Ambient Weather WS-1175 Advanced Weather Station

1. Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of the Ambient Weather WS-1175 Weather Station with time, indoor temperature and humidity, outdoor temperature and outdoor humidity, barometer and weather forecasting. 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://ambientweather.wikispaces.com/ws1175

2. Getting Started

The WS-1175 weather station consists of a display console (receiver) and a wireless thermometer (remote transmitter).

2.1 Parts List

2.2 Recommended Tools

• Philips screwdriver (precision)
• Drill for mounting bracket

2.3 Remote Thermometer Sensor Set Up

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

Remove the battery door on the back of the sensor with a Philips screwdriver (there is only one screw, in the middle of the unit). Insert two AAA batteries (we recommend lithium batteries for cold weather climates, but alkaline batteries are sufficient for most climates). Replace the battery door and set screw. The temperature and humidity will be displayed on the LCD display. Looking at the back of the unit from top to bottom, the polarity is (+) (-) for the left battery and (-) (+) for the right battery.

[Figure 1: Diagram showing front and back views of the remote sensor, illustrating battery compartment and screw location.]

2.4 Display Console Set Up

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

Move the remote thermometer at least 10' away from the display console (if the sensor is too close, it may not be received by the display console). Remove the battery door on the back of the display. Insert three AA (alkaline or lithium, avoid rechargeable) batteries in the back of the display console.

All of the LCD segments will light up for a few seconds to verify all segments are operating properly. Replace the battery door, and fold out the desk stand and place the console in the upright position.

The console will instantly display indoor temperature, date and time. The outdoor temperature and humidity will display '--', then update on the display within a few minutes. Do not touch any buttons until the remote sensor reports in, otherwise the remote sensor search mode will be terminated, and you must power down and power up the console again. When the remote sensor data has been received, the console will automatically switch to the normal mode, and all further settings can be performed.

If the remote does not update, please reference the troubleshooting guide in Section 7.

2.4.1 Display Console Layout

Note: The following illustration shows the full segments of the LCD for description purposes only and will not appear like this during normal operation.

• 1. Radio Controlled Clock (WWVB) icon flashes upon reception ?
• 2. Time of the day ?
• 3. Day/month vs. month/day format ?
• 4. Date ?
• 5. Maximum Icon ⬆️
• 6. Sensor sensitivity ?
• 7. Ice alert ?
• 8. Weather forecast icon ☀️☁️?️
• 9. Barometric Pressure units of measure ⚖️
• 10. Barometric pressure ⚖️
• 11. Pressure tendency arrow ⬆️⬇️
• 12. Console low battery indicator ?
• 13. Indoor comfort index ?
• 14. Indoor temperature ?️
• 15. Indoor temperature units of measure °F°C
• 16. Wireless transmitter indicator ?
• 17. Outside temperature ?️
• 18. Outside temperature units of measure °F°C
• 19. Remote low battery indicator ?
• 20. Outdoor humidity ?
• 21. Remote sensor channel number ?
• 22. Barometric pressure units of measure ⚖️
• 23. Minimum icon ⬇️
• 24. Time alarm setting ⏰
• 25. Time zone, daylight savings time (set mode) ⏰
• 26. Time alarm icon ⏰
• 27. Radio controlled clock WWVB received icon ?

[Figure 2: Diagram illustrating the layout of the display console LCD screen with numbered elements corresponding to the descriptions above.]

2.5 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% (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 (accuracy is ± 2°F). Allow about 30 minutes for both sensors to stabilize.

3. Remote Sensor Installation

It is recommended to mount the remote sensor on a north-facing wall, in a shaded area. The sensor can mount to a horizontal or vertical surface. Direct sunlight and radiant heat sources will result in inaccurate temperature readings. Although the sensor is water-resistant, it is best to mount it in a well-protected area, such as under an eave.

Use 3 screws to affix the mounting bracket to the wall, as shown in Figure 1. Connect the remote sensor to the wall bracket (it will snap into place).

