Airmar 300WXR Instruction Manual

Record the serial number found on the underside of the instrument.
Serial No._______________Date of Purchase_________________
17-461-01 rev.06 10/03/11
Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions
WeatherStation®Instrument
Models: 300WXR
300WX
150WX
110WX
100WX
PB200
PB150
LB150
Patents Pending

Copyright © 2008 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.
All Rights Reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be
reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded, or stored in any storage
medium, for any purpose without prior written consent of Airmar. Airmar hereby grants
permission to download a single copy of this manual and of any revision of this manual onto
a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this
manual or any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual
or revision must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that
any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly
prohibited.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Airmar reserves the right to
change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to
notify any person or organization of such changes. Visit the Airmar website at
www.airmar.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and
operation of this and other Airmar products.

Table of Contents
Introduction & Features.............................................................4
Outputs & Functions................................................................. 5
Safety Instructions.................................................................... 6
Importance of True Wind......................................................... 7
Adding External Sensors.......................................................... 7
Hardware.................................................................................. 8
Tools & Materials..................................................................... 9
Where to Purchase Parts........................................................... 9
Choosing the Mounting Location............................................. 10
Installing................................................................................... 11
Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines................................. 14
Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display.................................... 15
Connecting to an NMEA 2000® Network............................... 17
Calibrating the Compass........................................................... 18
Maintenance..............................................................................19
Installing the Humidity Sensor................................................. 20
Software.................................................................................... 20
Troubleshooting........................................................................ 21
Technical Information............................................................... 22
Acronyms & Glossary...............................................................23

4
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Airmar’s ultrasonic, WeatherStation Instrument. This
exciting product has multiple sensors in a single unit—without any moving parts.
The compact housing is waterproof with a single removable cable. Functions and
features vary by model.
Features
• Waterproof housing and cable system
• Fast response time and update rate
• Stable and accurate true wind and heading data in dynamic conditions
• Can be programed to compensate for an installation that is not aligned to the
front of the boat/vehicle and/or level
• Can be calibrated to compensate for magnetic deviation caused by ferrous
metals and other electro-magnetic fields
• GPS with WAAS and EGNOS
IMPORTANT: Please read the Owner’s
Guide completely before proceeding.

5
A. Optional heater
B. Optional humidity sensor
C. 3-axis compass
D. 2-axis compass
Table 1: Outputs & Functions
300WXR 300WX 150WX 110WX 100WX PB200 PB150 LB150
Apparent wind speed and angle ********
True wind speed and direction *** ***
True wind speed relative to water *** **
Heater to keep wind channel free of ice AAAA
Air temperature ********
Apparent wind chill temperature ********
True wind chill temperature *** ***
Barometric pressure ********
Relative humidity BBBB *
Dew point temperature BBBB *
Heat index temperature BBBB *
Rain intensity *
Rain accumulation *
Rain event duration *
Peak time of rain intensity *
Magnetic compass heading CCD CDD
Heading relative to true north *** ***
Rate of Turn ** *
Angle of pitch and roll *** ***
Rate of pitch & roll **
Global Positioning System (GPS) *** ***
NMEA 0183; RS232 *****
NMEA 0183; RS422 ********
NMEA 2000®; CAN **** *

