Spectrum Technologies WatchDog 1650, WatchDog 1425, WatchDog 1400, WatchDog 1525, WatchDog 1250 Product Manual

16

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Spectrum Technologies, Inc.

3600 Thayer Court

Aurora, IL 60504 USA

Model Numbers: 1115, 1120, 1200, 1225, 1250, 1400, 1425, 1450, 1525, 1650
Description: WatchDog Micro Stations
Type: Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use
Directive: 2004/108/EC
Standards: EN 61326-1:2006

EN 61000-4-2:1995, including A1:1998 and A2:2001

EN 61000-4-3:2002
EN 55011:2007

Michael J. Dunning, Weather Products Manager January 27, 2010

3600 Thayer Court

Aurora IL 60504

[phone] or [phone]

Fax [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

www.specmeters.com

Rev. 10/18

1000 Series

Micro Stations

PRODUCT MANUAL

Models

1650, 1525, 1450, 1425,

1400, 1250, 1225, 1200, 1115

2

This manual will familiarize you with the features and operation of

your new WatchDog Micro Station. Please read this manual

thoroughly before using your instrument. For customer support, or

to place an order, call Spectrum Technologies, Inc. at 800-248-

8873 or 815-436-4440 between 7:30 am and 5:30 p.m. CST,

FAX at 815-436-4460, or E-Mail at [e-mail].

www.specmeters.com

Spectrum Technologies, Inc

3600 Thayer Court

Aurora, IL 60504

CONTENTS

General Overview 3

Model Specifications 4

Installation and Placement 5

External Sensors 6

Battery Replacement 8

Identifying the Correct Com Port 9

Connecting to the Computer 10

Digital Display 11

SpecWare Software 12

Trouble Shooting 14

15

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, accident, 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.

14

Commonly asked questions include:

Q. Why will the station not connect with my computer?
A. Most commonly, the micro station needs a new battery, or the

SpecWare comm port settings need to be changed (in SpecWare
Preferences). Refer to SpecWare User’s Guide for details.

Q. Why will the station not record rainfall?

A. Make sure rainfall sensor is plugged into port A, and that Port A is

configured for rainfall through the launch screen.

Q. Why is the station displaying “- - -”?
A. The station will display dashes for the external sensors if 1.) the

rainfall sensor is connected to the wrong port 2.) another external
sensor is connected to the port meant to record rainfall or 3.) the
sensor is not securely plugged into a channel port.

Q. W hy is the station displaying and/or logging bogus, or out-of-range,

readings?

A. The external sensors are not plugged into the correct ports.

Trouble Shooting

The WatchDog Series 1000 Micro Stations are easy to use and reliable.
Should you have a problem, or have questions:

Who do I contact?

Contact the company you purchased the data logger from: Spectrum
Technologies, Inc. or an authorized Spectrum Dealer.

When Contacting Spectrum Technologies:

Please indicate that you need Technical Support. Be prepared to:

1. Provide details on the hardware and software configuration of your
components including: manufacturer, model number, peripherals
and versions of the operating system.

2. Completely describe the problem. The more information you
provide, the faster and more accurately we will be able to respond.

Service and Support

3

Thank you for purchasing a WatchDog 1000 Series Micro Station.

NOTE: All models of the 1000 Series stations have four external
ports. For most models, one or more are not used. They are
present on all models to simplify manufacturing and to retain the
port plug securely (see below).

This manual describes how to use your WatchDog Station and how to

keep it working accurately for many years. Read this manual thoroughly

in order to make effective use of your data logger.

The WatchDog Micro Station series will allow you to record and visually
monitor environmental conditions at remote sites. The W atchDog’s
liquid crystal display (LCD) eliminates the need to download the data
logger to observe current conditions.

These stations give you the flexibility to change external sensors as
your needs vary. Simply plug the sensor into the station port and
configure the station to the corresponding sensor through the software.

Download the accumulated data at your convenience using the
powerful SpecWare software. SpecWare will present the data in
graphical and tabular form. Use the software to calculate growing
degree days and chill hours, and/or view daily, monthly, and yearly
reports. Optional disease models aid the user with Integrated Pest
Management decisions.

All WatchDog 1000 Series Micro Stations can run on SpecWare 9
version 9.02 or higher. Firmware 9.61, Build 0312 is required to support
second generation Micro Stations (with purple faceplate labels or Mfg
Code 1800). Either the Pro or Basic versions may be used. The Pro
version is required for disease models and custom reporting. If you
have an earlier version of SpecWare 9, you can download a free update
at www.specmeters.com.

The WatchDog station includes a flexible plug to help guard against
insect infiltration through the computer and sensor ports. You can cut
the plug along the embossed
lines with ordinary scissors to

allow for sensor plugs. If you do

this, you may wish to connect the
smaller remaining parts with light
string to avoid losing them if
dropped.

