WX 200 Weather Station
(630-1015) Installation Faxback Doc. # 38340
To ensure successful installation and the best performance, we recommend
you follow the preparation, installation, and connection instructions
in the order they appear in this manual. Specifically:
1. Select the best location for each weather station component, and
carefully measure the approximate mounting distances (see "Estimating
the Mounting Distances").
2. Make sure you have all the tools/supplied necessary to install each
component (see "Tools/Additional Supplies Needed for Installation").
3. Assemble and calibrate the anemometer (see "Assembling/Calibrating
the Anemometer").
4. Install all components, then connect all related components (see
the installation section for each individual component and "Connecting
the Components").
5. Connect the display unit to power and install back-up batteries (see
"Connecting Power").
INSTALLATION TIPS
Estimating the Mounting Distances
To help you find the right location for each weather station component,
follow the tips listed in the section "Selecting a Location" that precedes
the mounting instructions for that component.
Before you mount any of the individual weather station components, we
recommend you select a general mounting location for each component first,
then measure the distance between the locations for components that you
will be connecting to each other (such as the temperature/humidity sensor
and the connection box, the connection box and the display unit, and so
on) to be sure the selected locations are close enough together.
NOTES: Each outdoor weather instruction's modular connection cord is
about 30 feet long, so each weather instrument must be mounted
within 30 feet of the connection box.
The modular cord which connects the display unit and the
connection box is about 10 feet long, so these components
must be mounted (indoors) within 10 feet of each other.
The maximum length of serial cable (not supplied) available to
connect the display unit's RS-232 jack to a PC is 10 feet, so
the display unit must be located (indoors) within 10 feet of
where your PC is located.
The connection box's mounting location must be indoors near a
window or other opening through which you can route the modular
connection cords to the outdoor weather instruments.
Here is an example installation plan for the weather station showing the
maximum mounting location distances for each component.
Tools/Additional Supplies Needed for Installation
In addition to the supplied mounting hardware, you need the following
tools/supplies to install your weather station:
Small flat-head screwdriver
Small Phillips screwdriver
Electric drill
Pencil
Compass
Level
Two screws (if you plan to mount the display unit on a wall - see
"Installing the Display Unit")
A mast, 1-1 1/4 inches in diameter (for mounting the anemometer)
ASSEMBLING/CALIBRATING THE ANEMOMETER
Before you mount the anemometer at the selected mounting location,
follow these steps to calibrate it with the display unit, so the weather
station properly measures wind speed and direction.
IMPORTANT: You must be able to view the display unit while you assemble
and calibrate the anemometer. Because of this, you will need
to temporarily install the display unit and connect AC power.
Be sure to follow these steps before you install the
anemometer at its mounting location.
1. Remove the rubber plug from the connection box jack labeled
ANEMOMETER, then plug the anemometer's modular plug into that jack.
2. Remove the rubber plug from MAIN UNIT on the connection box, and plug
one end of the supplied 10-foot modular cord into that jack. Then
pull out the rubber plug from TO BOX 1 on the display unit and plug
the other end of the cord into that jack.
3. To connect the display unit to AC power, remove the rubber plug from
DC 12V, then insert the supplied adapter's barrel plug into that jack
and plug the other end of the adapter into a standard AC outlet.
To programmed display characters appear, then the default time and
date (12:00 and 1/1) appear on the display.
CAUTION: The supplied adapter meets the voltage specifications
for your weather station. Using an adapter that does not
meet these specifications could damage the weather station
or the adapter. See "Connecting AC Power".
4. Place the wind cup over the thinnest shaft on the anemometer's T-bar,
and use a small flat-head screwdriver to tighten the screw on the
base of the wind cup. Then place a supplied rubber screwcover
into the screw's hole to protect the screw from corrosion.
5. Repeatedly press < or > on the display unit the selection bar appears
beneath the WIND symbol on the display.
6. To calibrate the position of the wind vane's shaft with the display
unit, turn the shaft (on the other side of the T-bar, opposite the
wind cup) until the wind direction on the display unit reads 180
degrees.
NOTE: If you are unable to view the display unit while calibrating
the wind vane, you can use the alignment marks on the T-bar and
wind vane (as illustrated). When the red mark on the wind
vane's shaft is aligned with the mark on the outer edge of
the shaft's base, the display should read 180 degrees.
7. Carefully place the wind vane onto the shaft (without turning the
shaft) so the shaft of the wind vane is parallel with the bar.
Use a small flat-head screwdriver to tighten the screw on the base
of the wind vane. Then place a supplied rubber screw-cover into the
screw's hole to protect the screw from corrosion.
IMPORTANT: If the shaft turns and the display reading changes (or
the alignment marks are no longer aligned), repeat Step
6 before you tighten the wind vane's screw. Otherwise,
the weather station will not provide accurate wind
direction data.
8. Unplug the display unit from AC power, then disconnect the connection
box from the display unit and disconnect the anemometer from the
connection box.
