1. Introduction
The Ecowitt HP2564 Wittboy Pro Weather Station is an advanced integrated weather monitoring system designed for both weather enthusiasts and professional users. It provides accurate local weather data including temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, light, UV levels, and haptic rainfall. The system comprises the HP2560_C TFT Display Console and the WS90 Outdoor Solar Powered Weather Sensor.
Figure 1: Ecowitt HP2564 Weather Station, showing the WS90 outdoor sensor and HP2560_C display console.
Video 1: Overview of the Wittboy Pro Weather Station, highlighting its features and applications for various users.
2. Package Contents
Ensure all items are present and in good condition upon unpacking:
- 1 x WS90 7-in-1 Outdoor Weather Sensor Array
- 1 x HP2560_C TFT Display Console
- 1 x Detachable Bird Spikes Set
- 1 x Power Plug
- 1 x Power Cord
- 1 x Router Cable
- 1 x User Manual
3. Product Overview
3.1 WS90 Outdoor Solar Powered Weather Sensor Array
The WS90 is an all-in-one integrated sensor array designed for outdoor use. It measures temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, light, UV levels, and features a haptic rainfall sensor.
Figure 2: Detailed diagram of the WS90 All-in-1 Integrated Weather Sensor, highlighting its various components and features.
Key Features of WS90:
- Haptic Rainfall Sensor: Utilizes a non-moving parts design for accurate rainfall measurement, including rain detection and rain stop interpretation. This design is anti-vibration and less affected by harsh conditions compared to traditional tipping bucket rain gauges.
- Slope Design: The top of the haptic rain gauge features an added slope to prevent accumulated water from influencing wind measurements and to accurately identify precipitation status.
- Dual Power Supply: Equipped with a built-in solar panel (6.5V/4mA) to charge a super capacitor for night operation. It also supports 2 x AA 1.5V backup batteries (not included) for prolonged cloudy periods.
- Auto-Heater Function: Includes a built-in thermostat heating plate that automatically activates below 5°C (40°F) and deactivates above 10°C (50°F) to melt snow and ice, ensuring continuous wind speed measurement.
- Waterproof IPX5 Standards: The temperature and humidity sensor cover meets IPX5 standards and is made from thermal insulation materials with a blind design for optimal heat dissipation.
- Replaceable Sensor Kit: The temperature and humidity sensor kit is designed to be replaceable for easy maintenance.
3.2 HP2560_C TFT Display Console
The HP2560_C is a 7-inch high-resolution TFT colored display console that presents real-time weather data from the WS90 sensor array and other optional sensors. It features touch buttons and an integrated indoor sensor.
Figure 3: The HP2560_C TFT Display Console.
Key Features of HP2560_C:
- Display: 7-inch TFT colored display with high resolution.
- User Interface: Upgraded physical buttons to touch buttons for intuitive navigation.
- Multi-language Support: Supports English, Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Español, Nederlands, Português, and Русский.
- Themes: Two background themes (dark/light) available.
- Integrated Sensors: Includes indoor temperature, humidity, and absolute/relative barometric pressure sensors.
- Data Logging: View historical records and graphs of sensor data directly on the console.
- Expandability: Collects data from various optional wireless sensors (e.g., multi-channel temperature/humidity, PM2.5, soil moisture, water leak, lightning sensors).
- Internet Connectivity: Pushes sensor data to cloud weather services like Ecowitt, Weather Underground (WU), Weather Observation Website (WOW), and Weathercloud. Custom server data hosting is also possible.
Figure 4: Labeled diagram of the HP2560_C Display Console interface.
4. Setup
4.1 WS90 Outdoor Sensor Installation
The WS90 sensor array is designed for easy installation in various outdoor locations such as your roof, garden, driveway, or fence. It requires a pole for mounting (not included).
- Choose a Location: Select an open area free from obstructions that could interfere with wind, rain, or light measurements.
- Mounting Pole: Attach a pole (with an outer diameter of 1.0 inch) to a permanent structure.
- Attach Sensor: Secure the WS90 sensor package to the top of the pole. If not using an external heater, the heater cable can be routed inside the pole for a tidy setup.