General Overview

4

Model

Internal

Sensors

External Ports

(Channels)

1115 None 1 (A)

1200 None 2 (A, D)

1225 Temperature 1 (A)

1250

Temperature /

Relative Humidity

None

1400 None 4 (A, B, C, D)

1425 Temperature 3 (A, B, D)

1450

Temperature /

Relative Humidity

2 (A, D)

1525 Temperature 4 (A, B, C, D)

1650

Temperature /

Relative Humidity

4 (A, B, C, D)

Model Specifications

Temperature range: -40 to 185ºF (-40 to 85ºC)
Accuracy: ±1.1ºF (±0.6°C) at -4 to 122°F (-20 to 50°C),
else ±2.2°F (±1.2°C)

RH range: 0 - 100%
Accuracy at 77°F (25°C):

Generation 1: ±3% within 10 - 90% RH, else ±5%
Generation 2*: ±2.5%

Operating Temperature Range: -22° to 130°F (-30° to 55°C)

* Models with purple faceplate labels or Mfg Code 1800

13

When the “Wrap around when full” option is unchecked, the

station will stop recording data when it reaches its storage
capacity. If this option is checked, it retains all 10,500 data
intervals, erasing the oldest each time it records a new data
point. In this mode, the station never has to be relaunched - it
just keeps recording data.

Downloading the Station
Use the Readout button in the WatchDog Manager,
the Get data toolbar button, or the Get WatchDog

Data option in the Logger menu to download and

save the logged data. Downloading the logger does
not interrupt data collection.

Once the data has been downloaded to the computer, SpecWare
software offers a wide variety of Report options and Disease
Model options. Refer to the SpecWare Software User’s Guide
for more detailed instructions.

* Firmware 9.61, Build 0312 is required to support second

generation Micro Stations (with purple faceplate labels or Mfg
Code 1800).

12

SpecWare Pro or Basic software (version 9.02 or higher*) is
required for use with the WatchDog Micro Station. SpecWare
software is an integral part of the WatchDog station system. The
software installation file is downloaded from the Spectrum
Technologies website.

Configuring the Station
Use the Properties button in the WatchDog
Manager, the Launch/Set Properties toolbar button,
or the Launch/Set option in the Logger menu to
bring up the WatchDog Properties screen. This
screen is used to configure the logger for the specific
external sensors being used, and to set the measurement
interval, ranging from 1 to 60 minutes. The station has a capacity
of 10,500 intervals. Therefore, if it is set to a 30 minute interval, it
can record 209 days of data.

The logger continues recording data even when the WatchDog

Properties screen is opened. If the OK button is clicked, any

configurations are saved, the data is cleared, and data collection
resumes. If the Cancel button is clicked, the logger configuration
is not updated, no data is cleared, and the logger continues
logging.

SpecWare Software

5

Installation and

Placement

WatchDog Micro Stations, or mini-weather
stations, have the versatility to be located in
any micro-climate for recording weather data.
The optional sensors and radiation shield
include hardware for attaching them to a 1” to
1¼” (2.5-3cm)outside diameter mast (pipe).
Use a 5’ - 10’ (2-3m) length of conduit or pipe
as the mast mount. When purchasing and/or
cutting the mast to size, plan on placing 1½’ ­2’ (0.5m) of the mast into the ground. Refer to
the illustration as an example of how to install
your “mini-weather station.”

For outdoor and greenhouse use, the WatchDog

station must be placed in a radiation shield to

protect it from solar radiation and other sources
of reflected heat. The radiation shield also
protects the station from rain. Place the
WatchDog inside the radiation shield by
unscrewing the two finger-nuts and removing the
top of the radiation shield.

Important: Secure the external sensor wires to
the mast just below the radiation shield with a

plastic tie. This will insure that the sensor wires do not become

disconnected while recording.

For the 1115 model, the sensor cable must be used with port A
and a tipping bucket with pulsing output type of rain gauge. It will
come with a pre-assembled waterproof enclosure.

If using a waterproof enclosure with a model other than the 1115,
please refer to the WatchDog Micro Station waterproof Enclosure
Product Manual available online at www.specmeters.com.

6

All WatchDog 1000 Micro Station models except the 1250 have
external channels (ports) for additional sensor input. The
following table lists some of the available optional sensors. See
www.specmeters.com for a complete list. Most sensors include a
6-foot cable with pin-type connector. Items 3667-20, 6460-20,
6470-20, and 6450WD20 have 20 foot cables.

