PCE Instruments PCE-FWS 20N User manual

© PCE Instruments
Weather Station PCE-FWS 20N
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (français,
italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,
русский, 中文) can be found by using our
product search on: www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 22 October 2019
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2Glossary of common terms ................................................................. 2
3Delivery contents ..................................................................................2
4Technical specifications ...................................................................... 3
5LCD description .................................................................................... 4
6Getting started....................................................................................... 5
6.1 Before first use................................................................................................................. 5
6.2 Setting up the display and outdoor unit............................................................................. 5
6.3 Sensors............................................................................................................................ 6
6.4 Install U-bolts and metal plate.......................................................................................... 7
6.5 Install wind speed cups.................................................................................................... 8
6.6 Install wind vane............................................................................................................... 8
6.7 Install batteries................................................................................................................. 9
6.8 Mount outdoor sensor .....................................................................................................10
6.9 Reset button and outdoor unit LED .................................................................................11
6.10 Basic operation ...............................................................................................................11
6.11 Best practices for wireless communication......................................................................12
7Operation .............................................................................................12
7.1 Indoor temperature..........................................................................................................13
7.2 Outdoor temperature.......................................................................................................14
7.3 Indoor humidity................................................................................................................15
7.4 Outdoor humidity.............................................................................................................15
7.5 Wind speed.....................................................................................................................16
7.6 Rain ................................................................................................................................17
7.7 Weather forecast.............................................................................................................18
7.8 Pressure .........................................................................................................................19
7.9 Pressure bar graph .........................................................................................................20
7.10 Time................................................................................................................................20
7.11 Date................................................................................................................................20
7.12 Memory...........................................................................................................................21

© PCE Instruments
8Maintenance ........................................................................................ 21
9PC connection..................................................................................... 21
9.1 Data storage ...................................................................................................................21
9.2 Data recall.......................................................................................................................21
9.3 Connections and software...............................................................................................22
9.4 PC software installation...................................................................................................22
10 Software...............................................................................................23
10.1 System Requirements.....................................................................................................23
10.2 Installation of the “EasyWeather” software ......................................................................23
10.3 Basic settings of the PC software....................................................................................24
10.4 System menu..................................................................................................................24
10.5 Save................................................................................................................................28
10.6 Troubleshooting: Graphs are not displayed.....................................................................30
10.7 Data upload.....................................................................................................................31
10.8 Help option......................................................................................................................34
11 Software on MAC OS ..........................................................................35
11.1 Installation of the “EasyWeather” software ......................................................................35
11.2 Basic settings..................................................................................................................36
11.3 Alarm settings .................................................................................................................36
11.4 Max/Min display ..............................................................................................................37
11.5 Save................................................................................................................................37
11.6 Graphical view.................................................................................................................38
11.7 Data upload.....................................................................................................................38
11.8 Check software version...................................................................................................39
11.9 Special notes about time synchronization between PC/MAC and display........................39
12 Warranty...............................................................................................40
13 Disposal ...............................................................................................40

© PCE Instruments
1
1 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.
•The device must only be used as described inthis instruction manual.If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
•The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose
the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
•Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
•The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
•Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
•You must not make any technical changes to the device.
•The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,
no abrasives or solvents.
•The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
•Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
•Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
•The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
•Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of
business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at
the end of this manual.

© PCE Instruments
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2 Glossary of common terms
DCF/WWVB
The DCF orWWVB timesignal is an AM modulated time-of-day signal broadcasted by theFederal
Government of Germany, NIST from USA or National Physical Laboratory. The time base is
generated from an atomic time generator which is accurate to 10 billion of one second.
LCD
“LCD” is an acronym for ”Liquid Crystal Display”. This is a common type of display screen used
in televisions, computers, watches, and digital clocks.
BAROMETER & BAROMETRIC PRESSURE
A barometer is a device that measures the pressure of the air pushing on it—this measurement
is called the barometric pressure. We do not actually feel the barometric pressure because the
air pressure is pushing equally in every direction.
RELATIVE AIR PRESSURE
Relative air pressure is the same as the barometric pressure. The calculation of relative air
pressure is a combination of the absolute air pressure and the altitude.
ABSOLUTE AIR PRESSURE
Absolute air pressure is the actual air pressure on the barometer without regard to altitude.
INCHES OF MERCURY (inHg)
An inch of mercury is the common unit of measurement for air pressure in the United States.
HECTOPASCALS (hPa)
Hectopascals are the common unit of measurement for air pressure in the International System
(SI) of measurement. The hectopascal holds the same value as mbar.
3 Delivery contents
1 x display (receiver)
1 x solar panel
1 x wind direction sensor
1 x wind speed sensor
1 x rain gauge
1 x thermo-hygro sensor
1 x USB cable
The software for the weather station PCE-FWS 20N can be downloaded here:
https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/download-win_4.htm

