Ambient Weather ClearView RC-8401A User manual

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Ambient Weather RC-8401A ClearView Projection Radio
Controlled Alarm Clock with Barometer, Forecast, Indoor
Temperature and Color Changing Outdoor Temperature
User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2
2. Warnings .........................................................................................................................................2
3. Getting Started ................................................................................................................................3
3.1 Product Features.....................................................................................................................3
3.1.1 Display Clock.....................................................................................................................3
3.1.2 Wireless Transmitter...........................................................................................................5
3.2 Parts List.................................................................................................................................5
3.3 Powering Up...........................................................................................................................5
3.3.1 Radio Controlled Clock (RCC)..............................................................................................6
3.4 Siting the Wireless Transmitter Outside.................................................................................6
4. Clock Display..................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Normal Time Display Mode...................................................................................................8
4.2 Alarm Time Display Mode.....................................................................................................8
5. Settings............................................................................................................................................9
5.1 Time, Date, and Language Settings........................................................................................9
5.1.1 Hour Offset.......................................................................................................................10
5.2 Alarm Settings...................................................................................................................... 11
5.2.1 Using theAlarm and Snooze Functions........................................................................... 11
5.3 Projector and Backlight........................................................................................................12
5.3.1 Using the Projector and Backlight ...................................................................................12
5.3.2 Projector Rotation ............................................................................................................12
5.3.3 Adjusting Projector Focus................................................................................................12
5.3.4 Projector Temperature Display.........................................................................................12
5.4 Barometric Pressure Display and Settings ...........................................................................13
5.4.1 Barometric Pressure Units of Measure.............................................................................13
5.4.2 Absolute Pressure vs. Relative Pressure...........................................................................13
5.4.3 Relative Pressure Calibration...........................................................................................13
5.5 The Forecast Icon.................................................................................................................14
5.5.1 Principle of Forecasting based on Barometric Pressure...................................................14
5.5.2 Weather Forecast Initialization.........................................................................................14
5.6 Viewing Minimum and Maximum Records (Memory Mode) .............................................14
5.7 Viewing Historical Data (History Mode) .............................................................................14
5.8 Color Changing Feature .......................................................................................................15
5.8.1 Loop Color.......................................................................................................................15
5.8.2 Outdoor Temperature Color .............................................................................................15
5.9 Low Temperature Notification .............................................................................................15
5.10 Back Light On/Off................................................................................................................16
5.11 Back Light Brightness..........................................................................................................16
5.12 Wireless Sensor Display.......................................................................................................16

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5.13 Wireless Sensor Low Battery Indictor..................................................................................16
5.14 Viewing the Wireless Sensor Channels................................................................................17
5.15 Syncing and Resyncing the Wireless Sensor........................................................................17
5.16 Adding Multiple Wireless Sensors.......................................................................................17
6. Specifications................................................................................................................................17
6.1 Wireless Specifications ........................................................................................................17
6.2 Measurement Specifications.................................................................................................17
6.2 Power Consumption....................................................................................................................18
7. Troubleshooting Guide..................................................................................................................18
8. Accessories ...................................................................................................................................19
9. Liability Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................19
10. FCC Statement..........................................................................................................................20
11. Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................20
1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather RC-8401A ClearView Projection Radio
Controlled Alarm Clock with Barometer, Forecast, Indoor Temperature and Color Changing Outdoor
Temperature. The following user guide provides step by step instructions for installation, operation
and troubleshooting. To download the latest full sized manual and additional troubleshooting tips,
please visit: http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/rc8401a
2. Warnings
Warning. Never look directly into the time and temperature projector. This can cause
temporary blindness.
Warning. Only use approved AC adapter.

