La Crosse Technology WS-2811U-IT User manual

WS-2811U-IT
Q: Outdoor temperature shows dashes.
A: Dashes means you have lost connection between the display and the
outdoor sensor. Batteries are the most common problem.
A: Distance/Resistance can cause loss of sensor signal. If possible avoid
having more than 1 wall, window, tree etc., between the display and the
sensor. UV coated windows may actually reflect the signal. Stucco walls
will absorb the signal.
A: You may find it helpful to orient the Display 90 degrees towards the
Thermohygro sensor for better reception.
A: Please, remove the batteries from the Thermohygro sensor for 2 minutes.
Replace the batteries in the Thermohygro sensor and after 5
minutes press and hold the UP ARROW on the display until it beeps. Wait
10 minutes. If you do not receive a reading from all your sensors please
try the factory reset below.
NOTE: It can take several tries to get the Wind and the Rain to connect.
Please install batteries in the Rain and Thermohygro sensors and key the
Wind sensor and allow them to operate in line-of sight of each other
for 2 minutes before powering up the display.
A: Complete a RESTART. It is not necessary to bring the sensors in the
house unless they have never worked.
FACTORY RESTART:
A Factory Reset will erase the connection between the Display and the
Thermo-hygro sensor and allow a fresh connection to be re-established. It
is recommended to have the display and all sensors 5-10 feet apart for
this restart.
ENTER PROGRAM MENU: Press and hold the SET button until
you enter the program menu. Press and release the SET button
until you see 'rES oFF' flashing.
FACTORY RESET ON: Use the ▲UP ARROW key or ▼DOWN
ARROW key to turn rES on.
CONFIRM & COUNTDOWN: Press the SET key to confirm and
a countdown timer will begin counting down from 127. When
the timer displays dOnE, you must remove the batteries from
the display for 10 minutes.

REMOVE BATTERIES FROM THERMOHYGRO AND RAIN:
While the batteries are out of the display, also remove the
batteries from the Thermo-hygro sensor and the Rain sensor.
Wait 15 minutes.
GENTLY KEY THE WIND SENSOR: Gently key the wind
sensor one time to activate the sensor.
INSTALL BATTERIES INTO THERMOHYGO AND RAIN:
Insert fresh alkaline batteries into the Thermohygro sensor and
Rain sensor make sure to check polarity with the markings on
the battery cover and inside the battery compartment. Wait 2
minutes.
INSTALL BATTERIES INTO DISPLAY: Insert fresh alkaline
batteries into the Display. Make sure to check polarity with the
markings inside the battery compartment.
15 MINUTES: Wait 15 minutes for the outdoor weather data to
display. If the outdoor data displays dashes after waiting for 15
minutes, repeat steps the restart.
Q: Intermittent temperature and/or humidity.
A: RF communication may come and go occasionally. This can be normal in
some environments (e.g. moister climates). If a sensor goes out, please
wait 2-4 hours for it to reconnect on it’s own. Please be patience – these
stations can reconnect on after many hours out.
A: RF communication is not always 100% on. Certain temporary conditions
can cause it to go out for a time (e.g. 100% humidity).
If a miss happens:
The units try for 20 minutes to reconnect.
After 20 minutes the thermo-hygro stops trying for an hour (to preserve
battery life).
After the 1-hour break, the thermo-hygro sensor will start another 20-
minute re-connect cycle.
A: Distance/Resistance can cause loss of sensor signal. If possible avoid
having more than 1 wall, window, tree etc., between the display and the