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4 Technical specifications
Outdoor data
Transmission distance in open field
100 m (300 feet)
Frequency
868 MHz
Temperature range
-40 … 60 °C (-40 …+140 °F)
Resolution
0.1 °C (0.2 °F)
Accuracy
± 1 °C (33.8 °F)
Rel. humidity range
1 … 99 %
Accuracy
±4 % in range 20 … 80 % RH,
±6 % in other ranges
Rain volume display
0 … 9999 mm (shows --- if outside range)
Resolution
0.3 mm (if rain volume <1000 mm)
1 mm (if rain volume >1000 mm)
Accuracy
±6 %
Wind speed range
0…50 m/s (0…100 mph)
(shows --- if outside range)
Accuracy
±1 m/s (wind speed <5 m/s)
±10 % (wind speed >5 m/s)
Measuring interval thermo-hygro sensor
48 s
IP protection
IP44
Indoor data
Measuring interval pressure / temperature
48 s
Temperature range
0 … +50 °C (32 …+ 122 °F)
(shows --- if outside range)
Resolution
0.1 °C (0.2 °F)
Measuring range rel. humidity
1 … 99 %
Resolution
1 %
Measuring range air pressure
300 … 1100 hpa (8.85 inHg … 32.5 inHg)
Resolution
0.1 hpa (0.01 inHg)
Accuracy
+/-3 hpa
(absolute pressure, 700 … 1100 hPa)
Alarm duration
120 s
Power supply / consumption
Display
3 x AA 1.5 V LR6 Alkaline batteries
Outdoor unit
2 x AA 1.5 V LR6 Alkaline batteries
Battery life
Minimum 12 months for display
Minimum 24 months for thermo-hygro sensor
Note
When the outdoortemperature is lower than -20 °C, makesure to use the correct type of batteries
to assure that the device can get enough power to maintain its function properly.

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5 LCD description
Left top LCD: IN-OUT temperature and humidity
Right top LCD: Wind and rain measurement
Left middle LCD: Weather forecast (tendency)
Right middle LCD: Air pressure and air pressure history
Bottom line LCD: Time and date, memory usage
Note:
The presence of the "Alarm On" icon in a section means that the particular alarm has been
enabled.

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6 Getting started
6.1 Before first use
Before placingand installing all components ofthe weather station attheir final destination, please
set up the weather station with all parts being nearby for testing the correct function.
6.2 Setting up the display and outdoor unit
Insert two LR6 (AA size) batteries into the outdoor unit. The LED located in the middle of the
bottom side of the case will be turned on for 4 seconds, then it will turn off and start to work
normally. The outdoor unit will make a data transmission and then start radio controlled time
reception routine. If a time signal can be detected correctly, the LED will flash 5 times and will
then be on for 20 seconds, indicating that the time signal has beenfound correctly. When the time
signal is bad and reception is not possible, the outdoor unit will terminate radio controlled time
reception within one minute and resume normal mode. When data have been transmitted, the
LED will be on for 20 ms. During radio controlled time reception period, there is no transmission
and normal transmission will only resume after time reception routine is complete. The longest
time for radio controlled time reception is 5 minutes.
After inserting the batteries into the weather station, all LCD segments will be turned on for a few
seconds for self-checking. The meter will then return to normal measuring mode und only the
display segments activated for the measurement will be active.
After this, the weather station will make an initial measurement and start to register the outdoor
unit (the radio reception icon will be turned on). Do not press any key before outdoor sensor data
are received, otherwise the outdoor sensor learning mode will be terminated. When the outdoor
unit has been registered, the display will automatically switch to normal display mode from which
all further settings can be performed by the user.
If no RCC/DCF signal is detected during the initial setup, the outdoor unit will try once every 6
hours to get an RCC/DCF signal. Once the outdoor unit receives the RCC/DCF signal, it will
transmit the signal to the monitor. On the monitor, the RCC/DCF icon will be displayed. If the
monitor does not receive the RCC/DCF signal or loses the signal, the RCC/DCF icon will not be
displayed.
Register outdoor unit
If no outdoor weather data is displayed or the signal to the sensors is lost during setup or
mounting, touch and hold the RESET button of the outdoor sensor and re-insert the batteries of
the displayto synchronizethe display with thesensors. Without being synchronized, weather data
will not be received.
Note:
Wait for two minutes before re-inserting the batteries of the outdoor unit for proper reset.
Note:
The best condition for reception is at night, between midnight and 6:00 am, when there is less
atmospheric interference.

