Ambient Weather WS-2801A Advanced Color Wireless Weather Station

1 Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-2801 Wireless Color Weather Station. The following user guide provides step by step instructions for installation, operation and troubleshooting. To download the latest manual and additional troubleshooting tips, please visit: http://www.AmbientWeather.net/help

1.1 What's New with the WS-2801A

The WS-2801 only supported one remote wireless sensor. The WS-2801 supports up to three wireless remote sensors. The WS-2801A adds scroll mode, which allows you to view all three channels without pressing any buttons.

1.2 Features

• Wireless outdoor and indoor humidity (%RH)
• Wireless outdoor and indoor temperature (°F or °C)
• Records min. and max. humidity
• Records min. and max. temperature
• Barometric pressure (inHg or hPa)
• Weather forecast
• Radio controlled (WWVB) automatic date and time or manual date and time
• 12 or 24-hour time display
• Perpetual calendar
• Time alarm with snooze
• Moon phase
• LED color backlight
• Wall hanging or free standing
• Supports up to three wireless remote sensors

2 Quick Start Guide

3 Getting Started

The WS-2801 weather station consists of a display console (receiver), thermos-hygrometer sensor and AC adapter.

Note: The power up sequence must be performed in the order shown in this section (remote transmitter first, display console second) to properly synchronize the remote sensor to the console.

3.1 Parts List

3.2 Recommend Tools

Hammer and nail for hanging remote thermo-hygrometer transmitter.

3.3 Thermo-Hygrometer Sensor Set Up

Remove the battery door on the back of the sensor, as shown in Figure 2.

Diagram showing the back of the thermo-hygrometer sensor with the battery door removed, revealing battery slots and channel/temperature unit switches.

1. BEFORE inserting the batteries, switch the channel switch to the appropriate channel. If you have one sensor, set the switch to Channel 1. If you have two sensors, set the second sensor to Channel 2. If you own three sensors, set the third sensor to Channel 3.

2. To change the temperature units of measure, press the °C/°F button.

3. Insert two AA batteries.

4. After inserting the batteries, the remote sensor will display temperature and humidity and channel number on the display, as shown in Figure 3.

Diagram of the remote sensor's LCD display showing: 1. Temperature, 2. Temperature Units of Measure, 3. Channel Number, 4. Humidity.

5. Close the battery door.

Note: We recommend lithium batteries for cold weather climates, but alkaline batteries are sufficient for most climates. We do not recommend rechargeable batteries. They have lower voltages, do not operate well at wide temperature ranges, and do not last as long, resulting in poorer reception.

Note: If the incorrect channel number is selected, change the channel number switch on the back of the sensor, and remove and reinsert the batteries for the change to take effect.

3.4 Display Console

3.4.1 Display Console Layout

The display console layout is shown in Figure 4.

Diagram of the Ambient Weather WS-2801A display console layout, with numbered elements indicating: 1. Daylight Savings Time, 2. Radio controlled reception, 3. Time, 4. Week day, 5. Date, 6. Moon phase, 7. Pressure rate of change, 8. Barometric pressure, 9. Barometric pressure trend arrow, 10. Sensor channel number, 11. Outdoor humidity, 12. Min outdoor humidity, 13. Max outdoor humidity, 14. Outdoor humidity, 15. Outdoor humidity, 16. Min indoor humidity, 17. Max indoor humidity, 18. Min indoor temperature, 19. Max indoor temperature, 20. Indoor temperature, 21. Min outdoor temperature, 22. Max outdoor temperature, 23. Outdoor temperature, 24. Transmitter signal strength, 25. Weather forecast icon based on barometer.

3.4.2 Display Console Set Up

Diagram showing the front and back of the Ambient Weather WS-2801A display console, highlighting the LIGHT/SNOOZE key, Hanging hole, Folding bracket, and Power jack.

3.4.3 Display Console Set Up

Place the remote thermo-hygrometer about 5 to 10 feet away from the display console (if the sensor is too close, it may not be received by the display console).

1. Insert the power adapter into the power jack of the console, and plug in the adapter. The LCD display will beep once and then light up. The brightness selection is set to high when plugged into the adapter.

2. Remove the battery door on the back of the display. Insert three AAA (alkaline or lithium, avoid rechargeable) batteries in the back of the display console. Looking at the back of the unit (left to right), the polarity is (-) (+) for the top battery, (+) (-) for the middle battery and (-) (+) for the bottom battery.

