La Crosse Technology WS-2811U-IT User manual

WS-2811U-IT
Wireless Professional
Weather Center
Operations Manual
Revision: 10

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………….……………...2
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………….………….5
INVENTORY OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………………..…6
FEATURES……………………………………………………………………………….………………....7
Wireless display……………………………………………………………….………………...7
Thermo-hygro sensor………………………………………………………….…………….…7
Wind sensor……………………………………………………………………………………...8
Rain Sensor………………………………………………………………………….………...…8
SET UP………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
MOUNTING AND PLACEMENT OF THE SENSORS AND WIRELESS DISPLAY…………………..…9
Wind sensor…………………………………………………………………………………….10
Rain sensor………………………………………………………………………………..……10
Thermo-hygro sensor………………………………………………………………...……….11
Display and Heavy Weather Pro PC software…………………………………..………11
FUNCTION KEYS…………………………………………………………………………………….…..11
SET key…………………………………………………………………………..………………11
▲UP ARROW key……………………………………………………………………………...12
▼DOWN ARROW key………………………………………………………………...………12
ALARM Key…………………………………………………………….……………………….12
MIN/MAX key………………………………………………………………..…………………12
Mode 1 display…………………………………………………………………………….….12
Mode 2 display………………………………………………………………………….…….13
Date or seconds display mode…………………………………………………………….13
LCD SCREEN……………………………………………………………………………………...……..13
MANUAL SETTINGS………………………………………………………………………………….….14
LCD contrast………………………………………………………………………………..…14
Manual Time………………………………………………………………………………..….14
12/24-hour time……………………………………………………………………..…………15
Date………………………………………………………………………………….………….15
°F/°C temperature unit……………………………………………………………..………..15
Wind speed unit……………………………………………………………………….………16
Rainfall unit…………………………………………………………………………….……….16
Relative air pressure unit……………………………………………………………….……16
Relative pressure reference value………………………………………………….……..16
Weather tendency sensitivity…………………………………………………………..…..17
Storm warning threshold value……………………………………………………………..17
Storm Alarm on (AON) or off (AOFF)……………………………………………………...17
Wind direction display type………………………………………………………….……..18
Factory reset process……………………………………………………………………..….18
Exit manual set mode………………………………………………………………..………19
WEATHER ALARM OPERATIONS……………………………………………………………………..20

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The following Weather Alarms can be adjusted in ALARM set mode…………..…20
Default Weather Alarm values………………………………………………………..……20
Pressure Alarms………………………………………………………………………….…….21
Indoor Temperature Alarms……………………………………………………………..….21
Indoor Humidity Alarms……………………………………………………………….……..22
Outdoor Temperature Alarms……………………………………………………….……..22
Outdoor Humidity Alarms……………………………………………………………….…..23
Wind Gust Alarm……………………………………………………………………….……..23
Wind Direction Alarm…………………………………………………………………….… 24
24-hour Rainfall Alarm…………………………………………………………………….….24
HYSTERESIS……………………………………………………………………………………….………25
WEATHER FORECAST AND WEATHER TENDENCY INDICATORS……………………….………..25
Weather Forecast Icons……………………………………………………………………..25
Weather Tendency Indicator………………………………………………………………26
AIR PRESSURE HISTORY GRAPH………………………………………………………………………27
WIND DIRECTION AND WIND SPEED MEASUREMENT…………………………………………….28
RAINFALL MEASUREMENT……………………………………………………………………………..28
VIEW THE MIN/MAX WEATHER DATA…………………………………………………………...…..29
Reset the MIN/MAX weather data…………………………………………………..……29
Reset Total Rainfall………………………………………………………………………..…..29
CARE AND MAINTENANCE……………………………………………………………………...…...30
SPECIFICATIONS………………………………………………………………………………………..30
Indoor temperature…………………………………………………………………………..30
Indoor humidity………………………………………………………………………………..30
Outdoor temperature/dew point…………………………………………………………31
Outdoor humidity…………………………………………………………………..…………31
Wind speed/gust…………………………………………………………………………..….31
Wind chill………………………………………………………………………………………..31
Rainfall…………………………………………………………………………………………..32
Outdoor Data Reception…………………………………………………………………...32
Air Pressure………………………………………………………………………………….….32
Transmission range……………………………………………………………………………32
Power consumption…………………………………………………………………...……..33
Weather Center………………………………………………………………..…….33
Thermohygro transmitter……………………………………………………..……..33
Rain sensor……………………………………………………………………….……33
Wind sensor……………………………………………………………………………33
Battery life……………………………………………………………………..………33
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER…………………………………………………………………………...……..34
FCC STATEMENT…………………………………………………………………………………..……34
WARRANTY………………………………………………………………………………………….…..36
INTRODUCTION

