Spectrum WatchDog Wireless Rain+Temp Station Product Manual

Wireless Rain

+Temp

Station

PRODUCT MANUAL

Item # 3200R2

2

CONTENTS

General Overview 3

Components 4

Specifications 5

Configuration 6

Installation 10

Service/Calibration 13

Changing Batteries 14

Troubleshooting 16

Warranty 18

This manual will familiarize you with the features and

operation of your new WatchDog Wireless Rain

+Temp

Station.

Please read this manual thoroughly before using your

instrument. For customer support, or to place an order, call

Spectrum Technologies, Inc.

[phone] or [phone]

between 7:30 am and 5:30 p.m. CST,

FAX [phone],

E-Mail: [e-mail].

www.specmeters.com

3

Thank you for purchasing a Watchdog Rain+Temp Station.
This Station is designed to communicate on the Sigfox global
IoT (Internet of Things) network, simplifying network manage­ment. This IoT technology allows users to place Watchdog
Rain+Temp Stations exactly where they are needed without the
worry of managing a private radio network.

The Watchdog Rain+Temp Station communicates with Sigfox
network base stations optimally located to provide coverage
primarily to major metropolitan and some rural areas. These
base stations send data to Spectrum’s SpecConnect interface,
where data is organized and displayed in a user-friendly man­ner. The network functions similarly to a cellular network.
However, the Sigfox network is specifically designed to sup­port IoT type devices. Coverage maps can be found on the Sig­fox website (https://www.Sigfox.com/en/coverage).

The Watchdog Rain+Temp Station sends temperature data at
least once an hour. Rain information is made available in real
time by sending a message when rain begins and every 10
minutes thereafter. Using SpecConnect, users can monitor rain­fall and temperature data from their computer or mobile device
and make real-time decisions that improve yield and quality,
conserve resources, and increase profits. The Watchdog
Rain+Temp Station is just another tool from Spectrum Tech­nologies, empowering users to make actionable decisions in an
increasingly complex environment.

General overview

4

Components

The following parts are included with the Watchdog Rain

+Temp

Station

Standard

• Rain Bucket Assembly (comes pre-

assembled)

 Internal Electronics
 Plastic rain bucket with base
 Metal mounting bracket
 Temperature sensor with radiation

shield

 External mounted antenna
 3 AA lithium batteries

• Bird Guard Kit (#3665BG)

Each kit contains plastic ring with fas­tener, metal spikes, and assembly/
installation instructions

• U-Bolts

Contains (Qty 2) 1 ­¼ inch U-bolt,
Nuts, and saddle
clamp (stainless
steel)

Optional Accessory

• Tripod: (item 3396TP) – Mounting aide,

comes with mast and 3 ground stakes

5

Specifications

Mounting
Hardware

1 5/8 to 1 3/4 inch u-bolt, aluminum bracket

Weight

3.6 lbs (1.64 kg)

Power

3 x AA lithium batteries

Battery Life

1yr (subject to amount of rain)

Operating
Temperature

-40 to 140 °F (-40 to 60 °C)

Frequency bands:
Sigfox IoT Ready

Region 1: 868MHz

(EU, South Africa, Oman)

Region 2: 902-904 MHz

(US, Mexico and Brazil)

Region 4: 920-923MHz

(Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan,
Hong Kong, Colombia, Argentina)

Antenna

Reverse polarity SMA

6

Configuration

Configuring your Device through SpecConnect:

Your Watchdog Wireless Rain

+Temp

Station can be configured
on Spectrum’s SpecConnect web portal.
To log on to SpecConnect, type spec-

connect.net into your web browser and

enter the user name and password for

your account. New users will need to

use the ‘New User or Forgot Password’
link to create a password. Once logged
in, your Watchdog Wireless Rain

+Temp

Station will appear in the Equipment table.

Your device will need to be configured to allow data to be

recorded in SpecConnect. In the Equipment table, identify the

device you would like to configure. Click on the “Configure”
or “Configuration Required” text in the table. This will bring
up the configuration screen.

A Time Zone must be selected from
the dropdown menu

You have the option of creating a device name in the Wire­less Device field. Each sensor port can be given a descriptive
name. There is an option for automatically correcting for day­light savings time.

A device location can be
manually entered in the
Latitude/Longitude/Altitude
fields or by clicking the red
map icon.

Be sure to save any configuration changes you make before
leaving the page.

