Ambient Weather OBSERVER WS-1002-ARRAY User manual

Version 2.1 ©Copyright 2019, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 1
Ambient Weather WS-1002-ARRAY OBSERVER Solar
Powered Wireless Weather Station User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................1
1.1 What’s New with the WS-1002-WiFi Sensor Array...............................................................2
2. Warnings and Cautions ...................................................................................................................2
3. Pre-Installation Checkout and Site Survey......................................................................................2
3.1 Pre Installation Checkout.......................................................................................................2
3.2 Site Survey.............................................................................................................................2
4. Getting Started ................................................................................................................................3
4.1 Parts List.................................................................................................................................3
4.2 Recommend Tools..................................................................................................................3
4.3 SensorArray Set Up...............................................................................................................4
4.3.1 Install Wind Vane ...............................................................................................................5
4.3.2 Install Mounting Pole.........................................................................................................5
4.3.1 Install Batteries...................................................................................................................7
4.3.2 Mount Weather Station.......................................................................................................9
4.3.3 Reset Button and Transmitter LED.................................................................................. 11
4.4 Receiving Units....................................................................................................................12
4.5 Best Practices for Wireless Communication...............................................................................12
5. Glossary of Terms.........................................................................................................................13
6. Specifications................................................................................................................................15
6.1 Wireless Specifications ........................................................................................................15
6.2 Measurement Specifications.................................................................................................15
6.3 Power Consumption.............................................................................................................15
7. Maintenance..................................................................................................................................16
7.1 Advanced Rain Gauge Cleaning ..........................................................................................16
8. Troubleshooting Guide..................................................................................................................18
9. Accessories ...................................................................................................................................19
10. Liability Disclaimer..................................................................................................................19
11. FCC Statement..........................................................................................................................19
12. Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................20
1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-1002-ARRAY OBSERVER Solar Powered
Wireless Weather Station.
Please note that the sensor array requires a receiver, and is not a standalone product.
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:
https://ambientweather.net/help/

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1.1 What’s New with the WS-1002-WiFi Sensor Array
The WS-1001-WiFi uses rechargeable batteries for energy storage. The WS-1002-WiFi improves on
this design by charging a super capacitor instead of rechargeable batteries. The non-rechargeable
batteries provide back-up energy.
With the WS-1001-WiFi, the rechargeable batteries have a limited temperature range and prone to
leaking. This problem is resolved with the WS-1002-WiFI by using high quality non-rechargeable
batteries, like Lithium e2 Energizer batteries.
2. Warnings and Cautions
Warning: Any metal object may attract a lightning strike, including your weather station
mounting pole. Never install the weather station in a storm.
Warning: Installing your weather station in a high location may result in injury or death.
Perform as much of the initial check out and operation on the ground and inside a building or home.
Only install the weather station on a clear, dry day.
3. Pre-Installation Checkout and Site Survey
3.1 Pre Installation Checkout
Before installing your weather station in the permanent location, we recommend operating the weather
station for one week in a temporary location with easy access. This will allow you to check out all of
the functions, insure proper operation, and familiarize you with the weather station and calibration
procedures. This will also allow you to test the wireless range of the weather station.
3.2 Site Survey
Perform a site survey before installing the weather station. Consider the following:
1. You must clean the rain gauge every few months and change the batteries every 2-3 years.
Provide easy access to the weather station.
2. Avoid radiant heat transfer from buildings and structures. In general, install the sensor array at
least 5’ from any building, structure, ground, or roof top.
3. Avoid wind and rain obstructions. The rule of thumb is to install the sensor array at least four
times the distance of the height of the tallest obstruction. For example, if the building is 20’
tall, and the mounting pole is 6’ tall, install 4 x (20 –6)’= 56’ away.
4. Wireless Range. The radio communication between receiver and transmitter in an open field
can reach a distance of up to 330 feet, providing there are no interfering obstacles such as
buildings, trees, vehicles, high voltage lines. Wireless signals will not penetrate metal
buildings. Under most conditions, the maximum wireless range is 100’.
5. Radio interference such as PCs, radios or TV sets can, in the worst case, entirely cut off radio
communication. Please take this into consideration when choosing console or mounting
locations. Make sure your display console is at least five feet away from any electronic device
to avoid interference.
6. Visit Ambient Weather Mounting Solutions for assistance and ideas for mounting your
weather station:
http://www.ambientweather.com/amwemoso.html

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4. Getting Started
4.1 Parts List
QTY
Item
Image
1
SensorArray
1
Wind Vane
2
Pole (straight and crimped)
2
Pole mounting U-bolt
4
Pole mounting clamps
4
Pole mounting U-bolt nuts
1
Allen wrench
1
User manual
4.2 Recommend Tools

