User manual LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY WS1501

868MHz WEATHER STATION Instruction Manual INTRODUCTION: Congratulations on purchasing this state-of-the-art weather station as an example of excellent design and innovative measuring technique. Featuring time, date, calendar, weather forecast, wind direction, wind gust and wind speed, rainfall, indoor/outdoor temperature and outdoor humidity, air pressure and various alarm settings for different weather conditions, this weather station will provide you with various weather information and weather forecast. Pages after pages, you will discover that the operation of your weather station is really simple ! « Instant Transmission+» is the up and coming state-of-the-art new wireless transmission technology, exclusively designed and developed by LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY. "IT +" offers you an immediate update of all your outdoor data measured from the transmitters: follow your climatic variations in real-time! 72 FEATURES: The Multifunctional Weather Station Foldout stand I Hanging hole LCD Battery compartment cover Foldout stand II Function keys · · · · · · · · · · Time display (manual setting) 12/24 hour time display Calendar display (weekday, date, month, year) Time alarm function Weather forecasting function with 3 weather icons and weather tendency indicator Indoor temperature display in ° C/ºF Outdoor temperature display in ° C/ºF Outdoor Humidity display as RH% Dew point displayed in ° or ° C F Wind gust displayed in km/h, mph, m/s 73 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 24-hour and total rainfall displayed in mm or inch Display Max / Min value of outdoor temperature, outdoor humidity, Dew point, Wind chill, and Relative pressure, with time & date of recording Display max wind speed, max gust, max 24h rainfall and total rainfall with time & date of recording Low/High outdoor temperature, outdoor humidity and high wind speed alarm Relative air pressure displayed in hPa or inHg Air pressure tendency indicator for the past 12 hour (bargraph format) LCD contrast selectable Low battery indicator Wind direction displayed in 16 steps Wind speed displayed in km/h, mph or m/s, and Beaufort scale Wind chill displayed in ° of ° C F Manual reset of outdoor temperature/ humidity, pressure, windchill, dew point, wind speed, gust, 24h rainfall and total rainfall data Storm warning alarm Buzzer on/ off selectable Storage of 140 sets of history weather data recorded in 3-hour intervals Wireless transmission at 868 MHz Transmission range up to 100 metres 74 The Thermo-HygroTransmitter · Remote transmission of the outdoor temperature and humidity to the Weather Station at 868 MHz · Showerproof casing · Wall mounting case (to be mounted in a sheltered place. Avoid direct rain and sunshine) The Wind Sensor · · Connected to the thermo-hygro transmitter by cable Can be installed onto a mast or a horizontal panel The Rain Sensor · · Remote transmission of the rainfall data to the Weather Station at 868 MHz To be mounted onto a horizontal panel 75 SETTING UP: Wireless transmission at 868 MHz ­ Rain sensor to weather station Weather station Wireless transmission at 868 MHz - thermo-hygro transmitter to weather station Rain sensor Wind sensor Cable connection between the wind sensor and the thermo-hygro transmitter Note: When putting the Weather Station into operation, it is important to perform in close proximity (e.g. on a table) a complete wiring and set-up of the system. This step is important to test all components for correct function before placing and mounting 76 them at their final destinations (See Positioning below). Spin the wind vane and tip the rain gauge to test. Unwind the cables of the Wind sensor. Connect the Wind sensor to the Thermo1. hygro transmitter by plugging the connector heads into the sockets of the Thermo-hygro transmitter. Cord should "click" into place. Socket for wind sensor 2. 3. First insert the batteries into the Thermo-hygro transmitter and Rain sensor (see "How to install and replace the batteries into the Thermo-hygro transmitter" & How to install and replace batteries into the Rain sensor below). Then insert the batteries into the Weather Station (see "How to install and replace the batteries into the Weather Station" below). Once the batteries are installed, all segments of the LCD will light up briefly and a short signal tone will be heard. It will then display the time as 00:00, the date as 1.1.05, the weather icons, and air pressure value. "- - -" will be shown for outdoor data. 77 4. 5. 6. 4. 