4. Console Operation

Note: After 30 seconds of inactivity, the display will automatically revert to the normal display mode (automatic time out).

Note: The MIN/MAX/- functions use the same button and are used interchangeably. The CH/+ functions use the same button and are used interchangeably.

Note: There are two modes of operation: (1) normal mode, and (2) set mode, where settings are programmed.

4.1 Quick Display Mode

While in Normal Mode, press the SET key to toggle between the time of day and the year.

4.2 Set (Program) Mode

While in Normal Mode, press and hold the SET key for at least three seconds to enter the Set Mode. The first setting will begin flashing. You can press the SET key again to skip any step, as defined below.

Note: In Set mode, press the [+] key or the [-] key to change or scroll the value. Hold the [+] key or the [-] key for 3 seconds to increase/decrease rapidly.

Note: To exit Set Mode, press the SNOOZE/LIGHT button on the top of the display (or wait 30 seconds), and Set Mode will return to Normal Mode.

1. Language: The English (EN) language setting will begin flashing. Press the [+] key to toggle between the following languages:
   • English: EN
   • Russian: RU
   • German: DE
   • French: FR
   • Spanish: ES
2. Contrast (LCD): Press the SET key to change the contrast. The default contrast is 4. Press the [+] key or [-] key to increase or decrease the contrast level (1-8).
3. Time Zone Settings: Press the SET key again to adjust the Time Zone (TZ) setting. Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the time zone from -12 to 12, based on the number of hours from Coordinated Universal Time, or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

   Time Zones

   Hours from GMT	Time Zone ID	Cities
   -12	IDLW	International Date Line West
   -11	-	--
   -10	AHST	Alaska-Hawaii Standard
   -9	CAT	Central Alaska
   -8	HST	Hawaii Standard
   -7	YST	Yukon Standard
   -6	PST	Pacific Standard
   -5	MST	Mountain Standard
   -4	CST	Central Standard
   -3	EST	Eastern Standard
   -2	AST	Atlantic Standard
   -1	--AT	Azores
   0	WAT	West Africa
   1	GMT	Greenwich Mean
   2	WET	Western European
   3	CET	Central European
   4	EET	Eastern European
   5	BT	Baghdad
   6	--------	--
   7	CCT	China Coast
   8	JST	Japan Standard
   9	GST	Guam Standard
   10	--	--
   11	IDLE	International Date Line East
   12	NZST	New Zealand Standard

4. Radio Controlled Clock (RCC): Press the SET key again to change the RCC. The RCC (ON or OFF) setting will flash. Press the [+] key to toggle between RCC ON (adjusts automatically to the atomic clock) and RCC OFF (uses the quartz clock).

   Note: The time and date display is based on the signal provided by the highly accurate government-operated atomic clock in Fort Collins, CO. The base station will continue to scan for the radio controlled time signal each day at 2:00, 8:00, 12:00 and 20:00, despite if you manually set the date and time. If reception is unsuccessful, the radio controlled time icon will not appear but reception attempts will continue. If reception has been successful, the received time and date will overwrite the manually set time and date.

