Ambient Weather WS-2902 User manual

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Ambient Weather WS-2902 WiFi OSPREY Solar Powered
Wireless Weather Station User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2
2. Warnings and Cautions ...................................................................................................................2
3. Quick Start Guide............................................................................................................................3
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 Recommend Tools..................................................................................................................4
5.3 SensorArray Set Up...............................................................................................................5
5.3.1 Install Wind Vane...............................................................................................................5
5.3.2 Install Wind Cups...............................................................................................................6
5.3.3 Install U-Bolts....................................................................................................................6
5.3.4 Install the Rain Gauge Funnel............................................................................................7
5.3.5 Install Batteries...................................................................................................................8
5.3.6 Install Mounting Pole.........................................................................................................9
5.5 Best Practices for Wireless Communication.................................................................................9
5.6 Display Console ...................................................................................................................10
5.6.1 Vertical Desk Stand..........................................................................................................12
6. Display Console Operation...........................................................................................................13
6.1 Screen Display......................................................................................................................13
6.2 Console Initialization ...........................................................................................................14
6.2.1 Button Operation..............................................................................................................15
6.3 Set Mode ..............................................................................................................................16
6.3.1 Time Zones.......................................................................................................................18
6.4 Barometric Pressure Display................................................................................................19
6.4.1 ViewingAbsolute vs. Relative Pressure...........................................................................19
6.4.2 Rate of Change of Pressure Graph...................................................................................19
6.4.3 Viewing Pressure History.................................................................................................20
6.4.4 Relative Pressure Calibration Discussion.........................................................................20
6.5 Rain Display.........................................................................................................................20
6.5.1 Rain Increments of Measure ............................................................................................20
6.5.2 Resetting Rain..................................................................................................................20
6.5.3 Increments of Rain Definitions........................................................................................21
6.6 Wind Display........................................................................................................................21
6.7 Temperature Display ............................................................................................................21
6.7.1 Wind Chill, Dew Point and Heat Index Display ..............................................................21
6.8 Alarms..................................................................................................................................21
6.8.1 Viewing High and LowAlarms........................................................................................21
6.8.2 Setting High and LowAlarms..........................................................................................22
6.9 Max/Min Mode ....................................................................................................................25
6.9.1 Viewing Max/Min Values.................................................................................................25
6.10 Calibration............................................................................................................................26

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6.10.1 Calibration Settings......................................................................................................26
6.10.2 Calibration Ranges.......................................................................................................28
6.10.3 Calibration Discussion.................................................................................................29
6.11 Restoring the Console to Factory Default ............................................................................31
6.12 Resynchronize Wireless Sensor............................................................................................31
6.13 Backlight Operation .............................................................................................................31
6.13.1 With AC Adapter..........................................................................................................31
6.13.2 Without AC Adapter.....................................................................................................31
6.14 TendencyArrows..................................................................................................................31
6.15 Wireless Signal Strength Indicator.......................................................................................32
6.16 Weather Forecasting.............................................................................................................32
6.16.1 StormAlert...................................................................................................................32
6.16.2 Weather Forecasting Description and Limitations.......................................................32
7. Live Internet Publishing................................................................................................................33
7.1 Connecting the Weather Station Console to WiFi................................................................33
7.2 WiFi and Server Connection Wizard....................................................................................35
8. Registering with Internet Cloud Services......................................................................................39
8.1 AmbientWeather.net.............................................................................................................39
8.1.1 IFTTT...............................................................................................................................41
8.1.2 Amazon Alexa..................................................................................................................42
8.1.3 Works with GoogleAssistant...........................................................................................42
8.2 WeatherUnderground.com....................................................................................................43
8.2.1 Registering through the PC or Mac Website....................................................................43
8.2.2 Registering through theAndroid or iPhoneApp..............................................................43
8.3 WeatherCloud.......................................................................................................................45
9. Glossary of Terms.........................................................................................................................46
10. Specifications ...........................................................................................................................48
10.1 Wireless Specifications ........................................................................................................48
10.2 Measurement Specifications.................................................................................................48
10.3 Power Consumption.............................................................................................................48
11. Maintenance .............................................................................................................................49
12. Troubleshooting Guide.............................................................................................................49
13. Accessories...............................................................................................................................51
14. Liability Disclaimer..................................................................................................................51
15. FCC Statement..........................................................................................................................52
16. Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................52
1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-2902 WiFi OSPREY Solar Powered
Wireless Weather Station. 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:
http://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/ws2902
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: If you are mounting the weather station to a house or structure, consult a licensed