6
Follow the safety precautions below to reduce the risk of poor product
performance, property damage, personal injury, and/or death.
WARNING: Correct Installation Important
The WeatherStation Instrument must be installed and operated according to the
instructions in this owners guide.
WARNING: Installation Safety
Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when installing.
WARNING: Compass Safe Distance
The WeatherStation Instrument must be a minimum of 0.3m (1') from other
standard and steering compasses.
WARNING: Do Not Install Near Artificial Magnetic Field
The WeatherStation Instrument must be a safe distance from ferrous metals and
anything that can create a magnetic field to prevent interference to the magnetic
compass.
WARNING: Electrical Safety
The power supply must be OFF before making electrical connections.
WARNING: Voltage
The power supply voltage must be that specified for the model.
• WX models 9 - 40 VDC
• LB and PB models 9 - 16 VDC
• Models with heater 24VDC only
WARNING: Fuse or Circuit Breaker
A safe installation requires a 0.5 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker. Except,
models with a heater require a 3 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker.
WARNING: Battery
Make power connections to a power source that is isolated from the engine start
battery(s). Voltage drops may cause the instrument to lose information and/or
change operating mode.
WARNING: Calibrating the Compass
The internal compass may need to be calibrated after the WeatherStation
Instrument is installed. Perform the pretest to determine if calibration is necessary.
WARNING: 150WX, LB150, PB150
These models incorporate a two-axis compass. Significant errors can occur in the
heading when a vehicle/boat is pitching and rolling. If there is an error in the
heading, there also will be a corresponding error in the true wind direction. Errors
can be minimized or eliminated by using data from an external compass.
WARNING
Navigation Aid Only—The WeatherStation Instrument is
only an aid to navigation and should never be solely relied
upon. It is not a replacement for traditional navigation aids
and techniques. Only official government charts contain all
the information needed for safe navigation.

7
The Importance of Understanding True Wind Direction
When the WeatherStation Instrument is stationary, the direction from which the
wind is blowing is known as the true wind. The WeatherStation Instrument is
programed to measure the direction based upon the specific orientation of the
sensor. For the WeatherStation Instrument to accurately calculate the true
direction of the wind, it must be installed and oriented correctly.
To learn more about true and apparent wind direction, visit www.airmar.com and go
to Installation Instructions and Owner’s Guides > WeatherStation Instruments or
see the “How the WeatherStation Instrument Works” on the WeatherCaster CD.
Adding External Sensors
Some WeatherStation Instruments can receive data from an external sensor(s).
The WeatherStation Instrument will automatically detect whether a sensor(s) is
internal, external, or not available at all. The WeatherStation Instrument gives
priority to valid external-sensor data when available.
-NMEA 0183—Simply connect the sensor(s) to a Combiner or other NMEA
0183 repeater hardware.
-NMEA 2000®—Connect the sensor(s) to the NMEA 2000 network.
NOTE: When an external speed sensor is connected to both an NMEA 0183
device and an NMEA 2000 network, the WeatherStation Instrument will use
NMEA 2000 data.
•PB150, LB150—If an external electronic compass is installed and working, this
external compass data will override the WeatherStation Instrument compass.
•Speed-through-water sensor—An external speed sensor can be installed,
such as an Airmar Smart™ Sensor. Airmar recommends installing the
DST800V to receive water depth, boat speed, and water temperature data.

8
Cables & Connecting/Converting Hardware
The WeatherStation Instrument can be connected to a device and/or network in
several ways. You must have the correct cable and any needed converting/
connecting hardware before beginning the installation.
WeatherStation Cables Length Part No.
• NMEA 0183 Cable 10m 33-862-02
• NMEA 0183 Cable (for instrument with heater) 10m 33-1167-01
• NMEA 2000® Cable 6m 33-1029-02
• NMEA 2000® Cable 10m 33-1104-01
NOTE: Additional cable lengths are available.
Connecting/Converting Hardware
• NMEA 0183 to USB Converter 33-801-01
• NMEA 0183 Combiner 33-800-01
• NMEA 2000® CAN to USB Gateway 33-727-01
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Splitter 15m 33-632-01
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Splitter 30m 33-632-02
Mounts
CAUTION: Vehicles/boats traveling above 30MPH—Do not use the plastic
Cable Side-exit Adaptor (part D) supplied. Purchase a stainless steel part. At high
speeds, the plastic adaptor may break, causing the instrument to fall off.
NOTE: The WeatherStation nut has standard 1"-14 UNS or 3/4" NPT threads.
Antenna mount with standard marine 1" -14 threads and pass-through for cable
(see Figure 1)
Hardware to install antenna mount
Extension tube (some installations)
Figure 1. Antenna mounts (not supplied)
Copyright © 2007 Airmar Technology Corp.
extension
with cable
pass-through
ratchet mountdeck mount
cable
passes
through
center
deck mount
of mount
cable
pass-
with extension tubecenter pass-through side pass-through
through

