Ecowitt WN1980 WiFi Weather Station

1 Features

This section describes the features of the Ecowitt WN1980 WiFi Weather Station console.

Figure 1: Display console front and back depicts the console's physical layout.

• (1) Touch Key: The console features touch-sensitive keys for operation.
• (2) Wi-Fi Ready: The device connects to Wi-Fi and works with the Ecowitt weather service, WU, WOW, and custom servers.
• (3) Sharp LCD Display: A clear and sharp LCD screen displays weather data.
• (4) Sensor Support: All Ecowitt ecosystem sensors are supported for uploading to the cloud server. The LCD displays outdoor temperature, humidity, wind, and rain data. Additional sensor data can be viewed via the Ecowitt APP or website dashboard.
• (5) Additional/Optional Sensors: The system supports various optional sensors including:
  • Up to 8 WH31 multi-channel temperature and humidity sensors, or 8 WN30 multi-channel temp sensors, or WN36 Pool Thermometer.
  • Up to 8 WN34 Temperature Sensors.
  • Up to 8 WN35 Leaf Wetness Sensors.
  • Up to 4 WH41/WH43 PM2.5 air quality sensors.
  • One WH45 PM2.5/PM10/CO2/temperature and humidity all-in-one sensor.
  • Up to 8 WH51 soil moisture sensors.
  • Up to 4 WH55 water leak sensors.
  • One WH57 lightning sensor.
  • One WH68 4-in-1 sensor (Indoor temperature, indoor humidity, wind direction, and wind speed).
  • One WN67 Outdoor Sensor Body (Thermo-hygrometer, Rain Gauge, Wind Speed Sensor, Wind Direction Sensor).
  • One WS69 Outdoor Sensor Body (Thermo-hygrometer, Rain Gauge, Wind Speed Sensor, Wind Direction Sensor, Light and UV sensor, Solar panel).
  • One WS80 Ultrasonic Anemometers with Temp & Humidity sensor.
  • One WS90 Ultrasonic Anemometer with Piezoelectric Rain Gauge, Light & UV, Thermo-hygrometer Sensors.

2 Specifications

Power supply: Type-C power cable. Backup power: 2 x AA batteries (supports minimum 48 hours working).

3 Connection between console and Wi-Fi Router

Transmission distance in open field: 30m (100ft.), depending on router and environment.

Wi-Fi Frequency: 2.4 GHz

WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n

4 Power on

Figure 2: Batteries or USB cord illustrates the power connection options.

1. Unfold the desk stand and place the console 5 to 10 feet away from the outdoor sensor.
2. Remove the battery door and insert 2 AA Alkaline batteries. Plug in the USB cord for normal operation. Note that batteries serve as a backup for power outages; the console primarily operates via USB power.
3. Wait several minutes for the remote sensors to synchronize with the display console.
4. During normal operation, the console may generate heat, causing a temperature rise. To mitigate this, the temperature and humidity sensor is located at the foldable probe ends. For maximum accuracy, unfold the probe and ensure the sensor is positioned away from the main console body.

5 Key

5.1 Key function

The console features five keys for easy operation, as shown in Figure 6.

5.2 Setting mode

Note: DST and Time Zone settings are managed via the ECOWITT APP. Ensure your console is connected to the internet for these settings.

To enter the Set Mode, press and hold the MODE button for two seconds. To proceed to the next setting, press the MODE button (do not hold). To exit the SET mode, press the LIGHT button.

Table 8 summarizes the set mode sequence and commands.

Note: [MODE] + 2 seconds means press and hold the MODE button for two seconds. [MODE] means press the MODE button.

5.3 Barometric Pressure Display

5.3.1 Viewing Absolute vs. Relative Pressure

Press and hold [RAIN/PRE] for two seconds to switch between Rain and Pressure modes. While in Pressure mode, press [RAIN/PRE] to toggle between absolute and relative pressure.

Absolute pressure is the measured atmospheric pressure, influenced by altitude and weather conditions. It is not corrected to sea-level conditions.

Relative pressure is corrected to sea-level conditions. For further discussion on relative pressure and calibration, refer to Section 6.4.3.

5.3.2 Rate of Change of Pressure Graph

The rate of change of pressure graphic is displayed to the left of the weather forecast icons. It signifies the difference between the daily average pressure and the 30-day average (in hPa).