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electrician for proper grounding. A direct lightning strike to a metal pole can damage or destroy your
home.
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 the necessary steps to install and 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
2
Power up the display console and synchronize with sensor array
5.6
3
Mount the sensor array
5.3.6
4
Set date and time on console
6.3
5
Calibrate the relative pressure to sea-level conditions (local airport) on
console
6.3
6
Reset the rain to zero on console
6.5.2
Optional
7
Configure WiFi
7.1
8
Register and upload to Weather Servers
7.1 and 8
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.
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 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 the sensor array 4 x (20 –6)’ = 56’ away.
4. Mount the sensor array in direct sunlight for accurate temperature readings.
5. Installing the weather station over sprinkler systems or other unnatural vegetation may
affect temperature and humidity readings. We suggest mounting the sensor array over natural
vegetation.
6. Wireless Range. Radio communication between receiver and transmitter in an open field can

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reach a distance of up to 330 feet, providing there are no interfering obstacles such as
buildings, trees, vehicles and high voltage lines. Wireless signals will not penetrate metal
buildings. Under most conditions, the maximum wireless range is 100’.
7. Radio Interference. Computers, radios, televisions and other sources can interfere with radio
communications between the sensor array and console. 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.
8. Visit Ambient Weather Mounting Solutions for assistance and ideas for mounting your
weather station:
http://www.ambientweather.com/amwemoso.html
5. Getting Started
The Ambient Weather WS-2902 OSPREY WiFi Personal Weather Station consists of an indoor display
console (receiver + WiFi transmitter) and an all-in-one outdoor weather sensor array.
5.1 Parts List
QTY
Item
1
Display Console
Frame Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.50 x 4.50 x 0.75”
LCD Dimensions (LxW): 3.00 x 6.75”
1
Vertical Desk Stand
1
SensorArray
1
Wind Vane
1
5V DC Adaptor
2
Pole mounting U-bolts
2
Pole mounting U-bolt nuts
1
User manual
5.2 Recommend Tools
Precision screwdriver (for small Phillips screw on wind vane and wind cups)
Adjustable wrench (for mounting pole)
Compass or GPS (for wind direction calibration)

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5.3 SensorArray 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 screw driver 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 of 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
screw driver 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 U-Bolts
Note: Your U-bolts may have come preassembled at the factory.
(a) Insert the U-Bolts into the sensor array mounting bracket and hand tighten the nuts.
(b) Tighten the nuts to fit the size of your mounting pole (between 1” and 2” diameter
(c) Insert the sensor array and U-Bolt assembly onto the mounting pole.
(d) Tighten the U-Bolts around the pole with an adjustable wrench. Make sure the sensor array is
level.

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(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Figure 4
5.3.4 Install the Rain Gauge Funnel
Reference Figure 5. Install the rain gauge funnel. Rotate clockwise to attach the funnel to the sensor
array.

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Figure 5
5.3.5 Install Batteries
Reference Figure 6. 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).
(a)
(b)
Figure 6
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.

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5.3.6 Install Mounting Pole
Reference Figure 7. The mounting assembly includes two U-Bolts and a bracket that tightens around
a 1 to 2” diameter pole (not included) using the four U-Bolt nuts.
(a)
(b)
Figure 7
Use the bubble level next to the rain sensor to make sure the sensor array is completely level. If the
sensor array is not level, the rain gauge, UV and solar radiation sensors will not measure properly.
Note: If you cannot read the bubble level due to mounting constraints, place straddle a line or
ruler level across the top of the rain gauge for easier viewing.
5.3.6.1 Aligning the Wind Direction
Locate the four wind vane compass rose indicators of N, E, S, W (representing North, East, South and
West) at the base of the wind vane. Align the compass rose direction upon final installation with a
compass or GPS.
5.5 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

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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%
5.6 Display Console
The front and back of the display console is shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9.
Figure 8

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Figure 9
Reference Figure 9.
(1) Connect the display console power jack to AC power adapter with the included power
adapter.
(2) Unfold the desk stand and place 5 to 10 feet away from the sensor array.
Remove the battery door on the back of the console, and insert 3xAAA batteries per Figure 10.
(3) Wait several minutes for the remote sensors to synchronize with the display console.

