Maximum Wireless Rainwatch User Manual

Page 1

RAINWATCH

WIRELESS

INST TIONALLA

THIS MANUAL IS DESIGNED TO LEAD YOU STEP BY STEP THROUGH THE PROCEDURES REQUIRED TO TEST, INSTALL AND USE YOUR WIRELESS RAINWATCH. BY FOLLOWING THESE PROCEDURES AND SETTING UP THE SYSTEM CORRECTLY IN THE BEGINNING, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY ALL THE FEATURES OF YOUR WIRELESS RAINWATCH FOR YEARS TO COME. WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU PERFORM A TRIAL WIRING OF YOUR WIRELESS RAINWATCH PRIOR TO FINAL INSTALLATION.

RAINWATCH

Wire the receiver to the RAINWATCH display unit. Connect the and wires from the RECEIVER to the

RECEIVER

RED GREEN

RED

power terminals on the back of the RAINWATCH (the polarity does not matter). Connect the wire from the RECEIVER to TERMINAL #4 and the wire from the RECEIVER to TERMINAL #5 on the rear of the RAINWATCH indicator.

GREEN

YELLOW

BROWN

YELLOW

BLACK

RED

GREEN

WHITE

ADAPTER

Connect a 9 volt alkaline battery to the battery snap and insert into the opening under the terminal strip as shown. Now plug in the power supply.

RECEIVER WIRING

.................to........Power (no polarity)

RED

GREEN

YELLOW

BROWN

............to........Power (no polarity)

.........to........Rainwatch

...........to........Rainwatch

Back out the four screws holding the base to the collector and rotate the collector to remove it from the base.

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

Page 1

Page 2

RAINWATCH

Remove the cap from the cylindrical housing and slip the transmitter board out of the rain collector base. Change the jumper position from NORMAL to TEST.

JUMPER

NORMAL

POSITION

JUMPER

TEST

POSITION

WIRELESS

INST TIONALLA

JUMPER

NORMAL

POSITION

JUMPER

TEST

POSITION

6 R

6 C

1 R

-1

APO

6 R

1 R

-1

APO

TIPPING BUCKET

red led

RECEIVER

BATTERY

COMPARTMENT

Insert two AAAlkaline batteries into the covered

battery compartment. A LED should blink once as the batteries are installed. This indicates the batteries have been installed correctly.

Once the batteries are properly installed, the LED on the Receiver should blink every four seconds. Refer

ORANGE

to the troubleshooting section at the back of these instructions if the LED does not blink every four seconds.

ORANGE

Move the active RAINWATCH transmitter as close as possible to your preferred final mounting location. Also move the RAINWATCH indicator and receiver combination as close as possible to their final mounting location. Select a location for the transmitter that is out in the open, away from obstructions (such as walls or trees) that would shelter the collector from the rain in various wind directions. Be sure that the LED on the receiver is flashing every four seconds. If the signal has been lost, move the transmitter to an alternate mounting location and re-check for proper communication.

ORANGE

RED

RECEIVER

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

Page 2

Page 3

RAINWATCH

WIRELESS

INST TIONALLA

Once proper communication between the transmitter and the receiver has been verified, final installation of the rain collector can be made. Remove the batteries and reset the jumper to the NORMAL POSITION. Reinstall the batteries and slide the transmitter board back into it’s housing. Replace the Cap.

MOUNTING

SCREW

COVER

SCREW

JUMPER

NORMAL

POSITION

6 C

1 R

-1

APO

COVER

SCREW

PROTECTIVE

TAPE

Remove the protective tape that is securing the TIPPING BUCKET.

MOUNTING

SCREW

COVER SCREW

Use the four mounting screws to mount the base to your chosen mounting surface.

properly.

Install cover over base and secure using the four

The base must be level in order to function

cover screws.