Figure 7 illustrates the pressure change scale.

5.3.3 Relative Pressure Calibration Discussion

Calibration can be performed via the ECOWITT app under the "sensor" page. To compare pressure conditions across locations, meteorologists correct pressure to sea-level conditions. Air pressure decreases with altitude, so sea-level corrected pressure is typically higher than measured pressure.

For example, absolute pressure might read 28.62 inHg (969 mb) at 1000 feet (305 m), while relative pressure is 30.00 inHg (1016 mb).

The standard sea-level pressure is 29.92 inHg (1013 mb), representing the global average. Relative pressure measurements above 29.92 inHg (1013 mb) indicate high pressure, while those below indicate low pressure.

To determine your location's relative pressure, consult an official reporting station (e.g., Weather.com or Wunderground.com) and set your weather station to match its readings.

5.4 Rain Display

5.4.1 Rain Increments of Measure

Press and hold [RAIN/PRE] for two seconds to switch between Rain and Pressure modes. In Rain mode, press [RAIN/PRE] to cycle through Rain Rate (in/hr), Rain Event, Hourly Rain, Daily Rain, Weekly Rain, and Monthly Rain.

5.4.2 Increments of Rain Definitions

• Rain rate or hourly rain: Last 10 minutes of rainfall sum, multiplied by six (10 minutes x 6 = 1 hour). Also known as instantaneous rain per hour.
• Rain event: Continuous rain, resets to zero if accumulation is less than 1 mm (0.039 in) in 24 hours.
• Daily Rain: Rainfall since midnight (00:00).
• Weekly Rain: Calendar week total, resets Sunday morning at midnight (Sunday through Saturday).
• Monthly Rain: Calendar month total, resets on the first day of the month.
• Yearly Rain: Calendar year total (January 1 - December 31).

5.5 Wind Display

Press the [WIND -] button to switch between average wind speed and wind gust. Press and hold the [WIND -] button for two seconds to change the wind direction display between degrees or letters.

• Wind speed: Average wind speed over the last 16-second update period.
• Wind gust: Peak wind speed over the last 16-second update period.

5.6 Temperature Display

If the temperature is below the minimum range, the display shows dashes (--.-). If it is above the maximum range, it also shows dashes (--.-).

5.6.1 Wind Chill, Dew Point and Heat Index Display

Press the [TEMP] button to cycle through Outdoor Temperature, Wind Chill, Dew Point, and Heat Index. If additional thermo-hygrometer sensors (WH31) are connected, pressing [TEMP +] allows cycling through Outdoor Temperature, Wind Chill, Dew Point, Heat Index, 8-channel temperature and humidity, and Circle Mode.

5.7 Alarms

5.7.1 Viewing High and Low Alarms

To view high alarm settings, press the MODE button a third time; high alarms will be displayed (as shown in Figure 8 (a)). To view low alarm settings, press the MODE button a fourth time; low alarms will be displayed (as shown in Figure 8 (b)). Press the LIGHT button to return to normal mode.

5.7.2 Setting High and Low Alarms

While viewing High Alarms (refer to Section 6.8.1), press and hold the MODE button for 2 seconds to enter High Alarm Set Mode. While viewing Low Alarms, press and hold MODE for 2 seconds to enter Low Alarm Set Mode.

Press the MODE button to save and proceed to the next alarm setting. Press the LIGHT button to exit the High Alarm Set Mode at any time.

Table 9 summarizes the alarm mode sequence and commands.

Note: [MODE] + 2 seconds means press and hold the ALARM button for 2 seconds. [MODE] means press the MODE button.

5.8 Max/Min Mode

5.8.1 Viewing Max/Min Values

To view the maximum values, press the MODE button. The max values will be displayed (as shown in Figure 9 (a)). To clear the max values, press and hold the MODE button while they are displayed.

To view the minimum values, press the MODE button again. The min values will be displayed (as shown in Figure 9 (b)). To clear the min values, press and hold the MODE button while they are displayed.

Press the LIGHT button to return to normal mode.

5.8.1.1 Display Wind Chill, Heat Index vs. Dew Point Max/Min Values

While viewing max values, press TEMP+ once to see wind chill, twice for dew point, third for heat index, and a fourth time to return to outdoor temperature. The same sequence applies when viewing min values.