5. Afterwards, the Weather Center will start receiving data from the transmitter. The transmission reception icon will be blinking to indicate that the station is trying to get the thermo-hygro transmitter data. The outdoor temperature, humidity, wind data should then be displayed on the Weather Center. If this does not happen after 45 seconds, the batteries will need to be removed from all units. You will have to start again from step 2. The transmitter reception icon is now blinking again to indicate that the station is trying to get the rain sensor data. It will stop blinking once the rain sensor has been detected. If this does not happen after 45 seconds, you will need to start again from step 2. You may need to check the cable for correct connection and all the components for correct function by manually turning the wind-gauge by moving the windvane; tilting the rain sensor to hear the impact of the internal moving seesaw, etc. (see Positioning below). Time and date shall be manually set (See Manual Setting below). After the Weather Station has been checked for correct function with regard to the above points and found fit, the initial set up of the weather station system is finished and the mounting of the system components can take place. It must be ensured however that all components work properly together at their chosen mounting or standing locations. If e.g. there appear to be problems with the 868 MHz radio transmission, they can mostly be overcome by slightly changing the mounting locations. Note: The radio communication between the receiver and the transmitter in the open field reaches distances of max 100 metres, provided there are no interfering obstacles such as buildings, trees, vehicles, high voltage lines, etc. 78 8. Radio interferences created by PC screens, radios or TV sets can in some cases entirely cut off radio communication. Please take this into consideration when choosing standing or mounting locations. · Note : After batteries are installed in the transmitter, install the batteries in the weather center to receive the signal from the transmitters as soon as possible. If the weather center is powered more than 5 hours after the transmitter is powered, the weather center will never receive signal successfully from the transmitters. In this case, user will need to reinstall the batteries from all the transmitters to redo set-up procedure. After batteries are installed, there will be synchronization between weather center and the transmitters. At this time, the signal reception icon will be blinking. When the signal is successfully received by the weather center, the icon will be switched on. (If it is not successful, the icon will not be shown in LCD) So the user can easily see whether the last reception was successful (icon on) or not (icon off). On the other hand, the short blinking of the icon shows that a reception is in progress. Transmitter signal reception icon · HOW TO INSTALL AND REPLACE THE BATTERIES INTO THE WEATHER STATION 79 The Weather Station works with 3 x AA, IEC LR6, 1.5V batteries. When the batteries need to be replaced, the low battery symbol will appear on the LCD. To install and replace the batteries, please follow the steps below: 1. Remove the battery compartment cover. 2. Insert the batteries observing the correct polarity (see the marking in the battery compartment). 3. Replace the battery cover. HOW TO INSTALL AND REPLACE BATTERIES INTO THE RAIN SENSOR Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 The rain sensor works with 2 x AAA, IEC LR3, 1.5V Alkaline batteries. To install and replace the batteries, please follow the steps below: 1. Press tabs back to unlock rain sensor cover. (Figure 1) 2. Lift rain sensor cover to access battery compartment. (Figure 2) 80 3. 4. Insert the batteries, observing the correct polarity (see the marking in the battery compartment). (Figure 3) Replace the battery cover and the rain cover onto the unit. Note: In the event of changing batteries in any of the units, all units need to be reset by following the setting up procedures. This is because a random security code is assigned by the rain sensor at start-up and this code must be received and stored by the Weather Center in the first several minutes of power being supplied to it. HOW TO INSTALL AND REPLACE THE BATTERIES INTO THE THERMO-HYGRO TRANSMITTER The outdoor Thermo-hygro transmitter works with 2 x AA IEC LR6, 1.5V batteries. To install and replace the batteries, please follow the steps below: 1. 2. 3. 4. Uninstall the rain cover of the transmitter. Remove the battery compartment cover. Insert the batteries, observing the correct polarity (see the marking in the battery compartment). Replace the battery cover and the rain cover onto the unit. Note: 81 In the event of changing batteries in any of the units, all units need to be reset by following the setting up procedures. This is because a random security code is assigned by the transmitter and rain sensor at start-up and this code must be received and stored by the Weather Station in the first several minutes of power being supplied to it. BATTERY CHANGE: It is recommended to replace the batteries in all units every 24 months to ensure optimum accuracy of these units. (Battery life ­see Specifications) Please participate in the preservation of the environment. Return used batteries to an authorised depot. Note: The stored History record will not be kept after the battery change is done on the weather station. 