9
Tools & Materials
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Pencil
Level
Electric drill
Drill bits
Phillips screwdrivers
Teflon pipe-thread tape (optional)
Deck gland (some installations)
Grommets (some installations)
Cutting pliers (some installations)
Wire strippers (some installations)
Heat-shrink tubing (some installations)
Heat gun (some installations)
Multimeter (some installations)
Cable ties (some installations)
Where to Purchase Parts
Obtain parts from your instrument manufacturer or marine dealer.
Gemeco Tel: [phone]
(USA) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Airmar EMEA Tel: [phone]
(Europe, Middle East, Africa) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

10
Choosing the Mounting Location
For accurate readings and a reliable GPS signal, selecting the best location for
the WeatherStation Instrument is very important. Easy access and appearance
should be secondary considerations. Since each installation is unique, the best
separation distances from other equipment will vary depending on the particular
equipment and how it is configured. Choose a location that balances the
requirements below.
• The WeatherStation Instrument must be mounted in “clear air”—away from
obstructions in any direction that will interfere with air flowing through the unit. If
there is an obstruction, be sure to mount the WeatherStation Instrument at least
2m (6') away. On land, avoid roof tops, chimneys, trees, etc.
• If possible, mount the WeatherStation Instrument higher than any other object.
Mount it a minimum of 500mm (20") above the surrounding surfaces.
Note that the higher the WeatherStation Instrument is mounted, the less accurate
the pitch and roll readings will be.
• To prevent interference to the the internal magnetic compass:
- Mount a minimum of 0.3m (1') from other standard and steering compasses.
- Mount away from any structures or equipment that contains ferrous metals.
- Mount away from anything that may create a magnetic field such as
magnetized materials, electric motors, electronic equipment, engines,
generators, power/ignition cables, and batteries. For distances, follow the
respective manufacturer’s recommendations.
• To prevent interference to the internal GPS:
- It must have a clear view of the sky to receive satellite signals. Check for any
obstructions such as other boats or buildings.
- Mount it lower than any on-board INMARSAT communications antenna.
- Mount it as far as possible from high-powered transmitting antennas to avoid
mutual interference (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. Antennas (Courtesy of Northstar BNT, Acton, MA)
Min. 1m

11
Installing
CAUTION: The reflector plate and the waterproof film found in the wind channel of
the WeatherStation Instrument are essential to its operation (see Figure 3). Be
careful not to scratch the plate, puncture the film, or damage them in any way.
CAUTION: The WeatherStation Instrument must be installed upright and
vertically—NOT tilted to one side. If the WeatherStation Instrument is tilted from
the horizontal plane, it may introduce an error in the compass and wind readings.
CAUTION: To accurately measure the wind direction and vehicle/boat heading,
the alignment indentation on the WeatherStation Instrument must be pointed
correctly.
• Moving vehicle/boat—The alignment indentation must point forward and be
parallel to the centerline of the vehicle/boat.
• Stationary surface—It is recommended that the alignment indentation point
toward true north.
CAUTION: Do not tighten or align the WeatherStation Instrument by rotating the
upper cap. Turning may sever internal connections and void the warranty. Grasp
the lower housing below the reflector plate. Hand tighten only.
CAUTION: If you use a thread lock, use teflon pipe-thread tape. Do not use a
liquid thread lock as it may weaken the plastic, causing it to swell and crack.
Figure 3. WeatherStation Instrument (150WX with heater shown)
Copyright © 2008 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
reflector plate
waterproof film
wind channel
upper cap
lower housing
alignment
indentation
heater
(where air travels
through the sensor)
(heated)

