Ambient Weather WS-1551-IP User manual

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Ambient Weather WS-1551-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......................................................................................3
4.1 Pre-Installation Checkout.......................................................................................................3
4.2 Site Survey .............................................................................................................................3
5. Getting Started ................................................................................................................................4
5.1 Parts List.................................................................................................................................4
5.2 Included tools................................................................................................................................4
5.2 Recommend Tools..................................................................................................................4
5.3 Sensor Array Set Up...............................................................................................................6
5.3.1 Install Wind Vane ...............................................................................................................6
5.3.2 Install Wind Cups...............................................................................................................7
5.3.3 Install the Rain Gauge Funnel............................................................................................7
5.3.4 Install the Funnel Coil Filter ..............................................................................................8
5.3.5 Install Batteries...................................................................................................................8
5.3.6 Indoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter (Optional WH32B)..........................9
5.4 Accessories........................................................................................................................... 11
5.4.1 Indoor / Outdoor 8-Channel Thermo-Hygrometer Transmitter (Optional WH31E) ........13
5.4.2 PM2.5 Air Quality Sensor ................................................................................................15
5.4.3 Mounting the WH32B and WH31E Sensors.................................................................16
5.4.4 Best Practices for Wireless Communication ........................................................................17
5.4.5 Adding Additional Sensors...............................................................................................18
6. Programming the ObserverIP2.0 Receiver....................................................................................19
6.1 Hardware Requirements.......................................................................................................19
6.2 ObserverIP2.0 Physical Connections ...................................................................................19
6.3 Finding the OBSERVERIP2.0 from your device (computer, smart phone, or tablet with a
browser) when connected to your network via Wi-Fi Computer ......................................................20
6.3.1 PC Users...........................................................................................................................20
6.3.2 Mac Users ........................................................................................................................22
6.4.3 Linux Users..........................................................................................................................23
6.4 Local Network Settings........................................................................................................23
6.4.1 Time Zone Setting............................................................................................................24
6.4.2 Units of Measure..............................................................................................................25
6.5 Live Data..............................................................................................................................25
6.5.1 Reset and Change Rain Totals..........................................................................................26
6.6 Weather Services ..................................................................................................................27
6.6.1 AmbientWeather.net.........................................................................................................27
6.7 Calibration............................................................................................................................30
6.7.1 Relative Barometric Pressure Calibration Example.........................................................31
6.8 Sensor Array Mounting ........................................................................................................34
6.8.1 Aligning the Wind Direction............................................................................................35
7. Updating Firmware .......................................................................................................................35
7.1 PC Users...............................................................................................................................35

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7.2 Mac Users.............................................................................................................................37
7.3 Linux Users ..........................................................................................................................38
8. Access Point Deactivation.............................................................................................................39
9. Glossary of Terms .........................................................................................................................40
10. Specifications ...........................................................................................................................41
10.1 Wireless Specifications ........................................................................................................41
10.2 Measurement Specifications.................................................................................................41
10.3 Power Consumption .............................................................................................................41
11. Maintenance .............................................................................................................................42
12. Troubleshooting Guide .............................................................................................................42
13. Accessories...............................................................................................................................43
14. Liability Disclaimer..................................................................................................................44
15. FCC Statement..........................................................................................................................44
16. Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................45
17 California Prop 65 ....................................................................................................................45
1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-1551-IP Smart Wireless Weather Station with
Remote Monitoring. The following user guide provides step by step instructions for installation,
operation, and troubleshooting. To download the latest manual, firmware upgrades.
https://ambientweather.com/faqs/question/tags/tag/WS-1550-IP/
The product is continuously changing and improving, particularly online services and associated
applications. Make sure you download the latest manual. Please visit:
https://ambientweather.com/amws1500.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.

