Weather Forecasters Owner's Guide MODEL# 950003 / 950005 / 950007 Lit #: 98-1023 / 07-07 Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.1 1 8/3/07 8:53:05 AM Basic Setup (all models) Once you have provided power to the unit and set your location, you're done with the setup-that's all you need to do! Your WeatherFX will start to display weather information for your area once it automatically connects to the network that relays the data from AccuWeather. You will typically see most (or all) of your area's weather information appear on the display within the first 15 minutes, however the time it takes for the display to show all of the data on the larger models may take longer (up to a few hours after it is first powered on), and can vary depending on your location, so please be patient. After it receives the first full set of all data, your WeatherFX will continuously display weather information-updating temperature, forecast and other data automatically as it becomes available. If you seem to be having trouble receiving weather data, check the Signal Strength Indicator bars to the right of "ambient" in the top right corner of the display. If your unit only shows one bar, move it closer to a window or try placing the unit in a higher level of your home or building if possible. Two or more bars of signal strength will ensure your WeatherFX stays up to date, and will improve battery life, since it doesn't have to "work as hard" to receive the network signal. Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.2 2 8/3/07 8:53:06 AM Basic Setup (all models) 1. Connect AC adapter or Install Batteries The WeatherFX units can all run on either batteries or an AC adapter (included with some models). See the "Parts Guide" page for a list of battery and AC adapter requirements. Note: When running on battery power, the backlight function of the 5-Day and 7-Day units is not available. To use battery power, open and set aside the battery compartment cover (slide it up in the direction of the arrow on the cover) and insert batteries (not included, use alkaline or lithium). Make sure the batteries are installed as indicated inside the battery compartment; note that all positive (+) terminals face the same direction (towards the right when looking at the back of the unit), with the negative (-) terminals in contact with the springs. Replace the battery compartment cover, putting it back in place with the arrow at the bottom of the door, then slide it down until it clicks into place. To use AC power, simply insert the plug at the end of the AC adapter wire into the power jack, located on the back of the unit, on the left side of the indented area below the fold-out easel. Then plug the adapter into a wall outlet. Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.3 3 8/3/07 8:53:06 AM Basic Setup (all models) When the unit is plugged into an AC outlet, the batteries will be used for backup only. 2. Set Your Location Location Buttons When your WeatherFX is powered on for the first time, the display will take up to 15 minutes to update. Numbers will flash by in the different sections of the display, then a "forecast location" name will appear, allowing you to select your preferred nearest city from the stored list. The list is in alpabetical order by state, beginning with Alaska (Anchorage, AK). To change the city, simply press either Location Button at the right of the display. The lower button moves forwards through the list of cities by state (from Alaska to Wyoming), and the upper button moves backwards through the list (from Wyoming back to Alaska). Scroll through the list to get to your state, then select the nearest major city or metropolitan area (you may need to choose a city in a neighboring state as the closest location). See the "Location List Reference" pages in the back of this manual for a full listing of available cities, in order of appearance. Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.4 4 8/3/07 8:53:07 AM Basic Setup (all models) Desktop or Wall Mounting Fold out the easel on the back of the unit to use it on a desk or tabletop. To mount the WeatherFX on a wall, use the notch on the back above the battery compartment to hang it on a nail or screw. Time Adjustment (Time Zone) The WeatherFX automatically receives accurate network time for your region. However, if you live on the border of a time zone, you may need to adjust the hour. To adjust the hour, press the "Timezone" button, located on the back of the unit above the battery compartment, until the desired time appears on the display. "No Coverage" Message This message will appear if your device has been unable to receive a network signal for an extended period. If you want to verify that your current (or any) location has network coverage, you can check it on the internet by going to: http://map.myambient.com Enter your full address (or just the city and state) in the address box at the top, and click "Search". Battery Low Indicator A battery icon will flash on the display when the batteries are low, and will need replacement soon. 5 Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.5 5 8/3/07 8:53:07 AM Forecast Icons Reference Sunny Partly Cloudy Cloud ThunderStorms Rain Drizzle Windy Blustery Snow Flurries Wintery Mix Haze Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.6 6 8/3/07 8:53:08 AM Special Features (5 & 7 Day Models) Backlight (5-Day & 7-Day Models Only) The color of the screen changes to reflect the current temperature. The backlight is only available when the WeatherFX is powered by the AC adapter (not when operated by batteries alone). Please note, the backlight will not activate until your WeatherFX receives its first update. See below for a backlight color reference. Backlight Color/Temperature Range Reference Cold 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 70s Hot (5-Day & 7-Day Models, With AC Power Only) Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.7 7 8/3/07 8:53:08 AM Special Features (7 Day Model) UV Index (7-Day Model Only) The display indicates the current UV index on a scale from 0 (very low risk)to 11+ (serious risk to unprotected skin). Wind Speed (7-Day Model Only) The display indicates current wind speed (in miles per hour) and direction. High Pollen (7-Day Model Only) This alert indicates that pollen levels are higher than usual in the selected location. Low Air Quality (7-Day Model Only) This alert indicates that low air quality has been reported in the selected location. Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.8 8 8/3/07 8:53:08 AM Parts Guide-Rear Panel (all models) Antenna Stub (do not pull up) Time Zone Button Wall Hanger Notch Battery Compartment Folding Easel Battery Guide AC Adapter Specs Voltage: 5 or 6 volts DC Current: 1000mA or higher Polarity: Positive tip Model -Day 5-Day -Day Battery Size AAA AAA AA Qty 8/3/07 8:53:10 AM Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.9 9 Parts Guide-Rear Panel (all models) Slide Up to R emo ve Battery Compartment w/Door Removed Easel (Unfolded) 10 AC Adapter Location Buttons (on front panel) Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.10 10 8/3/07 8:53:16 AM 3-Day WeatherFX LCD Display Reference Signal strength indicator Self-setting network time Current temperature & temperature trend Today's forecast (see pg. 6) Forecast location Today's forecasted high / low temperatures and conditions Forecasted high / low temperatures and conditions for next two days 11 Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.11 11 8/3/07 8:53:19 AM 5-Day WeatherFX LCD Display Reference Signal strength Self-setting indicator Current temperature, network time temperature trend, Today's forecast (pg.6) and forecast location. Today's forecasted high / low temperatures and conditions Weather alert message Forecasted high / low temperatures and conditions for next four days 12 Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.12 12 8/3/07 8:53:21 AM 7-Day WeatherFX LCD Display Reference Self-setting network time Signal strength indicator Current temperature & temperature trend Forecast location, today's forecasted high / low temperatures UV index rating (see pg. 8) Current conditions (see pg. 6) Wind speed & direction Weather alert message from 0 (very low risk) to 11 (high risk) Forecasted high / low temperatures and conditions for next six days 13 Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.13 13 8/3/07 8:53:24 AM Troubleshooting Guide and FAQ Q: My WeatherFX display is totally blank. A: Confirm that the batteries are properly aligned with the (+) and (­) terminals, and be sure to use fresh batteries. If you're using the AC adapter, make sure it's plugged into a live outlet. Q: I turned it on and now the screen just shows little dashes. A: This happens until your WeatherFX receives its first