PC Radio Weather Station
Operating and evaluation software for
MS Windows 95/98/2000/NT/ME/XP
Operating instructions
Elektronik AG · PF 1000
D-26787 Leer · Phone +49 (0)491/6008-88 Fax +49 (0)491/6008-244
2nd English edition
11/2002
Documentation
© 2002 ELV Electronics Limited
All rights reserved. This handbook must not be reproduced in any form, even in excerpts, or duplicated
or processed using electronic, mechanical or chemical procedures without written permission of the
publisher.
This handbook may contain mistakes and printing errors. The information in this handbook is regularly
checked and corrections made in the next issue. We accept no liability for technical mistakes or
printing errors, or their consequences.
All trademarks and patents are acknowledged.
Printed in Hong Kong
44517/47754 V4.0 11/2002
3
Contents
Foreword .............................................................................................................................. 6
Explanation of terms ............................................................................................................7
Chapter 1 Introduction
General .............................................................................................................................. 10
System requirements ......................................................................................................... 12
Installation .......................................................................................................................... 12
Main window ...................................................................................................................... 13
Control ............................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 2 Starting operation
Preparations ....................................................................................................................... 18
Preparation of the radio interface ....................................................................................... 19
Starting operation of the sensors ....................................................................................... 20
Indoor sensor with air pressure .......................................................................................... 20
Brightness sensor .............................................................................................................. 21
Wind sensor ....................................................................................................................... 21
Rainfall measuring system ................................................................................................. 22
Addressing the sensors ..................................................................................................... 23
Indoor sensor without air pressure ..................................................................................... 23
Indoor/outdoor temperature sensor ................................................................................... 23
Outdoor sensor ..................................................................................................................24
Storage of outdoor sensors with solar cells ....................................................................... 24
Starting operation of the software and initialising the interface .......................................... 25
Chapter 3 The ”File” menu
Selecting, dividing, adding a weather data file ................................................................... 29
Exporting ............................................................................................................................ 31
Printing ............................................................................................................................... 32
Page view .......................................................................................................................... 32
Printer set-up ..................................................................................................................... 32
Sensor names ....................................................................................................................32
Preferences ........................................................................................................................ 33
Sliding mean value ..................................................................................................... 33
Maximum change ....................................................................................................... 34
Calibration of the rainfall sensor ................................................................................. 34
Setting the absolute height ......................................................................................... 35
Setting the threshold value for sunshine duration ...................................................... 35
Multiple value display ................................................................................................. 35
End .................................................................................................................................... 35
Chapter 4 The ”Display” menu
Select display period .......................................................................................................... 37
Graphical and tabular portrayal of data .............................................................................. 37
Temperature/humidity ........................................................................................................ 38
Rainfall ............................................................................................................................... 39
Wind strength and wind direction ....................................................................................... 39
Air pressure ........................................................................................................................ 39
Brightness .......................................................................................................................... 39
Hours of sunshine .............................................................................................................. 39
All sensors ......................................................................................................................... 39
Sensor administration ........................................................................................................ 39
Weather display .................................................................................................................40
Toolbar ............................................................................................................................... 41
Status bar ........................................................................................................................... 41
Chapter 5 The ”Weather display” menu
always in the foreground .................................................................................................... 43
without headline ................................................................................................................. 43
Outdoor sensor ..................................................................................................................43
Rain display ....................................................................................................................... 43
Delete overall rainfall quantity ............................................................................................ 43
Chapter 6 The ”Interface” menu
Read out now ..................................................................................................................... 45
Automatic readout .............................................................................................................. 45
Interface status .................................................................................................................. 45
Properties ........................................................................................................................... 46
Initialising ................................................................................................................... 46
Interface ..................................................................................................................... 47
RS232 multiplexer ...................................................................................................... 47
Chapter 7 The ”View” menu
Time period ........................................................................................................................ 51
Time period forward ........................................................................................................... 51
Time period back ................................................................................................................51
Extend time period ............................................................................................................. 52
Shorten time period ............................................................................................................ 52
Matching time periods ........................................................................................................ 52
Colour settings ................................................................................................................... 52
Font ................................................................................................................................... 52
Settings .............................................................................................................................. 52
Chapter 8 The ”Window” menu
Overlapping ........................................................................................................................ 53
Adjacent ............................................................................................................................. 53
On top of one another ........................................................................................................ 53
Arrange symbols ................................................................................................................ 53
Close all ............................................................................................................................. 53
Chapter 9 The ”Help” menu
Help topics, help, info .........................................................................................................54
Chapter 10 Buttons
Toolbar ............................................................................................................................... 55
Appendix
Appendix A Battery change ............................................................................................... 56
Appendix B Technical terms .............................................................................................. 57
Appendix C Rectifying faults ............................................................................................. 59
Appendix D Range, repeater, maintenance and care ....................................................... 61
Appendix E Technical data: ............................................................................................... 62
Appendix F Data format of weather data .......................................................................... 63
Foreword
Observing the weather is not only of global significance: it can also be of interest
at a local level. This is the case whether we talk about a simple display of current
weather data, a long-term observation and analysis of recorded weather data or
even a reaction to data exceeding or falling below specific values. The radio
weather station provides all of these possibilities in connection with the necessary
operating and evaluation software.
The area of application of the radio weather station thus ranges from private use
right up to professional applications, e.g. by land and forestry owners, boat and
ship captains, those involved in water management and organisers of open-air
events. As well as measuring indoor temperatures and humidity, the weather
station also allows up to 8 additional temperature and humidity sensors to be
added. Sensors are also available for measuring air pressure, rainfall, brightness,
wind direction and wind speed.
The radio sensors have a range of up to 300 ft and thus allow full freedom and
flexibility of installation. The power supply to most of the sensors is provided by
an integrated solar cell module. A rechargeable battery provides power in the
hours of darkness and periods of poor weather where there is relatively little
sunlight. For this reason, maintenance of the sensors is generally not necessary
(except for battery-powered sensors). All sensors used are recognised
automatically by the weather station and can be put into immediate operation.
A number of versions of the weather sensors can be recognised and set via the
radio interface configuration.
While the weather station’s radio interface records all weather data, the data
can be read off and analysed by means of the operating and evaluation software.
All measurements from the sensors are automatically transmitted to the radio
interface and are stored there. The radio interface is then connected to a free
serial interface. Then the data are transmitted by the software to the PC.
The radio weather station thus means that anyone can easily and
comprehensively observe and analyse weather data as well as the reaction to
specific weather conditions.
Explanation of terms
For clarity you will find below brief explanations of a number of terms typical to
Windows, which are also used in this handbook.
Left mouse button
The left mouse button can be used to select the desired
element on the screen or to call up a particular function.
Right mouse button By pressing the right mouse button you can, in many cases,
call up a menu from windows and lists in order to make a
rapid selection of functions.
Double click
A double click involves the left mouse button being pressed
twice in very quick succession. By double-clicking you can,
for example, in many cases make a rapid selection of an
entry in a list, without the need to press a button on the
screen.
Buttons
A button is an area on the screen that is pressed to call up
a function, e.g. “Select”, “Print” or “Help”. Buttons can be
operated via either the mouse or the keyboard.
Input field
As the name suggests, an input field allows the input of
characters. Depending on the type of input field, it may be
possible to input any character or e.g. only digits.
Check box
A check box allows a function to be switched on and off.
The current status is indicated by a cross or a tick.
Selection field
This operating component allows you to choose between
a number of settings. The selection fields are divided into
groups, where only one field can be active at any one time.
This is indicated by a dot inside a circle.
Toolbar
The toolbar is an area containing a number of buttons
marked with symbols to allow quicker operation. These
buttons can only be actuated using the mouse.
Status bar
The status bar is the region at the bottom of a window. This
region contains all general information, e.g. information
relating to the buttons.
Furthermore, a numerical measurement display including
date and time appear in the status bar.
To allow particularly easy operation of the program, the buttons are always
positioned on the right-hand side or along the bottom edge. When entering and
selecting data, you should be aware of the function of the following buttons.
OK This button is used to close the current window. Input and
settings are then saved.
Cancel This button also causes the current window to close. Input
and settings are then, however, not saved.
Close This button is used to close the current window. In contrast
to the “OK” button, this button appears in those windows
where no settings can be made.
Help Pressing this button opens the relevant help topic
Chapter 1
Introduction
General
The Radio Weather Station represents a high-quality, extremely convenient universal
weather measuring system, which can record, process and display data
from up to 9 outdoor radio temperature and humidity sensors (incl. an air pressure
sensor), a wind sensor, a brightness sensor and a rainfall sensor.
The operating and evaluation software allows convenient recording of these
weather data in connection with the radio interface. The measured values can
be stored at freely-selectable intervals of between 2 and 60 minutes (1 hour).
For an evaluation it is merely necessary to transfer regularly the data stored in
the radio interface to the PC. This can take place, for example, daily or weekly depending
on the interval selected. A continuous connection of the weather
station to the PC and automatic readouts at selectable time intervals mean that
a continuous display of the weather data collected is possible.
For the analysis of weather data, the desired display time period can be selected
according to the period for which they were collected, and data can be exported
for use in other programs, or printed out.
Weather data can be displayed e.g. in the form of a diagram and a table. The
minimum and maximum values for the selected time period are also displayed.
The measurements can, if desired, also be displayed in a separate window,
which matches the display of a standard weather station and which will allow a
quick overview of all current values.
This software supports the touch-screen radio weather station WS-2510 and
the PC radio interface WS-2510 PC. To simplify the matter, both devices are
described in the instructions as “PC radio interface/weather station”. Any
differences will be indicated accordingly.