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Required
Step
Description
Section
1
Assemble and power up the outdoor array
5.3-5.3.5
3
Power up the indoor thermometer-hygrometer-barometer
5.3.5
4
Power up the OBSERVERIP2.0
6.2
6
Calibrate the relative pressure to sea-level conditions (local airport) on the
OBSERVERIP2.0
6.8
7
Register and upload to Weather Services
5.10
8
Mount the sensor array
5.11
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, ensure 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

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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 ObserverIP2.0 receiver or
mounting locations. Make sure your ObserverIP2.0 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-1551-IP weather station consists of a ObserverIP2.0 receiver, and an all-in-one sensor array.
5.1 Parts List
QTY
Item
1
ObserverIP2.0 Module
1
Sensor Array
1
Wind Vane
1
Wind Cups
1
5V DC Adaptor
2
Pole mounting U-bolts
2
Pole mounting U-bolt nuts
1
Ethernet Cable
1
ObserverIP2.0 Module Reset Tool
1
User manual
5.2 Included tools
Quantity
Picture
Item
1
Precision Screwdriver
#1 (for small Phillips
screws on wind vane
and wind cups
5.2 Recommend Tools
•Adjustable wrench (for mounting pole)

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•Compass or GPS (for wind direction calibration)

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5.3 Sensor Array Set Up
(a)
(b)
Figure 1
No
Description
No
Description
1
Wind Vane (measures wind direction)
7
Solar panel
2
Wind Speed Sensor (measures wind speed)
8
U-Bolt
3
UV sensor/ Light sensor
9
Battery compartment
4
Thermometer-hygrometer sensor
(measures temperature and humidity)
10
Reset button
5
Rain collector
11
LED transmitter Indicator
6
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 a precision screwdriver and make
sure the wind vane spins freely.
Note: You may need to back out the set screw first before sliding the vane onto the shaft.
Note: The wind vane shaft does not spin as freely as the wind cups. This is by design. The
dampening prevents the wind vane from spinning with the slightest breeze, which will result in variable
wind all the time. The added resistance allows the wind vane to change direction with 2 – 3 mph,
providing a much better wind direction tracking.

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(a)
(b)
Figure 2
5.3.2 Install Wind Cups
Reference Figure 3. (a) push the wind cups on to the shaft. (b) tighten the set screw with a precision
screwdriver and make sure the wind cups spin freely.
Note: You may need to back out the set screw first before sliding the cups onto the shaft.
(a)
(b)
Figure 3
5.3.3 Install the Rain Gauge Funnel
Reference Figure 4. Install the rain gauge funnel. Rotate clockwise to attach the funnel to the sensor
array.

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Figure 4
5.3.4 Install the Funnel Coil Filter
To install the funnel coil filter, press the coil until the hook is inside the hole at the bottom of the funnel,
and locked in place. The spring tension will keep the filter sit tight on the funnel.
5.3.5 Install Batteries
Reference Figure 5. Insert 2 x AA non-rechargeable batteries (not included) into the battery
compartment. The LED indicator on the back of the transmitter will turn on for four seconds, and then
flash once every 16 seconds (the sensor transmission update period).

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(a)
(b)
Figure 5
Note: If the LED does not light up, or stays on permanently, make sure the battery polarity is
correct, or the batteries are fresh. Do not install the batteries backwards. You can permanently damage
the thermo-hygrometer.
Note: 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.
5.3.6 Indoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter (Optional
WH32B)
The optional indoor thermometer, hygrometer and barometer measures and displays the indoor
temperature, humidity and pressure and transmits this data to the ObserverIP2.0 receiver.
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 ObserverIP2.0 receiver. For best
results, place between 5 to 20 feet from the ObserverIP2.0 receiver.
Note: To avoid permanent damage, please take note of the battery polarity before inserting the
batteries.

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Remove the battery door on the back of the sensor, as shown in Figure .
Figure 7
1. Insert two AA batteries.
2. After inserting the batteries, the remote sensor will display temperature, humidity, and
barometric pressure on the display, as shown in Figure .
Figure 8
3. This sensor is also capable of displaying in Celsius or Fahrenheit by using the switch under the
battery door. As shown in Figure 8a.

