Ambient Weather WS-0900-IP User manual

Version 1.1 ©Copyright 2016, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 1
Ambient Weather WS-0900-IP Wireless Internet Remote
Monitoring Weather Station User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2
2. Quick Start Guide............................................................................................................................2
3. Getting Started ................................................................................................................................2
3.1 Parts List.................................................................................................................................3
3.2 Recommend Tools..................................................................................................................5
3.3 SensorArray Set Up...............................................................................................................5
3.4 Mounting the SensorArray ..................................................................................................10
3.4 Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer Sensor Set Up.......................................................................12
3.5 Mounting the Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer Sensor............................................................13
3.6 Indoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter............................................................14
3.7 Best Practices for Wireless Communication ........................................................................15
3.8 ObserverIP Receiver.............................................................................................................15
3.8.1 Hardware Requirements...................................................................................................15
3.8.2 Software Requirements....................................................................................................16
3.8.3 ObserverIP Connections...................................................................................................16
3.9 Finding the ObserverIP from your computer........................................................................17
3.9.1 PC Users...........................................................................................................................17
3.9.2 Mac Users ........................................................................................................................19
3.9.3 Linux Users......................................................................................................................20
3.9.4 Local Device Network Settings........................................................................................20
3.10 Weather Network Settings....................................................................................................21
3.11 Viewing your Data on Wunderground.com..........................................................................23
3.11.1 Web Browser................................................................................................................23
3.11.2 WunderStation iPadApp..............................................................................................24
3.11.3 Mobile Apps.................................................................................................................25
3.11.4 Station Settings ............................................................................................................26
3.11.5 Live Data......................................................................................................................27
3.11.6 Calibration....................................................................................................................28
4. Updating Firmware .......................................................................................................................32
5. Glossary of Terms.........................................................................................................................34
6. Specifications................................................................................................................................35
6.1 Wireless Specifications ........................................................................................................35
6.2 Measurement Specifications.................................................................................................36
6.3 Power Consumption.............................................................................................................36
7. Maintenance..................................................................................................................................36
7.1 Cleaning the Rain Gauge Mechanism..................................................................................37
8. Troubleshooting Guide..................................................................................................................39
9. Liability Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................40
10. FCC Statement..........................................................................................................................41
11. Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................41

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1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-0900-IP Wireless Internet Remote
Monitoring Weather Station. The following user guide provides step by step instructions for
installation, operation and troubleshooting. To download the latest manual, firmware upgrades and IP
Finder Tools, visit: http://www.ambientweather.com/observerip.html
2. Quick Start Guide
Although the manual is comprehensive, much of the information contained may be intuitive. In
addition, the manual does not flow properly because the sections are organized by components.
The following Quick Start Guide provides only the necessary steps to install, operate the weather
station, and upload to the internet, along with references to the pertinent sections.
Required
Step
Description
Section
1
Assemble and power up the sensor array
3.3
2
Power up the outdoor thermo-hygrometer sensor
3.4
3
Power up the indoor thermometer-hygrometer-barometer sensor
3.6
4
Power up the ObserverIP, connect to your router and synchronize with the
indoor and outdoor sensors
3.8
5
Calibrate the relative pressure to sea-level conditions (local airport) on the
ObserverIP module
3.11.6.1
6
Register and upload to Weather Underground Weather Server
3.10
3. Getting Started
The WS-0900-IP weather station consists of an ObserverIP receiver, the sensor array, the outdoor
thermo-hygrometer sensor, and the indoor wireless thermo-hygrometer-barometer.

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3.1 Parts List
QTY
Item
Image
1
ObserverIP Receiver
Dimensions (LxWxH): 3x2x1”
1
SensorArray
1
Sensor array mounting pole extension
1
Sensor mounting pole extension nut and
bolt
1
Allen wrench
2
Pole mounting U-bolts
4
Pole mounting clamps
4
Pole mounting nuts

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QTY
Item
Image
1
Outdoor thermo-hygrometer transmitter
(WH32E)
1
Indoor thermo-hygrometer-barometer
transmitter (WH32B)
4
Sensor screws (for hanging
thermo-hygrometer and
thermo-hygrometer-barometer sensors)
2
Zip Ties (for hanging thermo-hygrometer
and thermo-hygrometer-barometer
sensors)
1
5V DC Adaptor
1
Ethernet Cable
1
User manual

