Ambient Weather WS-5000 User manual

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Ambient Weather WS-5000 Wi-Fi Ultrasonic Solar Powered Wireless
Weather Station User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................3
2. Warnings and Cautions ...............................................................................................................................................3
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...............................................................................................................................................5
5.3 SensorArray Set Up............................................................................................................................................5
5.3.1 Install the Batteries in the SensorArray.........................................................................................................5
5.3.2 SensorArray Mounting..................................................................................................................................6
5.4 Rain Gauge Setup .............................................................................................................................................10
5.4.1 Install the Batteries in the Rain Gauge.........................................................................................................10
5.4.2 Rain Gauge Mounting..................................................................................................................................10
5.4.3 Install the Funnel Coil Filter........................................................................................................................11
5.5 Indoor-Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter..........................................................................12
5.6 Optional Sensors...............................................................................................................................................13
5.7 8-channel Indoor/Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer (optional)..............................................................................13
5.8 PM2.5Air Quality Sensor (optional)................................................................................................................15
5.9 Sensor Placement..............................................................................................................................................15
5.10 Best Practices for Wireless Communication.....................................................................................................16
5.11 Display Tablet...................................................................................................................................................17
6. Display Tablet Operation ..........................................................................................................................................18
6.1 Initial Display Tablet Operation........................................................................................................................18
6.2 Home Screen Display........................................................................................................................................19
6.3 Display Buttons.................................................................................................................................................20
6.4 Multi-Chanel and Scroll Mode for Optional Sensors........................................................................................20
6.5 Other Console Features.....................................................................................................................................21
6.5.1 Weather Forecasting.....................................................................................................................................21
6.5.2 Wireless Signal Quality Icon........................................................................................................................21
6.5.3 Weather Forecasting Description and Limitations.......................................................................................21
6.5.4 Lightning Icon..............................................................................................................................................21
6.5.5 PM2.5 Sensor (optional) ..............................................................................................................................22
6.6 History Mode....................................................................................................................................................22
6.6.1 Min/Max ......................................................................................................................................................22
6.6.2 Archive Memory Mode................................................................................................................................23
6.6.3 Graph............................................................................................................................................................25
6.7 Set Mode...........................................................................................................................................................26
6.7.1 Set Date and Time........................................................................................................................................26
6.7.2 Set Time Format...........................................................................................................................................28
6.7.3 Set Date Format ...........................................................................................................................................28
6.7.4 Temperature Units of Measure.....................................................................................................................28
6.7.5 Barometer Units of Measure........................................................................................................................28
6.7.6 Wind Speed Units of Measure......................................................................................................................28
6.7.7 Rainfall Units of Measure............................................................................................................................28
6.7.8 Solar Radiation Units of Measure................................................................................................................29
6.7.9 Multi-Channel Sensor..................................................................................................................................29
6.7.10 Backlight Display.....................................................................................................................................30

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6.7.11 Longitude and Latitude............................................................................................................................31
6.7.12 Barometer Display...................................................................................................................................32
6.7.13 Rainfall Season........................................................................................................................................33
6.7.14 Archive Interval.......................................................................................................................................33
6.7.15 Weather Server.........................................................................................................................................33
6.7.16 Wi-Fi Scan ...............................................................................................................................................38
6.7.17 Background..............................................................................................................................................40
6.7.18 More.........................................................................................................................................................40
6.7.19 Soil Moisture Calibration.........................................................................................................................41
6.7.20 Multi-Channel Temperature and Humidity Calibration...........................................................................42
6.7.21 PM2.5Air Quality Sensor Calibration.....................................................................................................44
6.7.22 Sensors ID................................................................................................................................................44
6.8 Alarm Mode......................................................................................................................................................46
6.9 Calibration Mode..............................................................................................................................................47
6.10 Factory and Data Export...................................................................................................................................50
6.10.1 Exporting Data File Format (Data Logging)............................................................................................52
6.10.2 Exporting Channel 1-8 Data ....................................................................................................................53
6.10.3 About .......................................................................................................................................................53
7. Glossary of Terms.....................................................................................................................................................53
8. Specifications............................................................................................................................................................55
8.1 Wireless Specifications.....................................................................................................................................55
8.2 Measurement Specifications.............................................................................................................................55
8.3 Power Consumption..........................................................................................................................................55
9. Maintenance..............................................................................................................................................................55
10. Troubleshooting Guide..........................................................................................................................................56
11. Accessories ...........................................................................................................................................................57
12. Liability Disclaimer..............................................................................................................................................58
13. FCC Statement......................................................................................................................................................58
14. Warranty Information............................................................................................................................................58
15. California Prop 65.................................................................................................................................................59

