La Crosse Technology S98642 Owner's manual

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 1
S98642 FAQS
The links below will work in most PDF viewers and link to the topic area by
clicking the link. We recommend Adobe Reader version 10 or greater
available at: http://get.adobe.com/reader
CONTENTS
S98642 FAQS............................................................................................................................ 1
Batteries ................................................................................................................................... 2
A/C Power................................................................................................................................. 3
Weather Station Factory Restart............................................................................................. 3
Outdoor Temperature/Humidity Transmitter.......................................................................... 3
Compatible Outdoor Transmitters........................................................................................... 3
Quick Connect........................................................................................................................ 3
Power requirements ............................................................................................................... 4
Dashes shown for Outdoor Temperature/Humidity................................................................. 4
Outdoor Temperature/Humidity changes constantly............................................................... 4
Inaccurate Outdoor Temperature/Humidity reading................................................................ 4
Intermittent Outdoor Temperature/Humidity............................................................................ 4
Outdoor Temperature/Humidity is stuck or OFL...................................................................... 5
Outdoor transmitter fell and no longer works .......................................................................... 5
Outdoor Transmitter drains batteries quickly .......................................................................... 5
MIN/MAX Temperature readings............................................................................................ 5
Heat Index/Dew Point temperature......................................................................................... 6
Channels................................................................................................................................ 6
Multiple Outdoor Transmitters ................................................................................................ 7
Mounting/Positioning Outdoor Transmitter.............................................................................. 7
Position Weather Station........................................................................................................ 7
Distance/Resistance/Interference........................................................................................... 8
Accuracy................................................................................................................................... 8
Indoor Temperature................................................................................................................ 8
Indoor Humidity...................................................................................................................... 9
Outdoor Temperature............................................................................................................. 9
Outdoor Humidity ................................................................................................................... 9
Barometric Pressure............................................................................................................... 9
Weather Station........................................................................................................................ 9
How tall are the time numbers................................................................................................ 9

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 2
Power requirements ............................................................................................................... 9
Supported times zones........................................................................................................... 9
12-Hour or 24-Hour time format.............................................................................................10
Fahrenheit/Celsius.................................................................................................................10
Backlight goes out.................................................................................................................10
Backlight................................................................................................................................10
Dashes, OFL or stuck indoor Temperature/Humidity.............................................................11
Inaccurate indoor Temperature/Humidity reading..................................................................11
Set time alarm.......................................................................................................................11
Activate/Deactivate time alarm ..............................................................................................11
Snooze Alarm........................................................................................................................11
Time is off by hours...............................................................................................................11
Forecast icons inaccurate......................................................................................................12
Manually Set Time/Date: Program Menu..............................................................................12
No WWVB tower icon............................................................................................................13
USB charge port....................................................................................................................13
Weather Station has missing segments.................................................................................14
Weather Station is dim ..........................................................................................................14
Weather Station has distorted display ...................................................................................14
Weather Station display is frozen ..........................................................................................14
Weather Station is blank: No letters, numbers or dashed lines..............................................15
Weather Station drains batteries quickly................................................................................15
Batteries
Half of all warranty issues can be resolved with fresh batteries of the appropriate voltage.
We suggest name brand alkaline batteries for indoor displays such as Weather Stations.
Use batteries dated at least six years in advance of the current year. Batteries dated earlier
than six years from now may still work, but may be unstable in performance.
Alkaline batteries manufactured this year will have an expiration date 10 years in the future.
Battery technology has improved and batteries will maintain voltage longer in storage.
However, the environment the batteries reside in for the 10 years can deplete the power.
Good name brand batteries make less noise, which reduces the chance of RF (radio
frequency) interference from the battery compartment. A minimum voltage of 1.48V for each
battery is necessary for proper performance.
Outdoor Transmitters: Use Alkaline batteries (or Lithium for temperatures below - 20°F/-
28.8°C)
Weather Stations: (Optional battery use). Use alkaline batteries. Overpowered or
underpowered batteries may cause loss of indoor readings, missing segments, dim display
etc.
Note: When operating the Weather Station on batteries only, the backlight will only appear
for 8 seconds, when you press the SNOOZE/LIGHT button.