82 FUNCTION KEYS: Weather Station: The Weather Station has 5 easy-to-use function keys. Set key + key ALARM key MIN/MAX key HISTORY key SET key · Press and hold to enter manual setting modes: LCD contrast, Manual time setting, 12/24 hour time display, Calendar setting, ºC/ ºF temperature unit, Wind speed unit, Rainfall unit, Pressure unit, Relative pressure reference setting, Weather tendency threshold setting, Storm warning threshold setting and Storm Alarm On/ Off setting · Press to toggle between the display of Mode 1 or Mode 2: Mode1: "Wind speed + outdoor temp + rel. pressure" Mode 2: "Gust + Dew Point temp + rainfall" (Mode 2 displayed will be shown for 30 seconds. Then it will return to normal display automatically.) · In normal display mode, press and hold to switch on/ off the Buzzer · In the weather alarm setting mode, press and hold to adjust different alarm value and switch the alarm On/ Off · Press to activate the reset mode when max or min record is shown 83 · Stop the alarm during the time alarm or weather alarm ringing + key · · · · · · In display Mode 1, press to toggle between the display of Preset alarm time, date, weekday + date, Indoor temp, or second in the time display In display mode 2, press to toggle between the display of Rel. Pressure, 24 hour rainfall and Total rainfall Press to adjust (increase) the level of different settings Stop the alarm during the time alarm or weather alarm ringing Press to confirm to reset the max/min record Press to reset the total rainfall amount to 0 HISTORY key · Press to display the weather data history records · Stop the alarm during the time alarm or weather alarm ringing · Press to exit manual setting mode and alarm setting mode ALARM key · Press to enter the time alarm and weather alarm setting mode · Confirm particular alarm setting · Press to exit the manual setting mode · Stop the alarm during the time alarm or weather alarm ringing · Press to exit max/ min record display mode MIN/MAX key · Press to display minimum and maximum records of various weather data · Press to adjust (decrease) the level of different settings 84 · Stop the alarm during the time alarm or weather alarm ringing LCD SCREEN The LCD screen is split into 5 sections displaying the following information: 1. Time and date/ indoor temp/ second 2. Wind data 3. Outdoor temperature, Dew point and humidity, 4. Air pressure, Rainfall data 5. Air pressure history and Weather forecast icon. 85 Time alarm icon Time display Calendar, indoor temp., or alarm time display Buzzer off indicator Wind direction display and wind speed in Beaufort scale Wind speed Hi alarm icon Wind speed or gust in mph, km/h or m/s Outdoor relative humidity in % Outdoor Humidity alarm icon Transmitter signal reception icon Weather tendency indicator Weather forecast icon Wind Chill in ° or ° C F Outdoor temperature or dew point in ° or ºC F Outdoor temp. alarm icon Relative air pressure display in inHg or hPa, or total and 24h rainfall display in inch or mm Air pressure histogram Low battery Indicator (Thermo-hygro) Low battery Indicator (rain sensor) 86 #When the signal from the transmitter/ or Rain sensor is successfully received by the Weather Station, this icon will be switched on. (If not successful, the icon will not be shown on the LCD). User can therefore easily see whether the last reception was successful ("ON" icon) or not ("OFF" icon). On the other hand, the short blinking of the icon shows that a reception is being done at that time. *In nomal display user may press the SET key shortly to toggle between Mode1 and Mode 2 display: Mode 1 : Wind speed, outdoor temperature and relative pressure reading are shown. Wind speed icon Outdoor temp icon Rel Pressure icon In Mode 1, this reception icon is showing the condition of the reception of the signal from Thermo-hygro transmitter 87 Mode 2 : Wind Gust, Dew Point temperature and Rainfall reading are shown. Wind gus icon Dew point icon In Mode 2, this reception icon is showing the condition of the reception of the signal from Rain sensor Rainfall icon MANUAL SETTING: The following manual settings can be changed once the SET key is pressed and hold for about 3 seconds: · LCD contrast setting · Manual time setting · 12/24 hour time display · Calendar setting · ° ° temperature unit setting C/ F · Wind speed unit · Rainfall unit setting · Air pressure unit setting · Relative pressure reference value setting · Weather tendency threshold value · Storm warning threshold value 88 · Storm alarm On/ Off setting LCD CONTRAST SETTING Digit flashing The LCD contrast can be set within 8 levels, from "LCD 1" to "LCD8" (default setting is LCD 5): 1. Press the SET key, the contrast level digit will start flashing. 2. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to adjust the level of contrast. 3. Confirm with the SET key and enter the MANUAL TIME SETTING. MANUAL TIME SETTING: You then may manually set the time of the clock by following the steps below: Minutes flashing Hour flashing 1. 2. The hour digit will start flashing. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to set the hour. 89 3. 4. 5. Press the SET key to switch to the minutes. The minute digit will start flashing. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to set the minute. Confirm the time with the SET key and enter the 12/24 HOUR TIME DISPLAY SETTING. 12/24 HOUR TIME DISPLAY SETTING: Digit flashing The time can be set to view as 12-hour or 24-hour format. The default time display mode is "24-h". To set to "12-h" time display: 1. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to toggle the value. 2. Confirm with the SET key and enter the CALENDAR SETTING. CALENDAR SETTING: "Date. Month." (for 24h time display) "Month. Date." (for 12h time display) Year 90 The date default of the Weather Station is 1. 1. of year 2005. The date can be set manually by proceeding as follows. 1. The year digit starts flashing. 2. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to set the year. The range runs from "00" (2000) to "99" (2099). 3. Press the SET key to confirm the year and enter the month setting. The month digit will start flashing. 4. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to set the month. 5. Press the SET key to confirm the month and enter the date setting mode. The date digit will start flashing. 6. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to set the date. 7. Confirm all calendar settings with the SET key and enter the ° F C/° TEMPERATURE UNIT SETTING. ° F TEMPERATURE UNIT SETTING C/° Flashing The temperature display can be selected to show temperature data in ° or ° C F. (default ° C) 1. The temperature unit is flashing 2. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to toggle between "° or "° C" F". Confirm with the SET key and enter the WIND SPEED UNIT SETTING 91 WIND SPEED UNIT SETTING Flashing The wind speed unit can be set as km/h (kilometre per hour), mph (mile per hour) or m/s (metre per second). The default unit is km/h. 1. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to toggle between the unit "km/h", "mph" or "m/s" 2. Confirm with the SET key and enter the RAINFALL UNIT SETTING. RAINFALL UNIT SETTING Flashing The total rainfall unit can be set as mm or inch. The default unit is mm. 1. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to toggle between the unit "mm" or "Inch" 2. Confirm the unit with the SET key and enter the RELATIVE AIR PRESSURE UNIT SETTING 92 RELATIVE AIR PRESSURE UNIT SETTING Flashing The relative air pressure can be set as hPa of inHg. The default unit is hPa. 1. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to toggle between the unit "hPa" or "inHg" 2. Confirm the unit with the SET key and enter the RELATIVE PRESSURE REFERENCE VALUE SETTING. RELATIVE PRESSURE REFERENCE VALUE SETTING Note: The default reference pressure value of the barometer is 1013 hPa when batteries are first inserted. For an exact measurement, it is necessary to first adjust the barometer to your local relative air pressure (related to elevation above sea level). Ask for the current atmospheric pressure of your home area (Local weather service, www, optician, calibrated instruments in public buildings, airport). The relative air pressure can be manually set to another value within the range of 919 to 1080 hPa (27.14 to 31.90 inHg) for a better reference. Flashing 93 1. 2. 3. The current relative pressure value will start flashing Use the + or MIN/MAX key to increase or decrease the value. Keep holding the key will allow the value to increase faster. Confirm with the SET key and enter the WEATHER TENDENCY THRESHOLD VALUE SETTING. Note: This calibration facility is useful for those users living at various elevations above sea level, but wanting their air pressure display to be based on sea level elevation. WEATHER TENDENCY SENSITIVITY LEVEL SETTING blinkend You may select a definite switching sensitivity value, 2, 3, 4 hPa for the change in the display of weather icons. This represents the "sensitivity" of the weather forecast (the smaller the value selected, the more sensitive the weather forecast). The default value is 3 hPa. Select lower numbers for high humidity areas, i.e. Oceanside. Select high numbers for arid areas, i.e. desert. 94 1. 2. 3. The sensitivity value will start flashing Use the + or MIN/MAX key to select the value. Confirm with the SET key and enter the STORM WARNING SENSITIVITY SETTING. STORM WARNING THRESHOLD VALUE SETTING You may also define a switching threshold value for the Storm warning display at a decrease of air pressure from 3 hPa to 9 hPa over 6 hours (Default 5 hPa). blinkend 1. 2. 3. The threshold value will start flashing. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to select the value. Confirm with the SET key and enter the STORM ALARM ON/ OFF SETTING. STORM ALARM ON/ OFF SETTING You may also choose to switch On or Off the acoustic Storm warning alarm (Default OFF). 1. The digit "AOF" will start flashing. 2. Use the + or MIN/MAX key to switch On or Off the alarm. ("AOF" = OFF; "AON" = On) 3. Confirm with the SET key and the normal display mode will be shown. 