Ambient Ambient Weather WS23 Wireless Thermo-Hygrometer User Manual

Ambient, LLC dba Ambient Weather Wireless Thermo-Hygrometer

User Manual

Ambient Weather WS-23-C Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 8-Channel Thermo-Hygrometer with Backlit Display (Console Only) User ManualVersion 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 1Table of Contents1.Introduction ....................................................................................................................2.Getting Started ......................................................................................................32.1 Parts List .......................................................................................................32.2 Display Console Set Up ................................................................................32.2.1 Display Console Layout .........................................................................52.2.2 Sensor Operation Verification ................................................................53.Remote Sensor Installation ...................................................................................64.Console Operation ................................................................................................64.1 Min/Max Mode ........................................................................................64.2 Clearing Min/Max Daily ...................................................................................... 7 4.3 Outdoor Channel Selection and Scroll Mode .......................................................7 4.4 Temperature Units of Measure ..................................................................74.5 Sensor Search Mode and Resyncing the Sensors ..................................74.6 Best Practices for Wireless Communication................................................ 84.7 Backlight Operation ..................................................................................9 4.7.1 Backlight Operation, Battery Power..................................................9 4.7.2 Backlight Operation, AC Power(optional)......................................9 4.8 Adjustment or Calibration ..............................................................................9 4.8.1 Indoor Temperature and Humidity Calibration.........................................10 4.8.2 Outdoor Temperature and Humidity Calibration.....................................11 5.Glossary of Terms ...............................................................................................126.Specifications ......................................................................................................136.1 Wireless Specifications ...............................................................................136.2 Measurement Specifications .......................................................................136.3 Power Consumption.....................................................................................137.Troubleshooting Guide ........................................................................................138.Accessories .........................................................................................................159.Liability Disclaimer ............................................................................................1610.FCC Statement ..................................................................................................1711.Warranty Information ........................................................................................182WS23C
1. IntroductionThank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS23C Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 8-Channel Thermo-Hygrometer with Backlit Display (Console Only). The following user guide provides step by step instructions for installation, operation and troubleshooting. To download the latest manual and additional troubleshooting tips, please visit:http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/ws23The WS23C includes an indoor temperature and humidity sensor (there is a sensor inside the display) as well as supports up to 8 remote sensors (sensors and receivers are sold separately):Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 2Item Number Image DescriptionF007THF007TF007TPF007PF8-channel sensor measures temperature and humidity. Applications include indoor and outdoor air temperature and humidity measurement.8-channel sensor measures temperature. Applications include indoor and outdoor air temperature measurement.8-channel sensor measures probe temperature. Applications include refrigerators and freezers (where the probe is placed inside the appliance(s) and the display is outside), water temperature, soil temperature and ground temperature.8-channel pool float thermometer. Applications include pools, spas, and lakes.
2. Getting StartedThe WS23C (console only) works perfectly fine as a standalone unit (no sensors required) if you simply want to monitor indoor temperature and humidity. The WS23C is also sold without any remote sensors so that you can add additional consoles to your system. Some of this manual is devoted to wireless communication to one or remote sensors. You can ignore this information if you purchased the console as a stand-alone system. Note: If you own a remote sensor, the power up sequence must be performed in the order shown in this section (insert batteries in the remote transmitter(s) first, Display Console second). 2.1 Parts List 2.2 Display Console Set Up 1. Move the remote thermo-hygrometer(s) about 5 to 10’ away from the display console (if the sensor is too close, it may not be received by the display console). If you have more than one thermo-hygrometer, make sure they are all powered up and transmitting on different channels. 2. Remove the battery door on the back of the display, as shown in Figure 1. Insert four AAA (alkaline or lithium, avoid rechargeable) batteries in the back of the display console.Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 3 QTY Item Display ConsoleFrame Dimensions (LxHxW): 6 x 3.25 x 1 inLCD Dimensions (LxW): 4.5 x 2.5”LCD Segment Height: 1 inch1User Manual 1WS23CAdd as many display consoles as you like to your existing system. For example, you can have one remote sensor display temperature and place a display console in every room.