sensor. UV coated windows may actually reflect the signal. Stucco walls
will absorb the signal.
A: Check batteries. This is our primary warranty issue.
Q: Outdoor Temperature shows OFL (outside factory limits).
A: Check batteries. This is our primary warranty issue. Over powered or
underpowered batteries can cause this reading.
A: Replace sensor
Q: Outdoor temperature and/or humidity is inaccurate.
A: Side-by-side test. Bring the sensor in the house and place it next to the
display for 2 hours. Compare indoor and outdoor temperature and
humidity. The temperatures should be within 4 degrees to be considered
within tolerance. The humidity should be within 14% to be considered
within tolerance.
A: If the sensor reads correctly while next to the display then try a different
location outside. Look for heat sources such as sunlight, door or window
frames, or reflected heat.
WIND:
Q: Wind Cups spinning slow or not spinning.
A: Check for debris or ice in cups.
A: Be sure cups are mounted below mast.
A: Check mounting location to be sure the wind is not being blocked from
reaching sensor. The pole the mast is mounted on should not be more
than 1 ¼ inch thick. In most cases, the sensor needs to be 4-6ft above
the highest point on your roof in order to clear nearby obstructions and
read accurately. A 50 –foot clearance in all directions is best.
A: Push up firmly on the center of the cups to reseat them. Occasionally they
drop a bit.

Q: Wind cups or directional vane are broken.
A: Replace the wind directional vane:
Gently remove the piece of plastic in the top center of the vane to reveal
the screw that holds the vane to the sensor.
Remove the screw.
Gently pull the vane straight up and off of the sensor.
Carefully place the new vane on the sensor; notice the groove to seat it
properly.
Insert screw through the vane to the sensor and tighten properly.
NOTE: do not over tighten.
Complete a restart to connect sensor to the display.
A: Replace wind cups.
In the bottom center of the wind cups is a plastic lock pin. Gently pry the
lock pin out of the wind cups.
Firmly grasp the wind cups and pull straight off the sensor.
Check to be sure that you have a metal magnet in the wind cups.
Check to be sure you have a metal bearing in the wind cups or on the
stem of the sensor where the cups attach.
Look at your new wind cups and be sure there is a bearing and magnet in
place.
Install the cups onto the wind sensor and press firmly.
Insert a new lock pin into the cups and push firmly until the lock pin is flush
with the bottom of the cups.
Complete a restart to connect with the display.
Q: Wind direction is working Wind speed is 0.00.
A: Check that your wind cups are still attached to the sensors. Occasionally
they can come off.
Q: Wind reading is dashes or intermittent
A: RF interference is normal; the occasional outage is possible.
A: Check for sources of RF interference such as Ham radio or electric
transformers nearby. In the house look to see if the Display is near a
cordless phone or wireless router etc.
A: Check the environment is checked for unusual moist/humid conditions (it
is a known fact that 'moist' reduces RF signal in electronics).

A: Check that the wind sensor is receiving plenty of sunlight. You can bring it
in and place under a lamp for 24-hours if needed.
A: Distance/Resistance can cause loss of sensor signal. If possible avoid
having more than 1 wall, window, tree etc., between the display and the
Thermohygro sensor. UV coated windows may actually reflect the signal.
A: Try relocating the Wind sensor closer to the Thermohygro sensor. Ideally
the Wind and TH sensor should be on the same side of the building and in
line-of-sight of each other.
A: Mounting on a metal or white PVC pole may cause RF interference or
static.
A: Please note if there are certain times of the day or night that you lose
signal. Details are helpful in resolving the problem.
Q: Wind sensor reads OFL:
A: Place wind sensor under a light source for 24-hours.
A: Please note if there are certain times of the day or night this occurs.
A: Check the solar panel for damage of breakdown.
Q: Wind area on the display shows blank (not dashes or numbers):
A: Check that other areas of the display read properly. You may have a
problem with the Display.
Q: Wind speed is inaccurate:
A: Check your unit of measure (MPH, KMH, or M/S).
A: How far away is the recording station you are using to compare wind
speed. Wind speed can be different in just a few feet.
A: Check to see if you receive the same repetitive wind speed from
the sensor multiple times.
A: Check to confirm the direction is working correctly.
A: Mounting on a metal or white PVC pole may cause RF interference or
static and inaccurate readings.