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6.3 Sensors
1. Wind speed sensor
2. Wind vane
3. Thermo-hygro sensor
4. Rain collector
5. Bubble level
6. Solar panel
7. Antenna
8. U-bolt
9. Battery compartment
10. Reset button
11. LED indicator: light on for 4 s during startup.
Then the LED will flash every 48 seconds (the sensor transmission update period).

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6.4 Install U-bolts and metal plate
The U-bolts are used to attach the sensors to a pole. Installation of the U-bolts, which are in turn
used to mount the sensor package on a pole, requires installation of the included metal plate to
fix the U-bolt ends. The metal plate, visible in the first picture below, has four holes through which
the ends of the two U-Bolts will fit. The plate itself is inserted into a groove at the bottom of the
unit (opposite side of solar panel). Note that one side of the plate has a straight edge (which goes
into the groove) whereas the other side is bent at a 90-degree angle and has a curved profile
(which will end up surrounding the mounting pole). Once the metal plate is inserted, insert both
U-bolts through the respective holes of the metal plate, as shown in the picture.
Loosely screw on the nuts on the ends of the U-bolts. You will tighten these later during final
mounting. Final assembly is shown in the following picture.
The plate and U-Bolts are not yet needed at this stage but installing these now may help avoid
damage to the wind vane and wind speed cups later on. Handling of the sensor package with
wind vane and speed cups installed prior to installing these bolts is more difficult and more likely
to lead to damage.

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6.5 Install wind speed cups
Push the wind speed cup unit onto the shaft on the top side of the sensor package, as shown on
the left side of the following picture. Tighten the set screw with a Philips screwdriver (size PH0),
as shown on the right-hand side. Make sure the cup unit can rotate freely. There should be no
noticeable friction when it is turning.
6.6 Install wind vane
Push the wind vane onto the shaft on the opposite side of the wind cups until it cannot be pushed
any further, as shown on the left side in the next picture. Then tighten the set screw with a Philips
screwdriver (size PH0), as shown on the right side, until the wind vane cannot be removed from
the shaft. Make sure the wind vane can rotate freely. The wind vane’s movement has a small
amount of friction, which is helpful in providing steady wind direction measurements.

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6.7 Install batteries
Open the battery compartment with a screwdriver and insert 2 AA batteries. The LED indicator
on the back of the sensor package will turn on for four seconds and then flash once every 48
seconds, indicating sensor data transmission (sensor transmission update period).
Note:
If the LED does not light up or glows permanently, make sure the battery is inserted correctly and
completely. Do not install the batteries backwards as this may permanently damage the outdoor
sensor.
Note:
We recommend lithium batteries for cold weather climates, but alkaline batteries are sufficient for
most climates. Rechargeable batteries have lower voltages and should never be used.

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6.8 Mount outdoor sensor
Before proceeding with the outdoor sensor mounting detailed in this section, you need to make
sure the display can receive data from outdoor sensor, while you keep the assembled outdoor
sensor package nearby (although preferably not closer than 1.5 m from the display). This will
make any troubleshooting and adjustments easier and avoids any distance or interference related
issues from the system.
After setup is complete and everything is working, return here for outdoor sensor mounting. If
issues show up after outdoor sensor mounting, they are almost certainly related to distance,
obstacles etc.
As you can see in the next picture, the mounting assembly includes two U-bolts and a bracket
that tightens around a 1 to 2” diameter pole (not included) using the four U-bolt nuts.
Note
Next to the antenna, there is an arrow icon with ”WEST” written below it (next picture),
representing the direction of north. The sensor body has to be adjusted so that the “WEST”
indication faces the real north direction in your location. A compass device is recommended to
help adjust the direction. A permanent wind direction error will occur when the outdoor sensor is
not installed in the right direction.