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Precision screwdriver (for small Phillips screw on battery cover door)
Adjustable wrench (for mounting pole)
Compass or GPS (for wind direction calibration)
4.3 SensorArray Set Up
Figure 1
No
Description
No
Description
1
Wind Vane (measures wind direction)
7
Thermo-hygrometer Sensor (measures
temperature and humidity)
2
Wind Speed Sensor (measures wind speed)
8
UV Sensor
3
Solar collector
9
Solar Radiation Sensor
4
Battery compartment
10
Rain Collector (self emptying)
5
LED transmission indicator (turns on for 4
seconds on power up, flashes once per 16
seconds)
11
Bubble Level
6
Reset button

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4.3.1 Install Wind Vane
Reference Figure 2. (a) Locate and align the flat key on the wind vane shaft to the flat key on the wind
vane and push the vane on to the shaft. (b) tighten the set screw with the hex wrench (included).
(a)
(b)
Figure 2
4.3.2 Install Mounting Pole
Reference Figure 3. Remove the mounting pole collar by rotating counter clockwise.
Figure 3

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Reference Figure 4. Locate and align the groove on the sensor array and mounting pole.
Figure 4

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Reference Figure 5. Turn the mounting pole collar to lock the pole into place by rotating clockwise.
Figure 5
4.3.1 Install Batteries
Reference Figure 6. Locate the battery door on the bottom of the sensor array. Turn the set screw
counter clockwise to open the battery compartment. Insert 3xAA batteries (not included). We
recommend a high quality battery, such as Lithium e2 Energizer batteries.
The LED indicator on the bottom of the sensor array will turn on for four seconds and normally flash
once per 16 seconds (the transmission update period).
Close the battery door and tighten the set screw.

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Figure 6

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4.3.2 Mount Weather Station
There are two methods for attaching your weather station:
A. Option 1: Mounting Clamps. Fasten the mounting pole to your mounting pole or bracket
(purchased separately) with the two U-bolts, mounting pole brackets and nuts, as shown in Figure 7.
Tighten the mounting pole to your mounting pole with the U-Bolt assembly. Make sure your
mounting pole is as far away from the temperature sensor as possible, as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7
B. Option 2: Swedged Pole Mount. Insert the swedged end of the included mounting pole
into the open end of any standard mounting pole solution (1 3/8” diameter) available from
Ambient Weather, as shown in Figure 8. For more information on mounting solutions, visit:
http://www.ambientweather.com/amwemoso.html

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Figure 8
1. Reference Figure 9. Locate the four wind vane compass rose indicators of N, E, S, W
(representing North, East, South and West). Align the compass rose direction upon final
installation with a compass or GPS.
Figure 9

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2. Reference Figure 10. Make sure the sensor array is completely level upon final installation.
Failure to do so will result in inaccurate rain gauge readings.
Figure 10
4.3.3 Reset Button and Transmitter LED
In the event the sensor array is not transmitting, reset the sensor array.
With an open ended paperclip, press and hold the RESET BUTTON for three seconds to completely
discharge the voltage.
Take out the batteries and wait one minute, while covering the solar panel to drain the voltage.
Put batteries back in and resynchronize with console by powering down and up the console with the
sensor array about 10 feet away.
Figure 11

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4.4 Receiving Units
You must own a receiver to use the sensor array (sold separately). They include one or more of the
following. You can use as many receivers as you want with one sensor array.
Item Number
Picture
Description
WS-1200-CONSOLE
Display Console for WS-1200
Weather Station (no internet
connectivity)
WS-1001-CONSOLE
Display Console for WS-1001-WiFi
Weather Station (WiFi internet
connectivity)
AIRBRIDGE-KIT
AirBridge and WeatherBridge for
advanced weather station reporting
(WiFi internet connectivity)
OBSERVERIP
ObserverIP module for reporting to
Wunderground.com.
Figure 12
4.5 Best Practices for Wireless Communication
Note: To insure proper communication, mount the remote sensor(s) upright 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,