5. Daylight Savings Time (DST): Press the SET key again to adjust the DST. The DST (ON or OFF) setting will flash. Press the [+] key to toggle between DST ON and DST OFF.
6. 12/24 Hour Format: Press the SET key again to adjust the 12/24 hour format setting. Press the [+] key to change between 12-hour and 24-hour format.
7. Day/Month and Month/Day Format: Press the SET key again to adjust the Day/Month and Month/Day format. Press the [+] key to toggle between month/day (mm/dd) format and day/month (dd/mm) format.
8. Change Year: Press the SET key again to set the calendar year. Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the calendar year.
9. Change Month: Press the SET key again to set the calendar month. Press the [+] key or MIN/MAX key to adjust the calendar month.
10. Change Day: Press the SET key again to set the calendar day. Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the calendar day (note that the display format is Month/Day/Year).
11. Change Hour: Press the SET key again to set the hour. Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the hour up or down.
12. Change Minute: Press the SET key again to set the minute. Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the minute.
13. Temperature Units (Celsius or Fahrenheit): Press the SET key again to change the temperature units. Press the [+] key to toggle the temperature units from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
14. Barometric Pressure Display Units (mmHg, hPa or inHg): Press the SET key again to change the barometric pressure units. Press the [+] key to toggle the pressure units between mmHg, hPa and inHg.
15. Relative Pressure Calibration: Press the SET key to adjust the relative barometric pressure. Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the relative barometric pressure up or down. Reference Section 4.2.1 Setting Barometric Pressure for more details on this function.
16. Pressure Threshold Setting (default level 2): Press the SET key again to adjust the pressure threshold setting. Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the pressure threshold up or down. Reference Section 4.2.1 for more details on this function.
17. Storm Threshold Setting (default level 4): Press the SET key again to adjust the storm threshold setting. Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the storm threshold up or down. Reference Section 4.2.1 for more details on this function.
18. Weather Forecast Icon Setting: Press the SET key again to set the weather forecast icon setting. Press the [+] key to toggle between Sunny ☀️, Partly Cloudy ?️, Cloudy ☁️, and Rainy ?️.

4.2.1 Setting Barometric Pressure

To compare pressure conditions from one location to another, meteorologists correct pressure to sea-level conditions. Because 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.

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.

To change the relative pressure when flashing, press the [+] key or [-] key to increase or decrease the relative pressure setting to match the official reporting station.

4.3 Alarm Mode

4.3.1 Time Alarm

While in Normal Mode, press the ALARM key to activate or de-activate the alarm. If the alarm is active, the alarm time will be displayed below the alarm icon ⏰. If the alarm is de-active, OFF will be displayed below the alarm icon ⏰.

4.3.2 Setting the Time Alarm

To set the alarm time, press and hold the ALARM key for 3 seconds. The alarm hour will begin flashing.

Change Alarm Hour: Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the alarm hour up or down.

Change Alarm Minute: Press the SET key again to set the alarm minute. Press the [+] key or [-] key to adjust the alarm minute. Press the SET key again to exit.

4.3.3 Cancelling the Alarm

When the alarm has been triggered, the alarm will sound and the alarm icon ⏰ will flash for 120 seconds. Press the ALARM key to silence the alarm.

4.3.4 Snooze Alarm

When the alarm has been triggered, press the SNOOZE/LIGHT button on the top of the display to silence the alarm for seven minutes. To exit the snooze alarm mode, press and hold the SNOOZE/LIGHT button on the top of the display for three seconds. In both cases, the backlight will turn on for five seconds.

4.4 Min/Max Mode

While in Normal Mode, press the MIN/MAX key to enter the min/max mode.

Note: If you have multiple remote temperature and humidity sensors, select the Channel you wish to view the min/max data before you enter the min/max mode.

1. Maximum Barometric Pressure: The maximum barometric pressure, associated date and time, and the MAX icon ⬆️ will be displayed. To reset the maximum barometric pressure to the current pressure, press and hold the MIN/MAX key for two seconds.
2. Minimum Barometric Pressure: Press the MIN/MAX key again. The minimum barometric pressure, associated date and time, and the MIN icon ⬇️ will be displayed. To reset the minimum barometric pressure to the current pressure, press and hold the MIN/MAX key for two seconds.
3. Maximum Remote Temperature (Channel 1, 2 or 3): Press the MIN/MAX key again. The maximum remote temperature (if you have multiple temperature/humidity sensors, the channel currently selected on the display), associated date and time, and the MAX icon ⬆️ will be displayed. To reset the maximum remote temperature to the current temperature, press and hold the MIN/MAX key for two seconds.
4. Minimum Remote Temperature (Channel 1, 2 or 3): Press the MIN/MAX key again. The minimum remote temperature (if you have multiple temperature/humidity sensors, the channel currently selected on the display), associated date and time, and the MIN icon ⬇️ will be displayed. To reset the minimum remote temperature to the current temperature, press and hold the MIN/MAX key for two seconds.
5. Maximum Remote Humidity (Channel 1, 2 or 3): Press the MIN/MAX key again. The maximum remote humidity (if you have multiple temperature/humidity sensors, the channel currently selected on the display), associated date and time, and the MAX icon ⬆️ will be displayed. To reset the maximum remote humidity to the current humidity, press and hold the MIN/MAX key for two seconds.
6. Minimum Remote Humidity (Channel 1, 2 or 3): Press the MIN/MAX key again. The minimum remote humidity (if you have multiple temperature/humidity sensors, the channel currently selected on the display), associated date and time, and the MIN icon ⬇️ will be displayed. To reset the minimum remote humidity to the current humidity, press and hold the MIN/MAX key for two seconds.
7. Press the MIN/MAX key again to exit the min/max mode.