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 3
A/C Power
The design of this Weather Station is to use a/c power (5-volt) as primary power source.
When operating with the a/c power cord the backlight can be on continually.
When operating on a/c power, batteries are optional and not required in the Weather
Station.
The backlight will turn off or operate at high or low intensity at your discretion.
IMPORTANT: When operating on a/c power, to avoid interference, the backlight and USB
charging port will turn off while the Weather Station searches for the WWVB signal. The
backlight will return after the 2-10 minute search (which occurs during the late night or early
morning hours). Then the USB charging port will resume working.
Weather Station Factory Restart
FACTORY RESTART:
DISTANCE: Bring the transmitter and Weather Station together inside and place both 5-10
feet apart with nothing between them.
REMOVE POWER: Remove batteries and a/c cord from transmitter and Weather Station.
DISCHARGE ELECTRICITY: Press one of the buttons on the Weather Station at least 20
times to clear all memory. Verify that the Weather Station is blank before proceeding.
UNPOWERED 10 MINUTES: Let the Weather Station and transmitter sit with power
removed for at least 10 minutes.
WEATHER STATION: Insert 5-volt A/C power cord or install fresh alkaline batteries in the
Weather Station.
TRANSMITTER: Insert fresh batteries into the transmitter, observing the correct polarity.
PRESS TX BUTTON: Press the TX button on the back of remote Transmitter to transmit RF
(radio frequency) signal. Keep the transmitter 5-10 feet from the Weather Station.
WAIT: Wait for 5 minutes for the outdoor temperature/humidity to appear.
CONNECTION: When RF (radio frequency) connection is established, the respective
temperature & humidity will appear on the main unit. Allow the transmitter and Weather
Station to sit together for 15 minutes to establish a strong connection.
PLACE TRANSMITTER OUTSIDE: For optimum 433MHz transmission, place the outdoor
transmitter a distance of no more than 200 feet (60 meters, open air) from the Weather
Station.
See the section on mounting and distance/resistance/interference for details on mounting
the outdoor transmitter.
Outdoor Temperature/Humidity Transmitter
Compatible Outdoor Transmitters
A TX14TH-LCD-B outdoor transmitter comes packaged with this Weather Station.
The TX14TH, TX14TH-LCD-G and TX14TH-LCD-B (433MHz) transmitters are compatible
with this Weather Station.
Quick Connect
DISTANCE: Bring the transmitter and Weather Station together inside and have both units
5-10 feet apart with nothing between them.
WEATHER STATION: Hold the CH button on the Weather Station for 5 seconds until the
temperature/humidity area starts to flash.
TRANSMITTER: Remove battery cover and press and release the TX button to send the
signal.
WAIT: Wait for 2 minutes for the outdoor temperature/humidity to appear.
Factory Restart: If the above procedure does not work, please try the factory reset below.

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 4
Power requirements
2-AA batteries power the outdoor transmitter.
We recommend alkaline batteries for the transmitter.
You may choose to use lithium batteries for temperatures below - 20°F/-28.8°C.
Dashes shown for Outdoor Temperature/Humidity
Dashes means the connection is lost between the Weather Station and the outdoor
transmitter.
Batteries often resolve the connection.
Distance/Resistance can cause loss of connection between the transmitter and the Weather
Station.
Reorientation of the Weather Station 90 degrees towards the outdoor transmitter may
provide better reception. This allows more antenna surface to face the transmitter signal.
Try the quick connect or factory restart.
Outdoor Temperature/Humidity changes constantly
The Weather Station can read up to three outdoor transmitters.
Check the channel indicator. If it switches between 1, 2 or 3, your Weather Station is
reading additional transmitters.
The word AUTO will appear below the channel indicator when the Weather Station is set to
channel scroll.
Press and release the CH button to settle on one channel.
Note: When first powered up it is natural for the Weather Station to search across all three
channels for up to 15 minutes for outdoor transmitters.
You may have an additional compatible outdoor transmitter within range.
Occasionally a neighbor will have a compatible outdoor transmitter that is within range.
Inaccurate Outdoor Temperature/Humidity reading
The outdoor transmitter reads the environment. When mounted in the home it will read
inside temperature/humidity.
When the transmitter reads high during the day but not at night it is a positioning problem.
Side-by-side test: Bring the outdoor transmitter in the house and place it next to the
Weather Station for 2 hours.
Compare indoor and outdoor temperature. The temperatures should be within 4 degrees to
be within tolerance. The humidity should be within 10% to be within tolerance. See the
section on accuracy for details.
If the transmitter reads correctly when next to the Weather Station then try a different
location outside.
Look for heat sources such as sunlight, door or window frames, or reflected heat.
Intermittent Outdoor Temperature/Humidity
RF (radio frequency) communication may come and go occasionally. This can be normal in
some environments (e.g. moister climates). If transmitter signal is lost, please wait 2-4 hours
for the signal to reconnect on its own.
Move the outdoor transmitter to a closer location.
Check Channels: Confirm that the channel selected on the outdoor transmitter matches the
channel shown on the Weather Station.