Figure 5: WS90 mounting diagram, illustrating attachment to a pole.
Figure 6: Examples of WS90 sensor installation in different outdoor environments.
4.2 Power Supply for WS90
The WS90 is primarily solar-powered with a built-in solar panel (6.5V/4mA) that charges a super capacitor for continuous operation, even at night. For extended periods without sunlight, install 2 x AA 1.5V backup batteries (not included) in the battery compartment.
Figure 7: Dual power supply and auto-heater function for the WS90 sensor.
Optional External Power Cord:
An external power cord (sold separately) can be used for both heating and power supply. It is recommended to use a 12V power supply, especially if the cable needs to be stretched longer. A 5V power supply can also be used, but it may reduce the efficiency of the heating plate. Ensure the supply voltage range is strictly between 5V and 20V to prevent damage to the WS90.
Figure 8: Optional external power cord (sold separately).
4.3 Bird Spike Installation
To prevent birds from interfering with the sensor, install the included bird spikes:
- Insert the stainless steel strap into the silicon strip, ensuring the protruding part of both are on the same side.
- Bend the strip into a circle, making sure the pin holes are all facing up.
- Set the circular strip on the rain gauge.
- Tighten with needle-nose pliers and turn to tighten the stainless steel strap, then cut off any excess length.
- Insert the stainless steel needles into the holes.
Figure 9: Bird Spike Installation Instructions.
5. Operating the Weather Station
5.1 HP2560_C Display Console
Once powered on, the HP2560_C console will automatically search for and connect to the WS90 outdoor sensor. The console displays real-time data for various parameters. Use the touch buttons to navigate through different screens, view historical data, and adjust settings.
5.2 Data Reporting and Internet Services
The HP2560_C console can upload your weather data to various online weather services, allowing you to view and share your local weather information from anywhere. Supported services include Ecowitt, Weather Underground (WU), Weather Observation Website (WOW), and Weathercloud. You can also configure it to upload to custom sites using either Wunderground or Ecowitt protocols.
Figure 10: Data flow from WS90 to console and internet services.
Figure 11: Publishing data to internet weather services.
5.3 Ecowitt App
For remote monitoring and detailed analysis, download the Ecowitt app. After configuring Wi-Fi on the HP2560_C console, you can view live data and historical trends on your smartphone or tablet. The app also supports email alerts based on user-defined conditions.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Haptic Rainfall Sensor Care
The haptic rainfall sensor is designed for low maintenance due to its non-moving parts. However, ensure the top surface is kept clean from debris that might obstruct rainfall detection. The slope design helps in shedding water efficiently.
Figure 12: Haptic Rainfall Sensor vs. Conventional Rain Gauge.
Figure 13: Haptic Rainfall Sensor with slope design.
6.2 Snowpack Management
In snowy conditions, the WS90 sensor has specific considerations:
- Topmost Snow (①): Snow on the very top of the sensor cannot be heated. It must be manually swept away to ensure proper solar power supply and accurate rainfall measurement.
- Middle Section Snow (②): Snow accumulating in the middle section can affect wind speed measurements. The built-in heating plate in this area will activate automatically. Connect the optional heating cable (③) to ensure the heating plate functions effectively to melt snow and ice.
Figure 14: Snowpack management on the WS90 sensor.
6.3 Replaceable Sensor Kit
The temperature and humidity sensor kit within the WS90 is designed for easy replacement. If these sensors require servicing or replacement, refer to the detailed instructions provided with the replacement kit.
Figure 15: Replaceable Temperature & Humidity Sensor Kit.
7. Haptic Rainfall Sensor Calibration
The WS90's haptic rain sensor can be calibrated by the user to improve accuracy. This process requires a reference rain gauge (e.g., Ecowitt WH40) that can record rainfall values and rain rates.
- Reference Data: Use a reliable reference rain gauge (like the WH40) to record actual rainfall values and rain rates.
- Rain Gain Parameters: The WS90 has five adjustable rain gain parameters (Piezo Rain1 to Rain5). These parameters allow for fine-tuning the sensor's response to different rain rates.
