Ambient Weather WS-1400-IP OBSERVER User manual

Version 1.7 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 1
Ambient Weather WS-1400-IP OBSERVER Solar Powered
Wireless IP Weather Station User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2
2. Warnings and Cautions ...................................................................................................................2
3. Quick Start Guide............................................................................................................................2
4. Pre-Installation Checkout and Site Survey......................................................................................2
4.1 Pre Installation Checkout.......................................................................................................2
4.2 Site Survey.............................................................................................................................2
5. Getting Started ................................................................................................................................3
5.1 Parts List.................................................................................................................................3
5.2 Recommend Tools..................................................................................................................5
5.3 SensorArray Set Up...............................................................................................................5
5.3.1 Install Wind Vane...............................................................................................................6
5.3.2 Install Mounting Pole.........................................................................................................7
5.3.1 Install Batteries...................................................................................................................9
5.3.2 Mount Weather Station..................................................................................................... 11
5.3.3 Reset Button and Transmitter LED..................................................................................13
5.4 Indoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter............................................................14
5.5 Best Practices for Wireless Communication............................................................................15
5.6 ObserverIP Receiver.............................................................................................................15
5.6.1 Hardware Requirements...................................................................................................15
5.6.2 Software Requirements....................................................................................................15
5.6.3 ObserverIP Connections...................................................................................................16
5.6.4 Finding the ObserverIP from your computer ...................................................................17
5.6.5 Local Device Network Settings........................................................................................19
5.6.6 Weather Network Settings................................................................................................20
5.6.7 Station Settings.................................................................................................................23
5.6.8 Live Data..........................................................................................................................24
5.6.9 Calibration........................................................................................................................25
6. Updating Firmware .......................................................................................................................29
7. Glossary of Terms.........................................................................................................................31
8. Specifications................................................................................................................................32
8.1 Wireless Specifications ........................................................................................................32
8.2 Measurement Specifications.................................................................................................33
8.3 Power Consumption.............................................................................................................33
9. Maintenance..................................................................................................................................33
9.1 Advanced Rain Gauge Cleaning ..........................................................................................34
10. Troubleshooting Guide.............................................................................................................36
11. Accessories...............................................................................................................................40
12. Liability Disclaimer..................................................................................................................40
13. FCC Statement..........................................................................................................................40
14. Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................41

Version 1.7 ©Copyright 2015, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 2
1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the WS-1400-IP OBSERVER Solar Powered Wireless WiFi 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. 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. 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
5.3.1 - 5.3.1
2
Power up the indoor thermometer-hygrometer-barometer
5.4
3
Power up the ObserverIP, connect to your router and synchronize with sensor
array and thermo-hygrometer-barometer.
5.6
6
Mount the sensor array
5.3.2
5
Calibrate the relative pressure to sea-level conditions (local airport) on the
ObserverIP module
5.6.9
7
Reset the rain to zero on console
5.6.8.1
9
Register and upload to Weather Server
5.6.6
4. Pre-Installation Checkout and Site Survey
4.1 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.
4.2 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 rechargeable 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.

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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 ObserverIP receiver or
mounting locations. Make sure your ObserverIP receiver 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
5. Getting Started
The WS-1000-WiFi weather station consists of a ObserverIP receiver, an all in one sensor array, and
wireless thermo-hygrometer-barometer.
5.1 Parts List
QTY
Item
Image
1
ObserverIP Receiver
Dimensions (LxWxH): 3x2x1”
1
Thermo-hygrometer-barometer
transmitter
1
Thermo-hygrometer-barometer
mounting bracket plus 3 mounting
screws

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QTY
Item
Image
1
SensorArray
1
Wind Vane
1
5V DC Adaptor
1
Ethernet Cable
2
Pole (straight and crimped)
2
Pole mounting U-bolt
4
Pole mounting clamps
4
Pole mounting U-bolt nuts
1
Allen wrench

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QTY
Item
Image
1
User manual
5.2 Recommend Tools
Precision screwdriver (for small Phillips screw on battery cover door)
Adjustable wrench (for mounting pole)
Compass or GPS (for wind direction calibration)
5.3 SensorArray Set Up
Figure 1
No
Description
No
Description
1
Wind Vane (measures wind direction)
6
Reset button