The display and control possibilities of the WS-2510 PC at a glance (main
function is shown in bold):
Display of the indoor temperature and humidity in °C/°F
-Storage and display of the minimum and maximum temperature with the time/
date of incidence
-Storage and display of the minimum and maximum humidity with the time/
date of incidence
Display of one of max. 8 outdoor sensors (temperature and humidity) in
°C/°F
-Storage and display of the minimum and maximum temperature with the time/
date of incidence
-Storage and display of the minimum and maximum humidity with the time/
date of incidence
Display of wind speed with wind direction and variation
-Selectable units: km/h, m/s, mph, knots
- Storage of the maximum wind strength with direction (incl. variation) and time/
date of incidence
-Wind variation in the weather display
Display of rainfall in mm, l/m2 or inches for:
-Storage and display of the maximum amount per hour and per day
-Storage and display of the total rainfall since last deletion
-In weather display choose between full display/last hour/last day
Display of the absolute or relative (height-corrected) air pressure in:
-hPa, mmHg or inHg
- Storage and display of the minimum and maximum air pressure with the time/
date of incidence
-In the weather display adjacent to the current display you will find an integrated
graphical historical display of the air pressure for the past 72 hours
Symbolic indication of the weather forecast: rainy, cloudy, bright, sunny
(only weather display)
-In the weather display you can see the weather forecast in the form of clear,
easy-to-understand symbols.
Display of hours of sunshine
- The threshold for detecting sunshine is adjustable
-Storage and display of the minimum and maximum hours per day with the
time/date of incidence
Display of the current brightness in the range 0 to 200 klx
-Storage of the minimum and maximum brightness with the time/date of
incidence
Miscellaneous
-Very simple, context-sensitive operation via an uncomplicated menu structure
-Clear display of reception failures: shown in colour in the chart and in plain
language in the tables
-Integration of the ELV RS 232 multiplexer to allow multiple use of the PC’s
serial interface
-The use of sensors from the ELV S2000 system is possible
Please read these instructions carefully from start to finish before initial
start-up to avoid functional breakdown and faulty operation. Keep the
instructions available for future reference.
Pay particular attention to the installation and calibration instructions
for the sensors.
The radio interface may not be used outdoors!
System requirements
In principle the operating and evaluation software can be used on any PC with
MS Windows 95/98/2000/NT/ME/XP. For the quickest possible processing,
however, the use of at least a 486 DX with a clock speed of 66 MHz is
recommended.
When using MS Windows 95 or higher, the PC should have at least 16 MB RAM
in order to allow rapid processing. Under Windows NT, due to the larger size of
the operating system, your PC should have at least 32 MB working memory.
For printouts, any printer compatible with Windows is suitable. Use of an inkjet
printer or a laser printer allows professional printouts to be created without
difficulty.
Installation
The operating and evaluation software for the weather station is installed by
calling up the “Install” installation program on the program CD. This can, for
example, be done by selecting the command ”Run” from the Windows ”Start”
menu.
During the installation process the desired target directory can be selected.
Normally the installation will take place in the following directory:
“c:\Program Files\PC weather station”.
After all input has been confirmed, the program files are then saved in the selected
directory. A program group with the designation “PC weather station” and links
to the program are then created. This means that software can be rapidly called
up at any time via the Windows “Programs” menu.
Main window
The main window of the operating and evaluation software consists of a menu
bar (1), a toolbar (2), a status bar (3), one or more diagrams for the graphical
representation of individual measurement (4), and if necessary the graphical
weather display (5).
12
4
5
3
The toolbar contains several buttons that allow the most important functions to
be called up rapidly using the mouse.
The status bar at the bottom of the main window provides information on the
buttons and menu items, and for the Help function.
All selected measurement windows for the chosen time period are shown in
graphical and tabular form in diagrams in the middle of the main window.
By means of a single click (using the left mouse button) in a diagram, the point
in time selected on the chart using the mouse can be shifted to the middle of the
illustration and additionally it is possible to zoom into the contents of the window
on the time axis by a factor 2.
The display period can be changed by clicking once either to the left or the right
of the chart, depending on the direction in which you wish to change it.
Click once (left mouse button) below the chart, on the legend on the time axis, in
order to increase the display period once more.
You can also use the scroll wheel to increase/decrease the display period by the
time indicated by the cursor.
Menus:
File
Use this menu to call up, divide up or merge the weather data files, to print out
the various diagrams, to allocate sensor names, to define the specifications for
the display of single values and to export the measurements. In addition, you
also have the option of quitting the program.
Displays
The selection of desired sensors for graphical representation (e.g. rainfall, air
pressure, etc.) is made using this menu, where it is also possible to display all
sensor data at the same time. Furthermore, the measurements can be shown in
a weather display in the same way as with a weather station with an LCD. Here
the toolbar and the status bar can be switched on and off.
Weather display
Menu for the selection of different displays for displaying the weather as well as
for deleting the overall rainfall amount.
Interface
The manual or automatic readout of weather data according to a pre-set time
cycle is possible here. If desired, an automatic readout of the radio interface can
be produced each time the program is started. Furthermore, a readout of the
interface status can be made and the interface configured.
View
The display period for the available weather data as well as all parameters for
the graphical representation can be selected from this menu.
Window
Here a selection can be made defining whether several windows are to be shown
overlapping, adjacent to one another or on top of one another. Moreover, all
windows can be closed at the same time. In the lower part, all open windows
are listed. Either the currently active window is highlighted, or a window can be
activated from here.
Help
In the Help menu you can find the menu items “Help topics”, “Help” and “Info”.
Under “Help topics” and “Help” you will find the program’s online help, while
the program version is shown under “Info”.
Control
The operating and evaluation software can be controlled by means of the mouse
and keyboard. The “Enter” and “Esc” keys have a particular importance when
entering information and making selections.
Key Function Description
Enter OK Save input/confirm selection
Esc Cancel Discard input/cancel selection
For rapidly calling up the most important functions, the main window provides
numerous function keys and key combinations. You can use these in many cases
to switch from the keyboard to the mouse and vice versa.
Key Function
F1 Help
F4 Weather display
F5 Read out now
F8 Windows on top of one another
Alt+F8 Windows adjacent to each other
F9 Time period forward
Alt+F9 Match time periods
F10 Extend time period
F11 Reduce time period
F12 Time period back
Alt+F12 Call up “Settings”
Ctrl+E Opens “Export”
Ctrl+P Opens “Print”
Alt+F Call up “File” menu
Alt+D Call up “Display” menu
Alt+I Call up “Interface” menu
Alt+V Call up “View” menu
Alt+O Call up “Window” menu
Alt+W Call up “Weather display” menu
16
Chapter 2
Starting operation
Preparations
This section describes the steps you must take and the settings you must make
in order to start the operation of the sensors and the weather station as well as
the operating and evaluation software.
The outdoor sensors for wind and brightness measurement, for recording rainfall
and for outdoor temperature/humidity measurement are equipped with a
solar cell and a lithium backup battery to provide power during the hours of
darkness and periods of bad weather.
To prevent the batteries from discharging fully during a long period of storage
without light falling on the solar cell (e.g. when in the packaging), the power
supply is activated by a small magnet which has to be inserted from the outside
before the initial start-up. Therefore do not insert the sensor magnet until shortly
before the field site assembly of each sensor.
For the sensors in the radio interface to be clearly allocated, the radio
interface should not be switched on until all sensors have been operating
for at least ten minutes!
This instruction should be observed without fail, as the sensors are in test mode
for up to 10 minutes after introduction of the operating voltage (either by placing
magnets in the outdoor sensors or placing batteries in the interior sensors).
During the test phase, the data transfer takes place not every 3 minutes but
instead in a 4-second cycle.
Clear addresses must also be allocated to the outdoor sensors for collecting
temperature and humidity data, so that it is possible to differentiate between
them.
Insertion of magnets into the outdoor sensors
In the case of the outdoor radio sensor for measuring temperature and humidity
and the brightness sensor, the magnet for activating the system is pressed into
an opening provided for it in the rear of the housing.
The wind measurement recorder is also activated by inserting a small magnet
into the opening provided. The opening is located above the holding pipe mount
(opposite the solar cell).
To insert the magnet into the radio rainfall measuring system, remove the upper
section by pressing it and turning it to the right against the lower section. On the
housing cover of the electronic housing incorporated into the funnel there is a
slot for the small round magnet to snap into. The rainfall measuring system
starts transmitting after the magnet is pressed into the slot.
Preparation of the radio interface
The WS-2510 weather station is connected to the PC by the connecting cable
provided with the WS-2510. The WS-2510 PC radio interface is connected directly
to the PC by the permanently-attached cable.
During the synchronisation and the 6-minutes-initialisation phase, no
communication from the PC to the radio interface may be established. During
this period, the interface searches for all sensor transmitters and, for each sensor
detected, it defines a narrow time window in which the receiver is later activated.
If sporadic disruptions to the radio path cause the synchronisation between
transmitter and radio interface to be lost, the WS-2510 will search for all sensor
transmitters for a period of 6 minutes at 07:30 and the WS-2510 PC interface at
08:00 and 18:00. During this period, newly-added sensors will also be accepted
by the system.
New sensors will thus be automatically integrated into the system.
Please note!
Weather sensors with software version 1.1.
Depending on the type and the period of manufacture, the S 2000 system
sensors are supplied in two software versions (see print/sticker on the sensor
or the packaging). The weather station is always set to version 1.2 after commissioning.
