SwitchDoc Labs WeatherRack2 User manual

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Version 1.3 October 2020
WeatherRack2 Installation
April 2021
Version 1.3

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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Warnings ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Getting Started ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Parts List ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Recommended Tools .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Sensor Assembly Set Up ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Weather Station Installation ................................................................................................................................ 14
Site Survey ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Best Practices for Wireless Communication ..................................................................................................... 15
Final Installation of Sensors .................................................................................................................................. 15
Northern Hemisphere (NOR). ........................................................................................................................... 16
Southern Hemisphere (SOU). ........................................................................................................................... 17
Low Battery Icon ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Wireless Specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Measurement Specifications ............................................................................................................................ 20
WeatherRack2 Raw Data Description and Example Results from the Pi and Arduino ..................................... 20
F016TH Sensor Data Description ...................................................................................................................... 22
Power Consumption ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................ 23
Troubleshooting Guide. ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Testing the WeatherSense Sensors ...................................................................................................................... 25
Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the SwitchDoc Labs FT-020T WeatherRack2. The following user guide provides
step by step instructions for installation, operation and troubleshooting.

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Warnings
Warning: Any metal object may attract a lightning strike, including your weather station mounting pole.
Never install the weather station in a storm.
Warning: Installing your weather station in a high location may result in injury or death. Perform as
much of the initial check out and operation.
Getting Started
The FT-020T weather station consists a sensor array with Integrated Outdoor Transmitter and mounting
hardware. It also includes an F016TH Indoor Temperature and Humidity Sensor.
Parts List
The FT-020T WeatherRack2 and the F016TH T/H sensor consists of the following parts.
QTY
Item
Image
1
FT-020T WeatherRack2 Integrated
Sensor Array Outdoor Transmitter
Dimensions (LxHxW)!330x150x280mm
1
Thermo-hygrometer transmitter
(F016TH)
Dimensions (LxHxW): 114.5 x 50.0 x
19mm

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QTY
Item
Image
1
Foot Mounting (with pole insert)
Dimensions: 84x 152 x 216mm
1
Mounting Bracket Back Plate (pole
mount)
Dimensions: 76 x 102 x 38mm
1
Mounting Pole
Dimensions: 76 x 76 x 25mm
2
Pole mounting nuts (M3) / bolts Ø3)
4
Pole mounting nuts (M5) / bolts ( Ø5)

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QTY
Item
Image
4
Tapping screws
Figure 1
Recommended Tools
Precision screwdriver (for small Phillips screws)
Compass or GPS (for wind direction calibration)
Adjustable Wrench
Hammer and nail for hanging remote F016TH thermo-hygrometer transmitter.
Sensor Assembly Set Up
The following illustration shows FT-020T Sensor Array
Figure 2
3.3.1 Insert batteries into the transmitter. Locate the battery door on the transmitter, push and open the
battery compartment, as show in Figure 3.

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Figure 3
Remove the battery door on the back of the sensor by removing the set screw, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4
Inserting 3xAA batteries in the battery compartment, as shown in Figure 5.

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Figure 5
Close the battery door. Make sure the gasket (around the battery compartment) is properly seated in its trace
prior to closing the door. Tighten the set screw.
Note: Do not install the batteries backwards. You can permanently damage the sensors. The solar panel
does not charge the batteries, so rechargeable batteries are not needed or recommended.
Note: We recommend installing Lithium AA batteries for sensors.
The sensor LED indicator will light for 3 seconds, and then flash once per 16 seconds thereafter. Each time it
flashes, the sensor is transmitting data.
Replace the battery door and push to tighten it.
Note: If the sensor does not power up after inserting the batteries, press the reset button shown in Figure
6.

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Figure 6
3.3.2Insert batteries into the FT016TH thermo-hygrometer transmitter. Remove the battery door on the back
of the sensor by removing the set screw, as shown in Figure 7. Your device may be more square than the
illustration shown.
Figure 7
BEFORE inserting the batteries, locate the dip switches on the inside cover of the lid of the transmitter."
Figure 8 displays all four switches in the OFF position (factory default setting).