update from our network. If this continues for more than four hours, try moving your WeatherFX to another location where you can receive a stronger signal, as shown on the signal strength indicator. Q:Only part of the screen is showing any data. A: Data is sent to your WeatherFX in discrete parts, so if your unit is only showing data on one part of the screen, or only some of the 150 cities, it's likely that the next update your Forecaster receives will remedy this situation. If you've waited four hours or more without seeing the rest of the screen display data, check the signal indicator to ensure that your WeatherFX is able to receive updates (you should see two or more bars). 14 Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.14 14 8/3/07 8:53:24 AM Troubleshooting Guide and FAQ Q: I don't see any bars next to the signal strength indicator. A: This means that your WeatherFX is in an area with poor reception. Try moving your unit closer to a window or upstairs. If your WeatherFX still doesn't get any bars of signal, go to http:// map.myambient.com to verify that your location receives signal coverage. Q: The time on my clock is off by one or more hours. A: Press the TIMEZONE button on the back of the device until the proper time appears. Your WeatherFX should maintain accurate time from the network without further adjustments. Q: My clock's time is correct, but it still shows an incorrect or outdated forecast. A: This is almost always the result of "lagging," a condition that occurs when your device is not receiving a consistently strong signal. If you notice this happening, try changing the location where you keep the WeatherFX. We recommend that you keep it somewhere where it shows at least two bars of signal strength. 15 Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.15 15 8/3/07 8:53:24 AM Troubleshooting Guide and FAQ Q: The temperature outside is different from what the device is saying. A: The "Outside" temperature isn't a reading from a "local" sensor... it's a signal sent using forecast information from Accuweather. com. Consequently, the current outside temperature may vary from the meteorological information based on conditions at the nearest AccuWeather data collection center. Q: Will this device work outside of the United States? A: Sorry, at present the transmission network supporting the WeatherFX is only available within the United States and Puerto Rico. Q: What can I do to improve battery life? A: Your WeatherFX is designed to use very little battery power when it receives a strong signal. If it's in an area with inconsistent or weak signal, it will work harder to make sure it updates properly. The best thing you can do is ensure it's in an area where it receives three bars of signal strength. Use the AC adapter when possible if an outlet is available. 16 Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.16 16 8/3/07 8:53:24 AM STATE FULL NAME ANCHORAGE AK BIRMINGHAM AL HUNTSVILLE AL MOBILE AL MONTGOMERY AL BENTONVILLE AR FORT SMITH AR LITTLE ROCK AR FLAGSTAFF AZ PHOENIX AZ TUCSON AZ BAKERSFIELD CA CHICO CA FRESNO CA LOS ANGELES CA MODESTO CA OAKLAND CA OXNARD CA SACRAMENTO CA SALINAS CA SAN DIEGO CA SAN FRANCISCO CA SAN JOSE CA 5-Day 3-Day Display Display ANCHORAGE AK BIRMINGHAM AL HUNTSVILLE AL MOBILE AL MONTGOMERY AL BNTNVILLE AR FORT SMTH AR LITTLEROCK AR FLAGSTAFF AZ PHOENIX AZ TUCSON AZ BKRSFIELD CA CHICO CA FRESNO CA LOS ANGELES MODESTO CA OAKLAND CA OXNARD CA SACRAMENTO CA SALINAS CA SAN DIEGO CA SAN FRAN CA SAN JOSE CA ANCHORAGE BRMNGHAM HUNTSVLLE MOBILE AL MNTGOMERY BNTNVILLE FT SMITH LTTL ROCK FLAGSTAFF PHOENIX TUCSON AZ BKRSFIELD CHICO CA FRESNO CA LA CA MODESTO C OAKLAND C OXNARD CA SACRAMNTO SALINAS C SAN DIEGO SAN FRAN SAN JOSE 7-Day Display ANCHRG BRMGHAM HNTSVLL MOBILE MNTGMRY BNTNVLL FT SMTH LIL ROCK FLGSTFF PHOENIX TUCSON BKFIELD CHICO FRESNO LA CA MODESTO OAKLAND OXNARD SCRMNTO SALINAS SD CA SF CA SJ CA Location List Reference (in order, by State/City) Alaska Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas Arizona Arizona Arizona California California California California California California California California California California California California Weather FX-All Models 1LIM-rev2.17 17 8/3/07 8:53:24 AM STATE California California California Colorado Colorado Colorado Colorado Connecticut Connecticut Connecticut DC Florida Florida Florida Florida Florida Florida Florida Fl ...