If you are using version 1.1. sensors, signals from these will not
initially be received. However, as the weather station can add new sensors to
its sensor administration at any time, it is possible, even retrospectively, to
add any sensors to the system with software version 1.1. (see chapter 7: Interface
-> Properties -> Initialise).
After a voltage failure (battery change) the system will also carry out with a 6minute
sensor search.
As a precaution, communication between PC and PC radio interface should not
be established until 25 minutes after the batteries have been inserted.
To simplify the starting-up process, you can bring the PC radio interface into
proximity with the sensors. In this way you can ensure the error-free transmission
of data from the sensors.
The data from the sensors installed are stored, according to a cycle (which can
be set) of between 2 minutes and 1 hour, in the radio interface (see chapter 7:
Interface -> Properties -> Initialise).
Starting operation of the sensors
The weather station sensor design consists of two groups of sensors. For
operation of the WS-2510 PC it is essential that the indoor radio sensor has an
integrated air pressure sensor. This sensor transmits a fixed data telegram which
stipulates that the temperature and humidity are always displayed on the display
area for the indoor values. Thus the sensor does not need to be allocated a new
address by the user but instead is ready for immediate use. In the case of the
WS-2510, the indoor radio sensor is not necessary, because temperature,
humidity and air pressure are measured directly in the WS-2510.
The radio rainfall measuring system, the brightness sensor and the radio wind
sensor have fixed addresses and thus belong to this group, since their
measurements also occupy a fixed position in the system.
If, however, several of these sensors are operated simultaneously within the
radio range of their transmitters (e.g. if your neighbour has the same sensors),
their addresses can be changed. This must, however, be done by intervening in
the workings of the sensor, and this can only be done by our service department.
The sensor must in that case be sent to our service or originally ordered stating
the address desired.
The second group of sensors includes all further temperature/humidity sensors
that transmit up to 8 different temperature/humidity values. Each one of these
sensors can appear in the software under its own name (e.g. named after the
location of the sensor). For this the sensors must have a clear address allocated
to them, which at the same time indicates their position in the request order. For
these types, be sure to observe the instructions for addressing.
Every sensor also comes with an extensive assembly and operating instructions,
while the following instructions only provide a general overview of assembly,
addressing and starting-up.
Indoor radio sensor with air pressure
The indoor radio sensor with integrated air pressure sensor requires 2 Mignon
cells for operation. It comprises a temperature, humidity and air pressure sensor.
Its data are shown without fail in an indoor display window in the weather
display. As well as indoor temperature and indoor humidity it measures the air
pressure and is necessary for displaying the air pressure, the air pressure tendency,
the weather tendency and the air pressure history.
To insert the batteries, open the battery compartment on the rear side of the
housing. Note the polarity indicators in the battery compartment and insert the
batteries accordingly. Close the battery compartment afterwards. Now you can
secure or place the sensor at the required mounting location. Please note that
the sensor is not intended for operation in the open or in rooms with very high
humidity. After inserting the batteries the sensor is ready for operation.
S 2500 H Brightness sensor
The brightness sensor detects the brightness at the current location in a range
between 0 and 200 klux. It is supplied by an integral solar cell and also has a
fixed address. It must be placed on the earth spike provided, which should be
pushed into the ground. Depending on the firmness of the ground, the earth
spike should be inserted so that the sensor is about 20 - 30 cm above the
ground to avoid it becoming dirty due to mud splashing up onto it.
The sensor should be turned so that the solar cell points to the south. The
location must be free from shadows and the sun able to shine directly onto the
measuring head. The sensor must be mounted vertically with the measuring
head uppermost.
Radio wind sensor
The wind sensor measures simultaneously both wind direction and wind speed
at the mounting location. It is powered by a solar cell, and a back-up battery
during the hours of darkness, and has an address that cannot be changed by
the user.
It is mounted either on a mast or high up on a wall. It is important for the mounting
location that the solar cell in the sensor housing faces directly south and is
Solar
cell
Example of how to install
the radio wind sensor on
South North
Magnet
Mast
a mast.
unshielded, i.e. the wind can reach the sensor unimpeded from all sides.
The exact alignment of the sensor to the south is very important as this alignment
acts as reference for the wind direction measuring device.
In order to obtain precise measurements, ensure that the sensor is mounted
vertically in the mounting tube.
Finally screw the mounting tube and the sensor together to ensure a firm base
for all the components.
In its basic form the wind sensor should be aligned in the north-south direction
(solar cell to the south), in order to provide the precise north reference for the
evaluation electronics.
spirit level
same level at all three corners
towards south
spirit level
same level at all three corners
towards south
Radio rainfall measuring
system
The radio rainfall measuring
system is also powered by solar
energy and has an address
that cannot be changed by the
user.
In this case the alignment of the
solar cell is directly towards the
south.
The rain gauge should be secured
to an exactly horizontal
surface using the securing
holes at the base of the housing.
First remove the upper part
by pressing and turning clockwise
against the lower part. In
the lower part is a depression
that, when filled with water, per-
Alignment of the S 2000 R, use of
mits a precise horizontal align-
the spirit level, and position of the
ment without additional assis
transmitter magnet
tance.
Pour a small amount of water
into this depression and align
the lower section of the housing according to the spirit level principle. After
marking the exact installation location the water can be removed. Note the south
alignment for the solar cell. The short shank of the built-in spirit level must point
to the north.
To obtain the best possible radio emissions (high range) it is advisable not to
place the rain sensor directly on the ground. By mounting the sensor about 1 m
above the ground the danger of soiling (especially the solar cells) is reduced.
After screwing on the lower part to the base, secure the upper part as follows:
There is a bar magnet centrally located on the side on the counting rocker for
the water level in the base. The bar magnet initiates the counting pulses to the
electronics.
The upper part of the housing can now be placed so that the solar cell is on the
same side as the magnet, with the electronic part directly opposite it, with the
three catches fitting neatly into the holding devices in the lower part. Finally turn
the upper part gently anti-clockwise until it securely slots into the holding devices
of the lower part.
The radio rain gauge is then ready for operation. As a test, pour a little water
gently into the funnel. The amount collected will then be converted in the radio
interface to litres/m2 or mm and displayed.
Addressing the radio sensors
The outdoor sensor concept allows the simultaneous use of up to 8 temperature/
humidity sensors with no air pressure, the data from which appear in the
top right display box of the
Sensor Jumper8 JP1
A0
JP2
A1
JP3
A2
7 JP1
A0
A1
JP2
A2
JP3
A0
6 JP1
A1
JP2
JP3
A2
5 JP1
A0
JP2
A1
JP3
A2
Jumper Sensor weather display for outdoor
JP1 A0 4 values. Each sensor in the system
JP2
JP3
JP1
JP2
A1
A2
A0
A1
3
is assigned a sensor address,
which enables the receiver to integrate
the sensor into the total
JP3 A2 system without any problems.
JP1
JP2
JP3
A0
A1
A2
2 Every outdoor radio sensor with a
solar cell is set at the factory as
JP1
JP2
JP3
A0
A1
A2
1sensor 1, while the other sensor
types are set as sensor 2. The programmable
allocation is clearly
shown in the diagram. The
addressing can be self-generated by means of coding bridges on the conductor
side of the sensor board. In the case of the outdoor sensor, first unscrew the
protective bell housing above the sensor housing and open the housing by
removing the screws on the rear. For other sensor types, it is simply necessary
to unscrew the rear panel of the housing.
The coding bridges must then be set according to the address table.
Indoor radio sensor without air pressure
The indoor radio sensor without air pressure is started up and operates in the
same way as the indoor radio sensor with air pressure. However, it comprises
only a temperature and humidity sensor, but no air pressure sensor. Furthermore,
this sensor can be addressed and named as desired. This addressing
can be set as described in the previous paragraph.
Owing to its exclusively battery operation this sensor is suitable for use in (dark)
inner rooms such as a garage, a wine cellar or loft.
Radio indoor/outdoor temperature sensor
The radio indoor/outdoor temperature sensor requires 2 AA batteries for operation.
It enables the recording of garden pond temperatures, ground temperatures,
etc. or similar by means of an encapsulated temperature sensor, remotely
connected to the electronics by a 6 ft cable.
This sensor, too, can be addressed as desired.
You can place or screw on the spray-proof electronics housing at the desired
location and attach or place the temperature sensor on or in the desired object.
This sensor reads temperature only, and not air humidity.
Outdoor radio sensor with solar energy supply
The outdoor radio sensor enables the transmission of temperature and humidity
at the sensor location.
This sensor, too, can be addressed as desired. All outdoor sensors with solar
cells are set at the factory to sensor 1. Individual addressing is, however, also
possible.
The sensor should be mounted on the north or west side as meteorological
temperature recording normally takes place “in shadow”. It can also be placed
at other locations if desired. You only need to make sure that the solar cell that
provides the sensor with power is permanently aligned towards the light. The
sensor must not be shaded by dense obstructions such as leaves, etc., which
could impair the power supply from the solar cell.
A possible location for installation is under the eaves of the roof.
The sensor is designed for wall and mast mounting and should be mounted as
follows: Attach the sensor wall bracket either exactly vertically to a wall using
the four screws, or to a mast using the securing clamp provided.
Position the sensor on the wall bracket and screw the two parts together using
the screw provided.
When doing this the large protective bell housing must be at the top and the
solar cell must be pointing towards the light.
During the hours of darkness and periods of bad weather with relatively little
sunlight an indoor battery system, which is charged by the solar cell during
periods of sunshine, provides the power for the sensor.