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ongratulations on purchasing this state-of-the-art weather station. Featuring time, date,
weather forecast, wind gust and wind speed, indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity, air
pressure and rainfall, this weather station will provide various weather information and
weather forecasts.
Heavy Weather Pro software allows you to use a PC to monitor and record weather data
received from the La Crosse Technology® wireless weather station via a proprietary USB device
that was provided with the 2800 series weather station.
Monitor and record a variety of data collected by the weather station including both indoor and
external values sampled by the various weather station sensors.
Review weather history data, and analyze trends and tendencies over time using the software's
charts and graphing features, or export the data to a text file.
Read the Release Notes to verify the correct and most current software version and download
the free Heavy Weather Pro PC software at:
http://www.lacrossetechnology.com/support/software.php
C

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INVENTORY OF CONTENTS
Carefully open the package and check that the following contents are complete:
Wind Sensor
TX63U-IT
Rain Sensor
TX58UN-IT
Thermo-Hygro
Sensor
TX59UN-1-IT
Wireless Display
WS-2811U-IT
USB Transceiver
USBTRX-10
Mast holder
Right angle
adaptor
1 x U-bolts
2 Washers + 2
Nuts
Plastic Reset Rod
Contains solar
rechargeable
alkaline power
cells. (not
replaceable)
Base sensor,
funnel top
cover and
battery cover
(pre-
assembled)
Requires 2-
AA alkaline
batteries (not
included)
Airflow cover
Wall mount
adapter
Mounting
screws
Plastic anchors
for screws
Requires 2-“C”
alkaline
batteries (not
included)
Foldout stands
Requires 2 “C”
alkaline batteries
(not included).
USB wireless
interface for
PC
Wind Sensor also
Protected under U.S.
Patent: 6,761,065
All items, including Wind Sensor, are Protected under U.S. Patents:
5,978,738; 6,076,044; & 6,597,990
INSTANT TRANSMISSION is the state-of-the-art new wireless transmission technology,
exclusively designed and developed by La Crosse
Technology®. INSTANT TRANSMISSION offers you an
immediate update of all the outdoor data measured from
the transmitters: follow the climatic variations in real-time!

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FEATURES:
WIRELESS DISPLAY
Time display in 12/24 hour time format
Automatic time and date (PC time) update from USB transceiver if
connected; otherwise, user must manually set
Calendar display (date, month, year)
Weather forecast with 3 weather icons (sunny, cloudy, and rainy) with weather tendency
indicator
Temperature display in °F/°C: from -39.8°F to 139.8°F
Humidity display in RH%: from 1% to 99%
Dew point display in °F/°C: from -39.8°F to 139.8°F
Wind chill display in °F / °C: down to -39.8°F
oWind chill value is calculated from outdoor temperature and wind velocity values.
MIN/MAX values of indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, dew point
display with time and date of recording
Relative air pressure reading in inHg/hPa: preset range 27.10 to 31.90 inHg
24h/72h selectable pressure history graph
Wind speed displayed in mph, km/h, m/s, knots, and Beaufort scale: 0 to 111.8 mph
Wind speed & direction with LCD compass display (16 steps/ 22.5 degree)
MAX records for wind gust with time & date of recording
Rainfall display in inch/mm: from 0” to 393.6”
Rainfall data for total rain, last hour, last 24h, last week, last month
Weather alarm modes: temperature, humidity, wind gust, wind direction, air pressure, 24h
rain and storm warning
Buzzer on/off select
LCD contrast setting
Storage of 1750 sets of weather records with user selectable recording interval from 1
minute to 24 hours
THERMO-HYGRO SENSOR
Transmission of temperature and humidity data.
Requires 2-“C” alkaline batteries (not included)
Transmission range: 200 feet (Open field, free of obstructions)
WIND SENSOR

