Spectrum Technologies WatchDog 2400 User manual

1
2000 Series
Mini Stations
PRODUCT MANUAL
Model #’s
2400, 2425, 2450, 2475
®

2
CONTENTS
General Overview 4
Specifications for Internal Sensors 5
External Sensors 6
Configuring the Data Logger 9
Connecting to a PC/ Battery Replacement 10
Clearing the Loggers Memory 11
Keypad Display 12
Setting the Time and Date 13
Setting the Display Units 14
Setting the Degree Day Counter 15
Setting the Chill Hour Counter 16
Resetting the Disease Models 17
Archives 18
Screens 20
Degree Days/ Chill Hours 22
Activating Optional Disease Models 23
Station Installation 8

3
DIF 29
Grape Powdery Mildew 32
Grape Mills Table 33
Grape Black Rot 34
Apple Scab/Apple Sooty Blotch 35
Apple Mills Table 36
Tom Cast 38
References 39
Light 25
Plant-Specific Light Requirements 26
General Light Requirements 28
CE Declaration of Conformity 40
VPD 30

4
Thank you for purchasing a WatchDog 2000 Series Mini
Station. The loggers are completely waterproof and fea-
ture 12-bit resolution for higher accuracy. The loggers
can be accessed at different times by multiple users be-
cause the data is not cleared from memory following a
download. The 2000-Series Mini Stations can communi-
cate via direct-wire, radio or telephone connections.
Current weather conditions, historical data, and computed
parameters are easily viewed on the station’s LCD screen.
The internal electronics calculate Growing Degree Days
(GDD) for up to three degree day counters. For example,
one counter can be activated at planting while another can
track the development of insects. The station calculates
Chill Hours, which is the total amount of hours during
which temperatures have been below a specified low tem-
perature. The station LCD can also be programmed to
display a variety of plant disease infection potentials. The
arrow keys allow you to scroll through the sensor read-
ings, Degree Day/Chill Hour calculations as well as set
your temperature ranges.
General overview

5
Model # Internal
Sensors Measurement Range Accuracy
2400
None N/A N/A
2425
Temperature -25° to 212°F
-32° to 100°C
±1°F
±0.6°C
2450
Temperature
- - - - - - -
Humidity
-25° to 212°F
-32° to 100°C
- - - - - - - - -
10% to 100%
@ 5 to 50C
±1°F
±0.6°C
- - - - - - - -
±3%
2475
Temperature
- - - - - - -
Humidity
- - - - - -
PAR Light
-25° to 212°F
-32° to 100°C
- - - - - - - - -
10% to 100%
@ 5 to 50C
- - - - - - - - -
0 to 2500 µmol/m
2
/s
±1°F
±0.7°C
- - - - - - - -
±4%
- - - - - - - -
±5%
Internal sensors
The WatchDog 2000 Series Mini Stations can log up to
8800 data intervals. This represents 198 days at 30
minute intervals, 99 days at 15 minute intervals, or other
proportionate capacities. When the station reaches
capacity, it wraps and begins recording over the oldest
data. It is important to download data within the
appropriate days to ensure no data is lost.
Specifications
Logger Capacity
Operating Temperature Range: -22° to 130°F (-30° to 55°C)

6
External Sensors
Item # Description Measurement
Range Accuracy
3665R Tipping Bucket
Rain collector N/A ±2%
3666 Leaf Wetness
Sensor 0(Dry) - 15(Wet) N/A
3667,
3667-20 External (Soil) Temperature Sensor -40 to 185ºF -40 to 85ºC ±1.1°F ±0.6°C
3670i Silicon Pyranometer 1-1250 W/m
2
±5%
3668i,
3668i3,
3668i6
Quantum Light
Sensor and Sensor
Bars 0-2500 µmol m
-2
s
-1
±5%
3669
Soil Moisture Transducer 0-100 kPa ±2%
6450WD
6450WD20 Watermark Soil Moisture Sensor 0 - 200 cbars N/A
6451 Irrigation Sensor Switches at 5 psi ±1 psi
3673
3674 Input Cables for user-supplied sensor 0-2.5V 4-20mA ±0.005V ±1%
3676i UV Light Sensor 0-200 µmol m
-2
s
-1
±5%
6460,
6460-20
WaterScout SM 100
Soil Moisture Sen-
sor
0% to saturation
(typically 50%) ±3%
6470, 6470-
20
WaterScout SMEC
300 Soil Moisture/
EC/Temperature
Sensor
VWC: 0% to sat.
EC: 0 to 10 mS/cm,
Temp: 0 to 122 °F
(-18 to 50 °C)
VWC” ±3%
EC: ±2%
Temp: ±1.4
°F (0.8 °C)
All WatchDog 2000 Mini Station models have external channels (ports)
for additional sensor input. The following table lists some of the
available optional sensors. See www.specmeters.com for a complete
list. Most sensors include a 6-foot cable with pin-type connector.
Items 3667-20, 6460-20, 6470-20 and 6450WD20 have 20 foot cables.