4.5 Other Console Features

The following section describes additional console features.

4.5.1 Backlight

To turn on backlighting, press the SNOOZE/LIGHT button on the top of the display console. The backlight will stay on for 5 seconds.

4.5.2 Weather Forecasting and Tendency

Note: The weather forecast or pressure tendency is based on the rate of change of barometric pressure. In general, when the pressure increases, the weather improves (sunny to partly cloudy) and when the pressure decreases, the weather degrades (cloudy to rain). For significant decreases in barometric pressure, the storm icon ⛈️ will be displayed. If the temperature is below freezing (32°F), the snow icon ?️ will replace the rainy or stormy icon.

The weather forecast is an estimation or generalization of weather changes in the next 24 to 48 hours, and varies from location to location. The tendency is simply a tool for projecting weather conditions and is never to be relied upon as an accurate method to predict the weather.

The barometer updates every 10 minutes. If the barometer increases for three consecutive updates (30 minutes), the up arrow ⬆️ will be displayed. If the barometer decreases for three consecutive updates (30 minutes), the down arrow ⬇️ will be displayed. If there is no clear trend in pressure, the arrows will not be displayed.

4.5.3 Weather Icons

The six weather icons are Sunny ☀️, Partly Cloudy ?️, Cloudy ☁️, Rainy ?️, Stormy ⛈️, and Snowy ?️, as shown in Figure 3.

[Figure 3: Visual representation of weather icons: Sunny, Partly Cloudy, Cloudy, Rainy, Stormy, Snowy.]

4.5.4 Wind Icon

If the air pressure decreases less than -3 mmHg within 3 hours, the wind icon ? will be displayed, as shown in Figure 4. This rapid decrease in barometric pressure indicates winds are expected.

[Figure 4: Visual representation of the wind icon.]

4.5.5 Pressure Threshold Setting

The pressure threshold setting is defined in Section 4.2 Set (Program) Mode. The pressure threshold (the negative or positive rate of change of pressure signifying a change in the weather) can be adjusted by the user from level 2 to level 4 (default level 2 mbar/hour).

The lower the level pressure threshold setting, the higher the sensitivity for weather forecast changes. Locations that experience frequent changes in air pressure require a higher setting compared to locations where the air pressure is typically stagnant.

This pressure threshold setting is displayed on the console in the form of bars (1 to 4), as shown in Figure 5.

[Figure 5: Visual representation of pressure threshold indicator bars.]

4.5.6 Storm Alert Threshold

The storm threshold (the negative rate of pressure change signifying a storm is expected) can be adjusted by the user from level 3 to level 5 (the default level 4 mbar/hour). When the negative rate of change of pressure is exceeded for 3 hours, the storm warning indicator will be activated, and the clouds with rain icon ?️ and tendency arrows ⬆️⬇️ will flash for 3 hours, indicating the storm warning feature has been activated.

4.5.7 Ice Alert

When the temperature is between 27°C and 34°C, the ice alert icon ? will be present.

[Figure 6: Visual representation of the ice alert icon.]

4.5.8 Indoor Comfort Icon

An indoor comfort icon indicates the comfort zone based on indoor humidity, as shown in Figure 7.

RH<45%: Dry ?

RH 45%~65%: Comfortable ?

RH >65%: Wet ?