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100% solar-powered with built-in rechargeable alkaline power cell (not
replaceable).
High-efficient solar panels maintain operation throughout all seasons
Transmission range: 200 feet (Open field, free of
obstructions)
RAIN SENSOR
Self-emptying bucket
Requires 2-AA alkaline batteries (not included)
Transmission range: 200 feet (Open field, free of
obstructions)
SET UP:
IMPORTANT: Make sure to observe the correct polarity when inserting batteries. The "+"
markings on the batteries must line up with the diagrams inside the battery compartments.
Inserting the batteries incorrectly may result in permanent damage to the units. During the
setup process, place the wireless display and the outdoor sensors on a surface with 5-10 feet
between the sensors and the display. Only use Alkaline Batteries, rechargeable batteries may
not work.
1. It is important to allow sufficient light to reach the solar panel while
activating the wind sensor. Make sure the lights are on in the setup
room and the solar panel is facing a 60W light bulb or brighter. Ensure
the panel is not covered, and remove the black protective foil on the
solar panel. Remove the tape covering the reset hole. Use the
provided plastic reset rod to gently press the reset button once in the
hole on the bottom of the sensor.
2. Insert two "AA" size batteries into the rain sensor with the correct
polarity.
3. Insert two "C" size batteries into the thermo-hygro sensor with the correct polarity.
Wait two minutes for the sensors to talk to each other.
4. Insert two "C" size batteries into the wireless display with the correct polarity. Do not
press any button for 10 minutes.
NOTE: Every time the wireless display receives data from the sensors, the wireless icons
will blink once and then return to solid if the last transmission was successful. A wind
speed or rainfall amount that reads "0" does not mean reception failure, it means that
there was no wind or rain at the time of the last measurement. The thermo-hygro
sensor syncs with the wind and rain sensors and sends all outdoor sensor data to the
display. The thermo-hygro sensor tries for 4 minutes to sync to the wind sensor and
then 4 minutes for the rain sensor. If not successful within 4 minutes, the thermo-hygro
sensor will stop looking for the other sensors.

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5. Setup troubleshooting: If the sensor data fails to display for any of the outdoor sensors
within 10 minutes, (“- - -“ is displayed), remove the batteries from all units for 1 minute
and start the Setup procedure again at Step 1.
MOUNTING THE SENSORS AND PLACEMENT OF THE WIRELESS DISPLAY:
IMPORTANT: Ensure that all of the sensor data can be received at the intended mounting
locations before you drill mounting holes. The wind and rain sensors have a wireless range of
200-feet & the thermo-hygro sensor has a wireless range of 200-feet. Keep in mind that the
ranges equate to an open air scenario with no obstructions. Each obstruction (roof, walls,
floors, ceilings, etc.) will reduce the range.
The thermo-hygro sensor measures outdoor temperature & humidity and collects the data
from the wind and the rain sensors. It sends all outdoor weather data to the wireless display,
so the thermo-hygro sensor must be within the 200-foot wireless range of the wireless display.
This allows the wind and rain sensors to be placed relative to the thermo-hygro sensor rather
than the wireless display. See Wireless Data Diagram above.
The wind and rain sensors must be mounted within the 200-foot wireless range of the
thermo-hygro sensor and on the same side of the house.
The wireless display must be within the 80-foot wireless range of the USB transceiver to
send weather data to the PC.
In addition, 915 MHz sensors transmit better at a minimum mounted height of 6 feet.
If the sensor wireless icons drop from the display as you move them into their intended
locations, the sensors may be too far from the wireless display. Try moving the wireless display
or the sensors closer and wait a few minutes to see if the wireless icons display again. If the
wireless icons are still not displayed after re-positioning the sensors or the wireless display,
press and hold the ▲UP ARROW key for 2 seconds to re-synchronize the wireless display with
the sensors.

