La Crosse Technology WS-2308AL, WS-2308AL, WS-2308TWC, WS-2308CH, WS-2308CH User Manual

Operation Manual

Professional Remote Weather Station

Table of Contents

1. Introduction………………………………………………............. 2

2. Intended use………………………………………….................. 2

Weather Station……………..................................................... 2

System requirements for PC use………….............................. 3

Features of the base station…………...................................... 3

Features of the thermo-hygro sensor…………........................ 4

Features of the wind sensor…………...................................... 4

Features of the rain sensor...................................................... 4

3. Safety Notes............................................................................4

4. Packaged contents.................................................................. 5

5. Setting up................................................................................. 6

6. Operation using cable connection or wireless 433MHz.......... 8

7. LCD overview ........................................................................ 10

8. Function test .......................................................................... 11

9. Mounting................................................................................ 11

10. Resetting & factory settings................................................... 14

11. Function description............................................................... 16

12. Operation keys....................................................................... 19

13. Basic programming modes.................................................... 21

14. MIN/MAX programming modes............................................. 22

15. Alarm programming modes................................................... 23

16. Auto-memory for stored values ............................................. 31

17. Accessories: extensions cables............................................. 32

18. Changing batteries................................................................. 33

19. Problems and interference with operation............................. 34

20. Transmission range............................................................... 35

21. Cleaning and maintenance.................................................... 35

22. Specifications......................................................................... 36

23. Warranty Information............................................................. 38

This Operation Manual is part of this product and should be kept in a safe place for future reference. It contains important notes on setup and operation.

Please see www.heavyweather.info downloads of the most current software.

for a complete IM, FAQ and

Page

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Professional Remote Weather Station. Designed for everyday use, the weather station will prove to be an

asset of great value for your personal use in the home or office. Please read this instruction manual thoroughly to fully understand the

correct operation of your weather station and benefit from its unique features.

2. Intended Use

Weather Station

The base station measures the indoor environment of its surrounding area and receives weather data from the following three outdoor sensors:

1) Thermo-Hygro Sensor

2) Wind Sensor

3) Rain Sensor

The received data is continuously updated to bring you the latest weather information on the base station’s LCD. The outdoor thermohygro sensor is the main data communication unit since both the wind and rain sensors are connected to the thermo-hygro sensor for operating power and rely on it to communicate to the base station. Weather data sent from the thermo-hygro sensor can be done by wireless 433MHz transmission (up to 330ft in open space) or by cable connection.

Using the enclosed 6.5ft computer cable and CD-ROM, you can install the Heavy Weather software to your PC and access the latest weather information from your PC and upload up to 175 sets of recorded weather data received by the base station. Recorded data can be used to generate statistics and charts onto your spreadsheets (175 sets of data is stored in the base even if the PC is switched OFF). The software itself does not set any limits as to how many data sets can be transferred to PC.

This weather station is designed to work easily with your PC, simply connect and disconnect the PC cable at any time.

System Requirements for PC use:

The minimum system requirement for use of this “Heavy Weather” software is:

Operating system: Windows 98 or above Processor: Pentium 166 MHz or above RAM: 32MB of RAM or above Hard disk: 20MB free space CD-ROM drive

For full details on operation and installation of the “Heavy Weather” software refer to the PC manual in PDF format on the CD-ROM.

Features of the base station:

• Receives and displays the WWVB radio controlled time and date

• Display of extensive weather data, in all cases with programmable

alarm functions for certain weather conditions as well as records of all minimum and maximum values along with time and date of their recordings

• Indoor and outdoor temperature displays in degrees Fahrenheit or

Celsius (user selectable)

• Indoor and outdoor relative humidity displays

• Air pressure reading in inHg or hPa, absolute or relative (user

selectable)

• Detailed display of rainfall data in 1 hour, 24 hours, total since last

reset (user selectable in mm or inch)

• Wind speed in mph, km/h, m/s, knots or Beaufort (user selectable)

• Wind direction display with LCD compass as well as numerical (e.g.

225°) and abbreviated characters (e.g. SW)

• Wind chill temperature display

• Dew point temperature display

• Weather forecast display by weather icons (sunny, cloudy, rainy)

• Weather tendency indicator

• Storm warning alarm

• E.L. back light

• Simultaneous display of all weather data with individual settings by

the user

• COM port for easy connection to your PC

• All the weather data from the base station and up to 175 sets of

weather history data with user adjustable measuring intervals can be recorded and uploaded to your PC

Features of the Thermo-Hygro Sensor

The thermo-hygro sensor measures the outdoor temperature and relative humidity. It also collects the readings from the rain and wind sensors before transmitting the data to the base station by wireless 433MHz or by the 32ft cable included in this set.

Features of Wind sensor

The wind sensor measures wind speed and wind direction and sends the data to thermo-hygro sensor, which in turn transmits the data to the base station. Operating power is taken from the thermo-hygro sensor using a 32ft cable connection.