95 Flashing Note: In case a storm warning alarm is activated, the downward weather tendency arrow will be flashing. (Also see clause WEATHER TENDENCY INDICATOR below) TO EXIT THE MANUAL SETTING MODE To exit the manual setting anytime during the manual setting modes, press the ALARM key (or HISTORY key) anytime or wait for the automatic timeout. The mode will return to the normal time display. TIME ALARM SETTING The alarm time can be set by the use of the ALARM and SET key. 1. Press the ALARM key once. The time digits are shown at the top right of the LCD. Alarm time digit Alarm-On icon 96 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Press and hold the SET key for about 2 seconds. The hour digit of the alarm time will start flashing. Press the + or MIN/MAX key to set the hour of the alarm time. Press the SET key to confirm and advance to the minute setting. The minute digit will be flashing. Press the + or MIN/MAX key to set the minute of the alarm time. Press the ALARM key to confirm. Press the HISTORY key or wait for about 30 seconds and the display will return to normal display mode automatically. In the normal display mode, press the ALARM once key to go to the time alarm setting mode again. Then press shortly the SET key to switch on or off the time alarm. (The showing of the icon ((( ))) means that the time alarm is switched on.) Press the HISTORY key or wait for about 30 seconds and the display will return to normal display mode automatically. Note: The alarm ringing duration is 2 minutes. To stop the alarm, press any key during the alarm ringing. WEATHER ALARM OPERATIONS The Weather alarms are settable for when certain weather conditions are met according to your requirements. For example, you can set the thresholds for the outdoor temperature to +40° (high) and -10° (low) , whilst only enabling the high C C alarm and disabling the low alarm (i.e. temperatures <-10° won't trigger alarm, but C temperatures >+40° will). C 97 High wind speed Alarm-On icon Outdoor temp Alarm-On icon Outdoor humidity Alarm-On icon The Weather Station can be set to alert when a specific weather condition is reached. The following Weather Alarm settings can be adjusted in the ALARM setting mode. · High outdoor temperature alarm · Low outdoor temperature alarm · High outdoor humidity alarm · Low outdoor humidity alarm · High wind speed alarm 98 Default alarm values: Low Temperature High Relative Low Humidity High Wind speed High 0°C 40°C 45% 70% 100 km/h HIGH AND LOW OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE ALARM SETTING Note: The High and Low outdoor temperature alarm can be set On/ Off independently, according to your needs. Set the Outdoor temperature alarm value (High or Low alarm value) : 1. In the normal display mode, press the ALARM key twice. The High Outdoor Temperature alarm display will be shown. High alarm icon Alarm-On icon 99 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Press and hold the SET key for about 2 seconds. The temperature digit will start flashing. Press the + or MIN/MAX key to set the high outdoor temp alarm value. (Keep holding the key will allow the value to increase faster.) Press the ALARM key to confirm the setting. The digit will stop flashing. Press the SET key to switch on or off the alarm. (The showing of the icon ((( ))) means that the alarm is switched on.) Press the ALARM key once. The Low Outdoor Temperature alarm display will be shown. Press and hold the SET key for about 2 seconds. The temperature digit will start flashing. Press the + or MIN/MAX key to set the low outdoor temp alarm value. (Keep holding the key will allow the value to increase faster.) Press the ALARM key to confirm the setting. The digit will stop flashing. Press the SET key to switch on or off the alarm. (The showing of the icon ((( ))) means that the alarm is switched on.) Press the HISTORY key or wait for about 30 seconds and the display will return to normal display mode automatically. In case the temperature value meets the condition for high alarm or low alarm, the value will be blinking, along with the corresponding icon ("HI AL"/ "LO AL"). And the buzzer will ring for 2 minutes. User then may press any key to stop the ring. User may quit the alarm setting and return to the normal display mode by pressing the HISTORY key. 100 HIGH AND LOW OUTDOOR HUMIDITY ALARM SETTING Note: The High and Low outdoor humidity alarm can be set On/ Off independently according to your needs. Set the Outdoor humidity alarm value (High or Low alarm value): 1. In the normal display mode, press the ALARM key four times. The High Outdoor Humidity alarm display will be shown. 2. 3. 4. 5. Press and hold the SET key for about 2 seconds. The humidity digit will start flashing. Press the + or MIN/MAX key to set the high outdoor humidity alarm value. Press the ALARM key to confirm the setting. The digit will stop flashing. Press the SET key to switch on or off the alarm. (The showing of the icon ((( ))) means that the alarm is switched on.) Press the ALARM key once. The Low Outdoor humidity alarm display will be shown. Press and hold the SET key for about 2 seconds. The humidity digit will start flashing. Press the + or MIN/MAX key to set the low outdoor humidity alarm value. 