................................................................................................... 26
6.10.3 Calibration Discussion ............................................................................................................................. 26
6.13.1 With AC Adapter ...................................................................................................................................... 28
6.13.2 Without AC Adapter ................................................................................................................................. 28
6.16.1 Storm Alert ............................................................................................................................................... 29
6.16.2 Weather Forecasting Description and Limitations ................................................................................... 29
7. Live Internet Publishing ........................................................................................................................................... 29
7.1.1 Download the awnet Console Configuration App ........................................................................................ 30
7.1.2 Place the Console in Wi-Fi Broadcast Mode ............................................................................................... 30
7.1.3 awnet Connection Wizard ............................................................................................................................ 30
8. Registering with Internet Cloud Services ................................................................................................................ 41
8.1.1 Ambient Weather Dashboard Apps .............................................................................................................. 42
8.1.2 IFTTT ........................................................................................................................................................... 42
8.1.3 Amazon Alexa .............................................................................................................................................. 42
8.1.4 Works with Google Assistant ....................................................................................................................... 43
8.2.1 Registering through the PC or Mac Website ................................................................................................ 43
9. Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................................................................... 45
10. Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................... 47
11. Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................. 48
12. Troubleshooting Guide............................................................................................................................................. 48
13. Accessories .............................................................................................................................................................. 50
14. Liability Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................. 50
15. FCC Statement ......................................................................................................................................................... 50
16. Warranty Information ............................................................................................................................................... 51
17. California Prop 65 .................................................................................................................................................... 51
Version 3.0 ©Copyright 2020, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 3
1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-2902C Wi-Fi OSPREY Solar Powered Wireless Weather Station. The following user guide provides step by step instructions for installation, operation, and troubleshooting.
1.1 Help
The product is continuously changing and improving, particularly online services and associated applications. To download the latest manual and additional help, please visit:
https://help.ambientweather.net/product/ws-2902c/
1.2 Product History
• WS-2902: Initial product release.
• WS-2902A: Added Wi-Fi broadcast mode. This enables users to connect their console to their dual band router
without having to disable the 5.0 GHz band.
• WS-2902B: Supports 8-channel thermo-hygrometer sensors and PM2.5 sensors. They cannot be viewed on the
display console but are passed through to AmbientWeather.net.
• WS-2902C: Same as WS-2902B, but console layout improved.
2. Warnings and Cautions
Warning: Any metal object may attract a lightning strike, including your weather station mounting pole. Never
install the weather station in a storm.
Warning: If you are mounting the weather station to a house or structure, consult a licensed electrician for proper
grounding. A direct lightning strike to a metal pole can damage or destroy your home.
Warning: Installing your weather station in a high location may result in injury or death. Perform as much of the
initial check out and operation on the ground and inside a building or home. Only install the weather station on a clear, dry, day.
3. Quick Start Guide
Although the manual is comprehensive, much of the information contained may be intuitive. In addition, the manual does not flow properly because the sections are organized by components.
The following Quick Start Guide provides the necessary steps to install and operate the weather station, and upload to the internet, along with references to the pertinent sections.
Required
Step
Description
Section
1
Assemble and power up the sensor array
5.3
2
Power up the display console and synchronize with sensor array
5.7
3
Mount the sensor array
5.3.7
4
Set date and time on console
6.3
5
Calibrate the relative pressure to sea-level conditions (local airport) on console
6.3
6
Reset the rain to zero on console
6.5.2
Optional
7
Configure Wi-Fi
7.1
8
Register and upload to Weather Servers
7.1 and 8
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4. Pre-Installation Checkout and Site Survey
4.1 Pre-Installation Checkout
Before installing your weather station in the permanent location, we recommend operating the weather station for one week in a temporary location with easy access. This will allow you to check out all the functions, ensure proper operation and familiarize you with the weather station and calibration procedures.
4.2 Site Survey
Perform a site survey before installing the weather station. Consider the following:
1. You must clean the rain gauge every few months and change the batteries every 2-3 years. Provide easy access
to the weather station.
2. Avoid radiant heat transfer from buildings and structures. In general, install the sensor array at least 5’ from
any building, structure, ground, or roof top.
3. Avoid wind and rain obstructions. The rule of thumb is to install the sensor array at least four times the
distance of the height of the tallest obstruction. For example, if the building is 20’ tall and the mounting pole is 6’ tall, install the sensor array 4 x (20 – 6)’ = 56’ away.
4. Mount the sensor array in direct sunlight for accurate temperature readings.
5. Installing the weather station over sprinkler systems or other unnatural vegetation may affect temperature and
humidity readings. We suggest mounting the sensor array over natural vegetation.
6. Wireless Range. Radio communication between receiver and transmitter in an open field can reach up to 330
feet, providing there are no interfering obstacles such as buildings, trees, vehicles, and high voltage lines. Wireless signals will not penetrate metal buildings. Under most conditions, the maximum wireless range is 100’.