7
To connect the external sensor to the station, plug the sensor
cable into the station port that has been programmed for that
particular sensor.
Port A is the only channel that will record rainfall data.
Program each channel (port) to a specific sensor through the
SpecWare launch screen. Refer to the SpecWare Software
User’s Guide for more detailed instructions on launching and
sensor configuration.
For a Weather Station to be compatible with the SMEC300 sen-
sor, SpecWare software version 9.04 or later is required. See the
following table for the earliest compatible firmware and number
of sensors that can be used per station type.
Using SMEC 300 sensors will reduce the logging capacity.
When using 30 minute intervals, the logger will hold 89 days of
of data rather than 198. Be sure to download data more often.
Weather
Station Firmware Version Number of Sensors
Available
Channels
2475 3.9 1 A
2450 3.9 2 A, B
2425 3.9 3 A, B, C
2400 3.9 4 A, B, C, D
External Sensors (cont.)

8
The data logger has the versatility to be located in any
micro-climate for recording weather data. Hardware is
included for attaching it to a 1” to 1¼” outside diameter
mast (pipe). Use a 5’ - 10’ length of conduit or pipe as the
mast mount. When purchasing and/or cutting the mast to
size, plan on placing 1½’ - 2’ of the mast into the ground.
It can also be mounted to a wooden post with the screws
that are provided.
For all models (except model 2400), the radiation shield
protects the temperature sensor from solar radiation and
other sources of reflected heat. If other sensors are con-
nected, secure the sensor wires to the mast just below the
display module with a plastic tie. This will make the
wires less vulnerable to being accidentally severed during
the season.
Station Installation

9
The 2000-Series data logger does not have a button or
switch for powering up and down. Instead, the device is
operational whenever the batteries are installed. The log-
gers are shipped with default logging settings that can be
modified with SpecWare software (see SpecWare User’s
Guide for details). Once the logger is configured, it will
retain those settings even after the battery is removed or
replaced.
One new feature of the WatchDog 2000-Series loggers is
that they do not need to be relaunched after being down-
loaded. This allows greater flexibility for loggers that are
accessed by multiple users. Although, the logger stores
data on an interval set in SpecWare, the sensor readings
displayed on the LCD are refreshed every 20 seconds.
The 2000-Series data loggers are configured in the
WatchDog Manager screen of SpecWare software. Re-
member to identify the WatchDog type as 2000-series.
Configuring t e
Data Logger

10
The computer port of the data logger is accessed by re-
moving the plastic screw on the underside of the logger
(see fig. 1). The PC interface cable that accompanied
SpecWare software plugs into the serial jack inside the
logger casing.
The only time the logger needs to be connected to a com-
puter is during a download and/or when a change is being
made to the logger configuration. The data is not erased
following a download, and the logger does not need to be
restarted. Please consult the SpecWare User’s Guide or
Spectrum Technologies’ online troubleshooting resource
if you experience difficulty connecting to the logger.
Whenever the batteries are replaced, the time and date
must be reset immediately so the data is time-stamped cor-
rectly. However, all settings related to Degree Days, Chill
Hours and IPM parameters (disease models, DIF, etc.) re-
main stored in the meter’s memory even when the batter-
ies are removed.
The 2000 Series data log-
gers are powered by 4 AA
batteries. This will provide
enough power for 1 year of
continuous use. The bat-
tery compartment is ac-
cessed by removing the 4
Philips head screws on the
face plate (see fig 1).
Upon installation of the
batteries, the LCD should
illuminate and the logger
resume functioning. The
LCD will prompt you to set the date and time (see p. 11).
Connecting to a PC/
Battery Replacement
PORT
Figure 1