INSTALLING THE DISPLAY UNIT
Selecting a Location
You should locate the display unit indoors on a flat surface (such as a
desk or counter) or mount it on an indoor wall, within 10 feet of where
you plan to mount the connection box, within 10 feet of where your PC
is located, and near an AC outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid false indoor temperature and humidity readings, do
not place the display unit.
Where it will be in direct or reflected sunlight
On or close to a surface that easily absorbs or reflects heat
(such as a window or metal surface)
Near hot or cold sources, such as stoves, heating and air
conditioning vents, and radiators
In water or in a location where it can get wet
Mounting on a Wall
NOTE: To mount the display unit a wall, you need two wall screws (not
supplied) with heads that fit the keyhole slots on the back of the
display unit.
1. At the desired mounting location, drill two pilot holes (each shallow
and slightly smaller in diameter than the screw) 5 3/16 inches apart,
one beside the other.
2. Thread a screw (not supplied) into each hole until the screw's head
extends about 1/8 inch from the wall.
3. Place the keyhole slots on the back of the display unit over the
screws, then slide the display unit down over the screws.
Do not connect the display unit to AC power yet.
INSTALLING THE CONNECTION BOX
Selecting a Location
Select an indoor location for the connection box that is:
Within 30 feet of each location where you plan to mount an outdoor
weather instrument
Near a window or other opening through which you can route the modular
connection cords to the weather instruments outdoors.
Within 10 feet of the display unit
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the connection box's electronic circuits, do
not mount it outdoors. Also, do not mount it indoors in an
area:
Where it will be in direct sunlight or extreme hot or cold
temperatures
Near water or where it can get wet
Where it is likely to get dirty
Where it will be subject to frequent impact (such as being
hit or bumped up against) or excessive vibration (such as near
a frequently used door or other area of frequent activity)
Mounting on a Wall
1. Hold the base of the connection box flat against the mounting surface,
then trace the inside of the mounting holes with a pencil to mark the
screw locations.
2. Drill a small pilot hole (shallow and slightly smaller in diameter
than the screw) in the center of each marked location.
3. Hold the connection box against the mounting location so the holes
in the wall are aligned with the mounting holes on the connection
box, then thread a M3 x 10 screw into each hole and tighten it with
a Phillips screwdriver.
INSTALLING THE RAIN GAUGE
Selecting a Location
Select a mounting location for the rain gauge that is:
A flat, level surface
Outdoors, within 30 feet of where you mounted the connection box
In an area not blocked on the top or sides, so rain can freely reach
the rain gauge (for example, not under an overhang or too close to
a building or fence)
CAUTIONS: To prevent false rainfall readings caused by water splashes,
do not choose a location that is not level or that is too
close to the ground, a swimming pool, lawn sprinklers. or
anywhere water might accumulate or run-off.
The screen in the cylinder of the rain gauge filters most
debris (such as leaves) that might fall into the rain gauge.
To avoid frequent built-up of debris in the cylinder, do not
mount the rain gauge too close to trees or plants.
Removing the Packing Tape
Protective packing tape is installed inside your rain gauge to protect
it from damage during shipment. Follow these steps to remove the packing
tape before you mount the rain gauge.
1. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws on the base of
the rain gauge.
2. Lift the rain gauge's cylinder off its base, then carefully remove
the packing tape from the bucket assemblies.
3. Replace the cylinder on the base and align the screw holes, then
reinsert and tighten the screws.
Mounting
IMPORTANT: Before you mount the rain gauge, follow the steps listed in
"Removing the Packing Tape" to remove the protective packing
tape inside. Otherwise the rain gauge will not operate
properly.
1. Hold the base of the rain gauge flat against the mounting surface
and use a level to make sure the rain gauge (as it rest on the
mounting surface) is horizontally level.
2. Trace the inside of the mounting holes on the base of the rain gauge
with a pencil to mark the screw locations.
3. Drill a small pilot hole (shallow and slightly smaller in diameter
then the screw) in the center of each marked location.
4. Hold the rain gauge against the mounting surface so the holes on
the base are aligned with the mounting holes, then thread a M3
x 12 screw into each hole and tighten it with a Phillips screw-
driver.
5. Route the rain gauge's modular cord to the connection box, but do
connect it yet. Be sure the cord is safely out of the way of normal
activity in the area.
INSTALLING THE OUTDOOR THERMO/HYGRO SENSOR
Selecting a Location
Select a mounting location for the outdoor temperature/humidity sensor
that is within 30 feet of the connection box, so the sensor's cord can
reach through a window or other opening to the jack on the side of the
connection box.
CAUTION: To avoid false outdoor temperature and humidity readings and
prevent damage to the sensor's electronic components, do not
place the sensor:
Where it will be in direct of reflected sunlight
Close to a surface that easily absorbs or reflects heat
(such as a metallic surface or a window with reflective
coating)
Near hot or cold sources, such as a grille, stove or clothes
dryer vent, or a heating or air conditioning unit
In an area where it might be exposed to precipitation or
likely to get wet
In an area where these substances are likely to be present
in the air: salt, inorganic gases (such as sulphur dioxide,
chlorine, or ammonia), or organic gases (such as alcohol,
glycol, aldehydes, and so on)
Mounting
1. Hold the sensor's mounting bracket flat against the mounting
surface and trace the inside of the mounting holes with a pencil
to mark the screw locations.