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 5
Freezer test: Confirm the Weather Station is reading the correct outdoor transmitter. Place
the transmitter in the freezer for an hour and watch the temperature drop on the Weather
Station.
Indoor distance test: Please complete the Restart with transmitter and Weather Station 5-
10 feet apart and inside to establish a strong connection.
After 15 minutes if there is a reading in the outdoor temperature area, move the transmitter
to another room with one wall between the transmitter and the Weather Station. Observe to
see if the temperature/humidity remains on consistently for 1-hour.
If the temperature/humidity remains on while in the house then it is likely a
distance/resistance issue. Move the transmitter to different locations outside to find a
location where the temperature/humidity reading will hold.
Distance/Resistance can cause loss of transmitter signal.
Check Batteries.
Outdoor Temperature/Humidity is stuck or OFL
The last outdoor reading may remain (not change) for several hours when connection is lost.
The outdoor temperature/humidity reading will flash when the connection is first lost or
intermittent between the Weather Station and the outdoor transmitter.
Check Batteries. Overpowered or underpowered batteries can cause this reading.
Replace outdoor transmitter.
Outdoor transmitter fell and no longer works
If there is no physical damage to the outdoor transmitter, the fall may not have caused
internal damage.
An outdoor transmitter that has fallen into a puddle or other standing water or snow may
have water damage.
Transmitters are water resistant, not waterproof.
A fall can shock the transmitter or the batteries in the transmitter. Batteries that have fallen
on a hard surface may be damaged and unable to function properly.
Complete a Restart with fresh batteries.
Use Batteries dated at least six years in advance of the current year. Batteries dated earlier
than six years from now may still work, but may be unstable in performance.
Outdoor Transmitter drains batteries quickly
Test a new set of alkaline batteries. Write down the date of installation and the voltage of the
batteries.
When the batteries fail, please note the date and voltage again.
Check the distance and resistance between the transmitter and Weather Station.
Transmitters at the end of the range may work while batteries are fresh but not after they
drain a bit.
Check for leaking batteries, which may damage the transmitter.
Battery life is over 24 months when using reputable battery brands for both Alkaline and
Lithium batteries.
MIN/MAX Temperature readings
This Weather Station will show the daily minimum and maximum temperatures starting at
midnight (12:00 AM).
The Weather Station will automatically reset the min/max temperatures at midnight (12:00
AM).
You can manually reset the MIN/MAX data at any time.

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 6
VIEW MIN/MAX:
MAX: From a normal display press and release the MIN/MAX button once to view maximum
temperature and humidity values for indoor and outdoor data. The word MAX will appear
next to the indoor and outdoor temperature.
MIN: From a normal display press and release the MIN/MAX button once to view minimum
temperature and humidity values for indoor or outdoor data. The word MIN will appear next
to the indoor and outdoor temperature.
MANUAL RESET MIN/MAX: Hold the MIN/MAX button for 5 seconds to reset all indoor and
outdoor minimum and maximum values.
TIP: When using multiple transmitters, use the CH button to view MIN or MAX temperature on
the other channels.
Heat Index/Dew Point temperature
HEAT INDEX:
Heat Index combines the effects of heat and humidity. It is the apparent temperature of how hot
it feels to a human being. As humidity increases, the body is unable to cool effectively. The
temperature will feel warmer.
VIEW HEAT INDEX: From a normal display, press the HEAT/DEW button once and Heat Index
will show instead of the indoor and outdoor ambient temperature.
Note: Heat index will be the same number as the temperature until the temperature is above 80
degrees ° F (26.7° C)
DEW POINT:
Dew point is the saturation point of the air, or the temperature to which the air has to cool in
order to create condensation. The higher the dew points, the higher the moisture content of the
air at a given temperature.
VIEW DEW POINT TEMPERATURE: From a normal display, press the HEAT/DEW button
twice and Dew Point will show instead of the indoor and outdoor ambient temperature. The
words Dew Point will show near the indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Note: Dew Point is lower than the actual temperature.
TIP: When using multiple transmitters, use the CH button to view heat index or dew point
temperature on the other channels.
Channels
The Weather Station will accommodate up to three remote outdoor transmitters. The channel
selection (CH) button on the Weather Station allows you to see the temperature in various
locations: outdoors, baby’s room, greenhouse, basement, etc.
Press and release the CH button to view channel 1, 2 or 3 on the display when multiple
transmitters are used.
Note: You cannot change channels if only one transmitter is connected.
CHANNEL SCROLL- Press and release the CH button until you see the word AUTO appear in
the outdoor data area. The display will automatically rotate through the channels for all
connected transmitters.
Press and release the CH button to lock the display into one channel.
Then view channels individually with a press of the CH button.