Item # Description Measurement

Range

Accuracy

3665R Tipping Bucket Rain

collector

N/A ±2%

3666 Leaf Wetness Sensor 0(Dry) - 15(Wet) N/A

3667,
3667-20

External (Soil)
Temperature Sensor

-25 to 212ºF

-32 to 100ºC

±1°F
±0.5°C

3670i Silicon Pyranometer 1-1250 W/m2 ±5%

3668i, 3668i3,
3668i6

Quantum Light Sensor
and Sensor Bars

0-2500 µmol m-2s

-1

±5%

3676i UV Light Sensor 0-200 µmol m-2s

-1

±5%

6460,
6460-20

WaterScout SM 100 Soil
Moisture Sensor

0% to saturation
(typically 50%)

±3%

6470-6,
6470-20

WaterScout SMEC 300
Soil Moisture EC,
Temperature Sensor

0% to saturation
0 to 10 mS/cm

-25 to 212ºF

±3%
±2%
±0.5°C

3669

Soil Moisture
Transducer

0-100 kPa ±2%

6450WD
6450WD20

Watermark Soil Moisture
Sensor

0 - 200 cbars N/A

6451 Irrigation Sensor Switches at 5 psi ±1 psi

3673
3674

Input Cables for user­supplied sensor

0-2.5V
4-20mA

±0.005V
±1%

External Sensors

11

The digital LCD display is a key feature of the WatchDog 1000
Micro Stations. A visual display of the on-site readings correlates
to the sensor configuration of the logger.

Press the button to the right of the LCD to read all the sensors
and activate the display. The display will cycle through all
sensors four times, then shut off. The displayed sensor values

will not be updated unless you press the button again.

The A, B, C, D indicators will light to identify any external sensor
values. If dashes (“——”) are displayed, a sensor is not plugged
into the port. For station models with internal sensors, the
temperature and RH icons will light when their values are
displayed.

If the “Sync” icon (the two circular arrows) is lit, it means the
logger is full and no longer recording data. The logger must be

connected to a data shuttle or a PC running SpecWare to

download the data and begin logging again.

The battery icon displays the relative battery life remaining. At
the lowest level, the diagonal bar lights to indicate that there is
almost nothing left.

Digital Display

10

To launch and/or download data from the station, connect the
station to a computer via the data transmission cable (item
3661U). This cable is shipped when the SpecWare software
package is ordered.

The only time you must have the WatchDog connected to the
computer is during the launching and downloading of the data.

After the station has been launched, and/or downloaded,
disconnect the station and place it in the environment you wish to
monitor.

If the computer will not connect with the station, you may need to
change the battery or change the comm port settings (see the
SpecWare Software User’s Guide).

Connecting to the

Computer

7

To connect the external sensor to the station, plug the sensor

cable into the station port that has been programmed for that
particular sensor. If the sensor is not connected, a “- - -” will
appear on the LCD display for the respective logger port until the
sensor is connected.

Port A is the only channel that will record rainfall data.

Program each channel (port) to a specific sensor through the
SpecWare launch screen. Refer to the SpecWare Software

User’s Guide for more detailed instructions on launching and

sensor configuration.

8

Each WatchDog Micro Station is powered by a 3 Volt CR2450 battery.
The battery has a life of 12 months continuous use, and a 2-year shelf
life. Battery life can be affected by extreme temperatures. The battery is
user replaceable and can be purchased locally.

To replace the battery:

1. Remove the four screws from the back cover of the WatchDog.

2. Remove the back cover.

3. Squeeze the battery clip in the direction of the arrow below. If the
battery does not pop up, press down on the opposite side at the
same time.

4. Insert a new CR2450 battery, positive (“+”) side up.

5. Confirm that the logger is working by checking if the black bars at
the top and bottom of the LCD light for a few seconds.

6. Replace the back cover. Insert and tighten the four screws .

Battery

Replacement

9

The computer Communications Port to which the PC-3.5mm
serial cable is connected can usually be identified by clicking the
Com Port button on the main screen to bring up the Port
Selection screen. It can also be found by using a paper clip. The
procedure is:

1. Disconnect the serial

cable from the meter.

2. Bring up the

Communications tab of
the Preferences screen.

3. Select the COM port to

be tested. It will be
identified as "USB Serial
Port".

4. Click the Test Port

button. If the “Connection
OK” message is displayed,
another device (such as a
modem) is probably connected to that port. If the “No
Connection” message is displayed, this port may be the one
connected to your serial cable and you can proceed to the next
step.

3. Place a paperclip on the end of the serial pin so that it touches

both the tip of the pin and the metal area between the two black
rings. Again click on the Test Port button. If the “Connection
OK” message now appears, this is the com port connected to your
serial cable.

Note: The meters do not short­circuit the serial pin.
Therefore, when the Test Port
button is clicked while the me­ter is connected, the “No
Connection” message will be
displayed.

paper clip
or wire

Identifying the

Correct Com Port