7

Confirm Transmission

When viewing the Equipment table, click on the device name
to display the current conditions. Ensure you are getting data
from the device. Remember, in the absence of rain, the
Watchdog Wireless Rain

+Temp

Station will only report temper­ature once per hour.
To run reports on data
collected by the devices,
click on the Reports
menu. From here, users
can choose which reports
they would like to run.
The example to the right
shows the results of a
rainfall report.

Configuring your device through the WatchDog Mobile
App:

Your Watchdog Wireless Rain

+Temp

Station can also be con-

figured directly on the WatchDog Mobile App. This App pro-

vides a mobile friendly view of device data and is also linked

to your SpecConnect account. Visit the iTunes or Playstore
and search for “Watchdog Mobile” to install.

Log in to the App using the same credentials you use for
SpecConnect. Note: new users must log in to SpecConnect
prior to logging into the App.

Your device will need to be configured initially to allow data
to be read into SpecConnect. Identify the device you would

like to configure in the Equipment table. Slide the tile to the

left (or click the arrow) then press on the gear icon to access
the device configuration.

8

General

A Time Zone must be selected from the dropdown menu

A device location can be manually entered in the Latitude/
Longitude/Altitude fields. Alternately, click the “Locate on
Map” or “Use My Location” buttons.

You have the option of creating a device name.

There is an option for automatically cor­recting for daylight savings time.

Ports

Each sensor port can be given a descriptive
name. Select the sensor of interest and
type the nickname into the text field.

Be sure to save any changes to the configurations.

9

To view device current conditions, slide the equipment tile to
the left and press on the thermometer icon. Device Sensors
can also be added to the favorite sensors list for easier view­ing.

Important device data can be seen on the equipment activity

screen. Slide the equipment tile to the left and press on the
magnifying glass icon. The upper bar shows the last time the
server received data from the device. The lower bar shows the
current device configuration status. If the upper bar is yellow,
the device has missed the last 2 uploads. If it is red, it has
missed at least 5 uploads.

10

The following tools will be needed to complete the installation:

• Phillips head screwdriver (#2 or similar)

• 7/16” wrench or deep-well socket

• Carpenter bubble level (recommended)

1. Identify Installation Location

Prepare the installation location for the Watchdog Wireless

Rain

+Temp

Station.

When choosing a location for your rain collector, keep the fol­lowing in mind:

• Ensure you have Sigfox coverage in your desired loca-

tion. See the Specmeters.com website to find a link to
the latest coverage map. If you are uncertain of cover­age, you may consider waiting to install the mast (skip
step 2) until after your device has successfully reported
to SpecConnect.

• The rain collector contains a magnet-operated switch which

may not operate correctly if the rain collector is mounted
on or near any object which attracts a magnet.

• Choose a location that is easily accessible for normal clean-

ing and is distant from trees and other sources of pollen or
debris.

• Avoid locating the Rain Station close to large metal build-

ings or structures. These structures can impede the radio
signals and cause data loss.

2. Install the Mast

• Use and 1 5/8” or 1 3/4” pole or pipe. This mast MUST be

rigid. If the collector moves easily, the wind can create os­cillations that may record extra tips, resulting in higher-than

-actual rain measurements.

• When installing the mast, make sure that the mast is verti-

cal such that the Rain Station will be perfectly level when
mounted to the mast. Use of a level for mast installation is
recommended.

• Alternatively, the Tripod Kit can be ordered from Spectrum

for mounting purposes

− (#3396TPS): Kit contains tripod mount for

Spectrum Products, and (3) ground stakes.

Installation

11

3. Remove the Rain Bucket

Start by loosening the four screws at the base of the rain bucket.
They should be loose enough to twist the bucket in relation to
the base. Remove and discard the rubber band from the tipping
spoon.

4. Mount the Rain Station to the mast
With the rain bucket removed, mount
the Rain Station to the mast (not in­cluded) using the provided U-bolts
and a 7/16” wrench. It is imperative
that the collector is level when
mounting the station to the mast. Use

the bubble level located on the inside

of the Rain Collector to confirm that
the collector’s base is level. Adjust
the U-bolts or mounting mast as re­quired.

5. Power up the Rain Station
Lift the blue cap off of the elec­tronics container, being careful not
to disturb the electronics assembly

while doing so. There is a risk of

pulling the electronics out with
the cap. This can result in dam­age to the cables.

Carefully lift the electronics brack­et until it is just outside the cylin­der. Pay attention to the tension
applied to the wiring as you lift the
bracket. Take extra care not to ap-

ply tension to the thin black anten-

na cable connected to the board.