Features of Rain sensor

The rain sensor measures the rainfall and sends the data to thermo-hygro sensor, which in turn transmits the data to the base station. Operating power is taken from the thermo-hygro sensor by a 32ft cable connection.

3. Safety Notes

• Damage caused by failure to comply w it h this instruction manual will

invalidate any guarantee! The manufacturer and supplier will not be held liable for damages due to failure to comply with this instruction manual or from data inaccuracies that may occur with this product!

• In case of harm or damage to a person or property caused by

improper handling or failure to comply with this instruction manual, the manufacturer and supplier cannot be held liable.

• For reasons of safety and operation, alterations to this device are

strictly prohibited.

• To operate the weather station, use only supplied adaptor and

batteries of the recommended type.

• Do not leave discharged batteries in the device as these may

corrode and release chemicals that may damage the unit.

• Inserting batteries in an incorrect polarity will cause damage t o this

product.

• This product is not a toy kept out of the reach of children.

• Do not dispose of new or used batteries in a fire as they may

explosion or release dangerous chemicals.

• This product is not to be used for medical purposes or for public

information.

• Any modification or alteration to this product is strictly prohibited

without the manufacturer’s authorization and may prohibit the user’s further use of this product.

4. Packaged Contents

Before setting up, carefully unpack the contents onto a table or flat surface and check that the following are complete:

Item: Consisting of: Fittings: Illustration:

Base Station

• Main unit

• AD/DC 120V power

Adaptor - optional use (included)

ThermoHygro Sensor

Wind Sensor

• Main unit

• Rain

protection cover

• Main unit with wind vane

• 32ft cable (already attached to the main unit)

• 32ft cable - optional connection to the base station (included)

• Wall mounting screws

• Plastic anchors for

screws

• 2 x U-bolts for mast holder

• 4 x Washers

• 4 x Nuts

• 1 x screw (to fix main

unit to the mast holder

• Mast holder

Rain Sensor

• Main unit (base and funnel)

• 32ft cable (already attached to the main unit)

Heavy weather PC software

CD-Rom format (English version only)

• 6.5ft PC cable for PC connection - optional use (included)

5. Setting up

First, choose to use the adaptor (included in this set) or batteries for operation. Both these methods allow for operation using wireless 433MHz transmission or cable connection between the base station and the sensors and setting up for both methods is as follows:

Base Station:

Socket for Adaptor

Socket for ThermoHygro Sensor

PC COM Port

Battery compartment

Setting up using batteries:

Thermo-Hygro Senso

Sensor sockets

Battery Compartment

Battery Cove

Sensor sockets

Important: To avoid operating problems, please take note of

battery polarity if inserting any batteries

1) Pull away the rain cover of the thermo-hygro sensor to reveal the three sockets (for the wind sensor, rain sensor and the base station)

2) Connect the attached cables of wind and rain sensors to the corresponding sockets of the thermo-hygro sensor by clicking them into place

3) Open the battery cover of the thermo-hygro s ensor located below the three sockets and insert 2 x AA, IEC LR6, 1.5V batteries and close the cover

4) Open the base station’s battery cover located at the back of the unit and insert 3 x AA, IEC LR6, 1.5V batteries into the battery compartment and close the battery cover

Setting up using the AC adaptor:

1) Power up all the sensors as described in setting u p using batteries above

2) Using the AC adaptor (included), plug it into the mains outlet and power up the base station by inserting the adaptor jack into the DC 6.0V socket located on the side of the base station

Every time the thermo-hygro sensor is powered up (for example after a change of batteries), a random security code is transmitted and this code must be synchronized with the base station to receive weather data.

When the base station is powered up, a short beep will sound and all LCD segments will light up for about 5 seconds before it enters into a 15 minute learning mode to learn the sensors security code. After the learning mode (or by pressing the MIN/MAX key at anytime), the base station will start the WWVB radio controlled time reception.

Note for WWVB Radio Controlled Time:

The time and date display is based on the signal provided by the highly accurate government operated atomic clock in Ft. Collins, Colorado. This radio-controlled clock does not only provide for the weather station’s time and date display but also functions as the time and date source for all of this weather station’s memory and history values using time and date information.

E.L. backlight:

When using the power adapter or under battery operation, the E.L. backlight will switch on for 15 seconds when any button is pressed.

6. Operation using cable connection or wireless 433MHz

Cable Connection:

Using this method of operation will provide interference free transfer of the weather data from the sensors to the base station. The data sending interval from the sensors to the base station will also be more frequent compared to using 433MHz transmission and will result in higher power consumption. Therefore batteries will have a shorter life span for cable connection compared to using 433MHz. To operate using cable connection, simply use the enclosed 32ft cable and connect the thermo-hygro sensor to the base station.

Once the connection is detected, the base station will automatically continue reading the data from the sensor.

The user may at any time switch from cable connection to using 433MHz (or vice versa) by simply disconnecting (or connecting) the cable from the base station to the sensor. When the base station detects no cable connection to the sensors, the base station will automatically change to using 433 MHz for reception of the weather data from the sensors.