Remove the hardware package taped inside the base and reinstall the collector cover over the collector base. Use the four screws to mount the collector to the mounting surface..The collector must be

mounted level in order to function properly

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

Page 3

Page 4

RAINWATCH

WIRELESS

INST TIONALLA

HOLE

WALL

RECEIVER

12 VOLT

POWER

SUPPLY

SCREW

CABLE-HOLE

CABLES

SCREW

WOOD

PANEL

Mount the RAINWATCH indicator directly over the cable hole that is also used to route power to the instrument. For the cleanest installation, we recommend making a hole in the wall large enough to insert the wireless receiver. We also recommend mounting the brass meter to one of our pre-drilled mounting panels.

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

Page 4

Page 5

RAINWATCH

WIRELESS

OPERATION

RAINWATCH has two "counters". They are shown on the face of the instrument as "Current" and "Total". There are two switches located at the bottom of the case.

The switch closest to the front of the case selects which counter (memory) you wish to display. Regardless of this switch's position, both counters are accumulating data.

The push button switch closest to the rear of the case is the reset switch. This switch resets either counter when you desire. The front toggle switch position determines which memory you wish to erase.

A. Pushing the select switch to the left and holding the push

button switch for six seconds erases "Current".

B. Pushing the select switch to the right and holding the push

button switch for six seconds erases "Total".

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT YOUR RAINWATCH

An illuminated battery monitor LED indicates that the battery is in good condition.

During a power failure, RAINWATCH will continue to collect and store data as long as the battery is in good condition.

Leaving the transmitter set in test mode will drain the batteries in 2-3 months vs.. 1-2 years in normal mode.

Freezing weather will not damage the unit, however, readings of snow or freezing will no be accurate.

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

Page 5

Page 6

RAINWATCH

WIRELESS

OPTIONAL INSTALLATION

WITH MINI-MAX AND MAESTRORAINWATCH

MAESTRO

WHITE

MINI-MAX

BLACK

OUT

COM

OUT

RED

GREEN

12 VOLT

POWER SUPPLY

RAINWATCH MAESTROWITH MINI-MAX AND CONNECTIONS

RAINWATCH

P0WER

SENSOR

YELLOW

BROWN

RECEIVER

Connect the and wires from the RECEIVER to the power terminals on the back of the MINI-MAX

(no polarity).

RED GREEN

RED

GREEN

Connect the wires from the 12 VOLT POWER SUPPLY to the same MINI-MAX power terminals (no polarity).

On the MINI-MAX, connect the wire from the RECEIVER to TERMINAL #1 (IN) and the BLACK wire from the

RECEIVER to TERMINAL #2 (COM).

Connect the MINI-MAX and MAESTRO instruments using the supplied grey sheathed BLACK and wires

as follows:

A. Connect the wire from MAESTRO TERMINAL #1 (IN) to MINI-MAX TERMINAL #3 (OUT).

WHITE

B. Connect the BLACK wire from MAESTRO TERMINAL #2 (COM) to MINI-MAX TERMINAL #2 (COM).

Connect the wire from the RECEIVER to TERMINAL #4 on the RAINWATCH. Connect the

wire from the RECEIVER to TERMINAL #5 of the RAINWATCH.

YELLOW BROWN

YELLOW

BROWN

Connect the wires from the 12 VOLT POWER SUPPLY to terminals 1 and 2 of the RAINWATCH (no polarity).

Connect the wires from the other 12 VOLT POWER SUPPLY to the power terminals on the MAESTRO (no polarity).

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

Page 6

Page 7

RAINWATCH

WIRELESS

OPTIONAL INSTALLATION

WITH MERLIN AND MYSTICRAINWATCH

MERLIN

WHITE

MYSTIC

BLACK

OUT

COM

OUT

RED

GREEN

12 VOLT

POWER SUPPLY

RAINWATCH MYSTICWITH MERLIN AND CONNECTIONS

RAINWATCH

P0WER

SENSOR

YELLOW

BROWN

RECEIVER

Connect the and wires from the RECEIVER to the power terminals on the back of the MYSTIC

(no polarity).

RED GREEN

RED

GREEN

Connect the wires from the 12 VOLT POWER SUPPLY to the same MYSTIC power terminals (no polarity).