Figure 1All of the LCD segments will light up for a few seconds to verify all segments are operating properly. 3. Replace the battery door, and fold out the desk stand and place the console in the upright position. The console will instantly display indoor temperature and humidity. The remote temperature and humidity will update on the display within a few minutes on the appropriate channel. While in the search mode, the remote search icon will be constantly displayed next to the channel number.If you have more than one remote sensor (up to eight remotes are supported), the display will automatically toggle between sensors until all sensors have reported in.Do not touch any buttons until the remote sensor has reported in, or the radio search icon is no longer on, otherwise the remote sensor search mode will be terminated. When the remote sensor temperature and humidity has been received, the console will automatically switch to the normal mode, and all further settings can be performed.Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 4
If the remote does not update, please reference the troubleshooting guide in Section 7. 2.2.1 Display Console Layout Note: The following illustration shows the full segments of the LCD for description purposes only and will not appear like this during normal operation. Figure 2 1. Channel 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, indictor 6. Indoor Relative Humidity (%) 2. Scroll mode (CH 1-8) 7. Indoor Temperature 3. Transmitter low battery indicator 8. Outdoor Relative Humidity (%) 4. Min/Max Record mode 9. Outdoor Temperature 5. Min/Max reset for 24h 10. Temperature units (°F or °C) 2.2.2 Sensor Operation VerificationVerify the indoor and outdoor humidity match closely with the console and sensor array in the same location (about 5 to 10’ apart). The sensors should be within 10% (the accuracy is ± 5%). Allow about 30 minutes for both sensors to stabilize. The humidity can be adjusted or calibrated later to match each other a known source.Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 5213568910467
Verify the indoor and outdoor temperature match closely with the console and sensor array in the same location (about 5 to 10’ apart). The sensors should be within 2°F (the accuracy is ± 1°F). Allow about 30 minutes for both sensors to stabilize. The temperature can be adjusted or calibrated later to match each other or a known source.3. Remote Sensor InstallationIf you purchased the outdoor sensor for this console (optional):It is recommended you mount the remote sensor on a north facing wall, in a shaded area. Direct sunlight and radiant heat sources will result in inaccurate temperature readings. Although the sensor is water resistant, it is best to mount in a well protected area, such as under an eve. Use a screw or nail (not included) to affix the remote sensor to the wall, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 34. Console Operation Note: The console has four buttons for easy operation: MIN/MAX/- button, CLEAR/ADJUST button, CHANNEL/+ button and LIGHT button. 4.1 Min/Max ModeThe Min/Max mode displays the minimum and maximum temperature and humidity (since reset of the unit) for the indoor, remote channel 1 through 8 sensors.Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 6
Prior to entering the MIN/MAX mode, press the CHANNEL/+ button to select the temperature and humidity values you wish to view. 1. Display Maximum. Press the MIN/MAX button once to display the maximum. The MAX icon will be displayed. 2. Clear Maximum. To reset the maximum values to the current values, press and hold the CLEAR button for 3 seconds. 3. Display Minimum. Press the MIN/MAX button again to display the minimum. The MIN icon will be displayed. 4. Clear Minimum. To reset the minimum values to the current values, press and hold the CLEAR button for 3 seconds.To return to normal mode, press the MIN/MAX button again. 4.2 Clearing Min/Max DailyThe minimum and maximum can be set to clear every 24 hours automatically. Press and hold the CLEAR/ADJUST button for 3 seconds to switch between Clears 24h and Clears Manually.When you manually clear the minimum and maximum, the Clears 24h function will clear every 24 hours from the time you clear it.For example, if you clear the min and max at 4:00pm, it will continue to clear every day at 4:00pm. 4.3 Outdoor Channel Selection and Scroll ModePress the CHANNEL/+ button to switch the display between remote sensors 1 through 8, and scroll mode . In scroll mode, all of the remote sensors will be displayed in five second intervals. 4.4 Temperature Units of MeasureThe default temperature units of measure are degrees Fahrenheit. To toggle between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit, press and hold the MIN/MAX button for 3 seconds. 4.5 Sensor Search Mode and Resyncing the SensorsIf any of the sensor communication is lost, dashes (--.-) will be displayed on the screen. To reacquire the signal:Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 7