A: Check that the cups turn freely. Check for insects or debris
preventing free movement.
A: Be sure the cups are mounted below the mast.
A: Check that the cups have not dropped. Push up firmly in the center of the
cups to seat properly.
A: Be sure the Wind sensor solar panel is receiving plenty of light. The wind
sensor should be facing south.
A: Check the location of your sensor mounting and the surrounding area for
obstructions. In most cases, the sensor needs to be 4-6ft above the
highest point on your roof in order to clear nearby obstructions and read
accurately. A 50 –foot clearance in all directions is best.
A: It is helpful to send pictures if you need to contact customer support.
Q: Wind direction is dashes:
A: If the speed is working then your wind sensor is bad.
Q: Wind direction is incorrect:
A: Check that the mast and pole is on the North side of the Wind Sensor.
A: Check to see if the direction is sticking in a certain direction. What
direction?
A: Check to see if the direction only sticks at certain times of the day/night.
Please note the times.
A: Be sure the Wind sensor solar panel is receiving plenty of light. The wind
sensor should be facing south.
A: Check that the speed is reading correctly.
Q: Wind sensor frozen: Freezing rain and wet snow can clog the wind
sensor and prevent it from reading speed or temperature.
A: Bring the sensor in the house for 2-3 days. The sensor will need to thaw
out and dry out for prevent refreezing.
A: The wind sensor will need to have 40-degree temperatures for 3 days to
thaw and dry if mounted.

A: The wind sensor does not often freeze as it is always moving.
RAIN:
Q: What is 1-hour, 24-hour, weekly, monthly and total rain?
A: The 1-hour and 24-hour rain is recorded in real time with a short delay. As
the rain stops falling the 1-hour and 24-hour rainfall totals will slowly count
backwards to zero. You cannot reset the 1-hour and the 24-hour rain.
A: The 1-hour rain reflects rain that has fallen from current time and
back 1-hour. This is not a midnight to midnight or 7 to 7 system.
A: The 24-hour rain reflects the rain that has fallen from current time
and back 24-hours. This is not a midnight to midnight or 7 to 7
system.
A: Weekly rain reflects the rain that has fallen from 12AM Monday through
11:59PM Sunday of the previous week. This will always be a week
behind and update 12AM Mondays. It is important that Time and Date are
set on your station.
A: Monthly rain reflects the previous month’s rain and will update 12AM the
first day of the month. It is important that Time and Date are set on your
station.
A: Total rain will remain until you manually reset this value. Total rain reflects
the rain from time of set-up until you reset the total rain.
Q: View 1-hour, 24-hour weekly, monthly or total rain.
A: Press the ▼DOWN ARROW to select the rainfall value to display.
Q: Set Rain Alarms:
A: In either Mode 1 or Mode 2 display, press and release the MIN/MAX
button until the display shows the total rainfall value.
To reset the rainfall reading, press the ▲UP ARROW button. The total
rainfall amount will be reset to 0, and the time updated to current time.
NOTE: Until the first rainfall total reset is performed, the time and date of
the total rainfall are displayed as "- - -.--.----". After the rainfall total is reset,
the rainfall total display will indicate the date and time of the last rainfall
total reset.
Q: Rain count is not accurate.

A: PLEASE CHECK YOUR SOFTWARE VERSION:
You should be using version 1.3 software for the WS-2811U-IT
A: Check that your unit of measure (inches or mm) is correct.
A: Complete a Manual Tip Test and a Water Tip Test and compare them:
Manual Tip test: Write down the Total Rain reading or reset the Rain
Total to 0.00. Use the eraser end of a pencil to manually tip the rocker of
the rain sensor 10 times (five each way). Wait at least 30 minutes for all
the rain to collect.
Water Tip Test: Write down the Total Rain reading or reset the Rain Total
to 0.00. With Rain Gauge mounted slowly pour water into the funnel to tip
the rocker of the rain sensor 10 times (five each way). Wait at least 30
minutes for all the rain to collect.
A: Compare these tests. 10 tips equal .20. If they still read high then
contact support.
A: If the tests read low, dismount the rain gauge and re test. One of
the most common problems with low rain is that the gauge is
mounted too tight.
A: Check that the pin the rocker tips on is pushed in all the way and
that the rocker tips freely.
A: Check the funnel and inside of Rain Gauge for insect nests or debris that
may cause lack of motion.
A: Check for sources of RF interference such as Ham radio electric
Transformers, or other rain gauges nearby. In the house look to see if the
Display is near a cordless phone or wireless router etc.
Q: Where to mount sensors:
A: Please test all sensors in the house before mounting. Tip the rain gauge;
blow on the wind sensor to be sure everything reads properly. Be sure to
allow the sensors to run for 2 minutes before installing batteries into the
display.
WIND SENSOR:
A: WIND: Place the Wind sensor as high as you can install it. In most cases
4-6 ft above the peak of your roof (or more) is required for accurate