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1. Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-5000 Wi-Fi Ultrasonic 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:
https://help.ambientweather.net/product/ws-5000/
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 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.
Step
Description
Section
Power Up
1
Assemble and power up the ultrasonic sensor array
5.3
2
Assemble and power up the rain gauge
5.4
3
Power up the indoor thermo-hygrometer-barometer
5.5
4
Power up the display tablet and synchronize with sensors
0
Mounting
5
Mount the sensor array
5.3.2
6
Mount the rain gauge
5.4.2
Console Settings
7
Set date and time on tablet
6.7.1
8
Calibrate the relative pressure to sea-level conditions (local airport) on tablet
6.9
9
Reset the rain to zero on tablet
6.9
Wi-Fi Settings
10
Configure Wi-Fi
6.7.16
11
Register and upload to Weather Servers
6.7.15
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 the functions, ensure 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 rain gauge and sensor array.
2. Avoid radiant heat transfer from buildings and structures. In general, install the sensor array at least 5’ from

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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 reach up to 1,000
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
300’.
7. Radio Interference. Computers, radios, televisions and other sources can interfere with radio communications
between the sensor array and tablet. Please take this into consideration when choosing tablet or mounting
locations. Make sure your display tablet 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-5000 Ultrasonic Wi-Fi Personal Weather Station consists of one indoor display tablet (RF
receiver + Wi-Fi transmitter), one ultrasonic sensor array, one rain gauge, one indoor thermo-hygrometer barometer,
and one user manual:
5.1 Parts List
QTY
Item
Display Tablet (Item WS-2000-C)
1
Display Tablet
1
AC adapter
Ultrasonic Sensor Array Assembly (Item WS-5000-ARRAY)
1
Ultrasonic sensor array with built-in: thermo-hygrometer / wind speed sensor/ wind direction sensor,
light and UV sensor, solar panel
1
Mounting arm
1
Sensor array plastic mounting bracket
1
Mounting screw for connecting sensor array to the mounting pole
4
Threaded nuts for U-Bolts (M5 size)
4
Sensor array lock washers for threaded nuts
2
Sensor array metal mounting plate to be used with U-Bolts
1
Metal wrench for M5 U-Bolts, nuts and washers
Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer (Item WH32B)
1
Thermo-hygrometer-barometer transmitter
1
Mounting screw
1
Zip tie for non-surface mounting
WS-5000-RAIN
1
Rain Gauge
4
Threaded nuts for U-Bolts (M5 size)
2
Sensor array metal mounting plate to be used with U-Bolts
1
Metal wrench for M5 U-Bolts, nuts and washers
1
Funnel coil filter
User manual

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Note: Batteries are not included. We recommend Alkaline (which operate to 4 °F) or Lithium batteries (for
operation to -40 °F) are recommended.
Note: AC adapter is included. The adapter is a switching-type adapter and can generate a small amount of
electrical interference with the RF reception in the tablet, when placed too close to the tablet. Please keep
the tablet display at least 2 ft. or 0.5 m away from the power adapter to ensure best RF reception from the
outdoor sensor package.
5.2 Recommend Tools
•Precision screwdriver (for small Phillips screw connecting sensor array to the pole).
•Compass or GPS (for wind direction calibration).
5.3 Sensor Array Set Up
No
Description
No
Description
1
Sonic wind sensor (wind speed and direction)
7
Mounting arm
2
Battery compartment
8
Mounting U-Bolt and bracket.
3
Temperature and humidity sensor
9
Heater cable
4
Light sensor, LED indicator
10
USB port (factory use only)
5
Solar collector
11
Calibration button (factory use only)
6
North alignment marker
12
Reset button
Figure 1
5.3.1 Install the Batteries in the Sensor Array
Insert 2 x AA batteries into the battery compartment. Alkaline (> 4 °F) or Lithium batteries for cold weather
climates (> -40 °F) are recommended.
The LED indicator on the top of the sensor array will turn on for 3 seconds and flash once every 4.75 seconds
(the sensor transmission update period).