The data receiving intervals are as follows:

- Using c able connection data is updated every 8 seconds.

- Using wireless 433 MHz data is updated from 16 to 128 second

intervals depending on wind speed and rain activity.

Using the AC adaptor to operate the base station will also supply power to the sensor if the cable is connected to it. Batteries used for 433MHz transmission may be left in the sensor when using cable connection for power back up in case of AC power failure. A loss of power would desynchronize the base station and the sensor and no weather data will be received. To Synchronize the units so that the weather data can be received, press and hold the PLUS (+) key for 2 seconds. However in general, batteries that will not be used for long periods should be removed to avoid leakage.

Wireless 433MHz transmission:

Using 433MHz wireless transmission of weather data from the sensor to the base station will provide users greater freedom as to where units can be positioned without the need to be restricted by cable.

Note:

If no outdoor weather data is displayed or the signal to the sensors is lost during setting up, mounting, changing of batteries to the sensor or plugging or unplugging cables, simply press and hold the PLUS (+) key for 2 seconds and a short beep will sound to synchronize the base station to sensors. Without being synchronized, weather data will not be received.

7. LCD Overview

The following illustration shows the full segments of the LCD for description purposes only and will not appear like this during normal operation and use.

1. Low battery indicator

2. WWVB radio controlled time icon

3. Date display

4. Time zone display

5. Date, seconds, alarm time and time

6. Alarm icon

7. Weather forecast icons

8. Weather tendency indicator

9. Pressure alarm display

10. hPa/inHg air pressure unit

11. Pressure units (relative or absolute)

12. 433MHz reception icon

13. Rainfall display

14. Indoor, outdoor, humidity, dew point,

zone

wind chill, rainfall alarm icon

15. 24h, 1h or total hour display

16. Humidity display as RH%

17. Rainfall units (inch or mm)

18. Temperature display units (ºC or ºF)

19. Outdoor temperature/humidity display

20. Indoor temperature/humidity display

21. Dew point temperature display

22. Wind chill temperature display

23. Wind alarm icon

24. Wind information for Min/Max speed

25. Wind direction and speed (m/s, knots,

26. Alarm buzzer ON/OFF icon

27. General alarm icon

6 7

and wind speed low, high, direction alarm

Beaufort, km/h or mph) display

8. Function test

Once the weather station is powered up, perform a function test by checking that the weather data is received. To do this, press the DISPLAY, PRESSURE or WIND keys to toggle through the relevant LCD sections:

1) Indoor temperature and humid ity

2) Outdoor temperature and humidity

3) Outdoor wind chill

4) Dew point

5) Rainfall 24 hour

6) Rainfall 1hour

7) Rainfall Total

8) Relative and absolute press ure

9) Wind speed, wind direction and wind direction in degrees

If any readings cannot be received from the sensors, lines (- - -) will be displayed in the respective weather sections of the LCD. In this case, check that all cables are correctly inserted into the correct sockets and/or check the batteries in the outdoor thermo-hygro sensor and press and hold the PLUS (+) key for 2 seconds and a short beep will sound to synchronize the base station to the sensors otherwise no weather data will be received..

Some weather readings such as wind speed and direction may not appear immediately on the LCD if the wind-fan or vane of the wind sensor is moved. This is due to the set reading time intervals for the wind readings. However the current wind speed or direction will be displayed once the time reading interval is reached. For rainfall, the interval readings may take up to 2 minutes before the data is displayed on the LCD.

9. Mounting

Important Note

Prior to drilling mounting holes and permanently affixing any of the units, please ensure the following points are considered:

• Cable lengths of the units meet with your distance requirements at the point of fixing

• Signals from the sensors can be received by the base station at points of mounting

• Radio controlled time signal can be received at the point of mounting

NOTE: The WWVB receiver is located in the base station. Base Station

With two foldable legs at the back of the unit, the base station can be placed onto any flat surface or wall mounted at the desired location by the hanging holes also at the back of the unit. It is important to check that the 433MHz (if using wireless connection) and the WWVB radio controlled time signal can be received before permanently mounting any of the units. Should the base station not display the 433MHz weather data from the sensors or the radio controlled time from the desired location, then relocate the units. Once the signals are received, the system can be affixed. Also if you have selected to use cable connection, ensure that distances can reach all desired locations before affixing any unit permanently NOTE: For reception of WWVB time/date signal, do not mount the base station closer than 5 feet from a computer, florescent lights or other electrical appliances. Do not mount the base station on a wall that has metal heat/AC ductwork in the wall behind the base station. For best WWVB reception place the base station near a window facing Colorado. WWVB reception will be obtained easiest in the nighttime hours when the WWVB signal is strongest.

Mounting the Wind Sensor onto a mast

Wind-vane

Wind-fan

Firstly, check that the wind-fan and the wind-vane can rotate freely before fixing the unit. For correct and accurate readings it is important to mount the sensor so that the front (marked E) is pointing in East-West direction. The wind sensor should now be mounted using the screw provided onto a mast to allow the wind to travel

Mast

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