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 7
Multiple Outdoor Transmitters
To connect multiple remote transmitters to the Weather Station:
Remove the battery cover from all the transmitters (leave off for setup).
Set the first outdoor transmitter to channel 1 and insert 2-AA batteries.
Set the second outdoor transmitter to channel 2 and insert 2-AA batteries.
Set the third outdoor transmitter to channel 3 and insert 2-AA batteries.
Press and hold CH button on Weather Station until a beep sounds.
The Weather Station will search for all outdoor transmitters.
Press the TX button on the back of each outdoor transmitter to transmit RF (radio frequency)
signal.
When RF (radio frequency) connection is established, the respective temperature & humidity
of the selected channels will appear on the main unit.
Allow the transmitters and the Weather Station to stay 5-10 feet apart for 15 minutes to
establish a solid connection.
Install the battery covers on each sensor.
After 15 minutes, place the remote transmitters in appropriate locations within range of the
display.
Press and release the CH button to view channel 1, 2 or 3 on the display when multiple
transmitters are used.
Mounting/Positioning Outdoor Transmitter
Mount outdoor temperature/humidity transmitters vertically and under a bit of an overhang.
Protect the outdoor transmitter from standing rain or snow, and from the overhead sun,
which can cause it to read incorrectly. Mounting under an eave or deck rail works well.
Construct a small roof or box for the transmitter if you do not have an overhang. Please be
sure it is well vented.
Mount the transmitter on the North side to prevent sun from causing incorrect readings.
Mount at least 6 feet in the air for a strong RF (radio frequency) signal.
Outdoor transmitters are water resistant but not water proof.
Avoid more than 1 wall between the transmitter and the Weather Station.
Do not mount near electrical wires, transmitting antennas or other items that will interfere
with the signal.
RF (radio frequency) signals do not travel well through moisture or dirt.
Place the outdoor transmitter and the Weather Station in the desired shaded locations, and
wait approximately 1-hour before permanently mounting the transmitter to ensure that there
is proper reception.
Do not mount the transmitter on a metal fence. This significantly reduces the effective range.
MOUNT
Choose a location for the transmitter that is within range of the Weather Station and under
an overhang for accuracy.
Install one mounting screw into a wall leaving approximately ½ inch (12.7mm) extended.
Place the transmitter onto the screw, using the hanging hole on the backside.
Gently pull the transmitter down to lock the screw into place.
Note: Always ensure that the transmitter locks onto the screw before releasing.
Position Weather Station
The Weather Station has a wide base to sit on a desk or table.
Place within range of the outdoor transmitter.

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 8
Choose a location 6 feet or more from electronics such as cordless phones, wireless gaming
systems, televisions, microwaves, routers, baby monitors, etc., which can prevent signal
reception.
Be aware of electrical wires and plumbing within a wall. This will interfere with RF (radio
frequency) signal reception.
The maximum transmitting range in open air is 200-feet (60 meters).
Obstacles such as walls, windows, stucco, concrete, and large metal objects can reduce the
range.
For best WWVB reception, orientate the Weather Station with the front of the back facing Ft.
Collins Colorado.
Distance/Resistance/Interference
Distance:
The maximum transmitting range in open air is over 200-feet (60 meters) between the
outdoor transmitter and the Weather Station.
This range is in open air with ideal conditions.
Consider what is in the signal path between the Weather Station and the transmitter.
Consider the distance the Weather Station is located away from other electronic in the
home.
Resistance:
Obstacles such as walls, windows, stucco, concrete, and large metal objects can reduce the
range.
When considering the distance between the transmitter and the Weather Station (200 feet
open air) cut that distance in half for each wall, window, tree, bush or other obstruction in the
signal path.
Closer is better.
Windows reflect the RF (radio frequency) signal.
Metal absorbs the signal and reduces the range.
Stucco is often attached to the wall with a metal mesh that absorbs the signal.
Do not mount the transmitter on a metal fence. This significantly reduces the effective range.
Interference:
Consider items in the signal path between the transmitter and the Weather Station.
Sometime a simple relocation of the transmitter or the Weather Station will correct the
interference issue.
Windows can reflect the radio signal.
Metal will absorb the RF (radio frequency) signal.
Stucco is backed by a metal mesh that holds it to the wall.
Transmitting antennas (ham radio, emergency dispatch center, airports, military base etc.)
Electrical wires (utilities, cable etc.)
Vegetation is full of moisture and reduces signal.
Dirt: Trying to receive a signal through a hill is difficult.
Accuracy
Indoor Temperature
Operating temperature range = 32 F to 122 F (0C to 50C)
Accuracy ± 2 degrees Fahrenheit 32 F to 122 F (0C to 50C)
Resolution = 0.1 degree F