7. Radio Interference. Computers, radios, televisions, and other sources can interfere with radio communications
between the sensor array and console. 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.
8. Visit Ambient Weather Mounting Solutions for assistance and ideas for mounting your weather station:
http://www.ambientweather.com/amwemoso.html
5. Getting Started
The Ambient Weather WS-2902C OSPREY Wi-Fi Personal Weather Station consists of an indoor display console (receiver + Wi-Fi transmitter) and an all-in-one outdoor weather sensor array.
5.1 Parts List
QTY
Item
1
Display Console
Frame Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.50 x 4.50 x 0.75” LCD Dimensions (LxW): 3.00 x 6.75”
1
Vertical Desk Stand
1
Sensor Array
1
Wind Vane
1
Funnel coil filter
1
5V DC Adaptor
2
Pole mounting U-bolts
2
Pole mounting U-bolt nuts
1
User manual
5.2 Recommend Tools
• Precision screwdriver (for small Phillips screw on wind vane and wind cups)
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• Adjustable wrench (for mounting pole)
• Compass or GPS (for wind direction calibration)
5.3 Sensor Array Set Up
(a) (b)
Figure 1
No
Description
No
Description
1
Wind Vane (measures wind direction)
7
Solar panel
2
Wind Speed Sensor (measures wind speed)
8
U-Bolt
3
UV sensor/ Light sensor
9
Battery compartment
4
Thermometer-hygrometer sensor (measures temperature and humidity)
10
Reset button 5
Rain collector
11
LED transmitter Indicator
6
Bubble level
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 a precision screwdriver and make sure the wind vane spins freely.
Note: You may need to back out the set screw first before sliding the vane onto the shaft.
Note: The wind vane shaft does not spin as freely as the wind cups. This is by design. The dampening prevents
the wind vane from spinning with the slightest breeze, which will result in variable wind all the time. The added resistance allows the wind vane to change direction with 2 – 3 mph, providing a much better wind direction tracking.
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(a)
(b)
Figure 2
5.3.2 Install Wind Cups
Reference Figure 3. (a) push the wind cups on to the shaft. (b) tighten the set screw with a precision screwdriver and make sure the wind cups spin freely.
Note: You may need to back out the set screw first before sliding the cups onto the shaft.
(a)
(b)
Figure 3
5.3.3 Install U-Bolts
Note: Your U-bolts may have come preassembled at the factory.
(a) Insert the U-Bolts into the sensor array mounting bracket and hand tighten the nuts. (b) Tighten the nuts to fit the size of your mounting pole (between 1” and 2” diameter (c) Insert the sensor array and U-Bolt assembly onto the mounting pole. (d) Tighten the U-Bolts around the pole with an adjustable wrench. Make sure the sensor array is level.
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(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Figure 4
5.3.4 Install the Rain Gauge Funnel
Reference Figure 5. Install the rain gauge funnel. Rotate clockwise to attach the funnel to the sensor array.
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Figure 5
5.3.5 Install the Funnel Coil Filter
To install the funnel coil filter, press the coil until the hook is inside the hole at the bottom of the funnel, and locked in place. The spring tension will keep the filter sit tight on the funnel.
Figure 6
5.3.6 Install Batteries
Reference Figure 7. Insert 2 x AA non-rechargeable batteries (not included) into the battery compartment. The LED indicator on the back of the transmitter will turn on for four seconds, and then flash once every 16 seconds (the sensor transmission update period).
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(a)
(b)
Figure 7
Note: If the LED does not light up, or stays on permanently, make sure the battery polarity is correct, or the
batteries are fresh. Do not install the batteries backwards. You can permanently damage the thermo-hygrometer.
Note: We recommend lithium batteries for cold weather climates, but alkaline batteries are sufficient for most
climates. We do not recommend rechargeable batteries. They have lower voltages, do not operate well at wide temperature ranges, and do not last as long, resulting in poorer reception.
5.3.7 Install Mounting Pole
Reference Figure 8. The mounting assembly includes two U-Bolts and a bracket that tightens around a 1 to 2” diameter pole (not included) using the four U-Bolt nuts.
(a)
(b)
Figure 8
Use the bubble level next to the rain sensor to make sure the sensor array is completely level. If the sensor array is not level, the rain gauge, UV and solar radiation sensors will not measure properly.
Note: If you cannot read the bubble level due to mounting constraints, place straddle a line or ruler level across
the top of the rain gauge for easier viewing.
5.3.7.1 Aligning the Wind Direction
Locate the North (N) Marker on the top of the sensor array. Align the marker to point North upon final installation with
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a compass or GPS.