Storage of outdoor sensors with solar cells
The outdoor sensors receive their power from a solar cell. Additional energy is
also stored in an integrated battery, in order provide power in the hours of
darkness and during periods of bad weather.
If one of these sensors is out of action for some time and does not receive
enough light, this still has no affect on the indoor battery, provided the magnets
designed to activate the operating voltage are removed. Therefore the sensor
can be stored for several months in its packaging, for example.
After a long storage period, it is recommended that you recharge the indoor
battery before recommencing operation. The solar cell, which is connected to
the battery system also when it is deactivated, should be exposed to sunlight
for several hours.
Starting operation of the software and
initialising the interface
1. Connecting the interface
First the interface must be connected to the relevant COM port/to a port on the
ELV RS 232 multiplexer. The standard connection to the PC is via the first serial
interface (COM 1).
If necessary, after starting the operating and evaluation software, you can select
another serial interface (from COM 1 to COM 4) by using the function “Interface”
in the “Interface” -> “Properties” menu.
If you use the ELV RS 232 multiplexer, first set the option “Available” in the
“Interface” -> “Properties” -> “RS232 Multiplexer” menu (marked with a tick
when activated) and then the multiplexer port occupied by the radio interface
(see detailed description in chapter 6: “Interface”).
2. Initialisation
After the batteries have been inserted and the interface’s internal initialisation
phase is over, the interface will be set to the following standard parameters:
Address of the indoor sensor: 7
Address of the wind sensor: 7
Address of the brightness sensor:7
Address of the rain sensor: 7
Sensor version: 1.2
Interval time: 5 minutes
If you wish to change these parameters, you can call up the initialisation menu
via “Interface” -> “Properties” -> “Initialise” (see also chapter 7: “Interface”).
Addressing
For details on addressing the sensors please read the chapter entitled “Starting
operation of the sensors”.
Sensor version
For details on determining the sensor version, please read the chapter entitled
“Preparation of the radio interface”.
Setting the interval time
The indoor storage of the interface can save 1024 data records, and the maximum
recording period is dependent on the time interval set.
The following table gives details, for a number of different interval times, of the
connection between interval time and possible recording period:
Interval (minutes) Maximum storage time (days)
5
10
15
30
3.5
7
10.5
21
Please note!
The storage in the radio interface works as a recording loop, i.e. when the storage
space is full, the oldest data will be overwritten (erased).
Therefore a reading should be taken before the memory is full, in order to avoid
recorded data being lost.
If the interface is, however, always showing the readout from the running computer
program, then the storage capacity of the interface is irrelevant, and if
necessary, an unlimited number of recording times with short intervals can theoretically
be implemented.
Note:
By changing these settings, the radio interface is re-initialised. If this is the
case, all previously saved weather data will be lost!
Also, the radio interface cannot transmit any data to the PC for approximately 6
minutes, since during this time all sensors present are automatically identified.
3. Additional settings
For the correct air pressure to be displayed, it is essential to define the height
of the location in metres above sea level.
Here the absolute height above sea level must be entered in the corresponding
input field in the software in the “File” -> “Specifications” -> “Air pressure” menu
(see also chapter 3: “File”).
The rainfall measuring system leaves the factory with a very high accuracy, so
that normally no calibration is required. For very high precision requirements for
professional use, an individual calibration can, however, be carried out. The
entry should be made via the “File” -> “Specifications” -> “Rain” menu in the
“Rainfall per vessel” input field (see also chapter 3: “File”).
4. Showing sensor data
Using the menu “Display” -> “Sensor management”, select the sensors whose
results are to be recorded by the PC (see also chapter 4: “Display”) by clicking
in the empty boxes corresponding to the relevant sensors. Then, in the “Display”
menu, you can either select the desired sensors individually or choose the
“Display all” option.
Then the desired/all received sensors are shown as charts on the program’s
display.
For detailed program settings, please read the chapters relating to the individual
program menus.
Chapter 3
“File” menu
Weather data file: Selecting, dividing, adding
Select
This function is for opening saved weather data files and for saving new files in
which the radio interface data will be saved. In this way you can, for example,
create a separate weather data file for each month, containing data that can be
represented at any time in graphical and tabular form.
When you start the program it will automatically save the data in a standard
“ws-pc.dat” file in the “PC weather station” program folder.
For effective observation of the weather, you should always create a new file
before commencing recording and, if necessary, re-initialise the radio interface
in order to overwrite accidentally recorded data.
After starting the program, the program always returns to the last opened file,
with the name of the file opened appearing at the top of the menu bar.
To open an existing file, select the desired .dat file from the standard program
folder entitled “PC weather station” and open it.
To create a new file, enter the desired file identifier, e.g. “KW 2”, in the “File
name” field and click on “Open”. In the dialogue box that then appears, answer
the question ”...should the file be created?” by clicking on “Yes”.
The empty program display field will then appear, and you can highlight the
desired sensor(s) via the “Display” -> “Sensor management” menu and display
them by using the display selector. Then, once the new file has been created,
the user will be asked which files are to be loaded from the radio interface.
If so far no data have been collected (this can be determined by the absence of
time entries in the “Display period” window), for example, because the file was
created in the middle of a sensor query interval, an empty sensor display window
appears at first, showing the data automatically at the time of the next data
query (whether manual or automatic) where these new data are present in the
radio interface, after you have clicked in the sensor display window.
Split
After you have selected this function a window will appear, offering you the
possibility of subdividing the current file into two parts.
Here the time is entered at which the file should be subdivided as well as the file
names and paths of both partial files.
The first partial file includes the time from the beginning of the file until the time
of the division, while the second partial file contains the time from when the
division was made until the end of the file.
Append
This option allows you to add an already-saved file to the current file. Both files
are displayed in an interrelated form the next time the sensor display is called
up.
Export
When this function is called up, a window opens, allowing you to select the data
collection period to be exported and the sensor data to be exported. Selection
of the pre-set time periods means that the work requires only a small amount of
time. Furthermore, you may enter any target file for the data to be exported.
Finally, you may save a title line to allow you to assign the various columns in the
text file immediately. The header line shows the sensor descriptions and the
units of measurement for the data saved.
Separator
To divide up the individual data (date, time, measurement) you will, for many
formats, require a special separator to ensure that the data can be correctly
read by other programs. Often a semicolon (;) will be required.
Here, the data
to be exported
and their
properties are
determined
The data are exported in ASCII format (Unicode), meaning that the file can be
imported into all available word processing, layout and statistics programs, etc.
The weather figures always appear with the date first, followed by the time
recorded and then the measurements in the following order (each followed by
“OK” in the case of sensor reception or “-” if the reception fails): Outdoor sensors,
indoor sensors (temperature, air humidity), rain, wind, air pressure, brightness.
Printing
In order for the development of the weather data to be analysed over a longer
period independently of the PC, it is recommended that the corresponding trends
are printed out. It is advisable, for example, to take a monthly printout of the
necessary measurements. The chart is thus printed out according to the printer
settings made when the printer was set up.
Before calling this up, the function “Print Setup” should first be used to define
the printer being used to print out the weather charts.
A printout of the data in tabular form is currently not possible. Here, however, a
data export is particularly suitable (see above). You can export the data to e.g.
Excel, as described under “Export”, and then print out an Excel table.
Print preview
This function shows the complete view of the page to be printed, according to
the parameters selected under “Print Setup”.
Print Setup
This menu item allows you to select the desired printer which should be used
for printing. Moreover, the characteristics of the desired printer such as the paper
format and the print quality can be changed.
Sensor names
After calling up this menu item a window will open containing an input field for a
description of the sensor. For example, the position of each sensor can be entered
here. The description is also displayed when the relevant “sensor window”
(chart and value table) is opened.
The input field for
the sensor name
Specifications
In the “Specifications” menu, you can select the appropriate unit of measurement
as well as make other settings for all sensors, after you have selected your
desired tab.
The units that you may set are °C and °F for the temperature sensors, km/h,
m/s, knots and mph for the wind speed sensors, l/m2, mm and inches for the
rainfall sensors and hPa, mmHg and inHg for the air pressure.
Automatic scaling
For graphical representation and for all sensor types you may select an automatic
scaling which is permanently adaptable to the selected time period.
The
”Specifications”
menu. You can
access the
various input
fields for the
sensors via the
menu, which
consists of tabs
arranged like
index cards
Sliding mean value
Using a filter function you can smooth out short-term measurement fluctuations/
freak values in the graphical representation of temperature/humidity and in air
pressure diagrams. In this way a sliding mean value is created for a selectable
number of measurements.
If, for example, a sliding mean of 10 is entered in the input field, then the current
measurement as well as the 10 previous and 10 subsequent values will be taken
for the creation of mean values. Thus the mean value is generated from 21
measurements.
In the illustration (Page 34), the same temperature/humidity can, for example,
be seen, once without the sliding mean and once with a sliding mean of 20.
The original measurements are not changed during the smoothing-out, and the
smoothed-out signal is also not saved.
The effect of the
representation of
the mean, above
without a sliding
mean and below
with a smoothing
factor of 20
Maximum change
This input field is also available for each of the temperature/humidity sensors,
for the air pressure sensor and for the rain sensor. Here, you can set the maximum
possible change between two measurement transmissions, in which case any
greater changes will be rejected as invalid.
Calibration of the rainfall sensor
The rainfall measuring system is delivered ex-works with a very high accuracy,
so that normally no calibration is required and the pre-set calibration factor can
be retained. A calibration is only necessary when very high accuracy is required
for professional applications.