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Figure8
Channel Number: The FT-020T supports up to eight transmitters. To set each channel number (the default is
Channel 1), change Dip Switches 1, 2 and 3, as referenced in Table 1.
Temperature Units of Measure: To change the transmitter display units of measure (°F vs. °C), change Dip
Switch 4, as referenced in Table 1.
DIP SWITCH
FUNCTION
1
2
3
4
DOWN
DOWN
DOWN
---
Channel 1
DOWN
DOWN
UP
---
Channel 2
DOWN
UP
DOWN
---
Channel 3
DOWN
UP
UP
---
Channel 4
UP
DOWN
DOWN
---
Channel 5
UP
DOWN
UP
---
Channel 6
UP
UP
DOWN
---
Channel 7
UP
UP
UP
---
Channel 8
---
---
---
DOWN
°F
---
---
---
UP
°C
Table 1
Insert two AAA batteries.
After inserting the batteries, the remote sensor LED indicator will light for 4 seconds, and then flash once per
60 seconds thereafter. Each time it flashes, the sensor is transmitting data. The unit will always transmit the
data in °F but the SwitchDoc Labs software always reports in metric units (°C).
Verify the correct channel number (CH) and temperature units of measure (°F vs. °C) are on the display, as
shown in Figure 9.

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Figure 9
(1) temperature
(2) temperature units (°F vs. °C)
(3) channel number
(4) relative humidity
Close the battery door. Make sure the gasket (around the battery compartment) is properly seated in its trace
prior to closing the door. Tighten the set screw.
Weather Station Installation
Pre Installation Checkout Before installing your weather station in the permanent location, we recommend
operating the weather station for one week in a temporary location with easy access. This will allow you to
check out all of the functions, insure proper operation, and familiarize you with the weather station and
calibration procedures. This will also allow you to test the wireless range of the weather station.
Site Survey
Perform a site survey before installing the weather station. Consider the following:
1. You must clean the rain gauge once per year and change the batteries every two years. Provide easy
access to the weather station.
2. Avoid radiant heat transfer from buildings and structures. In general, install the sensor array at least 5’
from any building, structure, ground, or roof top.
3. Avoid wind and rain obstructions. The rule of thumb is to install the sensor array at least four times the
distance of the height of the tallest obstruction. For example, if the building is 6m tall, install 4 x 6m = 24m
away. Use common sense. If the weather station is installed next to a tall building, the wind and rain will
not be accurate.
4. Wireless Range. The radio communication between receiver and transmitter in an open field can reach a
distance of up to 100 m, providing there are no interfering obstacles such as buildings, trees, vehicles, high
voltage lines. Wireless signals will not penetrate metal buildings. Most applications will only reach 30m
due to building obstructions, walls and interference.
5. Radio interference such as PCs, radios or TV sets can, in the worst case, entirely cut off radio
communication. Please take this into consideration when choosing mounting locations.

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Best Practices for Wireless Communication
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 sensors several feet away from computer monitors
and TVs.
2. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). If you have other 433 MHz devices and communication is
intermittent, try turning off these other devices for troubleshooting purposes. You may need to relocate
the transmitters or receivers to avoid intermittent communication.
3. Line of Sight Rating. This device is rated at 100 m line of sight (no interference, barriers or walls) but
typically you will get 30 m maximum under most real-world installations, which include passing
through barriers or walls.
4. Metal Barriers. Radio frequency will not pass through metal barriers such as aluminum siding. If you
have metal siding, align the remote and receiver through a window to get a clear line of sight.
The following is a table of reception loss vs. the transmission medium. 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%
Final Installation of Sensors
Integrated outdoor transmitter installation.
The Wireless Weather Station can be used in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

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Prior to installation, you will need to calibrate the wind direction.
Northern Hemisphere (NOR).
The cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) molded on the body of the outdoor sensor are indicators for the Northern
Hemisphere only.
There is a “S” indicator on the wind vane that indicates South, as shown in Figure 13. Align this “S” marker in
the direction of South.
Note: There are four alphabet letter of “N”,”E”,”S”and “W” around the wind direction, representing for
the direction of North, East, South and West. Wind direction sensor has to be adjusted so that the directions
on the sensor are matching with your real location. Permanent wind direction error will be introduced when
the wind direction sensor is not positioned correctly during installation.
Northern Hemisphere
Southern Hemisphere
Figure 13