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3.2 Recommend Tools
Precision screwdriver (for small Phillips screws)
Compass or GPS (for wind direction calibration)
Adjustable Wrench
3.3 Sensor Array Set Up
Figure 1

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1. Insert batteries into the sensor array. Locate the battery door on the sensor array, as shown
in Figure 2. Turn the set screw counter clockwise to loosen the screw, and rotate the sheet
metal bracket to open the battery compartment.
Figure 2

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Pull out the battery compartment, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3

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Insert 2 x AA batteries in the battery compartment, as shown in Figure 4.
Note: Do not install the batteries backwards. You can permanently damage the
thermo-hygrometer. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
Note: We recommend installing LithiumAA batteries:
http://www.ambientweather.com/enaaliba4pa.html
Lithium batteries provide longer life and operate in colder temperatures.
Figure 4
Reinsert the battery compartment into sensor array (hold upright so the batteries do not slide out), and
close the battery compartment door and tighten the set screw.
The LED on the back of the rain collector will turn on for four seconds and normally flash once every
45 seconds (the sensor transmission update period).

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2. Attach the wind cups to the anemometer assembly (if necessary, some weather stations
come pre-assembled).. Push the wind cups into the anemometer shaft, as shown in Figure 5.
Tighten the set screw with the Allen Wrench (included), as shown in Figure 5. Make sure
the wind cups spin freely.
Figure 5
3. Attach the mounting pole extension with the extension pole, nut and bolt, as shown in Figure
6.

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Figure 6
3.4 Mounting the Sensor Array
Prior to installation, you will need to calibrate the wind direction. There is a “S” indicator on the wind
vane that indicates South, as shown in Figure 7. Align this “S” marker in the direction of South.

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Figure 7
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 8.
Figure 8
Tighten the mounting pole to your mounting pole with the U-Bolt assembly, as shown in Figure 9.

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Figure 9
3.4 Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer Sensor Set Up
Note: To avoid permanent damage, please take note of the battery polarity before inserting the
batteries.
The outdoor thermometer-hygrometer measures and displays the outdoor temperature and humidity to
the ObserverIP receiver.

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Remove the battery door on the back of the sensor by sliding off the battery door. Insert two AA
batteries as shown in Figure 10, and close the battery door. Note that the temperature and humidity
will be displayed on the LCD display.
We recommend lithium batteries for cold weather climates, but alkaline batteries are sufficient for
most climates. We do not recommend rechargeable batteries. They have lower voltages, do not operate
well at wide temperature ranges, and do not last as long, resulting in poorer reception.
Figure 10
3.5 Mounting the Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer Sensor
It is recommended you mount the remote sensor on an outside north facing wall, in a shaded area, at a
height at or above the receiver. 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.
Use a small nail or screw (included) to mount to a vertical surface, as shown in Figure 11.

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Figure 11
The sensor can also be hung from a nylon zip tie (included) or string (not included).
Figure 12
3.6 Indoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter
The indoor thermometer, hygrometer and barometer measures and displays the indoor temperature,
humidity and pressure and transmits this data to the ObserverIP receiver.

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Note: Do not install the thermo-hygrometer-barometer transmitter outside. This will cause errors
in the barometric pressure due to large variations in temperature (barometric pressure is temperature
compensated for accuracy). Note that pressure readings made inside your home, business, or facility
will correspond closely to the actual barometric pressure outside.
Note: The thermo-hygrometer-transmitter transmits directly to the ObserverIP receiver. For best
results, place between 5 to 20 feet from the ObserverIP receiver.
Note: To avoid permanent damage, please take note of the battery polarity before inserting the
batteries.
Remove the battery door on the back of the sensor by sliding off the battery door. Insert two AA
batteries as shown in Figure 10, and close the battery door. Note that the temperature, humidity and
barometer will be displayed on the LCD display.
3.7 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 ObserverIP receiver several feet away from
computer monitors and TVs.
2. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). If you have other 915 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 ObserverIP receiver 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%
3.8 ObserverIP Receiver
3.8.1 Hardware Requirements
1. Broadband router