2. Drill a small pilot hole (shallow and slightly smaller in diameter
than the screw) in the center of each marked location.
3. Hold the bracket against the mounting surface so the bracket and
mounting surface holes are aligned, then thread a M3 x 10 screw into
each hole and tighten it with a Phillips screwdriver.
4. To mount the sensor on the bracket, press the grooved area on the
sensor against the clip-arm on the bracket so it pops into place.
Then press the sensor's modular cord into the guides on the bracket's
arm and base.
5. Route the sensor's cord to the connection box, but do not connect it
yet. Be rue the cord is safely out to of the way of normal activity
in the area.
INSTALLING THE ANEMOMETER
Selecting a Location
Select a mounting location for the anemometer that is:
Outdoors, within 30 feet of where you mounted the connection box
Not blocked on the top of sides, so wind can freely reach the anemometer
The best location for the anemometer is usually above roof-level on the
building where the connection box and display unit are located.
NOTE: To mount the anemometer, you need a mast (not supplied) about 1 to
1 1/4 inches in diameter, and the hardware necessary to fasten
it to the mounting location. If you previously installed such
a mast (for mounting an antenna, for example), you can mount
the anemometer on that mast.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to your weather station by lightning, if you
mount the anemometer on a metal mast, we recommend you ground
the weather station to the mast, and ground the mast as directed
in the installation instructions provided with the mast.
Mounting
IMPORTANT: Be sure you follow the steps listed in "Assembling/Calibrating
the Anemometer" before you mount the anemometer.
1. If necessary, mount and ground a mast, 1-1 1/4 inches in diameter,
as directed in the installation instructions provided with the mast.
WARNING: Be sure to follow all safety instructions provided with
the mast.
2. Using a directional compass for reference, point the T-bar on which
the anemometer is mounted so it faces due south. Then hold the
grooved mounting bracket against the place where you plan to fasten
it to the mast.
3. Place the supplied 1/4-inch U-bolts around the mast and through
the holes on the anemometer's mounting bracket. Place a washer
over both ends of each U-bolt, then place the ring-terminal of the
anemometer's grounding wire over the end of one of the bolts.
Then tighten a nut onto both ends of each U-bolt, then place the
ring-terminal of the anemometer's grounding wire over the end of one
of the bolts. Then tighten a nut onto both ends of each bolt -
be sure the nuts are snug but not too tight.
4. Check the bar's position on the mast against the compass to be
sure it is still facing due south, adjust it if necessary, then
tighten the nuts on the U-bolts.
5. Route the anemometer's modular cord to the connection box, but do not
connect it yet. Be sure the cord is safely out of the way of normal
activity in the area.
MAKING THE CONNECTIONS
REMOVING THE JACK PLUGS
A rubber plug is installed in each jack on the display unit and connection
box to prevent damage during shipment. Pull out these plugs before you
make the power and component connections.
CONNECTING THE COMPONENTS
1. Connect the modular plug on one end of the supplied 10-foot
connection cord to TO BOX 1 on the back of the display unit.
2. Connect the modular plug on the other end of the connection cord
to MAIN UNIT on the connection box.
3. Connect the rain gauge's RAIN plug to RAIN GAUGE on the connection
box.
4. Connect the temperature/humidity sensor's THERMO-HYGRO plug to
THERMO-HYGRO SENSOR on the connection box.
5. Connect the anemometer's WIND plug ANEMOMETER on the connection box.
CONNECTING POWER
Connecting AC Power
To connect the display unit to AC power, insert the supplied adapter's
barrel plug into DC 12V on the back of the display unit, then plug the
other end of the adapter into a standard AC outlet. All programmed
display characters appear, then the default time and date (12:00 and
1/1) appear on the display.
CAUTION: You must use an AC adapter that supplies 12 volts and delivers
at least 200 milliamps. Its center tip must be set to negative,
and its plug must correctly fit the weather station's DC 12V
jack. The supplied adapter meets these specifications. Using
an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage
the weather station or the adapter.
Installing Backup Batteries
If AC power is interrupted or disconnected, the weather station uses
8 AAA backup batteries (not supplied) for power and to preserve the
information stored in memory. For the best performance, we recommend
alkaline batteries, such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 23-655.
CAUTIONS: Always use fresh batteries of the required size and type.
Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries
standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries
of different capacities.
NOTES: The weather station can operate on fresh batteries for up to 36
hours without AC power.
BATT appears steadily on the display when the weather station
is using battery power.
The weather station might display inaccurate data if it is using
backup battery power and battery power becomes low.
Follow these steps to install backup batteries in the display unit.
1. Slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of the arrow
to remove it.
2. Put eight AAA batteries in the compartment according to the polarity
symbols (+ and -) marked there.
3. Replace the cover.
Replace the batteries when BATT flashes on the display. BATT disappears
within about 5 seconds after you replace the batteries.
CAUTION: Always dispose of old batteries promptly and properly.
(LB/km-03/12/1997)