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Southern Hemisphere (SOU).
For Southern Hemisphere installations, ignore these (N, S, E, W) and face the solar panel to the North (and in
a sunny position) when it comes to installing the Integrated outdoor transmitter.
Step 1: Install the Integrated outdoor transmitter and face the solar panel North.
In the Southern Hemisphere, there will a permanent wind direction error#180º). Correct this in your
software.
Fasten the integrated transmitter to mounting pole brackets with foot-mounting, two $3 bolts and M3 nuts ,
as shown in Figure 14
Figure 14
Tighten the mounting pole to your existing mounting pole with the four$5 Bolts and M5 Nuts assembly, or fix
on the wall with four tapping screw, as shown in Figure15.

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Figure 15

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F016TH Indoor Thermo-hygrometer Transmitter installation. If you are mounting it outside, it is
recommended you mount the F016TH Thermo-hygrometer sensor outside in a shaded area. A north facing
wall is preferred because it is in the shade most of the day. Direct sunlight and radiant heat sources will result
in inaccurate temperature readings. Although the sensor is water resistant, it is best to mount in a well
protected area, such as under an eve. Use a screw or nail (not included) to affix the remote sensor to the wall,
as shown in Figure 16. The F016TH is generally for use indoors.
Figure 16
Low Battery Icon
A low battery indicator icon is shown in the display window for F016TH thermo-hygrometer sensor. When the
low battery icon appears (the battery voltage is lower than 2.4V), replace the batteries in the sensor with fresh
batteries. Be sure to never mix old and new batteries, and never mix battery types such as alkaline and lithium
together.
Both the F016TH and the FT-020T Sensor Array report a low battery condition in the transmitted messages.
When the low battery data appears (the battery voltage is lower than 3.6V), replace the batteries in the sensor
with fresh batteries. Be sure to never mix old and new batteries, and never mix battery types such as alkaline
and lithium together.
Specifications

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Wireless Specifications
Line of sight wireless transmission (in open air): 100m.
Frequency: 433 MHz
F016TH Thermo-hygrometer Transmitter update interval: 60 seconds
FT-020T Sensor Array Integrated Outdoor transmitter interval: 16 seconds
Measurement Specifications
The following table provides specifications for the measured parameters.
Measurement
Range
Accuracy
Resolution
Outdoor Temperature
(FT-020T)
-40 to 60 °C
± 1 °C
0.1 °C
Outdoor Humidity
(FT-020T)
10 to 99%
± 5% (only guaranteed
between 20 to 90%)
1 %
Sensors 1-8 Temperature
(F016TH)
-40 to 60 °C
± 1 °C
0.1 °C
Sensors 1-8 Humidity
(F016TH)
10 to 99%
± 5% (only guaranteed
between 20 to 90%)
1 %
UV Index
(FT-020T)
1 to 15+
± 1
± 1
Sunlight
(FT-020T)
0 to 200klux
± 15%
± 15%
Rain
(FT-020T)
0 to 9999mm
<15mm:±1 mm,
15mm to 9999mm:±7%
<1000mm (0.3mm)
>1000mm (1mm)
Wind Direction
(FT-020T)
0 - 360 º
± 10º (16 point compass)
± 1º (16 point
compass)
Wind Speed
(FT-020T)
0 to 50 m/s
2 m/s ~10 m/s: ±3m/s,
10m/s ~50 m/s: ±10%
(whichever is greater)
0.1 m/s
WeatherRack2 Raw Data Description and Example Results from the Pi and Arduino
Here is an example of results coming in from the WeatherRack2 from the PythonTest Software:
pi@SwitchDocLabs:~/SDL_Pi_WeatherRack2 $ sudo python3 readWeatherSensors.py
Starting Wireless Read
{"time" : "2020-11-22 06:40:15", "model" : "SwitchDoc Labs FT020T AIO", "device" : 12,
"id" : 0, "batterylow" : 0, "avewindspeed" : 2, "gustwindspeed" : 3, "winddirection" :
18, "cumulativerain" : 180, "temperature" : 1011, "humidity" : 27, "light" : 1432, "uv" :
4, "mic" : "CRC"}