Note: To avoid permanent damage, please take note of the battery polarity before inserting the batteries.

3. Replace the battery door, and fold out the desk stand and place the console in the upright position, as shown in Figure 5.

Note: The batteries are intended for back-up power only. The backlight will remain on for 5 seconds when on back up battery power only. Only when you use power adapter it will the back-light be continuously on.

4. After initialization, the console will instantly display indoor temperature, humidity, barometer, moon phase, date and time. The remote search icon will turn on: ?

Do not touch any buttons until the remote sensor reports in, otherwise the remote sensor search mode will be terminated and the search icon will turn off. When the remote sensor data has been received, the console will automatically switch to the normal mode, and all further settings can be performed.

3.4.4 Radio Controlled Clock (RCC)

Your console is equipped with the Radio Controlled Clock (RCC). The icon WWVB will appear above the time to signify this.

The RCC is received by the wireless transmitter, and passed to the console. After the remote sensor is powered up, the sensor will transmit weather data for 30 seconds, and then the sensor will begin radio controlled clock (RCC) reception.

During the RCC time reception period (maximum 10 minutes), no weather data will be transmitted to avoid interference.

If the signal reception is not successful (normally during the day due to solar interference), the sensor search will be cancelled, the outdoor temperature and humidity will update as normal, and the RCC search will automatically resume every two hours until the signal is successfully captured. The regular RF link will resume once RCC reception routine is finished. In some locations, RCC reception may take a couple of days to receive the signal. The temperature and humidity data will continue to transmit during this period.

Once the radio controlled time is received, the RCC reception icon ? will turn on (reference Figure 4).

3.5 Sensor Operation Verification

Verify the indoor and outdoor humidity match closely with the console and sensor array in the same location (about 10' apart). The sensors should be within 10% worst case (the accuracy is ± 5%). Allow about 30 minutes for both sensors to stabilize.

Verify the indoor and outdoor temperature match closely with the console and sensor array in the same location (about 10' apart). The sensors should be within 4°F worst case (the accuracy is ± 2°F). Allow about 30 minutes for both sensors to stabilize.

3.6 Sensor Placement

It is recommended you mount the remote sensor outside on a north facing wall, in a shaded area, at a height at or above the receiver. If a north facing wall is not possible, choose a shaded area, under an eve.

Direct sunlight and radiant heat sources will result in inaccurate temperature readings. Although the sensor is weatherproof, it is best to mount in a well-protected area, such as an eve.

1. Use a screw or nail to affix the remote sensor to the wall, as shown in Figure 6.

2. Hang the remote sensor up on string, as shown in Figure 7.

Note: Make sure the sensor is mounted vertically and not lying down on a flat surface. This will insure optimum reception. Wireless signals are impacted by distance, interference (other weather stations, wireless phones, wireless routers, TVs and computer monitors), and transmission barriers, such as walls. In general, wireless signals will not penetrate solid metal and earth (down a hill, for example).

Illustration of the thermo-hygrometer sensor mounted on a wall using a screw or nail.

Illustration of the thermo-hygrometer sensor hanging from a string.

3.7 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 console 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 300feet line of sight (no interference, barriers or walls) but typically you will get 100feet maximum under most real-world installations, which include passing through barriers or walls.

4 Console Operation

Note: The console has four keys for easy operation: TEMP/+ key, ALARM key, BARO/- key and SET/CH/CH key. There are four program modes: Set Mode, Alarm Mode, Calibration Mode and Min/Max Mode.

Any program mode can be exited at any time by either pressing the SNOOZE/LIGHT key (on the top of the display console), or waiting for the 30-second time-out to take effect.

4.1 Set Mode

The Set Mode allows you to change date, time, units of measure and other important functions, as referenced in Figure 8.

To enter the Set Mode, press and hold the SET/CH key for two seconds (SET/CH + 2 seconds). To advance each command, press (do not hold) the SET/CH key.

4.1.1 Time Zones

4.2 Barometric Pressure

4.2.1 Barometric Pressure History

While in normal mode, press BARO/- to check the barometric pressure history. Press the BARO/- button to switch to past 12hr/24hr/48hr/72hr average pressure. To exit the barometric pressure history mode, press the SNOOZE/LIGHT key (on the top of the display console), or wait 30 seconds for the timeout to take effect.

4.2.2 Relative Pressure Calibration

You will want to calculate your barometric pressure to an official reporting station in your area. Since barometric pressure does not drastically change in a 50 mile radius (unless the weather is rapidly changing), this method of calibration is acceptable.