101 6. 7. Press the ALARM key to confirm the setting. The digit will stop flashing. Press the SET key to switch on or off the alarm. (The showing of the icon ((( ))) means that the alarm is switched on.) Press the HISTORY key or wait for about 30 seconds and the display will return to normal display mode automatically. In case the humidity value meets the condition for high alarm or low alarm, the value will be blinking, along with the corresponding icon ("HI AL"/ "LO AL"). And the buzzer will ring for 2 minutes. User may press any key to stop the sound. WIND SPEED ALARM SETTING The High wind speed alarm can be set by following the steps below. 1. In the normal display mode, press the ALARM key six times. The High wind speed alarm display will be shown. 2. 3. 4. Press and hold the SET key for about 2 seconds. The wind speed digit will start flashing. Press the + or MIN/MAX key to set the high wind speed alarm value. Press the ALARM key to confirm the setting. The digit will stop flashing. Press the SET key to switch on or off the alarm. (The showing of the icon ((( ))) means that the alarm is switched on.) Press the ALARM key once to return to the normal display mode. 102 In case the wind speed exceeds the condition for high wind speed alarm, the value will be flashing, along with the corresponding high alarm icon ("HI AL"). And the buzzer will ring for 2 minutes. User may press any key to stop the sound. HYSTERESIS To compensate for fluctuation of the measured data, which may cause the weather alarm to sound constantly if the measured reading is close to your set level, a hysteresis function has been implemented for each weather alarm. For example, if the high temperature alarm is set to +25° and the curr ent value moves to +25° the C C, alarm will be activated (if it has been enabled). Now when the temperature drops to +24.9° or below and thereafter again increases to beyond +25° the data will be C C, blinking, but no alarm will be activated. It has to drop to below +24° (with a pre-set C hysteresis of 1° so that the alarm can be produce d again. Hysteresis values for the C) various weather data types are given in the following table: Weather data Temperature Humidity Wind speed Hysteresis 1° C 3% RH 5 km/h Note: The temperature, humidity or wind data will keep on flashing even after a key has been pressed to stop the alarm or buzzer has been switched off, to indicate that the current weather condition is out of the pre-set limit(s) 103 WEATHER FORECAST AND WEATHER TENDENCY: WEATHER FORECASTING ICONS: Weather forecasting icons are displayed in any of the following combinations at the right bottom part of LCD: TENDENCY TENDENCY TENDENCY Sunny Cloudy with sunny intervals Rainy For every sudden or significant change in the air pressure, the weather icons will update accordingly to represent the change in weather. (Every time a new average pressure value has been obtained (once per minute), this value is compared with an internal reference value. If the difference between these values is bigger than the selected weather tendency sensitivity, the weather-icon changes, either for worse or for better. In this case, the current pressure value becomes the new weather tendency reference.) If the icons do not change, either the air pressure has not changed or the change has been too small for the Weather Center to register. So you may adjust the "sensitivity" of the pressure change checking in the setting mode ­see WEATHER TENDENCY SENSITIVITY VALUE SETTING above. However, if the icon displayed is a sun or raining cloud, there will be no change of icon if the weather gets any better (with sunny icon) or worse (with rainy icon) since the icons are already at their extremes. 104 The icons displayed forecasts the weather in terms of getting better or worse and not necessarily sunny or rainy as each icon indicates. For example, if the current weather is cloudy and the rainy icon is displayed, it does not mean that the product is faulty because it is not raining. It simply means that the air pressure has dropped and the weather is expected to get worse but not necessarily rainy. Note: After setting up, readings for weather forecasts should be disregarded for the next 4860 hours. This will allow sufficient time for the Weather station to collect air pressure data at a constant altitude and therefore result in a more accurate forecast. Common to weather forecasting, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The weather forecasting feature is estimated to have an accuracy level of about 75% due to the varying areas the Weather Center has been designed for use. In areas that experience sudden changes in weather (for example from sunny to rain), the Weather Center will be more accurate compared to use in areas where the weather is stagnant most of the time (for example mostly sunny). If the Weather Center is moved to another location significantly higher or lower than its initial standing point (for example from the ground floor to the upper floors of a house), discard the weather forecast