On the MYSTIC, connect the wire from the RECEIVER to TERMINAL #1 (IN) and the BLACK wire from the

RECEIVER to TERMINAL #2 (COM).

Connect the MYSTIC and MERLIN instruments using the supplied grey sheathed BLACK and wires

as follows:

A. Connect the wire from MERLIN TERMINAL #1 (IN) to MYSTIC TERMINAL #3 (OUT). B. Connect the BLACK wire from MERLIN TERMINAL #2 (COM) to MYSTIC TERMINAL #2 (COM).

Connect the wire from the RECEIVER to TERMINAL #4 on the RAINWATCH. Connect the

wire from the RECEIVER to TERMINAL #5 of the RAINWATCH.

WHITE

BLACK

YELLOW BROWN

YELLOW

WHITE

BLACK

WHITE

BROWN

Connect the wires from the 12 VOLT POWER SUPPLY to terminals 1 and 2 of the RAINWATCH (no polarity).

Connect the wires from the other 12 VOLT POWER SUPPLY to the power terminals on the MERLIN (no polarity).

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

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Page 8

RAINWATCH

WIRELESS

TROUBLESHOOTING

Check and replace (if necessary) the batteries in the transmitter. Proper operation would be indicated by the receiver’s LED flashing every four seconds when transmitter is set in test mode (see installation steps 4-6 for information on how to set the transmitter to test mode).

If the display is NOT lit, check the voltage output from the AC Adaptor. This particular adaptor puts out between 11 and 15 VAC. If the voltage is not correct then the adaptor is faulty.

If the display IS lit but the unit is not counting then remove the indicator from the wall and disconnect the collector wires from terminals #4 and #5.

Connect one end of a 3" to 4" long wire to terminal #4.

Reset the "counters" (memories) to 00.00.

A. Pushing the select switch to the left and holding the push

button switch for six seconds erases "Current".

ORANGE

B. Pushing the select switch to the right and holding the push

button switch for six seconds erases "Total".

Using the free end of your test wire, touch terminal #5 and release it. The display should read 00.01.

Repeat step 6 nine more times. The display should then read 00.10. This indicates that the instrument is alright and that the problem lies in the Rain Collector or the Transmitter Board.

Contact the factory for advice as to how to troubleshoot the Rain

Collector or the Transmitter.

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

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WIRELESS

TROUBLE-SHOOTING

FOR INSTALLATIONS INCLUDING MYSTIC AND/OR MERLIN

NO SIGNAL FROM RAIN TRANSMITTER

(Instrument has received, then lost sensor signal)

MYSTIC

MERLIN

TEMPERATURE

PRESENT

HIGH

LOW

RATE OF CHANGE WIND CHILL

PRESSURE

MERLIN

PRESENT

PEAK

AVERAGE

FORECAST

SYMPTOM:

-Mystic Reads NS (No Temperature or Pressure LED’s illuminated).

-Merlin Reads NS (No Direction LED’s illuminated).

REMEDY:

-Test and replace (if necessary) the AA Alkaline batteries in the RAIN TRANSMITTER.

-Put the RAIN TRANSMITTER into TEST MODE by removing the batteries, then moving the jumper on the RAIN TRANSMITTER circuit board to cover both pins of the 2-pin terminal.

BATTERY

REMOVE OUTER

CASE BY LOOSENING

FOUR SCREWS

SLIP CAP OFF

CYLINDER HOUSING

TRANSMITTER

CIRCUIT BOARD

COMPARTMENT

REMOVE

TRANSMITTER

CIRCUIT BOARD

FROM CYLINDER

JUMPER

TEST

POSITION

SET JUMPER TO

TEST MODE BY

COVERING BOTH PINS

6 R

6 C

1 R

-1

APO

-Re-install the AAAlkaline batteries in the RAIN TRANSMITTER once the jumper has been moved.

-Check LED on receiver to make sure it is blinking every 4 seconds.

ORANGE

-Check the instruments to see if the error has been corrected.