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Now look at the bubble level. The bubble should be fully inside the red circle. If it is not, wind
direction, speed and rain readings may not be correct or accurate. Adjust the mounting pipe as
required. If the bubble is close but not quite inside the circle and you cannot adjust the mounting
pipe, you may have to experiment with small wooden or heavy cardboard shims between the
sensor package and the top of the mounting pole to achieve the desired result (this will require
loosening the bolts and some experimentation).
Make sure you check and - if necessary - correct the northward orientation as the final installation
step and tighten the bolts with a wrench.
6.9 Reset button and outdoor unit LED
Using a bent-open paperclip, touch and hold the RESET button (see picture) to do a reset: the
LED turns on while the RESET button is pressed. You can then release it. The LED should then
resume as normal, flashing approximately once every 48 seconds.
6.10 Basic operation
All actions and functions ofthe weather station are started on thetouch screen by slightly touching
(not pressing!)the relatedareas. Touchthe flashing“+”, “ON/OFF”or“–“ icons tomake aselection
or to increase/decrease a value. Everytime a programming step is activated by touching a
switching area on the touch screen, a tone will sound and the backlight is switched on for a few
seconds. If no areas are pressed for 30 seconds, the LCD will automatically revert to normal
display mode (automatic timeout).
RESET button
LED light

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6.11 Best practices for wireless communication
Note:
To ensure proper communication, mount the remote sensor(s) upright on a vertical surface such
as a wall. Do not lay the sensor flat.
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 display several feet away from
computer monitors and TVs.
2. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): If you have other 433/868/915 MHz devices and
communication is intermittent, try turning off these other devices. You may need to
relocate the outdoor units or receivers to avoid intermittent communication.
3. Line of Sight Rating: This device is rated at 300 feet line of sight (no interference,
barriers or walls) but typically, you will get 100 feet maximum under most real-world
installations, which include passing through barriers or walls.
4. Metal Barriers: Radio frequency will not pass through metalbarriers such as aluminum
siding. If you have metal siding, align the outdoor unit and display through a window to
get a clear line of sight.
The following is a table of the transmission medium vs.reception loss. 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 %
7 Operation
Note:
Because of the default settings already determined by the manufacturer, it may not be necessary
for the majority of users to perform –except the relative air pressure (see further down) - any
further basic settings. Changes, however, can be easily made.
For basic settings, the following menu is started by touching the touch screen in the desired
display area.
The basic settings can now be performed in the following successive order:
Note:
The setting procedure can be exited at any time by touching any other function area (except “+”,
“-” or “ON/OFF”).

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7.1 Indoor temperature
Make indoor temperature settings as follows:
1) Touch the INDOOR TEMPERATURE section, the + and –buttons will be flashing.
Touch the + or –button to change the display unit (°C or °F).
2) Touch the INDOOR TEMPERATURE section again to set the indoor temperature high
alarm function, the +, ON/OFF and –buttons will be flashing, the HI AL icon will light
up. Touch the+ or –button to change the value, hold the+ or –button for 3 s to change
the number in larger steps. Touch the ON/OFF button to turn the alarm on or off (if
alarm is enabled, the speaker icon will be turned on, indicating the alarm function has
been enabled).
3) Touch the INDOOR TEMPERATURE section the third time to set the indoor
temperature low alarm function, the +, ON/OFF and –buttons will be flashing, the LO
AL icon will light up. Touch the+ or –button to change the value, touch and hold the+
or –button for 3 s to change the number in larger steps. Touch the ON/OFF button to
turn the alarm on or off (if alarm is enabled, the speaker icon will be turned on).
4) Touch the INDOOR TEMPERATURE section the fourth time to display the maximum
indoor temperature record. The maximum record will flash and the MAX icon will light
up. After holding the flashing MAX value for 3 s, the maximum value will be reset to
current reading.
5) Touch the INDOOR TEMPERATURE section the fifth time to display the minimum
indoor temperature record. The minimum record will flash and the MIN icon will light up.
After holding the flashing min value for 3 s, the minimum value will be reset to current
reading.