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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.
Medium
RF Signal Strength Reduction
Glass (untreated)
5-15%
Plastics
10-15%
Wood
10-40%
Brick
10-40%
Concrete
40-80%
Metal
90-100%
5. Glossary of Terms
Term
Definition
Absolute
Barometric
Pressure
Absolute pressure is the measured atmospheric pressure and is a function of altitude,
and to a lesser extent, changes in weather conditions.
Absolute pressure is not corrected to sea-level conditions. Refer to Relative
Barometric Pressure.
Accuracy
Accuracy is defined as the ability of a measurement to match the actual value of the
quantity being measured.
Barometer
A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.
Calibration
Calibration is a comparison between measurements –one of known magnitude or
correctness of one device (standard) and another measurement made in as similar a
way as possible with a second device (instrument).
Dew Point
The dew point is the temperature at which a given parcel of humid air must be
cooled, at constant barometric pressure, for water vapor to condense into water. The
condensed water is called dew. The dew point is a saturation temperature.
The dew point is associated with relative humidity. A high relative humidity
indicates that the dew point is closer to the current air temperature. Relative
humidity of 100% indicates the dew point is equal to the current temperature and the
air is maximally saturated with water. When the dew point remains constant and
temperature increases, relative humidity will decrease.
Heat Index
The Heat Index, sometimes referred to as the apparent temperature, is a measure of
how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored with the actual air
temperature.
To find the Heat Index temperature, look at the Heat Index chart below. As an
example, if the air temperature is 96°F and the relative humidity is 65%, the heat
index (how hot it feels) is 121°F.
IMPORTANT: Since heat index values were devised for shady, light wind
conditions, exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F.

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Term
Definition
Also, strong winds, particularly with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous.
The Heat Index Chart shaded zone above 105°F shows a level that may cause
increasingly severe heat disorders with continued exposure or physical activity.
Heat Index is not calculated below 80°F.
HectoPascals
(hPa)
Pressure units in SI (international system) units of measurement. Same as millibars
(1 hPa = 1 mbar)
Hygrometer
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.
Inches of
Mercury
(inHg)
Pressure in Imperial units of measure.
1 inch of mercury = 33.86 millibars
Rain Gauge
A rain gauge is a device that measures liquid precipitation (rain), as opposed to solid
precipitation (snow gauge) over a set period of time.
All digital rain gauges are self emptying or self dumping (also referred to as tipping
rain gauge). The precision of the rain gauge is based on the volume of rain per
emptying cycle.
Range
Range is defined as the amount or extent a value can be measured.
Relative
Barometric
Pressure
Measured barometric pressure relative to your location or ambient conditions.
Resolution
Resolution is defined as the number of significant digits (decimal places) to which a
value is being reliably measured.
Solar
Radiation
A solar radiation sensor measures solar energy from the sun.
Solar radiation is radiant energy emitted by the sun from a nuclear fusion reaction
that creates electromagnetic energy. The spectrum of solar radiation is close to that
of a black body with a temperature of about 5800 K. About half of the radiation is in
the visible short-wave part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The other half is mostly
in the near-infrared part, with some in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum.

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Term
Definition
Thermometer
A thermometer is a device that measures temperature. Most digital thermometers are
resistive thermal devices (RTD). RTDs predict change in temperature as a function
of electrical resistance.
UV
An ultraviolet sensor (UV sensor) is a device that measures UV light from the Sun.
The UV index (UVI) is an international standard measurement of how strong the
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at a particular place on a particular day. It
is a scale primarily used in daily forecasts aimed at the general public.
Its purpose is to help people to effectively protect themselves from UV light, of
which excessive exposure causes sunburns, eye damage such as cataracts, skin
aging, and skin cancer.
Wind Vane
A wind vane is a device that measures the direction of the wind. The wind vane is
usually combined with the anemometer. Wind direction is the direction from which
the wind is blowing.
6. Specifications
6.1 Wireless Specifications
Line of sight wireless transmission (in open air): 330 feet, 100 feet under most conditions
Update Rate: Outdoor Sensor: 16 seconds, Indoor Sensor: 64 seconds
Frequency: 915 MHz
6.2 Measurement Specifications
The following table provides the specifications for the measured parameters.
Measurement
Range
Accuracy
Resolution
Indoor Temperature
32 to 140 °F
± 2 °F
0.1 °F
Outdoor Temperature
-40 to 149 °F (lithium
batteries)
-4 to 140 °F (alkaline
batteries)
± 2 °F
0.1 °F
Indoor Humidity
1 to 99%
± 5%
1 %
Outdoor Humidity
1 to 99%
± 5%
1 %
Barometric Pressure
8.85 to 32.50 inHg
± 0.08 inHg (within range of
27.13 to 32.50 inHg)
0.01 inHg
Light (solar radiation)
0 to 400,000 Lux
± 15%
1 Lux
Rain
0 to 394 in.
± 10%
0.01 in
UV Index
0-15
± 1
1
Wind Direction
0 - 360 º
1º
1º
Wind Speed
0 to 100 mph (operational)
± 2.2 mph or 10% (whichever
is greater)
0.1 mph
6.3 Power Consumption
Outdoor sensor array: 3xAA alkaline batteries (not included)