1.If a specific channel is lost, press the CHANNEL/+ button to display this channel, then Press and hold the CHANNEL/+ button for 3 seconds, and the remote search icon will be constantly displayed for up to 10 minutes. Once the signal is reacquired, the remote search icon will turn off, and the current values will be displayed. 2.If new sensors are added, subtracted, or multiple sensor channels are lost, Press and hold the CHANNEL/+ button for 5 seconds, and the remote search icon will be constantly displayed for up to 10 minutes. Once the signal is reacquired, the remote search icon will turn off, and the current values will be displayed. 4.6 Best Practices for Wireless Communication Note: To insure proper communication, mount the remote sensor on a vertical surface, such as a wall. Do not lay the sensor flat. Wireless communication is susceptible to interference, distance, walls and metal barriers. We recommend the following best practices for trouble free wireless communication.1. Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI). Keep the console several feet away from computer monitors and TVs.2. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). If you have other 433 MHz devices and communication is intermittent, try turning off these other devices for troubleshooting purposes. You may need to relocate the transmitters or receivers to avoid intermittent communication.3. Line of Sight Rating. This device is rated at 300 feet line of sight (no interference, barriers or walls) but typically you will get 100 feet maximum under most real-world installations, which include passing through barriers or walls.4. Metal Barriers. Radio frequency will not pass through metal barriers such as aluminum siding. If you have metal siding, align the remote and console through a window to get a clear line of sight.The following is a table of reception loss vs. the transmission medium. Each “wall” or obstruction decreases the transmission range by the factor shown below.Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 8
4.7 Backlight OperationThe backlight operation is different when operating on batteries to save power. 4.7.1 Backlight Operation, Battery PowerTo temporarily turn on the back light for five seconds, press the LIGHT button on the top of the console.To turn on the backlight for 30 minutes, press and hold the LIGHT button on the top of the console for two seconds.To turn off the backlight at any time, press and hold the LIGHT button for two seconds. 4.7.2 Backlight Operation, AC Power (optional)The AC power plug is optional.To temporarily turn on the back light for five seconds, press the LIGHT button on the top of the console.To turn on the backlight permanently, press and hold the LIGHT button on the top of the console for two seconds.To turn off the backlight at any time, press and hold the LIGHT button for two seconds. Note: When AC power plug in, the backlight will turn on permanently. 4.8 Adjustment or Calibration Note: The calibrated value can only be adjusted on the console. The remote sensor(s) always displays the un-calibrated or measured value.Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 9MediumRF Signal Strength ReductionGlass (untreated)PlasticsWood5-15%10-15%10-40%BrickConcreteMetal10-40%40-80%90-100%
Note: The measured humidity range is between 10 and 99%. Humidity cannot be accurately measured outside of this range. Thus, the humidity cannot be calibrated below 10% or above 99%.The purpose of calibration is to fine tune or correct for any sensor error associated with the devices margin of error. The measurement can be adjusted from the console to calibrate to a known source.Calibration is only useful if you have a known calibrated source you can compare it against, and is optional. This section discusses practices, procedures and sources for sensor calibration to reduce manufacturing and degradation errors. Do not compare your readings obtained from sources such as the internet, radio, television or newspapers. They are in a different location and typically update once per hour. The purpose of your weather station is to measure conditions of your surroundings, which vary significantly from location to location. 4.8.1 Indoor Temperature and Humidity CalibrationPress and hold the ADJUST and MIN/MAX buttons at the same time for 3 seconds and the indoor temperature value will begin flashing. Press the CHANNEL/+ button to increase the temperature and the MIN/MAX/- button to decrease the temperature reading in 0.1° increments. To rapidly increase (or decrease) the temperature reading, press and hold the CHANNEL/+ or MIN/MAX/- button.To return the temperature to the actual or uncalibrated measurement, press the ADJUST button.Press and hold the ADJUST and MIN/MAX buttons at the same time for 3 seconds again, and the indoor humidity value will begin flashing. Press the CHANNEL/+ button to increase the humidity and the MIN/MAX/- button to decrease the humidity reading in 1% increments. To rapidly increase (or decrease) the humidity reading, press and hold the CHANNEL/+ or MIN/MAX/- button.To return the humidity to the actual or uncalibrated measurement, press the ADJUST button.Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 10