readings. (Avoid tall trees or other obstructions that may block or reflect
the wind). A 50 –foot clearance in all directions is best. For more
information on wind speed and obstructions, check this site:
http://www.talentfactory.dk/en/tour/wres/obst.htm.
A: Wind cups should be below the mast.
A: Ideally the Wind sensor should have a direct line of sight to the
Thermohygro sensor.
A: DIRECTION: Please note the proper Direction when mounting. The wind
sensor has N,S, E, W indications on the barrel. The solar panel should be
facing South for best light.
A: NOTE:Be sure not to overtighten the U bolts to mast, as the mast may
crack .
A: AVOID: Transmitting antennas, using PVC pipe (unless electrical grade),
and other sources of interference.
NOTE: most recording stations have sensors mounted 33 ft up or higher.
RAIN GAUGE:
A: RAIN: Install the Rain gauge on a level platform that is stationary. If the
gauge isn't level it will read low, and it it isn't stationary wind will cause it to
read rain that isn't falling.
A: Ideally the Rain sensor should have a direct line of sight to the
Thermohygro sensor.
A: On the bottom of the sensor there are 4 screw holes that can be used to
mount the gauge. First remove the cover. Push down and twist counter
clockwise, then pull the cover off. This will give you access to the screw
holes.
A: NOTE: Be sure not to screw the rain sensor down too tightly as that will
result in a low or inaccurate reading. It works best to use only 1 screw
that is just snug not tight.
A: Place the Rain gauge 2-3ft (or more) above the ground. This will prevent
dirt from clogging the gauge.
A: NOTE: You may need to periodically clear debris such as leaves, spider
nests etc from the rain gauge, so be sure it is accessable.

A: AVOID: Transmitting antennas, using PVC pipe (unless electrical grade),
and other sources of interference.
THERMOHYGRO SENSOR:
A: THERMOHYGRO: Place the Outdoor sensor vertically, in a well-shaded
area that is protected from direct rainfall and sun.The sensor will read high
if exposed to the sun. If the sensor gets too wet it will not read accurate
humidity. Light incidental exposure to water typically will not harm the
sensor.
A: If possible avoid having more than 1 wall, window, tree etc between the
Display and the Thermohygro sensor. UV coated windows may actually
reflect the signal causing loss of contact.
A: A good location is under the eaves on the north side of the house. You
can also build a small roof or box for it if you do not have an overhang.
Please be sure it is well vented.
A: Ideally the Wind & Rain sensors should have a direct line of sight to the
Thermohygro sensor. It is important that all sensors are on the same side
of the house.
A: It is best to mount the sensor with screws as tape can fail causing the
sensor to fall. Tape is great for positioning until you determine the best
location for your sensor to maintain contact with the display.
A: NOTE: Do not place sensor in a plastic bag.
Display
Q: Program Menu
A: There are 5 function keys located on the unit: SET, UP ARROW, DOWN
ARROW, ALARM, and MIN/MAX. You begin by pressing and holding the SET
button until the display flashes. When you press and release the SET button
after each step, you will be moved to the next step.
CONTRAST: Press and hold the SET button. LCD and a number from 1-8
will be flashing. To adjust the Contrast of the LCD display press and
release the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW button. Press and release the
SET button.
HOUR: The Hour will now be flashing. Press and release the UP ARROW
or DOWN ARROW button until the correct Hour is shown. WATCH the
AM/PM.