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Figure 8a
5.4 Accessories

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Description
Part
Number
Image
Ultrasonic Anemometer, Outdoor
Thermometer / Hygrometer, Solar
Radiation and UV
WS-5000-
ARRAY
Rain Collector
WS-5000-
RAIN
Indoor Air Quality Monitor
AQIN
Outdoor PM25 Particulate Monitor
PM25
Indoor PM25 Particulate Monitor
PM25IN
Wireless Temperature and Humidity Sensor
WH31E
Leak Detector
WH31LA
Waterproof Probe Temperature Sensor
WH31P

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Description
Part
Number
Image
Soil moisture sensor
WH31SM
Floating Pool Thermometer
WH31PF*
(*) The WH31E, WH31P and WH31PF share the same 8-channels.
(*) The PM25IN and AQIN share the same channel.
5.4.1 Indoor / Outdoor 8-Channel Thermo-Hygrometer Transmitter
(Optional WH31E)
Note: Thee 8-channel sensors only appear on AmbientWeather.net. They are not supported on
Weather Underground. Unlike other sensors, they cannot be calibrated or adjusted from the
ObserverIP2.0 modules User Interface.
Note: Do not use rechargeable batteries. We recommend fresh alkaline batteries for outdoor
temperature ranges between -4 °F and 140 °F and fresh lithium batteries for outdoor temperature ranges
between -40 °F and 140 °F.

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1. Remove the battery door on the back of the transmitter(s) by sliding down the battery door, as
shown in Figure .
Figure 10
2. BEFORE inserting the batteries, locate the dip switches on the inside cover of the lid of the
transmitter.
3. Channel Number: The ObserverIP2.0 supports up to eight transmitters. To set each channel
number (the default is Channel 1), change Dip Switches 1, 2 and 3, as referenced in Figure .
4. Temperature Units of Measure: To change the transmitter display units of measure (°F vs. °C),
change Dip Switch 4, as referenced in Figure .
Switch in down position. Switch in up position.

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Figure 11
5. Insert two AA batteries.
6. Verify the correct channel number (CH) and temperature units of measure (°F vs. °C) are on
the display, as shown in Figure .
Figure 12
(1) temperature
(2) temperature units (°F vs. °C)
(3) channel number
(4) relative humidity
7. Close the battery door.
8. Repeat for the additional remote transmitters, verifying each remote is on a different channel.
5.4.2 PM2.5 Air Quality Sensor
The ObserverIP2.0 module supports one PM2.5 Air Quality indoor and one Outdoor sensor. For more
information, please visit:
https://ambientweather.com/faqs/question/tags/tag/PM25/

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5.4.3 Mounting the WH32B and WH31E Sensors
Note: If you mount the sensor outside, 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 6.
Figure 6
The sensor can also be hung from a nylon zip tie (included) or string (not included).

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Figure 7
5.4.4 Best Practices for Wireless Communication
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 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 console through a window to get a clear line of
sight.

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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%
5.4.5 Adding Additional Sensors
The OBSERVERIP2.0 module supports up to 8 additional thermos-hygrometer sensors (Model WH31E,
WH31P, WH31PF). Place the sensors in and around your home and monitor on AmbientWeather.net.
The data is automatically passed from the OBSERVERIP2.0 module to AmbientWeather.net based on
the channel number.
Figure 15
Registering additional sensors.
Login to the OBSERVERIP2.0 web GUI and access Sensors ID tab.

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On the Sensors ID screen, you can register or re-register an additional sensor by clicking the Re-
register button.
6. Programming the ObserverIP2.0 Receiver
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.
6.2 ObserverIP2.0 Physical Connections
Connect the ObserverIP2.0 receiver power jack to AC power with the power adapter (included), as
shown in
Ref.
Description
6
LAN connection (connect to router)
7
Reset button (use IP Module reset tool or open-ended paper clip)
8
AC Power connection
Figure 9, reference 8.
Place the sensor array and indoor thermo-hygrometer transmitter about 5 to 10 feet from the
ObserverIP2.0 receiver and wait several minutes for the remote sensors to synchronize with the receiver.
Once synchronized, the RF blue LED (Figure 8, reference 1) will be illuminated.
Ref.
LED
Description
1
RF
On when radio frequency receiver is operating properly

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Ref.
LED
Description
2
Server
On when connected to AmbientWeather.net internet hosting service
3
Link
Connect to the internet (or router)
4
ACT
Flashes when there is internet activity
5
Power
AC Power connected
Figure 8
Ref.
Description
6
LAN connection (connect to router)
7
Reset button (use IP Module reset tool or open-ended paper clip)
8
AC Power connection
Figure 9
6.3 Finding the OBSERVERIP2.0 from your device (computer,
smart phone, or tablet with a browser) when connected to
your network via Wi-Fi Computer
6.3.1 PC Users
To find the OBSERVERIP2.0 receiver, connect to power and look for the following WIFI network.