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7.2 Outdoor temperature
Make outdoor temperature settings as follows:
1) Touch the OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE section, the + and –buttons will flash. Touch
the + or –button to shift the display between outdoor temperature, wind chill and dew
point.
2) Touch the OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE section again, the + and –buttons will flash.
Touch the + or –button to shift the display unit between °C and °F.
3) Touch the OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE section the third time to set the outdoor
temperature highalarm function. The +,ON/OFF and –buttons will flash, the HI AL icon
will light up. Touch the+ or –button to change the value, hold the+ or –button for 3 s to
change the number in larger steps. Touch the ON/OFF button to turn the alarm on or
off (if alarm is enabled, the speaker icon will be turned on, indicating the alarm function
has been enabled).
4) Touch the OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE section the fourth time to set the outdoor
temperature low alarm function. The +, ON/OFF and –buttons will flash, the LO AL icon
will light up. Touch the + or –button to change the value, touch and hold the + or –
button for 3 s to change the number in larger steps. Touch the ON/OFF button to turn
the alarm on or off (if alarm is enabled, the speaker icon will be turned on).
5) Touch the OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE section the fifth time to display the maximum
outdoor temperature record. The recorded maximum value will flash, the MAX icon will
light up. After holding the flashing MAX value for 3 s, the maximum value will be reset
to current reading.
6) Touch the OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE section the sixth time to display the minimum
outdoor temperature record. The recorded minimum value will flash, the MIN icon will
light up. After holding the minimum value for 3 s, the minimum value will be reset to
current reading.

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7.3 Indoor humidity
Make indoor humidity settings as follows:
1) Touch the INDOOR HUMIDITY section to set the indoor humidity high alarm function.
The +, ON/OFF and –buttons will flash, the HI AL icon will light up. Touch the + or –
button to change the value, touch and hold the + or –button for 3 s to change the
number in larger steps. Touch the ON/OFF button to turn the alarm on or off (if alarm
is enabled, the speaker icon will be turned on, indicating the alarm function has been
enabled).
2) Touch the INDOOR HUMIDITY section again to set the indoor humidity low alarm
function. The +, ON/OFF and –buttons will flash, the LO AL icon will light up. Touch
the + or –button to change the value, touch and hold the+ or –button for 3 s to change
the number in larger steps. Touch the ON/OFF button to turn the alarm on or off (if
alarm is enabled, the speaker icon will be turned on, indicating the alarm function has
been enabled).
3) Touch the INDOOR HUMIDITY section the third time to display the maximum indoor
humidity record. The recorded maximum value will flash and the MAX icon will light up.
After holding the maximum value for 3 s, the maximum value will be reset to current
reading.
4) Touch the INDOOR HUMIDITY section the fourth time to display the minimum indoor
humidity record. The recorded minimum value will flash and the MIN icon will light up.
After holding the minimum value for 3 s, the minimum value will be reset to current
reading.
7.4 Outdoor humidity
Procedures and settings are similar to indoor humidity.

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7.5 Wind speed/direction
Make wind settings as follows:
1) Touch the WIND SPEED section, the + and –buttons will flash. Touch the + or –button
to shift the display between average wind speed and gust speed.
2) Touch the WIND SPEED section again, the + and –buttons will flash. Touch the + or –
button to select the wind speed unit: km/h, mph, m/s, knots or bft.
3) Touch the WIND SPEED section the third time to set the high alarm function, the +,
ON/OFF and –button will flash, the HI AL icon will light up. Touch the + or –button to
change the value, touch and hold the+ or –button for 3 s to change the number in larger
steps. Touch the ON/OFF button to turn the alarm on or off (if alarm is enabled, the
speaker icon will be turned on, indicating the alarm function has been enabled).
4) Touch the Wind SPEED section the fourth time to set the wind direction alarm function,
the wind direction arrow will start flashing. Touch + or –to select the desired alarm for
the wind direction. Press ON/OFF to enable or disable the wind direction alarm.
5) Touch the Wind SPEED section the fifth time to display the maximum wind speed
record. The recorded maximum value will flash and the MAX icon will light up. After
holding the maximum value for 3 s, the maximum value will be reset to current reading.

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7.6 Rain
Make rain settings as follows:
1) Touch the RAIN section, the + and –buttons will flash. Touch the + or –button to shift
the display between 1 h, 24 h, week, month and total rain.
2) Touch the RAIN section again. The + and –buttons will flash. Touch the + or –button
to select the rainfall unit: mm or inch.
3) Touch the RAIN section the third time to set the high alarm function. The +, ON/OFF
and –buttons will flash and the HI AL icon will light up. Touch the + or –button to
change the value, hold the + or –button for 3 s to change the number in larger steps.
Touch the ON/OFF button to turn the alarm on or off (if alarm is enabled, the speaker
icon will be turned on, indicating the alarm function has been enabled).
4) Touch the RAIN section the fourth time to display the current maximum rainfall record.
Touch the flashing MAX value for 3 s to reset the maximum rainfall value to current
value.
5) Touch the RAIN section the fifth time to reset the rainfall value to 0 by holding the
flashing reading for 3 s. Then 1 h, 24 h, week, month and total rain will be reset to 0.