12
Permanent Mounting
1. Place the mounting hardware at the selected location. Orient any cable exit in the
direction that you want the cable to travel.
2. Position the mounting hardware at a 90° angle to the mounting surface. If
necessary, use shims to make the mounting surface level (see Figure 4).
3. Mark the holes for the screws (see Figure 1). If the cable will pass through the
center of the mount, also mark that hole.
NOTE: If you are using a ratchet mount, be sure you have purchased an
extension with a cable pass-through.
4. Drill the holes for the mounting screws and the cable exit if necessary. If the
cable is to be fed through a deck, install a high quality deck gland.
5. Using purchased screws, fasten the mount in place.
6. Screw an extension tube onto the antenna mount if desired (see Figure 4).
Figure 4. Installation (300WXR shown)
nut assembly
WeatherStation
extension tube
antenna mount
cable exit
alignment
(some installations)
(most installations)
Copyright © 2007 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
(some installations)
rain sensor
indentation
lower housing

13
Attaching the Cable to the WeatherStation Instrument
1. With the nut assembly on the cable near the WeatherStation connector, thread the
cable through the extension tube (if used), antenna mount, and the cable exit. Be
sure to leave several inches of cable extending beyond the nut assembly (see
Figure 5).
2. Screw the nut assembly onto the top of the antenna mount /extension tube.
Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten.
NOTE: If you use a thread lock, use teflon pipe thread tape only.
3. Remove the protective cover from the connector. (Save the cap to protect the
connector, when the WeatherStation Instrument is removed.) Plug the
connector into the WeatherStation Instrument. The alignment key on the
connector fits into a notch in the base of the WeatherStation Instrument.
4. To accurately measure the wind direction, be sure to orient the alignment
indentation correctly. Grasp the lower housing of the WeatherStation Instrument
below the reflector plate and hold it in the proper position (see Figure 4).
• Moving vehicle/boat—The alignment indentation must point forward and be
parallel to the centerline of the vehicle/boat.
• Stationary surface—It is recommended that the alignment indentation point
toward true north.
5. Slide the captive nut upward and screw it onto the base of the WeatherStation
Instrument (see Figures 4 and 5). Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten. Be
careful not to rotate the WeatherStation Instrument changing the alignment or
loosen the nut assembly from the antenna mount/extension tube.
Figure 5. Attaching the cable to the WeatherStation Instrument
WeatherStation
nut assembly
captive
nut
alignment
key
connector
Copyright © 2007 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
antenna mount
or extension tube

14
Cable Routing & Connecting
Depending on the equipment you will be using, route the WeatherStation cable to
an Airmar Converter, Combiner, or Splitter; an NMEA 0183 display or an NMEA
2000 network. After reading the cautions below, go to the appropriate instructions.
WARNING: The power supply must be OFF before making electrical connections.
WARNING: The power supply voltage must be that specified for the model.
300WXR 9 - 40 VDC
300WX 9 - 40 VDC
150WX 9 - 40 VDC
110WX 9 - 40 VDC
100WX 9 - 40 VDC
PB200 9 - 16 VDC
PB150 9 - 16 VDC
LB150 9 - 16 VDC
Models with heater 24VDC only
WARNING: A safe installation requires a 0.5 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker.
Except, models with a heater require a 3 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker.
WARNING: Make power connections to a power source that is isolated from the
engine start battery(s). Voltage drops may cause the instrument to lose
information and/or change operating mode.
CAUTION: Do not remove the waterproof connector(s) to ease cable routing.
Buy a cable without a connector. Instructions for wiring are supplied.
CAUTION: To reduce electrical interference from other electrical wiring and any on-
board equipment with strong magnetic fields such as: radar equipment, radio
transmitters, engines, generators, etc., separate the cables by at least 1m (3').
Ensure that all the cable shields are appropriately grounded.
CAUTION: Be careful not to tear the cable jackets when passing them through
compartments, bulkheads, or walls. Use grommets to prevent chaffing.
CAUTION: Use a multimeter to check the polarity and the connections to the
power supply before applying power to the WeatherStation Instrument.
CAUTION: Coil any excess cable(s) and secure it with cable ties to prevent
damage.