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2. An “always-on” connection to the Internet. A high speed DSL or cable internet connection
that maintains constant connection to the internet.
3.8.2 Software Requirements
An IP scan tool is required to locate the ObserverIP on the network.
Important Note: Download ObserverIP tools at the following location:
www.AmbientWeather.com/observerip.html
3.8.3 ObserverIP Connections
Connect the ObserverIP receiver power jack to AC power with the power adapter (included), as shown
in Figure 14, reference 10.
Connect the OberverIP receiver to your router using the Ethernet cable (included), as shown in Figure
14, reference 8.
Place the indoor and outdoor transmitters about 5 to 10 feet from the ObserverIP receiver and wait
several minutes for the remote sensors to synchronize with the receiver. Once synchronized, the
Indoor blue LED (Figure 13, reference 2) and Outdoor blue LED (Figure 13, reference 3) will be
illuminated.
All of the lights will turn on except the server light (until you connect to Weather Underground)>
Ref.
LED
Description
1
RF
On when radio frequency receiver is operating properly
2
Indoor
On when indoor sensor received
3
Outdoor
Flashes when one outdoor sensor received. On when both outdoor
sensors are received.
4
Server
On when connected to Wunderground.com® internet hosting
service
5
ACT
Flashes when there is internet activity

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Ref.
LED
Description
6
Link
Connected to the Internet (or router)
7
Power
AC Power connected
Figure 13
Ref.
Description
8
LAN connection (connect to router)
9
Reset button
10
AC Power connection
Figure 14
3.9 Finding the ObserverIP from your computer
3.9.1 PC Users
To find the ObserverIP receiver, launch the IP Tools application downloaded here:
www.AmbientWeather.com/observerip.html
The HostIP (your computers IP address) will be displayed. Press the OK button to continue.

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Figure 15
Select the Search button to find the ObserverIP on your local area network.
Figure 16
Select the ObseverIP module on your network as shown in Figure 17 (the field will be highlighted)
and select the Open button (or double click this field) to view the ObserverIP module’s webpage
within your browser. Alternately, you can type the IP address in your web browser address bar
(example, Figure 18):
Figure 17
Figure 18

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You are now communicating directly to the ObserverIP and can proceed to Section 3.9.
3.9.2 Mac Users
To find the ObserverIP receiver, launch the IP Tools application downloaded here:
www.AmbientWeather.com/observerip.html
The file is compressed as a zip file and must be extracted to run.
Select the Search button to find the ObserverIP on your local area network.
Figure 19
Select the ObseverIP module on your network as shown in Figure 19 (the field will be highlighted)
and select the Open button (or double click this field) to view the ObserverIP module’s webpage
within your browser. Alternately, you can type the IP address in your web browser address bar
(example, Figure 18):
Figure 20
You are now communicating directly to the ObserverIP and can proceed to Section 3.9.

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3.9.3 Linux Users
If you use anApple or Linux operating system, download any commercially available IP scan tool,
such asAngryIP Scanner and find the MAC address of the ObserverIP. The MAC address is a unique
identifier for internet enabled devices.
The MAC address will be printed on the bottom of the ObseverIP receiver. An example MAC address
is 00:0E:C6:00:00:19.
We have included links to free IP Scan Tool applications here:
www.AmbientWeather.com/observerip.html
Figure 21 shows typical scan results. Locate the IP address of the ObserverIP by cross referencing the
Mac address. In the example below, the IP address is 192.168.0.105.
Figure 21
Type the IP address you located from the IP Scan Tool into your web browser (example, Figure 22):
Figure 22
You are now communicating directly to the ObserverIP and can proceed to Section 3.9.
3.9.4 Local Device Network Settings
From your web browser, access the ObserverIP from the IP address obtained in the previous section.
Select the Local Network tab to program the local network settings. Reference Figure 23:
1. IP Address. The default setting is receive automatically (DCHP), which is recommended.
The network will assign an IP address. To statically assign an IP address, select Static from
the pull down menu. This will prevent the IP address from changing each time you power up
the ObserverIP receiver.
2. Static IP Address. If Static is selected as the IP address, enter the IP address you wish to
access the ObserverIP device.