Before calibrating the rainfall sensor, any total overall rainfall value should be set
back to zero in the weather display.
Then, within a time period of your choice, exactly 100 ml of water is poured very
slowly into the funnel of the rainfall sensor.
CAUTION! Pouring quickly will falsify the measurement result! Slowly pour
the water into the funnel so that water is at no time resting in the funnel.
Due to the funnel diameter, i.e. 130 mm or 0.0133 m2 surface area, 100 ml of
water must give a rainfall target value of 7.5 l/m2 .
After all of the water has run through, you should wait approximately 10 minutes
before reading off the value from the radio interface. After the weather display
has been called up once more, the actual value will appear in the display, which
ideally will correspond to 7.5 l/m2.
The relationship between the target value and the actual value indicates the
calibration factor. But because a calibration factor could have been entered
previously, or because of the pre-set value of 300 ml per rocker movement, this
must be taken into account in the calculation.
The new calibration factor is derived from the following simple calculation:
Target value (e. g. 7.5 l/m2) x old calibration factor
New calibration factor =
Actual value (display when filled with water)
The old calibration factor (e.g. the current valid value) can be found in the ”Rainfall
per rocker” input field. If necessary you can also enter the new calibration
value in this input field.
Setting the absolute height
This input field in the “air pressure” menu tab allows the height of the current
location of the air pressure sensor above sea level to be entered. This means
that the air pressure display is adapted to the current location by means of a
correction factor. As a result of this, the relative air pressure is displayed.
Setting the threshold value for sunshine duration
The set-up field in the “Sunshine duration” tab enables the brightness threshold
to be set, above which the light striking the brightness sensor is to be interpreted
as sunshine. This threshold can be set between 2 and 99 klux and is set in the
factory to 20 klux.
A value above the value set is judged to signify sunshine.
This value corresponds to the threshold value generally used in meteorology for
registering the hours of sunshine.
The sunshine duration transmitted from the brightness sensor is used if the
threshold level is 20 klx. For all other values, the program calculates the sunshine
duration from the brightness. The disadvantage of this is that breaks in reception
or large interface storage intervals can falsify the result. This does not occur
when the sunshine duration transmitted from the sensor is evaluated.
Multiple value display
For the temperature/humidity sensors and the wind sensor, the relevant menu
tab will offer you the option of having either the main value (temperature/wind
strength) or both of the generated values (temperature/humidity or wind strength/
wind direction) displayed. To see the relevant secondary value, click on the
corresponding set-up field.
Exit
This menu item is used to close down the radio weather station software.
Chapter 4
“Display” menu
General
From this menu you can select the sensors that are to be displayed, the weather
display, and whether the symbol and status bars are shown or hidden.
Select display period
After selecting the corresponding sensor, the window for the display period
appears.
The selection
window for the
display time period
The graphical and tabular portrayal of weather data can last for a variety of
different time periods. In this way, you can both observe long-term weather
developments as well as studying individual days in detail.
In the top part of the window, under “available weather data”, you can see for
what time period weather data for the corresponding sensor are available.
You can enter the time period to be displayed in the input fields arranged in this
part.
There are eight pre-set options ranging from the last hour to the last 30 days.
Furthermore, the entire data collection period can automatically be displayed.
Of course, data can only be loaded according to the time period displayed above.
The pre-set time periods allow a more rapid operation, as it is often unnecessary
to input concrete time data.
Graphical and tabular portrayal of data
After you have selected the display time period, the relevant chart window
appears on the screen, showing the available measurements in the form of a
graph.
For more precise checking of the weather data recorded, there is a “window
split function” which additionally allows the recorded weather data to be displayed
in the form of a tabular list. The values table can be pulled in window form with
the mouse from right to left, while scrollbars allow you to search for measurements
in the list.
The display possibilities for the measurements. Here, a full image
representation for temperature and air humidity are shown with a split
display window, with the min/max value display for temperature and
humidity shown in the top right.
The minimum and maximum values obtained during the display period are always
shown in the top part of the tabular representation, together with the date and
time of the occurrence of the extreme values.
It is also possible to display each individual measurement window in such a way
that it fills the entire screen.
Temperature/humidity
Menu for selecting the temperature/humidity sensor to be shown in the display.
After selecting the corresponding sensor, the window for the display period
appears.
Once you have selected this, the graph/table is shown.
Rainfall
The measurement window for portraying the rainfall. The portrayal takes the
form of a clear column chart (evaluation in hours starting from half past the
hour). Here, too, the values table can be opened using the mouse.
Instead of the minimum/maximum values, you can read off the hourly and daily
rainfall values in the top part of this window.
Wind strength and wind direction
The weather data from the wind sensor are displayed as a window on the screen.
For the extreme wind speed values, the prevalent wind direction at the time of
saving is displayed in the top part of the value table together with the limits of
fluctuation.
Air pressure
Display of the barometric air pressure window in graphical and tabular form with
the corresponding minimum and maximum values.
Brightness
Display of the brightness trend over a defined period in graphical and tabular
form with the corresponding minimum and maximum values.
Hours of sunshine
Display of sunshine duration as a column diagram, provided that the threshold
value set for the sunshine duration is exceeded. The scaling is adapted as the
sunshine duration increases, and after sunset/a long cloudy period, this is shown
cumulatively for the day.
The values table, too, constantly shows the individual values obtained for
sunshine duration as well as the cumulative daily value following sunset/a long
cloudy period. In the table header, the days of minimum sunshine duration and
the maximum sunshine duration are displayed with the appropriate cumulative
values.
All sensors
All available sensor measurements (set in the sensor management) are portrayed
simultaneously.
Sensor management
After activation of this menu item, a window opens up in which all the PC weather
station’s supported sensors (independent of the actual available/received
sensors) are listed. By marking the relevant selection boxes with a tick (by clicking
on the set-up field), you can manually activate any sensors you wish. Sensors
not required can also be deactivated via this window, or all sensors can be
selected or deselected simultaneously, or you can use the “Reset” button after
making a selection in order to return the settings to as they were when the
window was opened.
Weather display
When weather data are being recorded, the measurement values can also be
shown in parallel to their being graphically represented, in a window that
corresponds to a weather station display. By calling up this function, you can
choose to turn the display window on or off.
You can click with the right-hand mouse button in the display in order to change
the properties of the window (see chapter 5: “Weather display”) – e.g. to choose
which of the outdoor sensors is to be displayed.
The settings for the window are saved automatically, meaning that when it is
next called up, the window appears with the properties that were last selected
for it.
The display fields for the weather display are permanently allocated:
-Top left: Indoor sensor with temperature and humidity
-Top right: Selected outdoor sensor with temperature and humidity
-Bottom left: Wind direction display with wind rose, where the area of fluctuation
of the wind direction is displayed in a red colour; also wind strength display.
-Top middle: Rainfall display:
-Bottom middle: Weather forecast with weather symbols
-Bottom right: Air pressure display with trend display and 72-hour trend
Toolbar
With this function you can show or hide the toolbar and the buttons as you
choose. For rapid calling-up of all functions with the mouse, the toolbar should
generally always be activated. By hiding the toolbar you can, however, increase
the size of the diagram.
Status bar
This function allows you to hide or show the status bar at the bottom of the main
window. The status bar contains information regarding the functions of the toolbar
and of the Help facility, etc. By hiding the status bar you can increase the size of
the diagram.
The numerical measurement display in the measurement display window
activated by the cursor, with date and time shown within the status bar, is
particularly convenient. In this way, for any position selected with the cursor
arrow inside the graph, the respective valid measurement values (e.g. temperature
and humidity) are shown together with date and time. Thus you can easily and
very precisely read off measurements from measurement curves, without the
need for making long searches through the table for individual values.
The values clicked
on are shown in
the status bar.
Chapter 5
“Weather display” menu
The “Weather display” menu allows the weather display to be configured.
Always in the foreground
If the weather display window is always to be shown in the foreground, you can
select the following options. After you have selected this, a tick will appear in
front of the menu item and the weather display will remain in the foreground,
even when the program is running in the background or if other programs are in
use.
Without header line
This selection window allows the weather display headline to be switched on
and off.
Outdoor sensor
The desired temperature/humidity sensor for the right weather display
temperature/humidity display field can be selected via this menu. In the right
display field, up to 8 sensors can be supported. Here it is of course only possible
to select those sensors which are actually present.
Rainfall display
This menu allows you to select whether the total rainfall, the rainfall for the past
hour (from half past the last hour to half past the current hour) or the rainfall for
the past day (data collection time from 8.30 to 8.30) should be shown in the
weather display.
The times/time periods are based on international standards for professional
weather services.
Delete overall rainfall quantity
The total value for overall rainfall can be deleted via this menu item. After calling
up this menu item, you will first be asked if you are sure that you want to delete
the total rainfall value. The deletion takes places if you select “Yes” in answer to
this query.
Chapter 6
“Interface” menu
This menu allows you to configure, manually read off and query the status of the
radio interface.
Read off now
All data records stored in the radio interface are read off and stored in the current
weather data file. After the transmission, the storage of the radio interface is
deleted.
Automatic readout
The radio interface can be automatically read off every time the program is started,
and takes place after a time period which you can freely select. After each reading-
off, the storage of the radio interface is automatically deleted.
Interface status
After this menu item has been activated, a window appears showing the status
of all sensors.
In the status window of the radio interface, the number of sensors supported, the
time interval set for storage of the measurement values and the current reception
status of the individual sensors are shown. Isolated reception failures in individual
sensors are normal and are generally caused by 2 sensors in the same time
window. Due to transmission intervals of varying length for the individual sensors,
the reception of the failed sensors will be re-established after only a few
transmissions.