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 9
Indoor Humidity
Operating Temperature Range = 32F to 120F (0C to 50C)
Operating humidity range = 1% RH to 99%
Accuracy +/- 5% RH (@77oF (25oC) , 30%RH to 80%RH)
Accuracy +/- 8% RH (@77oF (25oC) , 20%RH to29%RH & 80%RH to 95%RH)
Accuracy +/-12% RH (@77oF (25oC) , 1%RH to 19%RH & 96%RH to 99%RH)
Resolution = 1 % RH
Outdoor Temperature
Operating temperature range = -40 F to 140F (-40C to 60C)
Accuracy ± 2 degrees Fahrenheit 32 F to 122 F (0C to 50C)
Accuracy ± 4 degrees Fahrenheit -40 F to32 F (-40C to 0C) & 122 F to140 F
(50C to 60C)
Outdoor Humidity
Operating humidity range = 1% RH to 99%
Accuracy +/- 5% RH (@77oF (25oC) , 20%RH to 90%RH)
Accuracy +/- 8% RH (@77oF (25oC) , 20%RH to 30%RH & 80%RH to 95%RH)
Accuracy +/-12% RH (@77oF (25oC) , 1%RH to 19%RH & 96%RH to 99%RH)
Resolution = 1 % RH
Barometric Pressure
Measure range= 800mb to 1100mb 23.62 inHg to 32.48 inHg
Resolution= 1mb
Measuring time interval: every 12 minutes
Weather Station
How tall are the time numbers
The time numbers are 0.79 inches tall.
Power requirements
This Weather Station is powered by a 5 volt a/c power adapter
Alternatively, optional 3-AA alkaline batteries may be used.
Supported times zones
This Weather Station offers seven time zones:
AST=Atlantic
EST= Eastern
CST= Central
MST= Mountain
PST= Pacific
AKT= Alaska
HAT=Hawaiian
The Weather Station is designed to work in North America.

La Crosse Technology, Ltd. Page 10
12-Hour or 24-Hour time format
Display the time in 12-hour or 24-hour format.
Default is 12-hour time.
Use the Program Menu to switch time formats.
Fahrenheit/Celsius
Weather Station: Press and release the -/°C/°F button on the back of the Weather Station
to switch the temperature display from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
Transmitter: Press the °C/°F button on the transmitter to switch the temperature display
between Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Backlight goes out
The backlight will automatically go dark when the Weather Station is searching for a WWVB
time signal.
The backlight will return after the 2-10 minute search.
The WWVB signal search will occur when the Weather Station during setup and
automatically during the late night or early morning hours.
Press and release the LIGHT HI/LO button to be sure the backlight was not on dim.
Hold the LIGHT HI/LO button to be sure the backlight was not off.
Check that the a/c cord is correctly inserted into the Weather Station and outlet. The
backlight will not show constantly on battery power.
Backlight
A/C adapter:
The backlight can show continuously when operating the Weather Station with the 5-volt a/c
adapter.
HIGH: The backlight is defaulted to HI (brightness) when the a/c adapter is in use.
LO: Press and release the LIGHT HI/LO button to dim the brightness of the backlight.
Press and release the LIGHT HI/LO button again to return to full strength (HIGH).
Note: When the Adapter is NOT in use, the High/Low backlight feature is not available.
OFF: Hold the HOLD ON/OFF button for 5 seconds, until the station beeps, to turn the
backlight off to sleep.
ON: Hold the HOLD ON/OFF button again until the station beeps, to turn the backlight on.
The backlight will come on at the same level (high or low) as it was set to when turned off.
Note: When the backlight is off, press any button to activate the backlight for 8 seconds, and
then it will turn off again.
Battery power:
Press and release the SNOOZE/LIGHT button and the backlight will show for 8 seconds, when
operating on batteries only.
IMPORTANT: When operating on a/c power, the backlight and USB charging port will turn off
while the Weather Station searches for the WWVB signal, to avoid interference. The backlight
will return after the 2-10 minute search (which occurs during the late night or early morning
hours). Then the USB charging port will resume working.