12

While holding the bracket close

enough to the container to avoid wire
tension, move the power switch into
the “ON” position. The correct “ON”
position (see image to the right) will
reveal the circular hole in the switch
body (also see the ‘ON’ label on the
circuit board). After switching the
device on, you should see three flash­es from the green LED (positioned on
the circuit board, near the base).

You can now use SpecConnect or the Watchdog Mobile App to
complete the configuration of the device and monitor incoming
data (see pp. 6 - 9). Note: It can take up to three minutes for data
sent from the Station to appear on SpecConnect.

Optional: Once configuration is complete, you can test the func­tion of the Station by manually toggling the tipping spoon sever­al times and watching for the data to appear in SpecConnect or
the WatchDog Mobile App. Remember, each tip represents

0.01inches (0.25mm) of rain. If no data is transmitted, see the

calibration section of this manual to check for proper tipping
spoon adjustment.

Carefully place the electronics assembly back into the electron­ics cylinder and replace the blue cap.

6. Install the Bird Guard
Install the bird guard kit onto the Rain Bucket before returning
the bucket to the base. Refer to the instructions included in the
bird guard kit.

7. Replace the Rain Bucket

Rotate the bucket such that the tabs engage the screws. Tighten
the screws with a Philips head screw driver.

13

Service/Calibration

The rain collector can be calibrated if it is not reading correctly

1. Check the inside of the rain bucket for debris such as leaves
that may be blocking the grid at the bottom of the bucket.

2. Remove the rain bucket from the base and check for any ob­stacles (spider webs, debris, etc.) that may be preventing the
tipping spoon from moving freely. If the hole beneath the grid

gets clogged with dirt, the cotter key can be removed to allow it

to be cleared.

3. Manually move the tipping spoon back and forth several
times and wait at least 20min. Check SpecConnect or the
Watchdog Mobile App for rain being recorded. Do this several
times.

4. If the tips are being counted, continue to the next step. If all
the tips are not recorded, it may be that the magnetic sensor on
the tipping spoon is too far from the reed switch or that the sen­sor cable is bad. There are 2 cams on the base of the rain collec-

tor that can be rotated to move the tipping spoon closer to or

further away from the reed switch. Make this adjustment and
check if the device can detect manual tips of the spoon. If so,
proceed to the next step. If not, the sensor may need to be sent
in for service.

5. If all the tips are being counted, replace the rain bucket and
trickle a known amount of water into the bucket. 84 ml of water
should register 0.1 inches of water (2.5 mm). This is equivalent
to 10 tips of the tipping spoon. The best results are attained
when the water is added slowly. It is recommended that the wa-

ter be put in a Ziplock bag which is then punctured with a pin

to allow the water to slowly enter the rain bucket. Be sure to
wait at least 10 min after the last tips to ensure all tips are
counted and logged to SpecConnect. Alternatively, you can
listen for the number of tips rather than waiting for data to be
recorded on SpecConnect. If the recorded rain is slightly high
or slightly low, continue to step 6.

6. When the spoon tips, it lands on screws on either side. If sen­sor is reading high, lower the screws. If it is reading low, raise
the screws. It is recommended to adjust the screws one full turn

and again run a known amount of water through the bucket to

determine if additional adjustment is necessary. Make sure the
tipping spoon is empty before starting each test.

14

Changing Batteries

The Watchdog Wireless Rain

+Temp

Station is designed to run
an entire growing season (or more) on one set of batteries.
Actual battery life depends upon the number of data transmis­sions which is related to rainfall. The battery level indicator in
SpecConnect and the Watchdog mobile App is based upon a
count of transmissions. Monitor the reported battery level to
determine when to replace the battery.

Important: Only use AA lithium batteries in the Watch-

dog Rain

+Temp

Station. Do not use AA alkaline batteries.
They will have short battery life and the reported battery
level will be greatly overstated.

Replacement Procedure

• Carefully remove the electron-

ics assembly from the cylin­der. See Step 5 of the Installa­tion procedure (p. 11).

• If the device is not already

switched OFF, turn it off by
toggling the power switch to­ward the battery connector

• Replace the three lithium AA

batteries located in the battery
holder.

• Return the power switch to the

‘ON’ position. Ensure the
green LED blinks three times.

Important: After the three flashes (and within 10 sec-

onds), perform a “double tip” of the tipping spoon by
moving it back and forth within 1 second. The LED
should flash 5 times in quick succession. This indicates
the rain sensor is working properly and the device will
attempt to send a data packet to SpecConnect within 2
minutes. If the 5 LED flashes are not seen, turn the
switch ‘Off’, wait 30 seconds and repeat the proce­dure.