NOTE: When in the 12h mode, there is only a 'PM' display, which appears
under the word TIME. During the 'AM' hours this area will be blank. When
the correct hour is shown, press and release the SET button once.
MINUTES: The Minutes will now be flashing. Press and release the UP
ARROW or DOWN ARROW button until the correct Minutes are
displayed. Press and release the SET button once.
12/24-HOUR TIME: A 12h or 24h will be flashing. To change between 12h
and 24h, press and release the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW button.
When your choice is shown on the display, press and release the SET
button once.
NOTE: When in 24-hour time the Date will display Day first, then Month.
YEAR: The Year will be flashing. Press and release the UP ARROW or
DOWN ARROW button until you have set the correct Year. Press and
release the SET button.
MONTH: The Month will be flashing. Press and release the UP ARROW
or DOWN ARROW button until you have set correct Month. Press and
release the SET button.
DATE: The Date will be flashing. Press and release the UP ARROW or
DOWN ARROW button until you have set the correct Date. Press and
release the SET button.
FAHRENHEIT/CELSIUS: Degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius will now be
flashing in the Wind chill, Indoor and Outdoor temperature areas. Press
and release the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW button to change
between Fahrenheit and Celsius When your choice is shown on the
display, press and release the SET button once.
WIND SPEED UNIT: Wind Speed units will now be flashing. Press and
release the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW button to select from mph,
m/s, knots, Beaufort, or km/h. When your choice is shown on the display,
press and release the SET button once.
RAIN UNIT: Rainfall Inches or Millimeters will now be flashing. Press and
release the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW button to select in or mm.
When your choice is shown on the display, press and release the SET
button once.
PRESSURE UNIT: The Air Pressure units (inHg or hPa) will now be
flashing. Press the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW button to select inHg
or hPa. The Default setting is inHg. Press and release the SET button.
RELATIVE PRESSURE SETTING: The Relative Air Pressure will be
flashing. Press the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW button to adjust the
Relative Air Pressure.
NOTE: Refer to your local weather station for an appropriate setting. It is
important that this setting be adjusted for local conditions to ensure
forecast accuracy. Press and release the SET button.
FORECAST SENSITIVITY: Now the Forecast Sensitivity will be flashing.
The default setting of .09 works well in most areas of the country, however
in areas with relatively constant pressure this should be set to .06, (within
30 miles of the coast) and in areas with significant pressure changes this

should be set to 0.12 (within 30 miles of the desert). Press the UP
ARROW or DOWN ARROW key to adjust. Press and release the SET
button.
STORM ALARM SENSITITY: The Storm Alarm Sensitivity will now be
flashing. The default setting of .15 works well in most areas, however you
may need to adjust this level up or down depending on local conditions.
Use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW button to adjust then press and
release the SET button.
STORM ALARM: AON or AOFF will be flashing. This will turn the Storm
Alarm ON and Storm Alarm OFF. Use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW
button to toggle the Storm Alarm ON and OFF, then press and release the
SET button.
WIND DIRECTION DISPLAY: The Dash in the Wind Compass will be
flashing. Use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW button to select the
Wind Direction to be displayed in degrees (dash) or letters NNW. Press
and release the SET button.
FACTORY RESET: Res off will be displayed. Use the UP ARROW or
DOWN ARROW button to select on if you wish to Factory Reset the
Weather Center. If you do not wish to restart the weather center, be sure
the Res off is showing and press and release the SET button to complete
the program menu.
NOTE: To Factory Reset the weather center, select Res on and press the
SET button to confirm. The station will begin to count down numbers in the
date area. When it is complete it will say Done. The remove the batteries
and follow the Restart up procedure.
Q: Change modes of the display.
A: MODES: Press and release SET button to toggle between the display of
Mode 1 or Mode 2:
Mode 1: Wind Speed
Outdoor Temperature
24 hr. Pressure History Graph
Mode 2: Wind Gust
Dew Point Temperature
72 hr. Pressure History Graph