11
The memory of the 2000-Series data logger is not auto-
matically cleared when the logger is downloaded or the
batteries are replaced. The logger can be cleared manual-
ly through SpecWare software. This may be desired if,
for example, the logger is being shut down for the season
or is being moved to a new location.
Once the command is sent from SpecWare to clear the
memory, the data erasure is carried out automatically by
the logger itself. The PC interface cable can then be dis-
connected without affecting the process. A data erasure
will take several minutes to complete and the logger
cannot be contacted in the interim. Once the memory
is cleared, it is impossible to recover. SpecWare pro-
vides warning messages to prevent an accidental clearing
of the memory.
Clearing t e
Logger’s memory

12
Keypad/Display
The keypad of the 2000-Series data logger allows you to
scroll through all measured and calculated parameters
available on the LCD. It is necessary to use the keypad to
set the date and time for the data being stored in the long-
term memory. This is the only keypad function that is al-
so reflected in the data stored in the data logger. Other-
wise, the data logger only records the measurements from
the sensors. Parameters calculated and displayed on the
LCD by the firmware (such as Growing Degree Days) are
only retained in the Daily and Monthly Archives (see Ar-
chives, p. 16). The functions of each of the keypad but-
tons are described in the following pages.
Pressing the Display key once brings the LCD display to
life. The screen will initially display descriptive infor-
mation about the station. The screen then displays current
conditions. Current conditions are refreshed every 20 sec-
onds. Pressing the Display key a second time will deacti-
vate the display. The station continues to record data
when the display is not active. To conserve battery pow-
er, the display goes off after 2 minutes of inactivity.

13
1. Press Display.
2. Press Set.
4. Press Set.
Select Parameter
To Be Set (↑↓)
09-22-13 11:45AM
Press SET
**-22-13 11:45AM
Press SET
5. Press Set.
6. Enter the month using the arrow keys.
3. Press the down arrow key once to reach the Time &
Date screen.
TIME & DATE
Press SET
7. Press Set.
8. Enter the year
9. Press Set.
10. Enter the day.
11. Press Set.
12. Enter the hour.
13. Press Set.
14. Enter the minutes.
15. Press Set.
16. Enter AM or PM.
17. Press Set.
Setting T e
Date and Time

14
2. Use arrows to scroll to display units.
3. Press Set.
4. Use the arrow keys to choose data in English or
metric units.
5. Press Set.
Note: The unit system used by the 2000-Series Data
Logger can be modified by both the keypad and by
SpecWare. Although it is advisable to have both the
software and firmware using the same unit system, it is
not required. SpecWare is equipped to handle situa-
tions where it receives data in a different unit system.
However, if you use SpecWare to change any of the
data logger’s configuration parameters (i.e. logging
interval), the data logger will also be reconfigured to
use the unit system used by SpecWare.
DISPLAY UNITS
Press SET
If the display is off, press Display to turn it on.
1. Press Set.
Select Parameter
To Be Set (↑↓)
Setting T e
Display Units

15
2. Scroll to Degree Day Counter #1 screen.
3. Press Set.
4. The counter will say DISABLED.
5. Press Set.
6. Use arrow keys to scroll to “Start Now” option.
This will start the degree day counter. The other
option is DISABLED.
7. Use arrow keys to scroll to BASE.
8. Press Set.
9. Choose the base temperature using the arrow keys.
10. Press Set.
11. Choose the upper temperature limit using the arrow
keys.
12. Press Set.
Counter: DISABLED
BASE=55 UPPER=55
Caution: Be careful when entering a parameter update
screen for a degree day counter when that counter is ena-
bled. If the Set key is pressed, the counter status will be-
come modifiable and the archives WILL BE ERASED. If
this is not desirable, press one of the arrow keys instead of
the Set key to exit the screen.
If the display is off, press Display to turn it on.
1. Press Set.
Select Parameter
To Be Set (↑↓)
DEG DAY COUNT #1
Press SET
Setting T e
Degree-Day Counter