Furthermore, the sensor protocol set at initialisation, the selected query interval
and the PC weather station version are shown. The “Read off again” button
allows the interface status display to be updated at any time.
The display
window for the
interface status
Properties
Notice:
The adjustment of the properties is only possible on the PC Interface WS-2510
PC. The base station WS-2510 is working with a fixed interval time (15 min.). The
adjustment of the sensor version and the addresses for the sensors is made
directly at the base station of the WS-2510. Therefore, the initialisation menu
can only be called if the PC Interface WS-2510 PC is connected.
Initialisation
After the batteries have been inserted and the interface’s indoor initialisation
phase is over, the interface will be set to the following standard parameters:
Address of the indoor sensor: 7
Address of the wind sensor: 7
Address of the brightness sensor:7
Address of the rain sensor: 7
Sensor version: 1.2
Interval time: 5 minutes
The initialisation menu for the
radio interface
If you wish to change these parameters, you should select the “Initialisation”
option. Here you can define the addresses of the above sensors, as well as the
sensor version and the interval time for the sensor query.
Sensor addresses
You can find instructions for this in the “Starting operation of the sensors” chapter.
Sensor version
For details on determining the sensor version, please read the chapter entitled
”Preparation of the radio interface”.
Setting the interval time
The indoor storage of the interface can save 1,024 data records, and the maximum
storage time depends on the time interval set.
Please note!
The storage in the radio interface works as a recording loop, i.e. when the storage
space is full, the oldest data will be overwritten (erased). Therefore the
storage should be read off before it is full, in order to avoid recorded data being
lost.
If the interface is, however, always showing the readout from the running computer
program, then the storage capacity of the interface is irrelevant, and if
necessary, an unlimited number of recording times with short intervals can theoretically
be inplemented.
The following table gives details, for a number of different interval times, of the
connection between interval time and possible recording period:
Interval (minutes) Maximum storage time (days)
5
10
15
30
3.5
7
10.5
21
For the respective time interval set, the relevant storage duration will be displayed
when the initialisation window is called up again.
Note:
By changing these settings in the initialisation window, the radio interface is reinitialised.
If this is the case, all previously saved weather data will be lost!
Before the change is made, you will first be asked if you are sure. In case of
doubt, you should make a readout of the available weather data before switching
over.
Also, the radio interface cannot transmit any data to the PC for approximately 6
minutes, since during this time all sensors present are automatically identified.
If a subsequent change is made, for example if the system is extended, then the
changeover should take place at the beginning of a new storage period.
Interface
This function allows you to select the serial interface to which the radio interface
is to be connected. The standard connection is anticipated to be via the first
serial interface (COM 1). The parameters of the interface (19,200 Baud, 8 data
bits, 2 stopbits and even parity) are automatically set by the operating and
evaluation software. After the selection has been confirmed, the radio interface
is sought in the selected interface. If the radio interface was not found, an
appropriate message will appear.
RS232 multiplexer
Like the radio interface, many other devices also work via the serial RS232
interface together with the computer. Since most computers, however, only have
2 or even only 1 serial interfaces, it is advisable to use the ELV RS232 multiplexer,
which will allow up to 6 outdoor devices to be operated via a COM port. By
cascading several multiplexers, it is even possible to have up to 36 serial
interfaces per PC COM port. In the case of the RS232 multiplexer available, the
selection of the internet address is made via this menu item.
If you use the ELV RS 232 multiplexer, first set the option “Available” (marked
with a tick when activated) and then the multiplexer port occupied by the radio
interface.
If a second multiplexer is cascaded, the option “Two-stage” and the corresponding
ports on both of the multiplexers should be selected.
For start-up, setting up and functioning, please read the operating instructions
for the ELV RS 232 multiplexer.
The port selection menu for the
ELV RS 232 multiplexer
49
Chapter 7
”View” menu
Period
Upon selection of this menu item, the “display period” window opens. Here, the
time period to be displayed can be selected from the available weather file.
In the top part of the window, under “available weather data”, you can see for
what time period weather data for the corresponding sensor are available.
You can enter the time period to be displayed in the input fields arranged in this
part.
There are eight pre-set options ranging from the last hour to the last 30 days. It
is still possible to display the entire data collection period automatically. Of course,
data can only be loaded according to the time period displayed above. The pre-
The selection
window for the
display period
set time periods allow a more rapid operation, as it is often unnecessary to input
concrete time data.
Period forward
If only a part of the display period is shown in the graph, this function can be
used to move the area of the chart displayed on the screen in a forward direction.
Period backwards
In the case of only part of the display period being shown, this shifts the area of
the chart shown in a backward direction.
Zoom out Period
This function changes the size of the part of the graphical representation and
the values table shown, up to the full extent of the display time period.
Zoom in period
This function reduces the size of the section of the graphical representation
and the values table shown (the zoom function).
Adapt all periods
If more than one chart window is being shown where the scales on the time
axes differ, the scales are automatically adapted to match that of the time axis
in the window that is currently open. This means that the same period of time is
displayed on the screen in each graph.
Colour settings
Under this menu item you can individually select display colours for the graphs
from the Windows colour palette.
Font
Selecting this menu item opens up a window in which you can change the font,
font style and font size. This same font will be used by the program when printing
or displaying text on the screen.
Settings
Use the menu item “Settings” to change the scaling of the display of the window
currently open. As well as freely-adjustable minimum and maximum values, the
scaling can also be matched to the minimum and maximum values of the display
time period.
If desired – and if available – a second display value can alse be selected here.
In addition, the unit of measurement for each open window and the settings for
the sliding mean (see chapter 3: “File”) can be altered for each individual display
window (in the specifications in the file menu this is done e.g. for all temperature/
humidity sensors simultaneously).
The ”Settings”
menu window
Chapter 8
“Window” menu
Cascade
If several measurement windows are
being displayed, these are shown
overlapping on the screen.
Tile vertically
If up to 3 measurement windows are
to be shown at once, they will be
arranged adjacent to each other.
Further measurement windows will
then be displayed on top of one
another.
Tile horizonally
Up to 3 measurement windows are
shown on the screen on top of one
another, while further open system
windows are automatically arranged
adjacent to one another.
Arrange icons
All minimised measurement
windows will be arranged
automatically along the bottom
edge of the screen.
Close all
All open measurement windows are closed simultaneously.
In the lower part of the menu, all currently open windows are shown.
The window that is active at a given time is marked with a tick. You can change
the active window by clicking.
Chapter 9
“Help” menu
Help topics
Via this menu item you will reach a list of online help topics, from where you can
directly access individual sections of the online help.
Also from here, you can use an wide-reaching search function that allows you to
search precisely for individual words and concepts after a word list has been
automatically created. It is possible either to enter a search term directly, or to
select it from a list of topics and words.
Help
In this way you can reach the table of contents for the online help. By clicking on
your desired chapter, you open the text window for that topic.
“Contents” button
This button takes you back from a help topic to the table of contents.
“Index” button
This button brings you to the selection of key words/help topics.
“Back” button
This button takes you back either to the table of contents or to the last help
topic selected.
“Print” button
With this button you can print out the currently-displayed page.
About
Via this menu option an information window appears, showing the software
version, copyright and further information about the program.
Chapter 10
Buttons
Toolbar
The following buttons on the toolbar allow the following functions to be called
up quickly and simply using the mouse:
Print: prints the active document
Info: shows program information, version number and
copyright
Read off weather data: reads off weather data immediately from the interface
Time period back: shifts the time period backwards
Set time points: determines the start and end points (date, time) of the
display
Time forward: shifts the time period forward
Extend time period: extends the time period displayed
Shorten time period: shortens the time period displayed
Printing Read off Set Extend
weather time points time period
Info data Time period Time period Shorten
back forward time period
Appendix A Battery change
Battery operated radio sensors
The batteries in these sensors have a life of up to three years (alkaline batteries).
The batteries must be changed when data are not received from the corresponding
sensor for more than 24 hours and there is no general and longer
lasting interference of the radio path, which can usually be recognised by the
fact that data transmission from other, neighbouring sensors has also broken
down (see Appendix C, “Interference”).
The battery is changed by opening the battery compartment on the rear of the
sensor housing, removing the discharged batteries and inserting two new AA
alkaline Mignon cells in the correct polarity according to the markings in the
battery compartment.
Replace the battery compartment cover and the interface is ready for use. The
data from this sensor must appear again no later that after the radio interface
has made its rotational sensor search (see Appendix C, “Interference”).
PC radio interface/weather station
If communication between the radio interface and the PC is no longer flowing
smoothly or the reception is blocked from a number of sensors, it can be inferred
that the batteries in the radio interface are exhausted.
A description of how to change the batteries can be found in the operating
instructions of the WS-2510 PC radio interface/the WS-2510 weather station.
Other system components do not require a battery change, as they are
powered by solar cells. Integrated batteries provide power during the hours
of darkness and periods of bad weather.
Observe correct battery polarity!
According to the German battery regulations you must return used or faulty
batteries and accumulators to us with full postage paid, or return them to local
commercial or battery collection points. Batteries and accumulators must not
be thrown away with household rubbish!
Appendix B Technical terms
Air pressure history - Storage and graphical representation of the air pressure
trend for the past 72 hours. From this, conclusions can be drawn on general
weather trends. The graphical display can be seen in the weather display.
Weather trends - forecast display featuring weather symbols, shown in the
weather display, and calculated from the speed at which the air pressure rises
or falls.