Q: Alarms.
A: The following 13 Weather Alarms can be adjusted in ALARM setting
mode: High and Low pressure alarms
High and Low indoor temperature alarms
High and Low indoor humidity alarms
High and Low outdoor temperature alarms
High and Low outdoor humidity alarms
High wind gust alarm
Wind direction alarm
Rainfall amount in 24-hour period alarm
A: SET ALARMS
1-In the normal display mode, press and release the ALARM key until you
see the value you wish to set an alarm for:
High or Low Pressure alarms
High or Low Indoor Temperature alarms
High or Low Indoor Humidity alarms
High or Low Outdoor Temperature alarms
High or Low Outdoor Humidity alarms
High Wind Gust alarm
Wind Direction alarm
Rainfall amount in 24-hour period alarm.
2-Press and hold the SET button for 2 seconds and you will see the
selected value flashing. Press and release the ▲UP ARROW key or
▼DOWN ARROW key to set the alarm value.
NOTE: Hold the arrow key in to change the value faster.
3-Press the ALARM key to confirm the setting. The digit will stop flashing.
Repeat these steps with each alarm value you wish to set.
A: ACTIVATE/DEACTIVATE ALARM:
Press the SET button to switch the Alarm On or Off. The ((()))icon
indicates the alarm is switched on.
When you press the SET button the ((()))icon should disappear and that
alarm is off.

Q: Min/Max readings.
A: The weather station will record the maximum and minimum value of the
various weather data with time and date of recording automatically. The
following stored maximum and minimum weather data can be viewed by
pressing the MIN/MAX key in normal display mode.
MIN/MAX Indoor Temperature
MIN/MAX Indoor Humidity
MIN/MAX Outdoor Temperature
MIN/MAX Dew Point Temperature
MIN/MAX Outdoor Humidity
MAX Wind Gust
Total Rainfall
A: Reset the MIN/MAX weather data: To reset the MIN/MAX weather data,
you need to reset each of the values independently.
Press and release the MIN/MAX button to show the desired weather data.
Press ▲UP ARROW button. The stored value will be reset to the current
value and current time.
A: Reset Total Rainfall:
The Total Rainfall measurement is displayed shows the total rainfall
accumulated since last reset of the total rainfall amount.
Press and release the MIN/MAX button until the display shows the Total
Rainfall value.
To reset the rainfall reading, press the ▲UP ARROW button. The total
rainfall amount will be reset to 0, and the time updated to current time.
NOTE: Until the first rainfall total reset is performed, the time and date of
the total rainfall are displayed as '- - -.--.----'. After the rainfall total is reset,
the rainfall total display will indicate the date and time of the last rainfall
total reset.
Q: Pressure reads incorrect.
A: Enter the program menu to select the pressure unit of measure (inHg is
common in the USA) and set the actual Relative Pressure numbers on the
display. You can set it to a known value from your local reporting station.
Q: Pressure shows dashes or OFL.

A: This is generally a power related issue that is easily resolved.
Enter the Program menu and go to rES OFF. Use the UP ARROW or
DOWN ARROW button to select ON and the display will start a 2-minute
count down. Remove the batteries from the display for a period of 1-hour.
Press any button 20 times with power removed.
Remove the batteries from the TH sensor and Rain gauge as well.
After 1-hour, install batteries into the Rain gauge, then into the TH sensor
and let then sit for 2-minutes. Then install fresh alkaline batteries into the
display and let it search for the sensors for 15-minutes.
WS-2811U-IT Heavy Weather PC issues
Q: Software download errors.
A: Make sure you enter the correct URL in your browser search window. The
WS-2811U-IT Series software is located at:
http://www.lacrossetechnology.com/2811/index.php
Then scroll about halfway down the page to the link that reads:
Download the PC software: Heavy Weather Pro 2800 version 1.5.
(Note: The date on the download may change if a more current version
is posted.)
On Internet Explorer, you should be presented with a box titled “File
Download – Security Warning”. Press the Save button in the window
and follow directions on the screen.
If Save is non-responsive, or makes reference to binary file types, etc.
– you may have another application conflicting with the download.
Some software applications try to auto-detect downloads to process
them for you (e.g. anti-virus, anti-spyware, photo album). Note: The
download is straight http – there are no ftp file types to set.
Check your browser for Add-Ons that may conflict with the download
(these may have been installed by other applications and can be
temporarily disabled). In IE8 you can select Tools|Manage Add-ons.
For other browsers, consult your browser Help.
If you already installed more than one browser, on occasion two
browsers conflict. Try uninstalling one browser.
If you have only one browser installed, try an alternate browser. We
suggest you try one alternate! Unless you are technically experienced,
your operating system is best limited to it’s default browser (i.e. IE7 or
IE8 on Windows) and one alternative. Viable alternatives are:

a. Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ie.html
b. Chrome: http://www.google.com/chrome
c. Opera: http://www.opera.com/
d. Safari: http://www.apple.com/safari/
A: If the above steps do not resolve the problem, then you will need to take a
USB drive to another PC, download and save the file there. The file is too
large to email and it is not cost-effective to ship CDs. Please make sure
both locations have appropriate anti-virus software to protect you in
carrying the software across locations.
Q: Sync USB stick to display.
A: DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE: Please download the Heavy Weather 2800
software from website http://www.lacrossetechnology.com/2811/.
A: INSTALL USB DEVICE: Install the USB communication device; simply
plug it into any available USB port on the computer where you have
installed the Heavy Weather Pro software application.
No driver installation is necessary because the USB device is self-
registering. Once the Heavy Weather Pro software is installed and
synchronized, it will automatically connect to the USB device.
A: NOTE: Although the USB communication device can be installed on any
USB port connected to your computer, using a non-powered USB hub or
extension cable increases the chance for interruptions between the USB
communication device and your computer. Where obstructions are an
issue, a good quality 6ft USB extension cable can be used if it is directly
connected to either a powered hub or a port on the computer itself.
A: For best performance, we recommend that the USB device be connected
to a USB port directly on your computer. An externally powered USB hub
can be used, but avoid using a self powered USB hub or extension
cable longer than 6ft.These USB extension devices cannot generate
sufficient power to maintain ongoing communication.
A: SYNCHRONIZE: Synchronize the Weather Station to the software: Press
and hold the DOWN ARROW until the station beeps. Click the
Synchronize button on the software. The weather station will display
‘SCn-PC’ while trying to connect. Once connected you will see PC on the
display. Wait a moment to see the software “come active” with current
data.
Q: TROUBLESHOOTING:

A: Error: Weather Station cannot be found.
Repeat the synchronization process, we need to put both the weather
station and the software into synch mode again. To do this press the down
arrow on the display, then click the Synchronize button on the
‘Synchronize message box (on the software).
A: Error: Please start the WV5 Communications Service to receive date from
your weather Station.
START WV5 SERVICE:
Go to START, CONTROL PANEL, ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS,
SERVICES (not Component Services).
Scroll down and look for WV5 Communication.
If it is not “started” please 'START' the service.
If it is “started” please “STOP” the service and “RESTART” the service.
(upper left of screen)
Go to the software and select EXTRAS, then RESYNCHRONIZE and
press an hold the DOWN ARROW on the display the press the
SYNCHRONIZE button on the software.
Q: Lose sync with display.
A: Move the display closer to the USB stick. Avoid placing display near
cordless phone or wireless router which may cause interference.
A: Go to the software and select EXTRAS, then RESYNCHRONIZE and
press an hold the DOWN ARROW on the display the press the
SYNCHRONIZE button on the software.
Q: High rain readings in software.
A: PLEASE CHECK YOUR SOFTWARE VERSION:
You should be using version 1.3 software for the WS-2811U-IT
A: Spikes in your rain reading on the computer can be caused be radio
frequency interference or loss of signal while connected to the computer.
A: When your weather station is connected to the computer while loss of
signal from the sensors, or a restart occurs, there can be a spike in rainfall