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Figure 2
If the LED does no light up or flash, make sure the battery polarity is correct. Press the reset button.
5.3.2 SensorArray Mounting
Install the sensor array plastic mounting bracket to your 1” to 2” diameter pole, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3
If the optional ultrasonic heater was purchased, and the heater cable is required, untie and snake the heater cable
through the mounting arm, as shown in Figure 4.

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(a)
(b)
Figure 4
Attach the mounting arm to the sensor array, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5
Pass the heater cable through the mounting bracket, as shown in Figure 6.
Insert the arm into the base. Align the hole in the base with the hole in the mounting arm and inset the machine
screw.

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(a)
(b)
Figure 6
If the optional ultrasonic heater is used, connect the heater cable to the heater, and connect toAC power.

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Figure 7
Locate the North marker on the base of the senor array, as shown in Figure 8. Point this marker in the direction of
North, according to your GPS or compass.
Figure 8

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5.4 Rain Gauge Setup
Figure 9
No
Description
No
Description
1
Rain collector and funnel
4
Battery door
2
LED indicator
5
Screw hole
3
Bubble level
6
U-Bolt installation hole
5.4.1 Install the Batteries in the Rain Gauge
Insert 1 x AA battery into the battery compartment. Alkaline (> 4 °F) or Lithium batteries for cold weather
climates (> -40 °F) are recommended.
Figure 10
The LED indicator on the top of the rain gauge will turn on for 3 seconds and flash once every 49 seconds (the
sensor transmission update period).
If the LED does no light up or flash, make sure the battery polarity is correct. Press the reset button.
5.4.2 Rain Gauge Mounting
Install the sensor array plastic mounting bracket to your 1” to 2” diameter pole, as shown in Figure 11 and Error!
Reference source not found..

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Figure 11
To mount to a wooden post or flat surface, use the two included mounting screws, as shown in Figure 122.
Figure 12
Use the bubble level next to the rain sensor to make sure the sensor array is completely level.
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.
5.4.3 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.
Figure 13

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5.5 Indoor-Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer-Barometer Transmitter
Remove the battery door on the back of the sensor, as shown in Figure 14.
Figure 14
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 15.
Figure 15

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5.6 Optional Sensors
The WS-5000 supports the following optional sensors:
Item
Number
Number of
Channels
Description
Image
PM25
1
PM2.5 Wireless Outdoor Particulate Monitor
PM25IN
1
PM2.5 Wireless Indoor Particulate Monitor
WH31E
8*
Thermo-Hygrometer Sensor
WH31SM
8
Soil Moisture Sensor
WH31L
1
Lightning Detector
WH31LA
4
Leak Detector
WH31P
8*
Probed Thermometer
(*) The WH31E and WH31P share the same 8-channels.
Figure 16
5.7 8-channel Indoor/Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer (optional)
The WS-5000 supports up to 8 additional thermo-hygrometer sensors (WH31), which can be viewed on the display
tablet and Internet.
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
17 .
Figure 17
2. BEFORE inserting the batteries, locate the dip switches on the inside cover of the lid of the transmitter.
3. Channel Number: The WS-5000 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 18.
4. Temperature Units of Measure: To change the transmitter display units of measure (°F vs. °C), change Dip
Switch 4, as referenced in Figure 18.
Switch in down position. Switch in up position.
Figure 18

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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 19.
Figure 19
(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.
5.8 PM2.5 Air Quality Sensor (optional)
The WS-5000 supports one indoor (PM25IN) and one outdoor (PM25) PM2.5 Air Quality sensors. For more
information, please visit:
https://ambientweather.net/product/pm25
5.9 Sensor Placement
It is recommended you mount the remote sensor outside on a north facing wall, in a shaded area, at a height at or above
the receiver. If a north facing wall is not possible, choose a shaded area, under an eve.
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.
1. Use a screw or nail to affix the remote sensor to the wall, as shown in Error! Reference source not found.0.
2. Hang the remote sensor up on string, as shown in Figure 19.
Note: Make sure the sensor is mounted vertically and not lying down on a flat surface. This will insure optimum
reception. Wireless signals are impacted by distance, interference (other weather stations, wireless phones, wireless
routers, TVs and computer monitors), and transmission barriers, such as walls. In general, wireless signals will not
penetrate solid metal and earth (down a hill, for example).