for the next 48-60 hours, as the Weather Center may mistake the new location as being a possible change in air-pressure when really it is due to the slight change of altitude. THE WEATHER TENDENCY INDICATOR Working together with the weather icons are the weather tendency indicators (the upward and downward arrows located on the right hand side of the weather girl icon). When the indicator points upwards, it means that the air-pressure is increasing and the weather is expected to improve, but when indicator points downwards, the air- 105 pressure is dropping and the weather is expected to become worse. Therefore, user may see how the weather has changed and is expected to change. For example, if the indicator is pointing downwards together with cloudy icons, it means that the last noticeable change in the weather was when it was sunny (the sunny icon only). Therefore, the next change in the weather will be the cloudy icons since the indicator is pointing downwards. Note: Once the weather tendency indicator has registered a change in air pressure, it will remain permanently visualized on the LCD. AIR PRESSURE HISTORY (ELECTRONIC BAROMETER WITH BAROMETRIC PRESSURE TREND) The bottom section of the LCD also shows the relative air pressure value and the air pressure history. Depending on programming conditions, display of the history of air pressure in form of a graph consisting of vertical bars. The bar graph of the electronic barometer shows the air pressure history of the past 12 hours in five 3-hour steps. Air pressure changes in inHg Air pressure changes in hPa 106 The horizontal axis represents the last 12 hours air pressure recording (-12, -9, -6, -3 and 0 hour). The bars are plotted at each of the 5 steps and give the trend over the recorded period. The scale on the right compares the result. The "0" in the middle of this scale determines the current air pressure. The vertical axis represents the air pressure changes in hPa (+4, +2, 0, -2, -4. "0" represents the current air pressure). The newly measured pressure was compared to the previously recorded pressure reading. The pressure change is expressed by the difference between the current ("0h") and the past readings in division of ±2 hPa or ±0.06 inHg. If the bars are rising it indicates that the weather is getting better due to an increase in air pressure. If the bars go down it indicates a drop of the air pressure and the weather is expected to get worse from the present time "0". At every full hour the current air pressure is used as a basis for the display of a new graph bar. The existing graph is then moved one column to the left. Note: For accurate barometric pressure trend, the Weather Station should operate at the same altitude. For example, it should not be moved. Should the unit be moved, for instance from the ground to the second floor of the house, the readings for the next 48-60 hours shall be discarded. WIND DIRECTION AND WIND SPEED MEASUREMENT In normal display mode, the second section of the LCD shows the following wind data. · Wind direction (shown on the a compass scale of 16 divisions) and wind speed/ gust in Beaufort scale · Wind chill in °C or °F · Wind Speed in km/h, mph or m/s 107 · Gust in km/h, mph or m/s (displayed when in Mode 2, by pressing the SET key shortly) Text showing Wind speed in Beaufort scale bft Pointer indicates the currently detected wind direction HIAL This alarm symbol indicates that the alarm is set On Wind chill Wind speed or Gust will be shown RAINFALL MEASUREMENT The total rainfall and 24 hour rainfall measurement is displayed in the fourth section of the LCD, in the unit of mm or inch. To View the 24 hour rainfall or the Total rainfall reading: 1. In normal display press SET key once and the display will shift to Mode 2. 2. Press + key consecutively key to toggle between the 24 hour rainfall, Total rainfall and Rel. pressure reading. 108 24 hour rainfall icon 24h 24 hour rainfall amount Total rainfall icon Total rainfall amount VIEWING THE HISTORY DATA The weather station can store up to 140 sets of weather data which are recorded automatically at 3-hour intervals after the weather station is powered up, at the nearest time of 0:00, 03:00, 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00. For instance, if user has manually set the time as 14:52 after installing batteries, the first history record will be made at the coming 15:00 automatically. Then the second record will be on 18:00 and so on. Each weather record includes the Wind direction, Wind speed/ gust in Beaufort scale, Wind chill temperature, wind speed/gust, dew point, Outdoor temp and humidity, relative pressure, 24-hour rainfall and total rainfall, pressure history and weather tendency. Also, the time and date of recording will be displayed. 