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7. Maintenance
1. Clean the rain gauge once every 3 months as follows. Reference Figure 13.
Step 1: Make a note of the current rain totals by referencing the receiver. You will need to
re-enter these values after the calibration procedure it complete.
Step 2: Pour water into the rain collector to moisturize the dirt inside rain bucket.
Step 3: Use an approximately 3 inch (80 mm) long cotton swab, and push the cotton tip
through the rain collector hole until is reaches the self emptying mechanism, and press until
the mechanism no longer rotates.
Step 4: Rotate the cotton swab back and forth, removing dirt from the tipping mechanism and
rain collector hole.
Step 5: Remove the cotton swab and flush with water to remove any remaining dirt.
Step 6: Re-enter the rain totals recorded in Step 1.
Figure 13
2. Clean the solar radiation and UV sensors every 3 months with water and towel.
3. Clean solar panel every 3 months with water and towel.
4. Replace batteries every 2 to 3 years.
7.1 Advanced Rain Gauge Cleaning
If the rain gauge stops updating, it is possible for spiders and other insects to nest inside the sensor
array housing and interfere with the rain gauge mechanism.
1. Remove the six screws on the bottom of the sensor array, as shown in Figure 14.
2. CAREFULLY separate the top housing from the bottom housing. They cannot be completely
separated due to wires. DO NOT STRESS THE WIRES. Open the sensor housing slightly,
like a clam shell.
3. Clean any debris and spider webs, as shown in Figure 15.

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Figure 14
Figure 15

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8. Troubleshooting Guide
If your question is not answered here, you can contact us as follows:
1. Email Support: [e-mail]
2. Help: www.AmbientWeather.net/help
3. Technical Support: 480-346-3380 (M-F 8am to 3pm Arizona Time)
Problem
Solution
Outdoor sensor array
does not communicate
to the receiver.
The sensor array may have initiated properly and the data is registered by the
console as invalid, and the console must be reset. The reset button is next
to the LED, near the mounting point on the sensor array, as shown in Figure
11.
With an open ended paperclip, press the reset button for 3 seconds to
completely discharge the voltage.
Take out the batteries and wait one minute, while covering the solar panel
to drain the voltage.
Put batteries back in and resync with console by powering down and up
the console with the sensor array about 10 feet away.
Bring the sensor array inside the house (you can disconnect it from the rest
of the sensors). The LED next to the battery compartment will flash every 16
seconds. If the LED is not flashing every 16 seconds…
Replace the batteries in the outside sensor array.
If the batteries were recently replaced, check the polarity. If the sensor is
flashing every 48 seconds, proceed to the next step.
There may be a temporary loss of communication due to reception loss
related to interference or other location factors,
or the batteries may have been changed in the sensor array and the console
has not been reset. The solution may be as simple as powering down and
up the console.
Replace the batteries in the outside sensor array.
With the sensor array and console 10 feet away from each other, remove AC
power from the display console and wait 10 seconds. Re-connect power.
Temperature sensor
reads too high in the
day time.
Make certain that the sensor array is not too close to heat generating sources
or strictures, such as buildings, pavement, walls or air conditioning units.
Use the calibration feature to offset installation issues related to radiant heat
sources. Reference the receiver manual.
Rain gauge reports
rain when it is not
raining
An unstable mounting solution (sway in the mounting pole) may result in the
tipping bucket incorrectly incrementing rainfall. Make sure you have a
stable, level mounting solution.

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9. Accessories
The following software and hardware accessories are available for this weather station at
www.AmbientWeather.com .
Accessory
Description
Ambient Weather Mounting
Solutions
Ambient Weather provides the most comprehensive mounting solutions
for weather stations, including tripods, pole extensions, pole mounting
kits, guy wires, ground stakes and more.
10.Liability Disclaimer
Please 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.
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 safety 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 manufacturer.
Ambient, LLC WILL NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
PUNITIVE, OR OTHER SIMILAR DAMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OR
MALFUNCTION OF THIS PRODUCT.
11.FCC Statement
Statement 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 equipment 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

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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.
12. Warranty Information
Ambient, 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 toAmbient, 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); (3) damage resulting from failure to follow instructions contained in your
owner’s manual; (4) damage resulting from the performance of repairs or alterations by someone other
than an authorized Ambient, LLC authorized service center; (5) units used for other than personal use
(6) applications and uses that this product was not intended (7) the products inability to receive a
signal due to any source of interference or metal obstructions and (8) 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.