16
5. Press Set.
6. Use arrow keys to scroll to “Start Now” option.
This will start the degree day counter. The other
option is DISABLED.
7. Use arrow keys to scroll to BASE.
8. Press Set.
9. Choose base temperature using the arrow keys.
10. Press Set.
Caution: Be careful when entering a parameter update
screen for a chill hour counter when that counter is ena-
bled. If the Set key is pressed, the counter status will be-
come modifiable and the archives WILL BE ERASED. If
this is not desirable, press one of the arrow keys instead of
the Set key to exit the screen.
If the display is off, press Display to turn it on.
1. Press Set.
3. Press Set.
4. The counter will say DISABLED.
2. Scroll to the Chill Hour screen.
CHILL HOURS
Press SET
Counter: DISABLED
BASE=40
Setting T e
C ill Hour Counter
Select Parameter
To Be Set (↑↓)

17
This option restarts the disease model calculations and
should be done at the beginning of the season.
If the display is off, press Display to turn it on.
1. Press Set.
2. Scroll to the Reset Disease screen.
3. Press Set to reset the disease model.
4. The screen will go back to Current Values and the dis-
ease model will be reset.
Select Parameter
To Be Set (↑↓)
RESET DISEASE
Press SET
Resetting Disease
Models

18
The data logger features two archives that allow you to
look at historical data for that location. The archives are
regularly updated whenever the data logger is actively col-
lecting data. The archives are accessed by pressing the
Current/Archive key.
Daily Archive
The Daily Archive retains the last 30 days of data. If the
battery power runs low, the logger’s firmware will stop
measuring and archiving data until the battery is replaced.
After using the arrow key to select a certain day from the
Daily Archive, the data logger will then cycle through all
the information stored for that day. This will include a
screen with the high and low temperatures for that day,
any active degree day counters and the average readings
for any sensors connected to the device. If a currently ac-
tive Degree Day Counter was not active on that day, the
screen will say “No Data”.
Monthly Archive
The Monthly Archive retains 12 months of data. When a
month is selected, the data logger’s LCD will then cycle
through all the information stored for that month. This
will include a screen with high and low temperatures for
the month, degree day data and the cumulative rainfall (if
applicable) for that month. If a currently active Degree
Day Counter was not active at the end of a month, the
screen will say “No Data” for that month.
Arc ives

19
5. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the past 12
months of data.
3. The unit will automatically scroll through all the
screens for that date.
4. Press Current/Archive again to bring up monthly sum-
maries.
2/14/13
READING VALUES...
Note: If an active Degree Day counter is disabled or
reset, the entire archive for that counter will be erased
Disabling a Degree Day counter does not affect the
storing of data in memory and, thus will not affect any
of the SpecWare report functions.
Displaying Archives
If the display is off, press Display to turn it on.
1. Press Current/Archive once to bring up the daily ar-
chive.
2. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the date of interest.
Arc ives (Cont)
DAILY ARCHIVE
Select Day (↑↓)

20
The following figures give examples of what each of the
various weather monitor screens look like.
-Initial information screen
This is the first screen that comes up when you turn on the
logger. It gives the model number, version number and
model description. This screen is from a Model 2450 ver-
sion 1.1 with the apple disease model enabled.
-Current Values
Model 2450 v 1.1
Apple IPM Alert
This screen shows the current air temperature and status of
the leaf wetness sensor (Dry or Wet) and the cumulative
number of hours for the day. The current temperature on
this screen is 74°F. The leaf wetness sensor is wet, and
there is a total number of 5 leaf wetness hours for the day.
-Daily High and Low Values
Air Temp 74
o
F
Leaf Wet Hours 05
This screen shows the high and low temperature for the
day, along with the times at which they occurred. This
screen shows a high temperature of 74°F at 01:58 PM and
a low of 66ºF at 03:05 AM.
HI 74
o
F 01:58 PM
LO 66
o
F 03:05 AM
Screens