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3. Getting Started
3.1Product Features
3.1.1 Display Clock
Figure 1

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No
Description
No
Description
1
REVERSE Button
- Press to reverse the projected time and
temperature.
12
BARO button
- Press to change barometric pressure units
of measure.
2
SNOOZE/LIGHT Button
- Turn on the projector and backlight for 5
seconds.
- Stop the current alarm when sounding
and enter into snooze mode.
13
SENSOR Button
3
PROJECTOR
- Projects the time and indoor/outdoor
temperature (automatically scrolls
between indoor and outdoor temperature
every 5 seconds).
14
NIGHT LIGHT FUNCTION On/Off
Switch
- Slide to turn on/off the night light
function (remove battery door).
4
LCD Display
15
RESET Button
- Press to reset all values to default values.
- In case of malfunction, the unit can be
reset.
5
TIME Button
- Press to switch between Month/Date and
alarm time mode (Alarm 1 and 2).
- Press and hold for 2 seconds to enter
time set mode.
- In time set mode, press to step through
the different time and date settings.
16
PROJECTION On/Off Switch
- Turns the time and temperature projection
on or off.
6
ALARM Button
- In normal time display mode, Press
TIME button to displayALM1 &ALM2.
Press ALARM to turn on/off ALM1 &
ALM2.
- Press to stop the current alarm when the
alarm is ringing and turn off the alarm
and snooze function.
- In alarm time mode, press and hold for 2
seconds to enter alarm time setting mode.
- In alarm time setting mode, press to step
through the different time and date
settings.
17
LIGHT On/Off Switch
- Turns the back light on and off.
7
+/CHANNEL Button
- In set mode, press to increase the values.
- In normal time display mode, press to
switch between Channels 1, 2 and 3.
- In normal time display mode, press and
hold for 2 seconds to automatically scroll
between sensor channels 1, 2 and 3.
18
L/H Dim Switch
- Sets the back light to high or low.
8
-/MEM Button
- In set mode, press to decrease the
values.
In normal mode, press to display
minimum and maximum numbers stored
19
DC POWER JACK

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No
Description
No
Description
in memory.
9
HISTORY Button
- In normal mode, press to view hourly
historical data stored in memory.
20
BATTERY COMPARTMENT
-Accommodates 3 xAA batteries (alkaline
recommended).
10
°F/°C Button
- Select switch between °F and °C units of
measure.
21
FOCUS Knob
-Adjust the focus of the projected time and
temperature.
11
Loop ON/OFF Button
3.1.2 Wireless Transmitter
Figure 2
No
Description
No
Description
1
Transmitter LED (flashes when the remote
is transmitting)
5
Wall hanger
2
Reset button (press reset to restart the
transmitter)
6
Battery cover
3
Transmitter channel (assign the transmitter
to 1,2 or 3, default = 1)
7
Table stand
4
2 x AA batteries
Note: The WS-8400 supports three wireless channels. If you have one sensor, leave the transmitter
channel at Channel 1. If you have more than one sensor, refer to Section 5.16.
3.2 Parts List
QTY
Item
1
Clock
Frame Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.25" L x 1.5"D x 3.5"H
1
Wireless Transmitter (LxWxH): 4.0” L x 2.5” W x 1.5” D
1
UL Rated AC Adapter
1
User Manual
3.3 Powering Up
Note: The power up sequence must be performed in the order shown in this section (remote

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transmitter FIRST, Display Clock SECOND) to avoid the Clock synchronization time out.
The Transmitter:
1. Remove the battery door on the back of the transmitter and insert 2 new AA batteries,
according to the polarity information marked on the battery compartment, and replace the
battery door, as shown in Figure 2. Place the transmitter about 5 feet from the clock.
The Clock:
1. Plug the AC adaptor into the DC jack of the clock.
2. Remove the battery door on the bottom of the clock and insert 3 new AA batteries, according
to the polarity information marked on the battery compartment, and replace the battery door.
3. Once the batteries are inserted, all of the LCD segments will light up briefly before entering
the sensor search mode.
4. Once the wireless transmitter has synced up to the clock (can take up to 5 minutes), you can
place the sensor outside.
5. The clock will display 12:00am and will attempt to synchronize with the RCC at 12:05am.
The clock will automatically search for the time signal at 2:00, 8:00, 14:00 (2pm) and 20:00
(8pm).
Note: The clock will always display the color green when the clock is searching for
the radio controlled signal. The mono color green is best for avoiding wireless
interference from the display.
Note: If no display is present after powering up the clock, press the reset button on the back of the
clock with an open ended paper clip or sharp tool.
3.3.1 Radio Controlled Clock (RCC)
Five minutes after power up, the clock begin radio controlled clock (RCC) reception and the RCC
search icon will turn on. The RCC will continue to search for six minutes. It will try again
every two hours.
RCC Icon
Description
RCC Icon
Description
No signal
Acceptable signal
Weak signal
Excellent signal
Figure 3
If the time is incorrect by increments of an hour, or does not change on your radio controlled clock
(RCC), please reference Section 7, Troubleshooting Guide.
3.4 Siting the Wireless Transmitter Outside
It is recommended you place the remote sensor in a shaded area.
Direct sunlight and radiant heat sources will result in inaccurate temperature readings. Although the
sensor is weatherproof, it is best to mount in a well-protected area, such as an eve. Do not place in
standing water or snow.