To determine the relative pressure for your location, locate an official reporting station near you (the internet is the best source for real time barometer conditions, such as Weather.com or Wunderground.com), and set your weather station to match the official reporting station.

4.2.3 Relative vs. Absolute Pressure

To compare pressure conditions from one location to another, meteorologists correct pressure to sea-level conditions. Because the air pressure decreases as you rise in altitude, the sea-level corrected pressure (the pressure your location would be at if located at sea-level) is generally higher than your measured pressure.

Thus, your absolute pressure may read 28.62 inHg (969 mb) at an altitude of 1000 feet (305 m), but the relative pressure is 30.00 inHg (1016 mb).

The standard sea-level pressure is 29.92 in Hg (1013 mb). This is the average sea-level pressure around the world. Relative pressure measurements greater than 29.92 inHg (1013 mb) are considered high pressure and relative pressure measurements less than 29.92 inHg are considered low pressure.

4.3 Dew Point

While in normal mode, Press the TEMP/+ key to view the Dew Point in the outdoor temperature field. If key idle 30 seconds, the display will return to normal mode.

To exit the Dew Point display mode, press the SNOOZE/LIGHT key (on the top of the display console), or wait 30 seconds for the timeout to take effect.

4.4 Multiple Channel Selection and Scroll Mode

If you have multiple wireless sensors, while in normal mode, press the SET/CH key to the different channels. Temperature, humidity, and MAX/MIN records will be displayed for each channel.

To scroll automatically, press the channel button again, and the scroll icon ? will be displayed next to the channel number, and will scroll every 5 seconds.

4.5 Alarms

4.5.1 View Alarm Time

While in normal mode, press the ALARM key to view the alarm time. The alarm icon will be displayed in the time field.

4.5.2 Time Alarm Settings Mode

To enter the Alarm Mode, press and hold the ALARM key for two seconds (ALARM + 2 seconds). To advance each command, press (do not hold) the SET/CH key.

4.5.3 Cancelling the Alarm

If the time alarm sounds, press the any key to silence the alarm. Press the LIGHT/SNOOZE key to enter snooze mode.

The low temperature alert will reset automatically once the value has fallen into the low temperature alert range.

4.5.4 Low Temperature Alarm

The low temperature alarm sounds when the outdoor is between -3 °C and +2 °C (26.6 °F and 35.6 °F). The LO temperature icon ⚠️ will appear and flash on the console. If the BEEP is switched on, an audible alert will also activated when the low temperature alert occurs.

If you own more than one sensor, the low temperature alarm will activate for any one of the sensors.

4.6 Calibration

Display of the outdoor sensor readings on the console, showing temperature, humidity, and an alarm indicator ⚠️.

While in the normal node, press and hold the SET/CH and BARO/- keys for five seconds to enter calibration mode (note: the SET/CH mode will appear after three seconds. Continue pressing the two keys until you see the CAL icon appear in the upper right hand corner of the display).

Enter the calibration offset to match the calibration source.

Example 1:

The calibrated temperature from a red spirit thermometer, or actual temperature is 60.0 °F. The uncalibrated or measured temperature is 58.7 °F. Offset = Calibrated Temperature – Uncalibrated Temperature = 60.0 – 58.7 = 1.3 °F. Enter the temperature offset +1.3 °F.

Example 2:

The calibrated absolute pressure from a calibrated pressure sensor, or actual absolute pressure is 28.61 inHg. The uncalibrated or measured absolute pressure measured by the weather station is 28.66 inHg. Offset = 28.66 – 28.61 = -0.05 inHg Enter the absolute pressure offset -0.05 inHg

Note: The absolute pressure offset will also affect the relative pressure. To adjust the relative pressure, only (independent of the absolute pressure), reference Section 4.1.

Normally, you would not calibrate the absolute pressure because it is difficult to obtain a calibrated source. The preferred method is to calculate relative pressure to an official source near you, as described in Section 4.2.2.

To exit the calibration mode at any time, press the LIGHT/SNOOZE button.

Note: The calibration offset range limits are as follows: Temperature: ± 9°F Humidity: ± 9% Relative: ± 10hpa (± 0.295 inHg)

4.7 Max/Min Mode

The Max/Min data is displayed below each parameter. The orange parameter on the left is the maximum value since the last reset, and the blue parameter on the left is the minimum value since the last reset.

Diagram showing Max/Min values for Temperature and Humidity. Orange indicates maximum, blue indicates minimum.