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WIND SENSOR
The wind sensor must be installed with the front of the sensor (the solar panel) facing true
South, or the reported wind direction will not be accurate. Mount within the 200-foot wireless
range of the thermo-hygro sensor and on the same side of the house. The roof may or may not
be an ideal mounting location. Secure the main unit to the shaft of the mast holder. Use the
right-angle adaptor if the wind sensor will be mounted on a horizontal mast or surface.
Fasten the wind sensor to a suitable mast using the two U-bolts, washers and nuts included.
Note: Mount the wind sensor onto a mast, at a minimum height of 6 feet, so the wind can
reach the sensor unobstructed from all directions for an accurate reading. The ideal mast is
between 0.62" and 1.3” in diameter.The wind sensor DOES NOT have replaceable batteries; it
consumes solar power and charges the internal battery pack automatically.
Note: Do not open the wind sensor. This will void the warranty.
RAIN SENSOR
The rain sensor should be mounted on a level surface in an open area within the 200-foot
wireless range of the thermo-hygro sensor and on the same side of the house. Mount the rain
sensor at least 6 feet off the ground and level for optimum wireless transmission. The rain
sensor should be accessible to allow for periodic cleaning of debris or insects.
THERMO-HYGRO SENSOR
The thermo-hygro sensor is "weather resistant", but not "water proof". To ensure an extended
life for the sensor, mount it in a semi-covered place out of the elements at a minimum height of
6 feet. An ideal location for the thermo-hygro sensor is under the eaves on the North side of
the house to avoid the effects of sunlight. Mount the sensor 18" down from the eaves to
ensure optimum performance. This will assure the temperature of the air coming out of the
attic will not affect data collected by the sensor.
To wall mount the thermo-hygro sensor, fix the wall holder onto the desired wall using the
included screws, plug the sensor firmly into the wall holder and replace the rain cover if it is not
already in place. NOTE: After mounting the units, if the weather data is not received, press and
hold the ▲UP ARROW key for 2 seconds to synchronize the wireless display to the sensors.
DISPLAY AND HEAVY WEATHER PC SOFTWARE
Position the display station to receive data from the thermo-hygro sensor and send data to the
USBTRX-10, which plugs into the computer and downloads information to the Heavy Weather
Pro PC software.
Read the Release Notes to verify the correct software version and download the free Heavy
Weather Pro PC software at: http://www.lacrossetechnology.com/support/software.php
The Software User’s Guide is found in the ?|Help menu item in the software after installation.

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FUNCTION KEYS:
SET KEY
Press and hold for 3 seconds to enter the SET mode, where the following can be
changed: LCD contrast, Manual time setting, 12/24 hour time display, Date setting, °F/°C
temperature unit, Wind speed unit, Rainfall unit, Pressure unit, Relative pressure
reference setting, Weather tendency threshold setting, Storm warning threshold
setting, Storm Alarm On/ Off setting, Wind direction display type, and Factory reset
Press to toggle between the display of Mode 1 or Mode 2:
oMode 1: "Wind speed + outdoor temp + 24 hr. pressure history graph"
oMode 2: "Gust + Dew Point temp + 72 hr. pressure history graph "
In the weather alarm setting mode, press to switch the weather alarm On / Off
In the weather alarm setting mode, press and hold to adjust the weather alarm value
Stop the weather alarm when ringing
▲UP ARROW KEY
Press to toggle between the display of seconds or date in the time display
Press to increase the level of different settings in SET mode
Press and hold to re-learn the thermo-hygro sensor synchronization
Press to reset the MIN/MAX record when in MIN/MAX display mode
Stop the weather alarm when ringing
▼DOWN ARROW KEY
Press to switch the rainfall display mode: Total, 1h, 24h, week, month
Press to decrease the level of different settings in SET mode
Synchronize the display with the PC (see Heavy Weather Pro Software User’s Guide)
Stop the weather alarm when ringing
ALARM KEY
Press to enter the time alarm and weather alarm setting mode
Confirm particular alarm setting
Press to exit the manual setting mode
Stop the alarm when the time alarm or weather alarm rings
Press to exit max/ min record display mode
Stop the weather alarm when ringing
MIN/MAX KEY