This speed of change of air pressure is an essential value in forecasting the
weather, while the absolute value is of only secondary importance. See also “Air
pressure trends”. In general it can be said that increasing air pressure signifies
improved weather, while falling air pressure means poorer weather.
If the weather station is set up on a boat with a laptop, the rate of change of the
air pressure (which can mostly be recognised from the cloud pattern, which the
boatman should be able to identify) may be used to determine whether a front
of poor weather is approaching and thus whether sailing over large stretches of
water is inadvisable or indeed whether it is necessary to head back to harbour
immediately. Such a forecast is equally useful to farmers, amateur pilots,
paragliders, fliers of model aeroplanes, etc.
Air pressure trends - Calculated from developments in air pressure values over
the past few hours.
The calculation takes place according to the following pattern:
Air pressure rises more than 2 hPa in 3 hours -> increasingly strongly
Air pressure rises more than 2 hPa in 6 hours -> normal increase
Air pressure drops more than 2 hPa in 6 hours -> normal drop
Air pressure drops more than 2 hPa in 3 hours -> falling strongly
otherwise -> constant
Absolute/relative air pressure - The air in the Earth’s atmosphere has a specific
gravity, which is defined in grams per litre. The boundary of the Earth’s
atmosphere is of a (relatively) constant size. In contrast to this, the surface of
the earth including the oceans varies between the lowest sea level and the highest
mountain peaks. As a result of this, a different “weight“ of air acts on every area
depending upon the mean height above sea level and the height of the column
of air above the measuring point. The air pressure at sea level is therefore
considerably higher than, for example, in the Himalayan peaks.
In order to provide a reference quantity, in most cases, weather reports either
give the absolute air pressure referred to mean sea level (general information,
say for a country) or, in the case of more accurate reports, the graduated air
pressure represented by means of isobars (the air pressure lines on more accurate
weather maps). In the latter case, one can easily recognise the trend of the air
pressure fronts and can find out more about the path of the fronts.
However, as the weather station always displays the relative air pressure at its
location, a correction factor must be defined, which makes it possible to display
the difference between absolute and relative air pressure. This is achieved (as
with this weather station) by entering the accurately known local air pressure
(either as notified by the local meteorological office or by calculation: absolute
air pressure ±0.11 hPa per metre of the measuring location above/below mean
sea level) or by entering directly the height of the location above sea level.
Wind strength table (Beaufort)
Beaufort Wind speed Description
0 0 - 0.7 km/h calm
1 0.7 - 5.4 km/h slight breeze
2 5.5 - 11.9 km/h light breeze
3 12.0 - 19.4 km/h weak breeze
4 19.5 - 28.5 km/h moderate breeze
5 28.6 - 38.7 km/h fresh breeze
6 38.8 - 49.8 km/h strong wind
7 49.9 - 61.7 km/h stiff wind
8 61.8 - 74.6 km/h stormy wind
9 74.7 - 88.9 km/h storm
10 89.0 - 102.4 km/h heavy storm
11 102.5 - 117.4 km/h near hurricane storm
12 > 117.4 km/h hurricane
Units
°F = [°C] * 9 / 5 + 32
°C = ( [°F] – 32 ) * 5 / 9
mmHg = [hPa] * 0.75006
inHg = [hPa] * 0.02953
m/s = [km/h] / 3.6 = [km/h] * 0.27778
knots = [km/h] / 1.852 = [km/h] * 0.53996
mph = [km/h] / 1.609 = [km/h] * 0.6215
in = [mm] / 25.4 = [mm] * 0.03937
ft = [m] /0.3048 = [m] * 3.28084
cu. in. = [ml] / 16.387 = [ml] * 0.061024
Appendix C Rectifying faults
If data from a sensor are not received for about 36 hours, these figures will be
missing from the display. The radio interface searches for all sensor transmitters
for six minutes at regular intervals, in case the synchronisation between sensor
and radio interface is disrupted due to a lengthy radio interference, as the transmission
takes place within only a very small time window. At least by this point
in time a reception disrupted in this way should have been reassumed.
Possible faults that could impair the correct display of the transmitted readings
are:
Undefined values following starting operation
Make sure that the radio interface starts to operate no less than 10 minutes
after the last radio sensor, so that immediately defined data are received and
the data telegrams are correctly allocated to the digits in the display.
No reception – the distance between transmitter and receiver is too great
Reduce the distance between the transmitter and the receiver.
Repeater for range increase
Ranges that are reduced by building parameters can be compensated for by a
special repeater developed for weather stations.
The battery-driven repeater equipped with transmitter and receiver receives the
data of the desired sensors and re-transmits them with a slight time delay. Housed
within a watertight housing the repeater is suitable for both indoor and outdoor
mounting. Several repeaters can be cascaded in order to span larger distances.
No reception - dense shielding materials are positioned between the transmitter
and the receiver (thick walls, reinforced concrete, ...).
Search for another position for the transmitter or receiver. See also Appendix D
(“Range”).
Batteries from transmitter or receiver are dead
Change the batteries.
Transmitter is blotted out by a source of interference
(radio device, radio headset/loudspeaker)
Remove source of interference or find alternative location for transmitter and
receiver. If, after 36 hours, no data transmission has been established, the corresponding
measuring position will be switched off, and thus no more measurement
value will be displayed, as the system assumes that the sensor is no longer
present. No further attempts at reception will be made, in order to conserve
battery power. At 07:30 (WS-2510)/08:00 and 18:00 (WS-2510 PC), the receiver
starts a renewed synchronisation of its own accord, during which sensors from
which data have not been received for 36 hours are deactivated.
A newly linked radio sensor (e.g. after change of battery) is automatically
accepted by the system and the data from this are displayed.
Often the interference is of a temporary nature (radio telephony) or can be
removed very easily. If there are radio headsets, radio baby phones or similar
devices operating on 433 MHz in your house or in the neighbourhood, their
turn-on time is normally limited. Most of these devices permit change to a
disturbance-free frequency. A measure such as this effectively cuts out
interference.
A radio sensor interferes with other devices in the 433 MHz range
The transmissions from a radio sensor can interfere with other devices on the
same channel for a short period (every 3 minutes for about 200 ms). This
interference lasts only a very short time and thus can be ignored. If possible, the
channel should be changed on the device.
Recharging the batteries in the outdoor sensors
The vanadium-lithium battery integrated in the outdoor sensor is able to provide
power in periods of darkness lasting for several months, meaning that under
normal operating conditions there is no need for recharging.
If, however, after a very long period of storage in the dark, the battery is
discharged, the solar cell should be exposed to a few hours of sunlight – without
the application of activation magnets.
The program receives no data/the error message “No response from the
interface” appears.
If the radio interface is connected directly to a PC interface (COM x), it may be
that the “available” option in the “Interface” -> “Characteristics” -> “RS 232
multiplexer” menu is not activated (no tick). The “Interface address x” line must
appear in grey.
Appendix D Range, repeater, maintenance
and care
The free field range, i.e. the range of the line of sight contact between the transmitter
and the receiver is 300 ft under optimum conditions. Walls and even
reinforced concrete can be penetrated, which does, however, reduce the range.
A reduced range can occur due to the following reasons:
-High frequency interference of all kinds
-Built structures of all types or vegetation
-The range of the wind sensor in particular can be affected by metal roofs or
roof insulation made from aluminium laminated glass wool.
-The distance of the transmitter or receiver from conductive surfaces or objects
(or to the human body or the ground) has an effect on the transfer
characteristics and therefore the range.
-Wide band interference in built up areas can reach levels that reduce the
signal-noise ratio throughout the frequency band, which reduces the range.
-Devices with adjacent working frequencies can also influence the receiver.
-Badly shielded PCs can irradiate the receiver and limit its range.
Repeater for range increase
Ranges that are reduced by building parameters can be compensated for by a
special repeater developed for weather stations.
The battery-driven repeater equipped with transmitter and receiver receives the
data of all sensors and re-transmits it with a slight time delay. Housed within a
watertight housing the repeater is suitable for both indoor and outdoor mounting.
Maintenance and care information
Protect the device against dust and dampness. Never clean it with chemical
cleaning materials, use only a soft, dry cloth.
Appendix E Technical data
The following list provides an overview of the weather station’s technical data.
Measuring interval for outdoor sensors ................................................... 3 min.
Measuring interval for indoor sensors ..................................................... 3 min.
Transmission frequency ................................................................. 433.92 MHz
Free field range ............................................................................... max. 100 m
Indoor temperature range: .............. 0.0 °C to +70.0 °C (+32.0 °F to +158.0 °F)
Outdoor temperature range: ....... -30.0 °C to +70.0 °C (-22.0 °F to +158.0 °F)
Resolution: .............................................................................. 0.1 °C (0.2 °F)
Accuracy: .............................................................................. ±1 °C (±1.8 °F)
Measuring range relative humidity: ............................................. 20 % to 95 %
Resolution: ............................................................................................... 1%
Accuracy: .................................................................................................. 8%
Air pressure measuring range: .............800 to 1,100 hPa (23.62 to 32.48 inHg)
Resolution: .......................................................................... 1 hPa (0.03 inHg)
Accuracy: ....................................................................... ±1 hPa (±0.03 inHg)
Rainfall: ............................................................ 0 to 9,999 mm (0 to 393.66 in)
Resolution: .......................................................................<0.5 mm (< 0.02 in)
Accuracy: .............................................................. 2 % ±1 mm (2% ±0.04 in)
Wind speed: .................................................... 0 to 200 km/h (0 to 124.3 mph)
Resolution: ....................................................................... 0.1 km/h (0.1 mph)
Accuracy: .......................................................... 3 % ±1 km/h (3%±0.6 mph)
Wind direction
Numerical resolution .......................................................................5 degrees
Brightness display:...................................................................0 to 200,000 lux
Resolution: up to 1 klux: 1 lux; up to 10 klux: 10 lux; up to/above 100 klux: 0.1/1 klux;
Accuracy: ............................................................................... ±10% ± 4 Digit
Sunshine duration: ......................................................................... 0 to 9,999 h
Resolution: ......... up to 100 h: 1 min; up to 999 h: 1/10 h; above 1000 h: 1 h
Power supply WS 2500........................................4 baby cells 1.5 V, C, (L)R 14
Mains supply 7,5 V/500 mA
Power supply WS 2500 PC........................................................ 2 AA (alkaline)
Dimensions (W x H x D in mm): ................................................... 100 x 70 x 24
Appendix F Data format of weather data
The following information consists of excerpts from the C++ source program,
and aims to clarify the data structure of the weather data file.