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Figure 10
5.6.1 Vertical Desk Stand
The console is best viewed above from a 20 to 30 degree angle.
In addition to the fold out desk stand on the back of the display, console, the console also includes a
vertical desk stand to improve the viewing able on a desk, as shown in Figure 11.

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Figure 11
6. Display Console Operation
6.1 Screen Display
The display console home screen layout is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12

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No
Description
No
Description
1
Time
10
Rainfall
2
Moon phase
11
Outdoor temperature
3
Barometric Pressure
12
Outdoor humidity
4
Weather forecast
13
RF icon
5
UV index
14
Indoor humidity
6
Solar Radiation
15
Indoor temperature
7
Wind speed
16
Date
8
Wind direction
17
WIFI icon
9
MAX/MIN Daily
18
DST
6.2 Console Initialization
After the console is connected to AC power, the console will display the software version number two
seconds after power up.
Figure 13
The console will display all of the LCD segments for three seconds after power up as shown in Figure
14, the indoor conditions will immediately update, and the outdoor sensor array will register within a
few minutes.
Figure 14

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6.2.1 Button Operation
Figure 15
The console has 8 buttons at the bottom for easy operation:
Key
Description
SET
Press and hold to enter the SET mode.
TEMP
Press to switch between Outdoor Temperature, Wind Chill, Heat
Index, Dew Point.
To bypass RF reception, press and hold while powering up the
console (connecting theAC adapter with batteries removed).
RAIN
Press to switch between Rain Rate (in/hr), Rain Event, Rain Day, Rain
Week, Rain Month, and Rain Total.
WIND +
Press to switch between average wind speed, wind gust and wind
direction.
While in SET mode, press to increase the value. Press and hold
for two seconds to increase the value rapidly.
PRESSURE -
Press to switch between Relative Pressure (current), and 12hr,
24hr, 48hr and 72hr average Relative Pressure.
While in SET mode, press to decrease the value. Press and hold
for two seconds to decrease the value rapidly.
ALARM
Press to switch between high and low alarms
MAX/MIN
Press to switch between minimum and maximum values.
LIGHT/SNOOZE
Press to adjust the LCD backlight brightness (high, medium and
off).
Press to exit the SET mode at any time.

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6.3 Set Mode
Press and hold the SET button for two seconds to enter the SET Mode. To proceed to the next setting,
press (do not hold) the SET button.
To exit the SET mode at any time, press the LIGHT / SNOOZE button.
Figure 16 summarizes the set mode sequence and commands.

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Command
Mode
Settings
Image
[SET] + 2
seconds
Enter Set
Mode, Beep
On or Off
Press [WIND +] to switch OFF and
ON.
This will prevent the beep from
sounding when pressing any button.
[SET]
Clear Max/Min
Press [WIND +] to switch OFF and
ON.
When set to ON, the minimum and
maximum values reset every day at
midnight (00:00).
When set to OFF, the minimum and
maximum values must be reset
manually.
[SET]
Daylight
Savings Time
(DST)
Press [WIND +] to switch DST OFF
and ON.
Set to ON (most locations) if you
observe daylight savings time, and the
clock will automatically adjust twice
per year.
Set to OFF (Arizona and Hawaii) if
you do not observe DST.
[SET]
Time Zone
Press [WIND +] or [PRESSURE -] to
adjust up or down (-12 to 12).
The default time zone is -5 (EST).
To find your time zone settings, please
reference Figure 17.
[SET]
12 hour / 24
Hour Format
Press [WIND +] to switch hour format
between 12 hour and 24 hour format.
[SET]
Hour
Press [WIND +] or [PRESSURE -] to
adjust hour up or down.
[SET]
Minute
Press [WIND +] or [PRESSURE -] to
adjust minute up or down.
[SET]
Date Format
Press [WIND +] to switch between
MM-DD (month-day) and DD-MM
(day-month)
[SET]
Year
Press [WIND +] or [PRESSURE -] to
adjust year up or down
[SET]
Month
Press [WIND +] or [PRESSURE -] to
adjust month up or down
[SET]
Day
Press [WIND +] or [PRESSURE -] to
adjust day up or down