on the computer history file, (Often 70-80 inches). This can also occur
during loss of power or connection during a storm. Please close the Heavy
Weather first when resetting the weather station and transmitter.
Q: How to delete history data.
A: You can delete individual lines of history data (dataset) or delete an entire
history file.
Delete Datasets:
To delete a dataset, make sure you have the Current Weather window
displayed. Then Select the Data tab in the lower left corner of the
Weather/Data window.
Warning: Double check that you are on the correct history.dat file before
you begin deleting any data.
Note: You can also delete records from a history file by highlighting them
and hitting the DELETE key on your keyboard.
Delete History File:
History.dat: This original filename contains the accumulated uploads of
data from the display. Since the display’s storage limit is 1,750 records,
history.dat can aggregate uploads over a long time.
To delete a complete history file, find the appropriate file on your
computer. RIGHT-CLICK the History File Name and select DELETE. See
below to find the history file on your operating system.
•Windows XP: Open My Computer, then click on Drive C: (or the
appropriate drive on which your operating system is installed).
Select Documents and Settings and open the folder with your <user
name>. Select My Documents and open the HeavyWeather folder.
All history.dat files are stored in the History folder.
•Vista: Open Computer, then click on Drive C: (or the appropriate
drive on which your operating system is installed). Select Users and
open the folder with your <user name>. Select the Documents
folder and open the HeavyWeather folder. All history.dat files are
stored in the History folder.
•Windows 7: Open Computer, then click on Drive C: (or the
appropriate drive on which your operating system is installed).
Select Users and open the folder with your <user name>. Select

the My Documents folder and open the HeavyWeather folder. All
history.dat files are stored in the History folder.
NOTE: Downloading the history to the computer does not
remove it from the display unit. The display unit will keep all
data and overwrite the older data over time.
NOTE: You can also create a new history file by using the
application menu options. Go to Extras, options, and click
the square button at the end of Recording History file. Type
a new filename and click ok.
NOTE: Smaller files are easier to manage and less prone to
risk; therefore most users make a new history.dat file on
some convenient regular basis (e.g. annually).
Q: Exporting the Heavy Weather data file to MS Excel.
A: To import into Excel:
In Heavy Weather Pro, Double-click the history file name that you wish to
export, from the left hand column. (If you do not have a list in the left, click
View, History Files).
Go to FILE and select EXPORT AS TEXT. Create a file name in the pop
up box. Please note the location of this file. Ex. C:\Program
Files\HeavyWeather\January.
Open Excel. Select File, Open. When the open box appears, on the
bottom under FILES OF TYPE select TEXT FILES.
On the top where it says LOOK IN, select the file location. Ex. C:\Program
Files\HeavyWeather
With the Heavy Weather folder open, you should see the text file you just
created (January).
Select that file and a 3-step Wizard will appear. On the first screen
choose DELIMITED. Then select ‘Next’.
On the second screen under Delimiters select SEMICOLON.
Click ‘Next’, and the last box will appear. No need to change anything
unless you would like the date formatted differently. Click finish. Your data
should appear in Excel. You may need to adjust the cell width.

Q: Windows 7
A: Driver problems can interfere with the WV5 Communication service load
and corrupt it, especially on Windows 7 64-bit. You may need to uninstall
and re-install the 2812 Heavy Weather software after updating your
computer’s drivers. If you have an error in the uninstall, simply reboot the
PC before the re-install step. This releases the corrupt service from the
system services.
A: Note: Inadequate video drivers in particular tend to be documented on
trouble-shooting sites as the most common problem.
Q: Data Storage:
A: Your WS-2811U-IT display station will record up to 1750 data sets that
can be downloaded to your computer. This station will not “empty” when
data is downloaded. The station will continue to record and overwrite the
oldest data.
Q: Will my Heavy Weather Pro software work on a Mac operating
system?
A: We do not support the Mac for the 2800 software, including Windows
running in emulation mode on a Mac.
We have not performed testing on a Mac, including the Windows
emulation mode.
Even when you are running “Windows”, in that state it is just a simulation
of Windows, as opposed to the complete operating system. Additionally, it
is still running on Mac hardware. There may be differences related to
drivers, etc. that prevent connection.
You may want to look at Weather display (weather-display.com) a 3rd
party software program that operates with many of our weather stations.
They offer a 30-day free trial.
Q: Compatible 3rd party programs. La Crosse Technology cannot
trouble shoot a 3rd party program.
Weather Display http://www.weather-display.com/index.php. Is a
3rd party program compatible with the WS-2811U-IT (via the
currdat.lst file updated by Heavy Weather Pro software)
Weather Underground Heavy Weather uploader (WUHU)
http://home.comcast.net/~wuhu_software/. This is a 3rd party
program that works with the WS-2811U-IT by uploading the Heavy
Weather Pro currdat.lst file to Weather Underground and CWOP.