-Unlike the WIND and TEMPERATURE TRANSMITTERS, the RAIN TRANSMITTER will not automatically exit test MODE after 15 minutes. Therefore, you must take the rain transmitter out of test mode manually. To do so: remove the batteries, then move the jumper on the RAIN TRANSMITTER circuit board back to covering only one pin of the 2-pin terminal (it does not matter which pin is covered). Re-install the batteries and cover.

-If the instrument continues to display the error code, call Maximum for further assistance.

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

Page 9

7 C

Page 10

WIRELESS

TROUBLE-SHOOTING

FOR INSTALLATIONS INCLUDING MAESTRO AND/OR MINI-MAX

NO SIGNAL FROM RAIN TRANSMITTER

(Instrument has received, then lost sensor(s) signal)

MAESTRO

FLASHING

LED s

100

km/h

120

140

160

100

MINI-MAX

FLASHING

LED s

-10

-20

-30

-20

-10

-30

Celcius

SYMPTOM:

-Maestro needle points to 0 MPH.

-Mini-Max needle points to -35.

-Central LED’s flashing.

REMEDY:

-Remove and test the AAAlkaline batteries in the RAIN TRANSMITTER. If dead, replace batteries and check operation. If good, continue to next step.

-Put the RAIN TRANSMITTER into TEST MODE by removing the batteries, then moving the jumper on the RAIN TRANSMITTER circuit board to cover both pins of the 2-pin terminal.

BATTERY

JUMPER

COMPARTMENT

OPERATING

MODE

JUMPER

TEST MODE

REMOVE OUTER

CASE BY LOOSENING

FOUR SCREWS

SLIP CAP OFF

CYLINDER HOUSING

TRANSMITTER

CIRCUIT BOARD

REMOVE

TRANSMITTER

CIRCUIT BOARD

FROM CYLINDER

SET JUMPER TO

TEST MODE BY

COVERING BOTH PINS

-Re-install the AAAlkaline batteries in the RAIN TRANSMITTER once the jumper has been moved.

-Check LED on receiver to make sure it is blinking ORANGE every 4 seconds.

ORANGE

-Check the instruments to see if the error has been corrected.

-If the instrument continues to display the error code, call Maximum for further assistance.

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

Page 10

Page 11

WIRELESS

FCC NOTICE

Warning: Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Maximum, Inc. in writing as the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a CLASS B Digital Device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

NOTES

30 Barnet Boulevard

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-2200

Page 11

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Electrical Damage – Common Causes & Recommended Prevention

Electrical damage can be caused by many different factors. Below are some of the more common causes and some suggested methods of minimizing potential problems.

Common Causes:

 Storm Activity – lightening in your area can do d ama ge to your instruments in different ways. The obvious

way is due to a direct or nearby strike. In addition, lightening storms, dust storms, dry snowstorms and strong dry winds can all cause static electricity to build up on and around your external sensors. Rega rdless of the cause, this built up electricity can discharge itself through the cable connecting the external sensors to the instrument.

 Power Surges – A surge may come from the electric company’s switching generators or power grids, from

local industries or after power interruption when accumulated power suddenly surges back through AC lines. Even the on-and-off switching of large electrical appliances, such as refrigerators or clothes dryers can create damaging fluctuations. This is especially true with sensitive weather recording devices.

 Yourself – Are you constantly giving and/or receiving a shock every time you touch a doorknob or another

person? If so, you have a great deal of static electricity in your environment. Depending on where you live, static electricity may be a year round problem or only a seasonal problem. In either case, it is possible for a person to carry enough of a charge to damage an instrument.

Recommended Prevention:

 Use Surge Protectors – For the AC adapter, a UL 1449 rated surge protector with EMI/RFI filtering is

recommended. This rating will be clearly listed on the packaging of all good qualit y surge protector.

 Discharge Yourself – If the instruments are located in an environment where static electricity is a problem,

make sure that you discharge yourself before touching the instrument(s). The shock that you get from touching a doorknob or another person can often be sufficient to damage an instrument.

30 SAMUEL BARNET BOULEVARD  NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 02745 U.S.A.

TEL. 508.995.2200  WWW.MAXIMUM-INC.COM  FAX 800.989.2580