15
Connecting to an Airmar Converter, Combiner, or Splitter
Follow the installation instructions that are supplied with the unit.
Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display
Route the WeatherStation cable to the display. Do not fasten the cable in place at
this time.
Connector on Display End
If your WeatherStation cable has a connector on the display end, and it can be
plugged into the port on your NMEA 0183 display; do so now. Coil any excess
cable and secure it with cable ties to prevent damage. Fasten the cable in place.
No Connector on Display End: Wiring
If your WeatherStation cable does not have a connector on the display end, it
must be hard wired. Referring to the owner’s manual that came with your display,
connect the colored wires as shown in either Figure 6 or 7.
NOTE: If your display does not have NMEA 0183 output connections, the yellow
and orange wires are not needed. Apply heat-shrink tubing to each unused wire.
(Alternatively, the yellow and orange wires can be connected to an external
sensor.)
NOTE: The display power may be wired directly to the WeatherStation cable, or it
may be wired separately. Models with a heater MUST be wired separately.
1. Allowing an extra 25 cm (10") for wiring ease, cut the cable to length.
2. Strip 60mm (2-1/2") of the outer jacket and foil shielding from the cut end of the
cable (see Figure 6 or 7).
3. Strip 10 mm (3/8") of conductor insulation from the end of each colored wire.
4. Protect the cable’s foil shielding from causing a short by using heat-shrink tubing
around the jacket where the wires emerge from the cable. The tubing must
overlap the wires a minimum of 6mm (1/4"). Shrink the tubing using a heat gun.
5. Being sure the power supply is OFF, connect the wires to the display.
6. Fasten the cable in place.
7. Your installation is complete. To begin receiving data, refer to the owner’s
manual that came with your display.

16
Figure 6. NMEA 0183 WeatherStation Cable—no heater
Copyright © 2007 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
WeatherStation
BARE
NMEA 0183
x
10
10
RS422 interfaceconnector
NMEA 0183
RS232 interface
V+
V-
TX OUT
RX IN
NO CONNECTION
NO CONNECTION
SHIELD
locator
V+
V-
A /+ OUT
A/+ IN
B/- IN
B/- OUT
SHIELD
Figure 7. NMEA 0183 WeatherStation Cable—with heater
Copyright © 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
WeatherStation NMEA 0183
10
RS422 interface
connector NMEA 0183
RS232 interface
locator
V -
TX OUT
RX IN
No Connection
No Connection
SHIELD
V +
V +
V -
A /+ OUT
B /- OUT
HEATERV + (24 VDC)
HEATER V - (GND)
A / + IN
B /- IN
SHIELD
V +
V -
A /+ OUT
B /- OUT
HEATER V +
HEATER V -
A / + IN
B /- IN
SHIELD
HEATERV + (24 VDC)
HEATER V - (GND)

17
Connecting to an NMEA 2000®Network
CAUTION: Only two termination resistors are required on an NMEA 2000
network. More than two will degrade the bus performance.
Route the WeatherStation cable to the NMEA 2000 network. Plug the NMEA 2000
connector into the network node (see Figure 8). Coil any excess cable and secure
with cable ties to prevent damage.
NOTE: Weatherstation cables longer than 6m (20') have a termination resistor
built into the sensor connector (see Figure 9).
Figure 8. NMEA 2000® WeatherStation Cable [6m (20') shown]
Copyright © 2008 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
10
WeatherStation NMEA 2000
network
connector
connector
locator
10
Figure 9. NMEA 2000® WeatherStation Cable [10m (33') shown]
Copyright © 2009 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
10
WeatherStation
connector NMEA 2000
network
connector
locator
120Ω
termination resistor in connector
10