Figure 9
5.4 Indoor/Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer, 8 Channel (optional)
The WS-2902C supports up to 8 additional thermo-hygrometer sensors (WH31), and the console receives and sends this data directly to AmbientWeather.net. The data is not displayed on the console (pass through only) and cannot be calibrated.
Note: Do not use rechargeable batteries. We recommend fresh alkaline batteries for outdoor temperature ranges
between -4 °F and 140 °F and fresh lithium batteries for outdoor temperature ranges between -40 °F and 140 °F.
1. Remove the battery door on the back of the transmitter(s) by sliding down the battery door, as shown in Figure
10 .
Figure 10
2. BEFORE inserting the batteries, locate the dip switches on the inside cover of the lid of the transmitter.
3. Channel Number: The WS-2902C 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 Figure 11.
4. Temperature Units of Measure: To change the transmitter display units of measure (°F vs. °C), change Dip
Switch 4, as referenced in Figure 11.
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Switch in down position. Switch in up position.
Figure 11
5. Insert two AA batteries.
6. Verify the correct channel number (CH) and temperature units of measure (°F vs. °C) are on the display, as
shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12
(1) temperature (2) temperature units (°F vs. °C) (3) channel number (4) relative humidity
7. Close the battery door.
8. Repeat for the additional remote transmitters, verifying each remote is on a different channel.
5.5 PM2.5 Air Quality Sensor (optional)
The WS-2902C supports one indoor and one outdoor PM2.5 Air Quality sensor, and the console receives and sends this data directly to AmbientWeather.net. The data is not displayed on the console (pass through only) and cannot be calibrated.
For more information, please visit:
https://ambientweather.net/product/pm25
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5.6 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 915 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 300 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.
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.
Medium
RF Signal Strength Reduction
Glass (untreated)
5-15%
Plastics
10-15%
Wood
10-40%
Brick
10-40%
Concrete
40-80%
Metal
90-100%
5.7 Display Console
The front and back of the display console is shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14.
Figure 13
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Figure 14
Reference Figure 14.
(1) Connect the display console power jack to AC power adapter with the included power adapter. (2) Unfold the desk stand and place 5 to 10 feet away from the sensor array.
Remove the battery door on the back of the console and insert 3xAAA batteries per Figure 15.
(3) Wait several minutes for the remote sensors to synchronize with the display console.
Figure 15
5.7.1 Vertical Desk Stand
The console is best viewed above from a 20 to 30-degree angle. In addition to the fold out desk stand on the back of the display, console, the console also includes a vertical desk stand to improve the viewing able on a desk, as shown in Figure 16.
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Figure 16
6. Display Console Operation
6.1 Screen Display
The display console home screen layout is shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17
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No
Description
No
Description
1
Wind speed
10
Moon phase
2
Wind direction
11
Date
3
Rainfall
12
WIFI icon
4
Indoor temperature
13
Time
5
Indoor humidity
14
Daylight Savings Time (DST)
6
UV index
15
RF icon
7
Solar Radiation
16
Outdoor humidity
8
Weather forecast
17
Outdoor temperature
9
Barometric Pressure
6.2 Console Initialization
After the console is connected to AC power, the console will display the software version number two seconds after power up.
Figure 18
The console will display all of the LCD segments for three seconds after power up as shown in Figure 198, the indoor conditions will immediately update, and the outdoor sensor array will register within a few minutes.
Figure 19
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6.2.1 Button Operation
Figure 20
The console has 8 buttons at the bottom for easy operation:
Key
Description
SET
Press and hold to enter the SET mode.
TEMP
• Press to switch between Outdoor Temperature, Wind Chill, Heat Index, Dew
Point.
• To bypass RF reception, press and hold while powering up the console
(connecting the AC adapter with batteries removed).
RAIN
Press to switch between Rain Rate (in/hr.), Rain Event, Rain Day, Rain Week, Rain Month, and Rain Total.
WIND +
• Press to switch between average wind speed, wind gust and wind direction.
• While in SET mode, press to increase the value. Press and hold for two seconds
to increase the value rapidly.
PRESSURE -
• Press to switch between Relative Pressure (current), and 12hr, 24hr, 48hr and
72hr average Relative Pressure.
• While in SET mode, press to decrease the value. Press and hold for two seconds
to decrease the value rapidly.
ALARM
Press to switch between high and low alarms
MAX/MIN
Press to switch between minimum and maximum values.
LIGHT/SNOOZE
• Press to adjust the LCD backlight brightness (high, medium, and off).
• Press to exit the SET mode at any time.
6.3 Set Mode
Press and hold the SET button for two seconds to enter the SET Mode. To proceed to the next setting, press (do not hold) the SET button.
To exit the SET mode at any time, press the LIGHT / SNOOZE button.
Figure 21 summarizes the set mode sequence and commands.
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