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Wireless signals are impacted by distance, interference (other wireless devices, wireless phones,
wireless routers, TVs and computer monitors), and transmission barriers, such as walls. In general,
wireless signals will not penetrate solid metal and earth (down a hill, for example).
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.
Medium
RF Signal Strength Reduction
Glass (untreated)
5-15%
Plastics
10-15%
Wood
10-40%
Brick
10-40%
Concrete
40-80%
Metal
90-100%

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4. Clock Display
4.1 Normal Time Display Mode
No
Description
No
Description
1
Time
10
Low battery indicator
2
AM / PM
11
Low Temperature Alert
3
Weather Forecast
12
Min/Max indicator
4
History Mode indicator
13
Wireless temperature (channels 1, 2 or 3)
5
Rel / Abs Pressure
14
Indoor temperature
6
Barometer indictor
15
Month and Day
7
Barometer reading
16
Day of Week
8
Barometer units of measure (inHg, hPa,
mmHg)
17
Radio Controlled Time Reception Icon
9
Wireless signal strength indicator
Figure 4
4.2 Alarm Time Display Mode

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No
Description
No
Description
1
Alarm Time
3
Alarm 2 On
2
Alarm 1 On
Figure 5
5. Settings
5.1Time, Date, and Language Settings
While in normal time mode, perform the following operations to set date, time and language:

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Command
Mode
Settings
[TIME] + 2
seconds
Enter Time and Date Settings
12 hour / 24 hour format
Press [+/CHANNEL] to change between 12H and
24H format.
[TIME]
Time Zone
Press [+/CHANNEL] to change between Pacific
(PST), Mountain (MST), Central (MST) and Eastern
(EST) Standard Time
[TIME]
Hour
Press [+/CHANNEL] to increase, [-/MEM] to
decrease.
[TIME]
Minute
Press [+/CHANNEL] to increase, [-/MEM] to
decrease.
[TIME]
Year
Press [+/CHANNEL] to increase, [-/MEM] to
decrease.
[TIME]
Month / Day Format
Press [+/CHANNEL] to change between
Month/Day (M-D) and Day/Month (D-M).
[TIME]
Month
Press [+/CHANNEL] to increase, [-/MEM] to
decrease.
[TIME]
Day
Press [+/CHANNEL] to increase, [-/MEM] to
decrease.
[TIME]
Hour Offset (see Section 5.1.1)
Press [+/CHANNEL] to increase, [-/MEM] to
decrease.
[TIME]
Language
Press [+/CHANNEL] to change between EN
(English), FR (French), DE (German), ES
(Spanish) and IT (Italian).
[TIME]
Time Zone
Press [+/CHANNEL] to change between auto
(most of USA and Canada) and OFF (Arizona and
Hawaii)
[TIME]
Exit Time and Date Settings
[TIME] + 2 seconds means press and hold the TIME button for two seconds.
[TIME] means press but do not hold the TIME button.
Figure 6
5.1.1 Hour Offset
The clock allows you to set four time zones: Pacific (PST), Mountain (MST), Central (MST) and Eastern
(EST) Standard Time. If you live outside of these time zones, you will need to set an hour adjustment, as
defined in Section 5.1.
Note that you must make sure the time zone is set to PST before you enter the hour offset.
Hours from
PST
Time Zone
Cities
-4
IDLW: International Date Line West
---
-3
NT: Nome
Nome, AK
-2
AHST: Alaska-Hawaii Standard
CAT: Central Alaska
HST: Hawaii Standard
Honolulu, HI
-1
YST: Yukon Standard
Yukon Territory
0
PST: Pacific Standard
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1
MST: Mountain Standard
Denver, CO, USA
2
CST: Central Standard
Chicago, IL, USA
3
EST: Eastern Standard
New York, NY, USA
4
AST: Atlantic Standard
Caracas