Once the displayed temperature or humidity equals the calibrated source, press and hold the ADJUST button for three seconds, or wait 15 seconds for timeout, and the indoor temperature or humidity value will stop flashing. 4.8.2 Outdoor Temperature and Humidity CalibrationPrior to entering the calibration mode, press the CHANNEL/+ button to select the outdoor temperature and humidity you wish to adjust.Press and hold the ADJUST and CHANNEL/+ buttons at the same time for 3 seconds and the outdoor temperature value will begin flashing. Press the CHANNEL/+ button to increase the temperature and the MIN/MAX/- button to decrease the temperature reading in 0.1° increments. To rapidly increase (or decrease) the temperature reading, press and hold the CHANNEL/+ or MIN/MAX/- button.To return the temperature to the actual or uncalibrated measurement, press the ADJUST button.Press and hold the ADJUST and CHANNEL/+ buttons at the same time for 3 seconds again, and the outdoor humidity value will begin flashing. Press the CHANNEL/+ button to increase the humidity and the MIN/MAX/- button to decrease the humidity reading in 1% increments. To rapidly increase (or decrease) the humidity reading, press and hold the CHANNEL/+ or MIN/MAX/- button.To return the humidity to the actual or uncalibrated measurement, press the ADJUST button.Once the displayed temperature or humidity equals the calibrated source, press and hold the ADJUST button for three seconds, or wait 15 seconds for timeout, and the outdoor temperature or humidity value will stop flashing. Discussion: Humidity is a difficult parameter to measure electronically and drifts over time due to contamination. In addition, location has an adverse affect on humidity readings (installation over dirt vs. lawn for example). Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 11
Official stations recalibrate or replace humidity sensors on a yearly basis. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the humidity is accurate to ± 5%. To improve this accuracy, the indoor and outdoor humidity can be calibrated using an accurate source, such as a sling psychrometer:http://www.ambientweather.com/mafaredspslp.html or one step humidpak calibration kits (reference Section 8). You can also use common table salt, water and a plastic bag:http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/ws23 Discussion: Temperature errors can occur when a sensor is placed too close to a heat source (such as a building structure, the ground or trees).To calibrate temperature, we recommend a mercury or red spirit (fluid) thermometer. Bi-metal (dial) and other digital thermometers are not a good source and have their own margin of error. Using a local weather station in your area is also a poor source due to changes in location, timing (airport weather stations are only updated once per hour) and possible calibration errors (many official weather stations are not properly installed and calibrated).Place the sensor in a shaded, controlled environment next to the fluid thermometer, and allow the sensor to stabilize for 48 hours. Compare this temperature to the fluid thermometer and adjust the console to match the fluid thermometer. 5. Glossary of TermVersion 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 12Term DefinitionAccuracyHygrometerRangeAccuracy is defined as the ability of a measurement to match the actual value of the quantity being measured.A hygrometer is a device that measures relative humidity. Relative humidity is a term used to describe the amount or percentage of water vapor that exists in air.Range is defined as the amount or extent a value can be measured.
6. Specifications 6.1 Wireless Specifications ● feet under most conditions. ● Frequency: 433 MHZUHFHLYHRQO\ ● Update Rate: 60 seconds 6.2 Measurement SpecificationsThe following table provides specifications for the measured parameters. 6.3 Power Consumption ● Base station (display console) : 4 x AAA 1.5V Alkaline or Lithium batteries (not included) ● Battery life: Minimum 12 months for base station with one sensor and excellent reception. Intermittent reception and multiple sensors may reduce the battery life. 7. Troubleshooting GuideIf your question is not answered here, you can contact us as follows: 1.Email Support: support@ambientweather.com 2.Technical Support: 480-346-3380 (M-F 8am to 3pm Arizona Time) Line of sight wireless transmission (in open air): 300 feet, 100 Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 13Measurement Range Accuracy ResolutionIndoor TemperatureIndoor Humidity32 to 140 °F10 to 99 %± 1 °F± 5% (only guaranteedbetween 20 to 90%)0.1 °F1 %
Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 14Problem SolutionWireless remote (thermo-hygrometer) not reporting in to console.There are dashes (--.-) on the display console.If any of the sensor communication is lost, dashes (--.-) will be displayed on the screen. To reacquire the signal, press and hold the CHANNEL/+ button for 3 seconds, and the remote search icon will be constantly displayed. Once the signal is reacquired, the remote search icon will turn off, and the current values will be displayed.The maximum line of sight communication range is 300’ and 100’ under most conditions. Move the sensor assembly closer to the display console.If the sensor assembly is too close (less than 5’), move the sensor assembly away from the display console.Make sure the remote sensor LCD display is working and the transmitter light is flashing once per 60 seconds.Install a fresh set of batteries in the remote thermo-hygrometer. For cold weather environments, install lithium batteries.Make sure the remote sensors are not transmitting through solid metal (acts as an RF shield), or earth barrier (down a hill).Move the display console around electrical noise generating devices, such as computers, TVs and other wireless transmitters or receivers.Move the remote sensor to a higher location. Move the remote sensor to a closer location.