5.8.1.2 Display Wind Speed vs. Wind Gust Max Values

While viewing max values, press WIND- once to see the max wind gust, and twice to return to wind speed.

5.8.1.3 Display Hourly Rain, Rain Rate

While viewing max values, press the RAIN button once to see the max hourly rain, and twice to see the rain rate.

5.8.1.4 Display Absolute and Relative Pressure Min and Max Values

While viewing max values, press and hold the RAIN/PRE button for two seconds to enter pressure display, then press RAIN/PRE to switch between Relative and Absolute pressure. The same procedure applies when viewing min values.

Press the LIGHT button to return to normal mode.

5.9 Resynchronize Wireless Sensor

In outdoor TH/wind chill/dew point/heat index display mode, press TEMP+ for 5 seconds to re-register the outdoor sensor array. In 1-8 channel Thermo-hygro sensor display mode, press TEMP+ for 5 seconds to re-register the current channel outdoor sensor. In Circle Mode, press TEMP+ for 5 seconds to re-register the sensor array and 1-8 channel sensors.

5.10 Backlight Operation

5.10.1 With USB cable (included)

The backlight can remain continuously on when the console is powered via USB. Press the LIGHT button to adjust brightness between High, Low, and Off.

5.10.2 Without USB cable

Press any button to temporarily turn on the backlight for 15 seconds.

5.11 Tendency Arrows

Tendency arrows indicate whether temperature or pressure is rising or falling over a three-hour period, updated every 30 minutes. Table 5 defines the conditions for rising and falling pressure.

5.12 Wireless Signal Quality Indicator

The wireless signal strength indicator displays reception quality. Four bars indicate no signal loss. If the signal is lost once, three bars are displayed, as shown in Table 6.

5.13 Weather Forecasting

The console displays five weather icons: Sunny, Partly Cloudy, Cloudy, Rainy, Stormy, and Snowy. The forecast icon is based on the rate of change of barometric pressure. Allow at least one month for the weather station to accurately learn pressure trends.

Table 7: Weather forecasting summarization details the icons and their associated pressure conditions:

5.13.1 Storm Alert

If there is a rapid drop in barometric pressure, the forecast icon will flash.

5.13.2 Weather Forecasting Description and Limitations

Generally, increasing pressure rate indicates improving weather (sunny to partly cloudy). Decreasing pressure rate suggests degrading weather (cloudy, rainy). Steady pressure changes result in a partly cloudy forecast.

Forecasts are predictions for 24-48 hours ahead and may not perfectly match current conditions. Accuracy is approximately 70% in most locations. For more precise forecasts, consult the National Weather Service or services like Accuweather and The Weather Channel, which utilize weather radar, models, and ground condition mapping.

6 Install & Wireless Communication

Note: For optimal communication, mount the remote sensor(s) upright on a vertical surface, such as a wall. Do not lay the sensor flat.

Wireless communication can be affected by interference, distance, walls, and metal barriers. Follow these best practices for reliable communication:

• Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI): Keep the console several feet away from computer monitors and TVs.
• Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): If experiencing intermittent communication between sensors and the console due to other devices on the same frequency band, try turning off those devices. Relocating transmitters or receivers may also resolve issues.

1. Line of Sight Rating: The device is rated for 300 feet line of sight. In real-world installations with barriers, expect up to 100 feet maximum.
2. Metal Barriers: Radio frequency does not penetrate metal barriers like aluminum siding. If metal siding is present, align the remote and console through a window for a clear line of sight.

Table 8: RF Signal Strength reduction shows reception loss based on transmission medium:

7 Troubleshooting Guide

This section addresses common issues and their solutions.

8 Warranty Information

Ecowitt disclaims responsibility for technical or printing errors and their consequences. All trademarks and patents are recognized.

A 1-year limited warranty is provided against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is valid from the original date of purchase and applies only to the original purchaser. To obtain warranty service, contact Ecowitt for problem determination and service procedures.

The warranty covers actual product defects only. It does not cover installation or removal costs, normal setup or adjustments, claims based on seller misrepresentation, or performance variations due to installation circumstances.

Contact and Support

For instruction manuals, please visit: https://s.ecowitt.com/BHGPPM

For help and additional support, contact the technical support team:

• Email: support@ecowitt.com
• Email (EU/UK): support.eu@ecowitt.net