To clear all of the MAX/MIN records, press and hold the TEMP/+ button for three seconds. Dashes will be displayed until the next update.

MAX/MIN records are cleared automatically at midnight. The MAX/MIN DAILY icon ? will be displayed. To switch this feature off, reference Section 4.1.

4.8 Other Console Features

4.8.1 Display Brightness

Press the LIGHT/SNOOZE button to toggle the screen brightness between HIGH, MEDIUM and LOW.

4.8.2 Weather Forecasting

The five weather icons are Sunny, Partly Cloudy, Cloudy, Rainy and Stormy.

The forecast icon is based on the rate of change of barometric pressure. Please allow at least one month for the weather station to learn the barometric pressure over time.

Table showing weather forecast icons: Sunny (sun), Partly Cloudy (sun behind cloud), Cloudy (cloud), Rainy (rain drops), Stormy (lightning bolt and rain).

4.8.3 Weather Forecasting Description and Limitations

In general, if the rate of change of pressure increases, the weather is generally improving (sunny to partly cloudy). If the rate of change of pressure decreases, the weather is generally degrading (cloudy, rainy or stormy). If the rate of change is relatively steady, it will read partly cloudy.

The reason the current conditions do not match the forecast icon is because the forecast is a prediction 24-48 hours in advance. In most locations, this prediction is only 70% accurate and it is a good idea to consult the National Weather Service for more accurate weather forecasts. In some locations, this prediction may be less or more accurate. However, it is still an interesting educational tool for learning why the weather changes.

The National Weather Service (and other weather services such as Accuweather and The Weather Channel) have many tools at their disposal to predict weather conditions, including weather radar, weather models, and detailed mapping of ground conditions.

4.8.4 Moon Phase

The following moon phases are displayed based on the calendar date and your northern vs southern hemisphere, as shown in Figure 15.

Diagram showing Northern Hemisphere moon phases (New, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, Waning Crescent) and Southern Hemisphere moon phases.

4.8.5 Pressure Tendency Arrows

The forecast trend arrow updates every 30 minutes. The trend reflects changes in pressure (1 hPa) over the past 3 hours.

Diagram showing pressure tendency arrows: Up arrow for 'Pressure is rising', Right arrow for 'Pressure is unchanged', Down arrow for 'Pressure is falling'.

4.8.6 Rate of Change of Pressure Graph

The rate of change of pressure graphic is shown to the left of the barometric pressure and signifies the difference between the daily average pressure and the 30 day average (in hPa).

Vertical bar graph showing rate of change of pressure in hPa, from >=5 down to <= -5.

4.8.7 Resynchronizing Lost Sensor

If the signal is lost between the remote sensor (or transmitter) and the display console (or the receiver), to resynchronize, while in normal mode, Press and hold SET/CH and TEMP/+ button for 5 seconds, to register the outdoor transmitter. The sensor search icon will flash.

Please wait several minutes for the remote sensor reports in. Do not touch any buttons until synchronization is complete.

If the synchronization fails, reset the console by removing one battery from the display console, disconnect from AC power, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert the battery and reconnect AC power.

4.8.8 Factory Reset

To perform a factory reset of the console, press and hold the SET button while the console is powering up. After the power up sequence is completed, let go of the SET button.

5 Glossary of Terms

6 Specifications

6.1 Wireless Specifications

• Line of sight wireless transmission (in open air): 300 feet, 100 feet under most conditions
• Frequency: 433 MHz
• Update Rate: about 60 seconds.

6.2 Measurement Specifications

The following table provides specifications for the measured parameters.

6.3 Power Consumption

• Base station : 5V DC adaptor (included)
• 3 x AAA 1.5V Batteries (not included)
• Remote sensor : 2 x AAA Batteries (not included)
• Battery life: About 12 months for base station
• About 12-24 months for thermometer-hygrometer sensor (use lithium batteries in cold weather climates)

7 Troubleshooting Guide

8 Accessories

The following software and hardware accessories are available for this weather station at www.AmbientWeather.com.

9 Liability Disclaimer

Please help in the preservation of the environment and return used batteries to an authorized depot. The electrical and electronic wastes contain hazardous substances. Disposal of electronic waste in wild country and/or in unauthorized grounds strongly damages the environment.

Reading the "User manual” is highly recommended. The manufacturer and supplier cannot accept any responsibility for any incorrect readings and any consequences that occur should an inaccurate reading take place.

This product is designed for use in the home only as indication of

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