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Figure 19
5.10 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 tablet 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 1,000 feet line of sight (no interference, barriers or walls) but
typically you will get 300 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 tablet 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%

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5.11 Display Tablet
Figure 20
Connect the display tablet power jack toAC power with the power adapter (included), as shown in Figure 21.
Place the sensor array and indoor thermo-hygrometer transmitter about 5 to 10 feet from the display tablet and wait
several minutes for the remote sensors to synchronize with the display tablet.
No
Description
1
Memory card slot for upgrades and backup data
2
USB port for loading the operating system (not required by user)
3
Power jack
4
Reset
Figure 21

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6. Display Tablet Operation
Note: About This Section. The display tablet includes buttons at the bottom with icons signifying the menu
functions. This manual includes “quick menu boxes” as shown below, signifying how to access a setting from home
screen. For example, to access calibration panel, from the home screen, press the Set Key three times to view the
calibration panel.
“Menu box” example. From the home screen, press the Set Key 3 times to view the calibration panel.
6.1 Initial Display Tablet Operation
Connect the display tablet power jack to AC power with the power adapter. The tablet starts to receive from the
indoor and outdoor transmitters, as shown in Figure 22.
Figure 22

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6.2 Home Screen Display
The display tablet home screen layout is shown in Figure 23.
Figure 23
No
Description
No
Description
1
WeatherUnderground.com connection icon
16
Channel indicator
2
AmbientWeather.net connection icon
17
Rain rate, daily, hourly, weekly, monthly and yearly
rain
3
Wi-Fi signal strength icon.
An exclamation point ! indicates the display
is connected to Wi-Fi but not the Internet.
18
Forecast icon based on rate of change of pressure
4
Outdoor SensorArray Low Battery Indicator
19
Barometric pressure (REL or ABS), rate of change
and rate of change arrow
5
Outdoor Sensor Array Signal Quality
20
Max daily wind gust
6
Current, high and low outdoor temperature
21
Moon Phase
7
Outdoor temperature
22
10-minute average wind speed and direction
8
Wind speed, wind gust, current wind
direction (blue arrow), 10-minute average
wind direction (larger gray arrow).
23
UV Index
9
Leak detector status (channels 1-4)
24
Sunrise, sunset, sun arc
10
Soil moisture (channels 1-8)
25
Solar Radiation
11
Current date and time
26
Indoor PM2.5 sensor
12
Lighting detector last strike, last strike time
and strikes per hour
27
Outdoor PM2.5 sensor
13
Indoor, Channel 1-8 humidity
28
Dew Point
14
Indoor, Channel 1-8 temperature
29
Feels Like Temperature
15
Channel scroll mode indicator
30
Lightning icon appears when then Dew Point
exceeds 70 ºF, which signifies conditions may be
possible for lightning storms to form in the area.

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6.3 Display Buttons
Icon
Description
Brightness control key
Press this key to enhance the brightness
Brightness control key
Press this key to decrease the brightness
Backlight on/off key
Press this key to turn on/off the display
Background key
Press this key to choose between dark background display and light background display
Pressure display key
Press this key to choose the display between Absolute pressure and Relative pressure.
Channel key
Press this key to change the display between indoor temperature & humidity, multiple channel
temperature & humidity and scroll mode, where the channels scroll every 5 seconds.
History key
Press this key to enter History Mode
Set key
Press this key to enter Set Mode
6.4 Multi-Chanel and Scroll Mode for Optional Sensors
You can add up to 8 additional thermos-hygrometer sensors (optional, item number WH31).
Press the Channel Button to switch between indoor and Channels 1-8. After the last channel is selected,
press the Channel button one more time to scroll all the sensors every 5 seconds.
Note: For multi-channel sensor data, it will only be fed to ambientweather.net server, and no history data will
be saved in the display tablet.