18
Calibrating the Compass
WARNING: The internal compass may need to be calibrated after the instrument
is installed for maximum accuracy. Perform the pretest below to determine if
calibration is necessary.
CAUTION: Boat—The Pretest and AutoCalibration Procedure must be done in
calm seas in a 0.8 km (0.5 mile) open area away from other boats and ferrous
objects such as structures and aids to navigation. Avoid congested areas and
waters with strong currents as calibration will be difficult and possibly hazardous.
Pretest
Go to an appropriate site.
•Vehicle—Drive to an open parking lot or field, away from other vehicles and
ferrous objects.
•Boat—In calm seas, navigate to an open area of water, 0.8 km (0.5 mile) of
open space away from other boats and ferrous objects.
While making a full circle, compare the WeatherStation heading data to another
compass. Check all headings. If the data agrees, there is no magnetic influence
on the WeatherStation Instrument. The compass does NOT need to be calibrated.
If the data does not agree, continue with the calibration instructions below.
How to Calibrate
Calibration can be done in one of two ways.
• Calibrate the compass using the WeatherCaster™ software and a PC.
• Follow the AutoCalibration Procedure below.
AutoCalibration Procedure
IMPORTANT: Calibration requires the vehicle/boat to complete 2 to 3 circles.
IMPORTANT: In the event of a calibration failure, repeat the procedure.
1. At the site where the pretest was performed, select the display page on the
NMEA Instrument that shows Heading.
2. Shut OFF and then turn ON the DC power that is connected to the
WeatherStation Instrument.
3. Within 2 minutes of cycling power to the WeatherStation Instrument, start the
vehicle/boat in a slow [4.5 to 7 MPH (4 to 6 knots)] circular turn that takes about
2 to 3 minutes to complete.*
If the vehicle/boat completes 1.5 circles within 3 to 4.5 minutes, AutoCalibration
will begin. Heading will stop being reported on any NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000
display until the calibration is finished.
4. Keep turning in the same circle for 1 to 2 more complete circles.
Do not change the speed or rate of turn through the circle.
5. When calibration is completed successfully, Heading will return to the display.
If calibration fails, the display will flash Heading ON and OFF in 10 second
intervals for 60 seconds. (Display times may vary by manufacturer.)
* The optimum rate of turn is 180°/ minute: 3°/second, 30°/10 seconds, 45°/15 seconds,
and 90°/30 seconds.

19
Maintenance
CAUTION:Do not disassemble the WeatherStation Instrument. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside. Removing the three screws holding the lower
housing will damage the waterproof seal, voiding the warranty.
CAUTION: Do not immerse in water or pressure wash. Doing so may allow water
to infiltrate the WeatherStation Instrument, voiding the warranty.
CAUTION: The reflector plate and the waterproof film found in the wind channel of
the WeatherStation Instrument are essential to its operation. The waterproof film
protects the transducers, so be careful to keep it intact. Do not to scratch the
reflector plate or damage it in any way.
CAUTION: Avoid damaging the rain sensor. If the umbrella becomes chipped or
cracked, readings from the sensor may be incorrect. If the umbrella does become
damaged, return the WeatherStation Instrument to the factory to replace the
umbrella and re-calibrate the rain sensor.
IMPORTANT: Keep the wind channel free of SPIDER WEBS, insects, dirt, and
other debris. Keep the temperature and humidity sensors clean.
Cleaning
Since the WeatherStation Instrument has no moving parts, it requires minimal
maintenance. Clean with a damp cloth and mild household detergent (see Figure 10).
Gently thread an alcohol wipe through the wind channel to remove spider webs and
any debris.
Figure 10. Maintenance (300WXR shown)
Copyright © 2008 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
reflector plate
waterproof film
wind channel
temperature sensor
humidity sensor
rain sensor
serial number
lower housing
screw (3)

20
Humidity Sensor: 110WX, 150WX, 300WX, 300WXR
1. Remove the two screws from the humidity sensor or blank (see Figure 11).
2. Remove the sensor or blank.
3. Push the new humidity sensor into place. Fasten it with the two screws
supplied. Using a torque wrench, apply 0.25 - 0.30Nm. Do not over tighten.
Software
Software Updates
Airmar may release updated versions of both the WeatherStation firmware and the
WeatherCaster™ software. Check Airmar’s website at www.airmar.com to down-
load the latest revision, or contact Airmar’s technical support personnel for a CD.
Installing WeatherCaster™ Software
Follow the instructions in the WeatherCaster Software Guide.
Figure 11. Replacing the humidity sensor
Copyright © 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
screws
humidity
sensor