109 Note: In order to acquire the correct time of recording of the history records, you shall manually set the current time as soon as installing batteries to the weather station. Afterwards, you should avoid changing the pre-set time as it will also alter the recorded "time of recording" of each history record, which may lead to confusion. To view the weather history: 1. In normal display, press the HISTORY key. The latest weather record will be shown with the date and time of recording. The "HISTORY" icon will be displayed at the bottom of the LCD. 2. When viewing History records, user may shift to see the Mode 1 or Mode 2 data by pressing the SET key. (Mode 1: with wind speed + outdoor Temp + Rel. pressure; Mode 2 : with wind gust + Dew point + rainfall data) Note: If user wants to choose to view total rainfall or 24-hour rainfall in history records, he shall first in normal display choose to show the particular rainfall data, the press History key and SET key to view the particular rainfall data in History records. 110 HISTORY icon 3. When viewing History records, press MIN/ MAX to view older records. (Press MIN/MAX and + key to view "Previous" and "Next" record respectively. The records are made at 3-hour intervals) The stored history records will not be retained after battery change or whenever battery is removed. The total rainfall value will be exhibited in whole number (no decimal place) in the history record. Note: · · 111 VIEWING THE MAXIMUM/ MINIMUM WEATHER DATA The weather station will record the maximum and minimum value of the various weather data with time and date of recording automatically. The following stored maximum and minimum weather data can be viewed by pressing the MIN/MAX key in normal display mode. 1. Min outdoor temperature with the date and time of recording Time and date or recording MIN outdoor temperature value MIN icon 2. Max outdoor temperature with the date and time of recording 112 3. Min dew point temperature with the date and time of recording DATE DEW POINT MIN Dew Point temp MIN icon 4. 5. Max dew point temperature with the date and time of recording Min outdoor humidity with the date and time of recording 113 6. Max outdoor humidity with the date and time of recording Time and date or recording MAX outdoor humidity value MAX icon 114 7. Min Wind chill temperature with the date and time of recording Time and date or recording MIN wind chill value MIN icon 8. 9. Max Wind chill temperature with the date and time of recording Min Relative pressure with the date and time of recording 115 10. Max Relative pressure with the date and time of recording Time and date or recording MAX relative pressure value MAX icon 116 11. Maximum wind speed with the date and time of recording Time and date or recording MAX wind speed value MAX icon 117 12. Maximum Gust with the date and time of recording Time and date or recording GUST MAX Gust value MAX icon 118 13. Max 24 hour rainfall with the date and time of recording The 24 rainfall value is counted from this time and date 24 hour rainfall icon 24 h 24 hour rainfall amount RESET THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM WEATHER DATA To reset the aforementioned maximum or minimum weather data 1. to 13., you shall need to reset each of the data independently. 1. Press MIN/MAX key to show the desired weather data. For instance, if you want to reset the minimum humidity, in the normal display you shall press the MIN/MAX key five times to show the min humidity value. 2. Press and hold the SET key for about 2 seconds, then the "RESET" icon will appear at the bottom part of the LCD. 119 3. 4. Press the + key once, then the stored value will be reset to the current value and current time. Press the ALARM or HISTORY key to return to normal display mode. 14. Total rainfall amount The total rainfall measurement is displayed in the fourth section of the LCD, in the unit of mm or inch. It shows the total rainfall accumulated since last reset of the weather station. In normal display mode, press the MIN/MAX key fourteen times to show the total rainfall value. The "RESET" icon will also be shown at the same time. The total rainfall value is counted from this time and date Total rainfall icon Total rainfall amount 120 To reset the rainfall reading, press the + key once when the Rainfall value and "Reset" icon is shown. Then the total rainfall amount will be reset to 0, and the time updated to current time. Note: After power up, the time and date and total rainfall is displayed as "- - -". After time is adjusted manually, the set time will be shown. SWITCHING ON/OFF THE BUZZER User may choose to turn off the buzzer so that when the time alarm is switched on and activated, the buzzer will not sound but we can still see the alarm icon ((( ))) flashing on the LCD for time alarm. On the other hand, when the buzzer is turned off and any weather alarm is activated, the particular weather digits will flash to show user that the weather condition is being out of the preset threshold value, yet the buzzer will not sound. To switch off the buzzer: 1. In normal display mode, press and hold the SET key until the icon "BUZZER OFF" is shown at the right side above the Wind direction scale. The LCD will change to setting mode. 2. Press ALARM or HISTORY key once to return to the normal display mode. The "BUZZER OFF" icon will still be shown. BUZZER OFF icon 121