• Re-insert the electronics into the cylinder.

• Re-install the blue cap and the Rain Bucket

15

Important: Use SpecConnect or the Watchdog Mobile App

to reset the battery level

SpecConnect

Click the “Reset Battery” button

Watchdog Mobile App

Tap the “Reset Battery” button on the Equipment Status page.
Access the Equipment Status screen by clicking the magnifying
glass icon (see p. 7)

Monitor SpecConnect or the Watchdog Mobile App to ensure
device is sending data

16

Troubleshooting

Connectivity

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

No data re­ceived from
device for

several

hours/days.

Batteries Dead Replace Batteries, refer to section in this

manual

Radio Reception
Blocked/

Degraded (low

signal strength)

Check that the device antenna has not
been blocked by foliage or metal struc-

tures/equipment. Check that antenna is

upright and sleeve is installed to prevent
bending. Move device, if required, to a
more open area.

Not Configured/
Bad Configura­tion

Ensure time zone is set in device config­uration on SpecConnect. Try re-saving
the configuration.

Defective Unit/
Provisioning issue

Contact Spectrum for service

Loose Antenna
Connection

Check for loose Antenna Connections
above and below mounting bracket.

Intermittent
Data

Radio Reception
Blocked/
Degraded (low
signal strength)

Check that the device antenna has not
been blocked by foliage or metal struc­tures/equipment. Check that antenna is
upright and sleeve is installed to prevent
bending. Move device, if required, to a
more open area.

Low Batteries Check battery levels on SpecConnect or

Watchdog Mobile App. Replace batter­ies. Refer to section in this manual

Loose Antenna
Connection

Check for loose Antenna Connections
above and below mounting bracket.

17

Sensor Issues

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Sensor value out
of range or not
accurate (Rain)

Debris in rain
bucket (rain val­ues low)

Clean out rain bucket screen. Ensure
no debris inside rain bucket.

Rain Station not

level

Level the Station to ensure accurate

rain data

Tipping spoon out
of adjustment

Perform the calibration (see p. 13)

Wind causing
extra tips (rain
values high)

Secure mounting pole/mast to prevent
movement in the wind.

Connector on
PCB not seated/
corroded/broken
wire

Take blue cap off of electronics cylin­der and carefully inspect the ‘rain con­nector’ on PCB. Contact Spectrum for
service if required.

Defective Rain

Sensor

Contact Spectrum for service

Sensor value out
of range or not
accurate (Temp)

Connector on
PCB not seated/
corroded/broken
wire

Take blue cap off of electronics cylin­der and carefully inspect the ‘temp
connector’ on PCB. Contact Spectrum
for service if required.

Defective Temp
Sensor

Contact Spectrum for service

18

Warranty

This product is warranted to be free from defects in mate­rial or workmanship for one year from the date of pur­chase. During the warranty period Spectrum will, at its
option, either repair or replace products that prove to be
defective. This warranty does not cover damage due to
improper installation or use, lightning, negligence, acci-

dent, or unauthorized modifications, or to incidental or

consequential damages beyond the Spectrum prod­uct. Before returning a failed unit, you must obtain a Re­turned Materials Authorization (RMA) from Spec­trum. Spectrum is not responsible for any package that is
returned without a valid RMA number or for the loss of
the package by any shipping company.

19

20

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Spectrum Technologies, Inc.

3600 Thayer Court

Aurora, IL 60504 USA

Model Numbers: 3200R2
Description: Wireless Rain and Temperature Sensor
Type: Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and
Laboratory Use

The undersigned hereby declares, on behalf of Spectrum Technologies, Inc. of
Aurora, Illinois, USA, that the above referenced product, to which this
declaration relates, is in conformity with the provisions of:

Directive: 2014/30/EU EMC
Standards: CENELEC EN 55032: 2015

CENELEC EN 61000-6-1: 2007
CENELEC EN 61000-6-3: 2007+ A1:2011/AC:2012
IEC 61000-6-1: 2016
IEC 61000-4-2: 2008
IEC 61000-4-3: 2006 +A1:2007 +A2:2010

FCC Part 15 CFR Title 47: 2018

ICES-003: 2016 (Canada)

Michael J. Dunning,
Director of Product Strategy November 2, 2018

R 03/19

3600 Thayer Court

Aurora, IL 60504

[phone] or [phone]

Fax [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

www.specmeters.com