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[SET]
Pressure Units
of Measure
Press [WIND +] to change units of
measure between hpa, mmHg or inHg.
[SET]
Relative
Pressure
Calibration
Press [WIND +] or [PRESSURE -] to
adjust relative pressure up or down
Reference Section 6.4.4 for details on
calibration of relative pressure.
[SET]
Light Units of
Measure
Press [WIND +] to change light units
of measure between lux, fc, or w/m2
[SET]
Temperature
Units of
Measure
Press [WIND +] to change
temperature units of measure
between °F and °C.
[SET]
Wind Units of
Measure
Press [WIND +] to change wind units
of measure between km/h, mph, knots,
m/s and bft.
[SET]
Rain Units of
Measure
Press [WIND +] to change rain units
of measure between in and mm.
[SET]
Hemisphere
Press [WIND +] to change hemisphere
between NTH (northern) and STH
(southern). This setting effects the
moon phase display.
[SET]
Exit Set Mode
[SET] + 2 seconds means press and hold the SET button for two seconds.
[SET] means press the SET button. Figure 16
6.3.1 Time Zones
The following table summarizes time zones around the world.
Hours from
GMT
Time Zone
Cities
-12
IDLW: International Date Line West
---
-11
NT: Nome
Nome, AK
-10
AHST: Alaska-Hawaii Standard
CAT: Central Alaska
HST: Hawaii Standard
Honolulu, HI
-9
YST: Yukon Standard
Yukon Territory
-8
PST: Pacific Standard
Los Angeles, CA, USA
-7
MST: Mountain Standard
Denver, CO, USA
-6
CST: Central Standard
Chicago, IL, USA
-5
EST: Eastern Standard
New York, NY, USA
-4
AST: Atlantic Standard
Caracas

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Hours from
GMT
Time Zone
Cities
-3
---
São Paulo, Brazil
-2
AT:Azores
Azores, Cape Verde Islands
-1
WAT: West Africa
---
0
GMT: Greenwich Mean
WET: Western European
London, England
1
CET: Central European
Paris, France
2
EET: Eastern European
Athens, Greece
3
BT: Baghdad
Moscow, Russia
4
---
Abu Dhabi, UAE
5
---
Tashkent
6
---
Astana
7
---
Bangkok
8
CCT: China Coast
Bejing
9
JST: Japan Standard
Tokyo
10
GST: Guam Standard
Sydney
11
---
Magadan
12
IDLE: International Date Line East
NZST: New Zealand Standard
Wellington, New Zealand
Figure 17
6.4 Barometric Pressure Display
6.4.1 Viewing Absolute vs. Relative Pressure
To switch between absolute and relative pressure, press and hold the [PRESSURE -] button for two
seconds.
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.
Relative pressure is corrected to sea-level conditions. For further discussion of relative pressure and
calibration, reference Section 6.4.4.
6.4.2 Rate of Change of Pressure Graph
The rate of change of pressure graphic is shown to the left of the barometric pressure and signifies the
difference between the daily average pressure and the 30 day average (in hPa).

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Figure 18
6.4.3 Viewing Pressure History
Press the [PRESSURE -] button to view the 12 hour, 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour pressure average.
6.4.4 Relative Pressure Calibration Discussion
To compare pressure conditions from one location to another, meteorologists correct pressure to
sea-level conditions. Because the air pressure decreases as you rise in altitude, the sea-level corrected
pressure (the pressure your location would be at if located at sea-level) is generally higher than your
measured pressure.
Thus, your absolute pressure may read 28.62 inHg (969 mb) at an altitude of 1000 feet (305 m), but
the relative pressure is 30.00 inHg (1016 mb).
The standard sea-level pressure is 29.92 inHg (1013 mb). This is the average sea-level pressure around
the world. Relative pressure measurements greater than 29.92 inHg (1013 mb) are considered high
pressure and relative pressure measurements less than 29.92 inHg are considered low pressure.
To determine the relative pressure for your location, locate an official reporting station near you (the
internet is the best source for real time barometer conditions, such as Weather.com or
Wunderground.com), and set your weather station to match the official reporting station.
6.5 Rain Display
6.5.1 Rain Increments of Measure
Press the RAIN button to switch between Rain Rate (in/hr), Rain Event, Rain Day, Rain Week, Rain
Month, and Rain Total.
6.5.2 Resetting Rain
To reset the rain totals, press and hold the RAIN button for two seconds.
Resetting the weekly rain also resets the daily rain.
Resetting the monthly rain also resets the daily and weekly rain.