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Data Descriptions:
• time: Time of Message Reception
• model: SwitchDoc Labs FT020T AIO
• device: Serial Number of the sensor - changed on powerup but can be used to discriminate from other
similar sensors in the area
• batterylow: 0 if battery good, 1 if battery is getting low
• avewindspeed: Average Wind Speed in m/s *10
• gustwindspeed: Last Gust Speed in m/s *10
• winddirection: Wind Direction in degrees from 0-359.
• cumulativerain: Total rain since last reset or power off. in mm.*10
• temperature: outside temperature in F with 400 offset and *10 T = (value-400)/10.0
• humidity: Relative Humidity in %. light:
• Visible Sunlight in lux. uv: UV Index * 10 (meaning an uv index of 0.8 is in the example message above)
Temperature and Humidity Error Conditions
If the humidity level in Hex is 0xFF, this is an error
If the temperature level in Hex is 0x0FFF, this is an error
Clearly those are errors. Here are three more Errors from the temperature:
Valid range for temperature: (with 400 offset added)
-40.0F to 140.0F
Invalid value: 0X7FA
Below minimum: 0X7FC
Above maximum: 0X7FD
Valid Range for Humidity 10% -100%
Errors for Humidity:
Invalid humidity: 0x7A

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From the Arduino Driver:
F016TH Sensor Data Description
Here is an example of results coming in from the F016TH (F007TH) from the PythonTest Software:
pi@SwitchDocLabs:~/SDL_Pi_WeatherRack2 $ sudo python3 readWeatherSensors.py
Starting Wireless Read

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{"time" : "2020-07-09 10:54:16", "model" : "SwitchDoc Labs F007TH Thermo-Hygrometer",
"device" : 233, "modelnumber" : 5, "channel" : 3, "battery" : "OK", "temperature_F" :
72.100, "humidity" : 45, "mic" : "CRC"}
This is the raw data: {"time" : "2020-07-09 10:54:16", "model" : "SwitchDoc Labs F007TH
Thermo-Hygrometer", "device" : 233, "modelnumber" : 5, "channel" : 3, "battery" : "OK",
"temperature_F" : 72.100, "humidity" : 45, "mic" : "CRC"}
• time: Time of Message Reception
• model: SwitchDoc Labs F007TH
• device: Serial Number of the sensor - changed on powerup but can be used to discriminate from other
similar sensors in the area
• modelnumber: internal number indicating F007TH
• channel: channel number you have set
• batterylow: OK if battery good, LOW if battery is getting low
• temperature_F: Temperature in Fahrenheit
• humidity: Relative humidity in %
Power Consumption
F016TH Thermo-hygrometer Sensor : 2 x AAA alkaline batteries or Lithium batteries (not included
Integrated Outdoor Transmitter: 3xAA alkaline batteries or Lithium batteries (not included)
"
Minimum 12 months for FT-020T Sensor Array Integrated Outdoor Transmitter (use lithium batteries in cold
weather climates less than -20 °C), The primary power source is the solar panel. The batteries provide backup
power when there is limited solar energy
"
Minimum 12 months for F016TH sensors (use lithium batteries in cold weather climates less than -20 °C)
Maintenance
Clean the rain gauge of Integrated Outdoor Transmitter once every 3 months.
Unscrew the rain collector funnel by turning it 30°counter clockwise.
Gently remove the rain collector funnel.
Clean and remove any debris or insects.
Install the collector funnel after it has been cleaned and completely dried.

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Figure 52
Replace the FT-020T Sensor Array and F016TH thermo-hygrometer transmitter batteries once every 1-2 years
Troubleshooting Guide.
Problem: F016TH Temperature sensor reads too high in the daytime.
Solution: Make sure the F016TH thermo-hygrometer is mounted in a shaded area if outdoors . The preferred
location is a north facing wall because it is in the shade most of the day.
Problem: Indoor and Outdoor Temperature do not agree
Solution: Allow up to one hour for the sensors to stabilize due to signal filtering. The indoor and outdoor
temperature sensors should agree within 2 °C (the sensor accuracy is ± 1 °C).
Match the indoor and outdoor temperature to a known source.
Problem: Indoor and Outdoor Humidity do not agree
Solution: Allow up to one hour for the sensors to stabilize due to signal filtering. The indoor and outdoor
humidity sensors should agree within 10 % (the sensor accuracy is ± 5 %).