8. AccessoriesThe following software and hardware accessories are available for this weather station at www.AmbientWeather.com .Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 15Problem SolutionTemperature sensorreads too high in the day time.Make sure the thermo-hygrometer is mounted in a shaded area on the north facing wall. Consider the following radiation shield if this is not possible:http://www.ambientweather.com/amwesrpatean.htmlIndoor and Outdoor Temperature do not agreeAllow up to one hour for the sensors to stabilize due to signal filtering. The indoor and outdoor temperature sensors should agree within 2 °F (the sensor accuracy is ± 1 °F).Use the calibration feature to match the indoor and outdoor temperature to a known source.Indoor and Outdoor Humidity do not agreeAllow up to one hour for the sensors to stabilize due to signal filtering. The indoor and outdoor humidity sensors should agree within 10 % (the sensor accuracy is ± 5 %).Use the calibration feature to match the indoor and outdoor humidity to a known source.Display console contrast is weakReplace console batteries with a fresh set of batteries.
9. Liability DisclaimerPlease help in the preservation of the environment and return used batteries to an authorized depot. The electrical and electronic wastes contain hazardous substances. Disposal of electronic waste in wild country and/or in unauthorized grounds strongly damages the environment.Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 16Accessory DescriptionAdd additional remote thermo-hygrometers. Supports up to eight remote sensors.Add as many display consoles as you like to your existing system to display the remote sensor in different locations.AAA lithium batteries for cold weather climates.Solar Radiation Shield improves temperature accuracy for hot weather climates. Remove the rain guard and install over thermo-hygrometer.Ambient Weather WS23C WS23 Big Digit 8-Channel Wireless Thermo-Hygrometer, Console OnlyAmbient Weather F007TH Wireless Thermo-Hygrometer for WS-23 Weather StationsEnergizer AAA Lithium Battery (2-pack) - Batteries for Long Life and Cold ClimatesAmbient Weather SRS100LX Temperature and Humidity Solar Radiation ShieldAmbient Weather Humidity Calibration KitsOne step calibration kits for digital hygrometers use salt slurry formula to accurately calibrate the indoor and outdoor hygrometers.
Reading the “User manual” is highly recommended. The manufacturer and supplier cannot accept any responsibility for any incorrect readings and any consequences that occur should an inaccurate reading take place.This product is designed for use in the home only as indication of weather conditions. This product is not to be used for medical purposes or for public information.The specifications of this product may change without prior notice.This product is not a toy. Keep out of the reach of children.No part of this manual may be reproduced without written authorization of the manufacturerAmbient, LLC WILL NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR OTHER SIMILAR DAMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OR MALFUNCTION OF THIS PRODUCT. 10. FCC StatementStatement according to FCC part 15.19: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Statement according to FCC part 15.21: Modifications not expressly approved by this company could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.Statement according to FCC part 15.105: 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 equipmentVersion 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 17
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 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. 11. Warranty InformationAmbient, LLC provides a 1-year limited warranty on this product against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship.This limited warranty begins on the original date of purchase, is valid only on products purchased and only to the original purchaser of this product. To receive warranty service, the purchaser must contact Ambient, LLC for problem determination and service procedures. Warranty service can only be performed by a Ambient, LLC. The original dated bill of sale must be presented upon request as proof of purchase to Ambient, LLC.Your Ambient, LLC warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship with the following specified exceptions: (1) damage caused by accident, unreasonable use or neglect (lack of reasonable and necessary maintenance); (2) damage resulting from failure to follow instructions contained in your owner’s manual; (3) damage resulting from the performance of repairs or alterations by someone other than an authorized Ambient, LLC authorized service center; (4) units used forVersion 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 18
other than home use (5) applications and uses that this product was not intended (6) the products inability to receive a signal due to any source of interference or metal obstructions and (7) extreme acts of nature, such as lightning strikes or floods. This warranty covers only actual defects within the product itself, and does not cover the cost of installation or removal from a fixed installation, normal set-up or adjustments, claims based on misrepresentation by the seller or performance variations resulting from installation-related circumstances. Version 1.0 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 19

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