[Figure 7: Visual representations of indoor comfort icons for Dry, Comfortable, and Wet conditions.]

4.6 Multi-Channel Operation

The WS-1175 supports up to three WH-3C remote thermometers (one is included). Optional sensors can be purchased at AmbientWeather.com.

4.6.1 Sensor Initialization

Power up the sensors and console in the following order:

1. Power up the console. Do not touch any of the buttons, as described in Section 2.4.
2. Power up the first remote thermometer as described in Section 2.3. Wait until the sensor reports into the console.
3. Power up the second remote thermometer as described in Section 2.3. Wait until the sensor reports to the console. The first sensor will be designated as Channel 1 and the second sensor will be designated as Channel 2.
4. Power up the third remote thermometer as described in Section 2.3. Wait until the sensor reports to the console. The third sensor will be designated as Channel 3. The display will switch between each sensor until you exit the initialization state by pressing any button.

4.6.2 Sensor Accuracy Note

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

4.6.3 Viewing the 3 Sensor Channels

To view the 3 sensor channels, select the CH/[+] button. The minimum and maximum can be viewed for each channel as specified in Section 4.4.

If sensor communication has been lost (blank display where temperature and humidity are displayed), hold the CH/[+] key for 3 seconds to re-acquire the current channel sensor signal. If you have additional remote sensors, hold the CH/[+] key for 5 seconds to re-acquire all of the sensor signals.

5. Glossary of Terms

6. Specifications

6.1 Wireless Specifications

• Line of sight wireless transmission (in open air): 260 feet
• Frequency: 433 MHz
• Update Rate: 60 seconds

6.2 Measurement Specifications

6.3 Power Consumption

• Base station: 3 x AA 1.5V Alkaline batteries
• Remote sensor: 2 x AAA 1.5V Alkaline batteries
• Battery life: Minimum 24 months for base station
• Minimum 24 months for remote thermometer sensor (use lithium batteries in cold weather climates)

7. Troubleshooting Guide

If your question is not answered here, you can contact Ambient Weather support:

• Email Support: support@ambientweather.com
• Live Chat Support: www.ambientweather.com/chat.html (M-F 8am to 4pm Arizona Time)
• Technical Support: 480-283-1644 (M-F 8am to 4pm Arizona Time)

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. 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 an indication of weather conditions. This product is not to be used for medical purposes or for public information.

The specifications of this product may change without prior notice.

This product is not a toy. Keep out of the reach of children.

No part of this manual may be reproduced without written authorization of the manufacturer.

Ambient, LLC WILL NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR OTHER SIMILAR DAMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OR MALFUNCTION OF THIS PRODUCT.

10. FCC Statement

Statement according to FCC part 15.19: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Statement according to FCC part 15.21: Modifications not expressly approved by this company could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Statement according to FCC part 15.105: NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

11. Warranty Information

Ambient, LLC provides a 1-year limited warranty on this product against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship.

This limited warranty begins on the original date of purchase, is valid only on products purchased and only to the original purchaser of this product. To receive warranty service, the purchaser must contact Ambient, LLC for problem determination and service procedures.

Warranty service can only be performed by an Ambient, LLC authorized service center. The original dated bill of sale must be presented upon request as proof of purchase to Ambient, LLC.

Your Ambient, LLC warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship with the following specified exceptions: (1) damage caused by accident, unreasonable use or neglect (lack of reasonable and necessary maintenance); (2) damage resulting from failure to follow instructions contained in your owner's manual; (3) damage resulting from the performance of repairs or alterations by someone other than an authorized Ambient, LLC authorized service center; (4) units used for other than home use; (5) applications and uses that this product was not intended for; (6) the product's inability to receive a signal due to any source of interference or metal obstructions; and (7) extreme acts of nature, such as lightning strikes or floods.

This warranty covers only actual defects within the product itself, and does not cover the cost of installation or removal from a fixed installation, normal set-up or adjustments, claims based on misrepresentation by the seller, or performance variations resulting from installation-related circumstances.