- Calibration Process: If you observe a consistent deviation, calculate a correction factor. For example, if your reference shows 7.5mm and the WS90 shows 6.0mm, the gain factor would be 6.0/7.5 = 0.8. You can then adjust the corresponding rain gain parameter (e.g., Rain4) to 0.8. For initial setup, you might apply a general gain factor to Rain2, Rain3, and Rain5. When different rain rates are recorded, divide the WS90 reading by the current gain, then calculate a new gain based on the reference and fill in the precise setting.
Figure 16: Rainfall values recorded for WH40 and WS90, illustrating deviation.
Figure 17: Setting rain gain parameters for WS90 calibration.
8. Troubleshooting
8.1 Inaccurate Rainfall Readings
The daily rain deviation of the WS90 can be larger under certain conditions due to rain drop size and wind speed impacts. If high accuracy is critical, consider using a WH40 rain sensor alongside the WS90 and perform calibration as described in Section 7. For general use, the WS90 performs well over longer periods.
Figure 18: Daily rain deviation for WH40 and WS90.
8.2 No Data on Console / Connectivity Issues
- Ensure both the WS90 sensor and HP2560_C console are powered on.
- Check the battery levels of the WS90 sensor.
- Verify that the WS90 sensor is within the transmission range (up to 150m with obstacles, 300m in open space).
- Ensure there are no major obstructions between the sensor and the console.
- If using Wi-Fi, confirm the console is connected to your home network and has internet access.
8.3 Snow/Ice Affecting Readings
Refer to Section 6.2 for detailed instructions on managing snow and ice accumulation on the WS90 sensor, including manual clearing and proper use of the heating plate with an external power cord.
9. Specifications
9.1 WS90 Outdoor Weather Sensor Array
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Transmission Distance | 150 m (450 ft.) in open field |
| RF Frequency | North America: 915MHz; Europe: 868MHz; Other areas: 433MHz |
| Temperature Range | -40°C – 60°C (-40°F - 140°F) |
| Temperature Accuracy | ± 0.3°C, or ± 0.6°F |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C, or 0.1°F |
| Humidity Range | 1% ~ 99% |
| Humidity Accuracy | ±3.5% |
| Humidity Resolution | 1% |
| Rain Volume Display Range | 0 – 9999 mm |
| Rain Volume Resolution | 0.1mm/0.01inch |
| Wind Speed Range | 0 – 40 m/s (0 ~ 89mph) |
| Wind Speed Accuracy | <10m/s, ±0.5m/s; ≥10m/s, ±5% |
| Wind Direction Accuracy | <2m/s, ±10°; ≥2m/s, ±7° |
| UV-Index Range | 0 - 15 |
| Light Range & Accuracy | 0 – 200 kLux ( ± 15% ) |
| Sensor Reporting Interval | 8.8s |
| Power Supply | Solar panel (6.5V/4mA), 2 x AA 1.5V battery (backup, not included) |
9.2 HP2560_C TFT Display Console
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -10°C – 60°C (14°F – 140°F) |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C, or 0.1°F |
| Humidity Range | 10% ~ 99% |
| Humidity Resolution | 1% |
| Barometric Pressure Range | 300 – 1100 hPa (8.85 – 32.5 inHg) |
| Barometric Pressure Accuracy | ± 5 hPa in 700 – 1100 hPa range |
| Barometric Pressure Resolution | 0.1 hPa (0.01 inHg) |
| Alarm Duration | 120 seconds |
| Sensor Reporting Interval | 60 seconds |
10. User Tips
- Rainfall Accuracy: If you require highly precise rainfall data, consider purchasing a separate WH40 rain sensor to use in conjunction with the WS90 and utilize the calibration feature.
- Console vs. Gateway: The HP2564 includes the HP2560_C TFT Display Console for direct data viewing. If you prefer viewing data primarily through the Ecowitt app, the GW2001 model (which includes the WS90 and GW2000 Wi-Fi Gateway) might be an alternative.
- Sensor Compatibility: The HP2560_C console is compatible with a wide range of additional Ecowitt sensors. Refer to the compatibility table for a full list of supported sensors and their maximum quantities.
Figure 19: Ecowitt Product Compatibility Table.
11. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Ecowitt website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