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2
Wind Speed Sensor (measures wind speed)
7
Thermo-hygrometer Sensor (measures
temperature and humidity)
3
Solar collector
9
Solar Radiation Sensor
4
Rechargeable 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
5.3.1 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

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5.3.2 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
5.3.1 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 the 3xAA rechargeable batteries (included).
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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5.3.2 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
5.3.3 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 the ObserverIP receiver by powering down and up the
ObserverIP receiver with the sensor array about 10 feet away.
Figure 11

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5.4 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.
Figure 12
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 with a Philips screwdriver (there is only one screw,
at the bottom of the unit). Insert two AAA batteries, as shown in Figure 13.
Replace the battery door and set screw. Note that the temperature, humidity and barometric pressure
will be displayed on the LCD display. Looking at the back of the unit from left to right, the polarity is
(-) (+) for the top battery and (+) (-) for the bottom battery.

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Figure 13
5.5 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 ObserverIP receiver 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 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%
5.6 ObserverIP Receiver
5.6.1 Hardware Requirements
1. Broadband router
2. An “always-on” connection to the Internet. A high speed DSL or cable internet connection
that maintains constant connection to the internet.
5.6.2 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

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5.6.3 ObserverIP Connections
Connect the ObserverIP receiver power jack to AC power with the power adapter (included), as shown
in Figure 15, reference 10.
Connect the OberverIP receiver to your router using the Ethernet cable (included), as shown in Figure
15, reference 8.
Place the sensor array and indoor thermo-hygrometer transmitter 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 14, reference 2) and Outdoor blue LED (Figure 14,
reference 3) will be illuminated.
Ref.
LED
Description
1
RF
On when radio frequency receiver is operating properly
2
Indoor
On when indoor sensor received
3
Outdoor
On when outdoor sensor array received
4
Server
On when connected to Wunderground.com® internet hosting
service
5
ACT
Flashes when there is internet activity
6
Link
Connected to the Internet (or router)
7
Power
AC Power connected
Figure 14

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Ref.
Description
8
LAN connection (connect to router)
9
Reset button
10
AC Power connection
Figure 15
5.6.4 Finding the ObserverIP from your computer
5.6.4.1 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.
Figure 16
Select the Search button to find the ObserverIP on your local area network.

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Figure 17
Select the ObseverIP module on your network (the field will be highlighted), as shown in Figure 18,
and select the Open button to view within your browser. Alternately, you can type the IP address in
your web browser address bar (example, Figure 19):
Figure 18
Figure 19
You are now communicating directly to the ObserverIP and can proceed to Section 5.6.5.
If you cannot access the device, press the reset pinhole on the back of the module (reference Figure 15)
and wait for the lights to stabilize, and repeat by selecting the Search button again.
5.6.4.2 Mac and 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

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is 00:0E:C6:00:00:19.
We have included links to free IP Scan Tool applications here:
www.AmbientWeather.com/observerip.html
Figure 20 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 20
Type the IP address you located from the IP Scan Tool into your web browser (example, Figure 21):
Figure 21
You are now communicating directly to the ObserverIP and can proceed to Section 5.6.5.
5.6.5 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 22:
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.
3. Static Subnet Mask. Default is 255.255.255.0. This should not be changed unless you are
familiar with networking and subnet masking.
4. Static Default Gateway. This is typically the IP address of your router.
5. Static DNS Server. This is your DNS Server setting based on your router connection.
6. Server Listening Port. Default is 5000. Enter an integer between 1024 –65535.

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If you made any Static IP Address changes (not recommended), to confirm these changes, select
Apply and Reboot.
Note: If you incorrectly set the static IP settings and can no longer access the ObserverIP, press the
reset button on the back of the module.
Figure 22
5.6.6 Weather Network Settings
Select the Weather Network tab to program the Weather Underground station settings. Reference
Figure 23:
Figure 23
Enter the Station ID and password obtained from Wunderground.com®. Select the Apply button to
confirm changes.