The weather data file is a sequential file in which all received data are stored
consecutively in a data record of constant size (WSPC_DATA).
At the beginning, there is a 4 byte integer containing flags: these indicate the
availability of sensors.
Successive data records follow this as they are received from the interface.
Structure of the data record
struct WSPC_DATA
{
time_t zeit;
WSPC_TEMP_FEUCHTE temp[9]; // 8 Temp./humidity sensor
WSPC_DRUCK druck; // Pressure sensor
WSPC_WIND wind; // Wind sensor
WSPC_REGEN regen; // Rain sensor
WSPC_HELL_PYR helligkeit; // Brightness sensor
WSPC_HELL_PYR pyrano; // Pyranometer
};
#pragma pack(1) // all the following data are byte aligned
struct WSPC_TEMP_HUMIDITY
{
short temp;
unsigned char feuchte;
unsigned char flag;
}; // structure for recording data from the temperature
sensors
struct WSPC_PRESSURE
{
short druck;
unsigned char flag;
}; // structure for recording pressure data
struct WSPC_WIND
{
short staerke;
short richtung;
unsigned char breite;
unsigned char flag;
}; // structure for recording data from the
wind sensor
struct WSPC_RAIN
{
short zaehler;
unsigned char flag;
};
// structure for recording data from the
rain sensor
struct WSPC_BRIGHTNESS_PYR
{
int wert;
unsigned char flag;
};
// structure for recording data
from the brightness sensor
* Data transfer from the interface to the PC
Overview of commands
‘0’ : Activate communication
‘1’ : Request time
‘2’ : Select first saved data record
‘3’ : Select next data record
‘4’ : Request data record
‘5’ : Request status
‘D’ : Initialise interface (interval time, sensor addresses and sensor version)
Activation of data transfer
In its normal mode, the PC radio interface is inactive and does not react to V24
signals.
•
For the interface to be supplied with power, DTR must be set (+12 V) and
RTS deleted (-12 V).
•
For activation, the activation command should be sent to the interface until
a response is received from it.
•
The PC radio interface activates its interface as soon as a sign appears.
However, it takes up to approx. 30 ms until the oscillator is running smoothly
and commands can be properly received.
•
Once the interface has responded to the activation command, the data
transfer can begin.
•
The data exchange via the V24 interface has priority over reception from the
sensors. Thus the reception of data should take place over longer intervals.
•
Data records are therefore also only deleted after a special request from the
PC. By comparing the transferred block numbers in the data record, the PC
can determine whether the next data record has actually been selected.
•
If no data traffic takes place over a period of 71 ms, the PC radio interface
will again be deactivated.
Data formats
Data transfer: 19,200 Baud, Even Parity, 8 Bit, 2 Stop
Data frames for commands from the PC to the PC radio interface
<SOH> <Comm> [Para] <Test> <EOT>
<SOH> is the start symbol of the data transfer
<Comm> is the command for the interface
[Para] are any parameters that may arise. For the parameters, Bit 7 is always
set (so that they are not recognised as functional characters)
<Test>
is the negative test total, reached by entering the command and the
following parameter.
Bit 7 is always the value set here.
(if, for example, the command has the value 31h, then Test must
have the value CFh).
<EOT>
is the end symbol of the data transfer
Data frame for responses from the interface:
<STX> <length> [message] <test total> <ETX>
The start symbol transmitted will be <STX> while the end symbol will be <ETX>
All symbols between the start and the end will be processed in such a way that
no <STX> and no <ETX> occur.
<STX> becomes the symbol series: <ENQ> <DC2>
<ETX> becomes the symbol series: <ENQ> <DC3>
<ENQ> becomes the symbol series: <ENQ> <NAK>
•
After a data package has been received, this editing must first be cancelled
before the length and the test total can be checked.
•
From the length you can derive the number of characters in the message.
•
The test total is the negative 8-bit total of the number of bytes from <STX>
up to the last character of the message. If all of the characters are added up
(from STX to the test total), then the bottom 8 bits must yield the total 0.
In the case of incorrect data reception, the interface will send the message
<NAK>.
<STX> <01h> <NAK> <0E8h> <ETX>
Hex : 02 01 15 E8 03
Note: In the following description of the individual commands, only the actual
message will be given as a response. The data frame is still to be added.
Description of the commands and responses
Activate communication
<SOH> ‘0’ (-total) <EOT>
This exists for the purpose of establishing communication with the interface.
Response from the interface: (1 byte)
<ACK>
Request time and date
<SOH> ‘1’ (-total) <EOT>
Request for the time and date at the interface.
Response from the interface: (5 byte)
(hr) (min) (second) (day) (month/day of the week/flag)
hr. 1 byte : Hour in BCD (one: b0-3 ten: b4-7)
min. 1 byte : minute in BCD (one: b0-3 ten: b4-7)
sec. 1 byte : second (binary !)
Day 1 byte : day in BCD (one: b0-3 ten: b4-7)
month 1 byte : b0-b3 month (binary!)
: b4-b6 day of the week
Select next data record
<SOH> ‘2’ (-total) <EOT>
This command serves to raise the ring pointer on the data records in the interface.
After a data record has been requested, the pointer is not automatically raised,
because it cannot recognise whether the data have been properly processed by
the PC.
The PC must raise the pointer when this command, which is thus a confirmation
for the interface, is entered.
Response from the interface: (1 byte)
1. next data record available: <ACK>
2. no data record available: <DLE>
Select first data record
<SOH> ‘3’ (-total) <EOT>
This command serves to raise the ring pointer to the first data record saved in
the interface.
Response from the interface: (1 byte)
<ACK>
Request data record
<SOH> ‘4’ (-total) <EOT>
Response from the interface: (36 byte)
1. no data available:
<DLE>
2. data available:
[block number Lo] [block number Hi] [time Lo] [time Hi] (32 byte data record)
Block number: Number of the block in the memory (not connected to time.
Monitors whether data records are transferred twice)
Time: Current age of the data record in minutes.
Data: Data record 32 bytes
Data record
The data record consists of 32 bytes, where every byte consists of two digits.
Subsequently, bits 0-3 will be described as “L” and bits 4-7 as “H”.
Temperature/humidity sensor 1-8
The temperatures are transferred in BCD format as 3 digits, with the highest
bit corresponding to the sign. This yields a range of values from –79.9 °C to
+79.9 °C.
The humidity is transferred in BCD format – 20 %. This allows the third bit in
the 10 value to be used as a new flag. A transferred value of 75 represents
a humidity of 95%. If the 1 value is greater than 9, then the humidity value is
invalid (sensor has no humidity)
L1 Temp 1 in °C b3-b0
0.1 (0-9)
H1 Temp 1 in °C b7-b4
1 (0-9)
L2 Temp 1 in °C b2-b0
10 (0-7)
b3
Sign;
H2 Humidity 1 in % b7-b4
1 (0-9)
(if value > 9 sensor has no humidity)
L3 Humidity 1 in % b2-b0
10 - 2 (0-7)
b3
New flag;
H3 Temp 2 in °C b7-b4
0.1 (0-9)
L4 Temp 2 in °C b3-b0
1 (0-9)
H4 Temp 2 in °C b6-b4
10 (0-7)
b7
Sign;
L5 Humidity 2 in % b3-b0
1 (0-9)
(if value > 9 sensor has no humidity)
H6 Humidity 2 in % b6-b4
10 - 2 (0-7)
b7
New flag;
L6 Temp 3 in °C b3-b0
0.1 (0-9)
H6 Temp 3 in °C b7-b4
1 (0-9)
L7 Temp 3 in °C b2-b0
10 (0-7)
b3
Sign;
H7 Humidity 3 in % b7-b4
1 (0-9)
(if value > 9 sensor has no humidity)
L8 Humidity 3 in % b2-b0
10 - 2 (0-7)
b3
New flag;
H8 Temp 4 in °C b7-b4
0.1 (0-9)
L9 Temp 4 in °C b3-b0
1 (0-9)
H9 Temp 4 in °C b6-b4
10 (0-7)
b7
Sign;
L10 Humidity 4 % b3-b0
1 (0-9)
H10 Humidity 4 in %
b7
L11 Temp 5 in °C b3-b0
H11 Temp 5 in °C b7-b4
L12 Temp 5 in °C b2-b0
b3
H12 Humidity 5 in %
L13 Humidity 5 in %
b3
H13 Temp 6 in °C b7-b4
L14 Temp 6 in °C b3-b0
H14 Temp 6 in °C b6-b4
b7
L15 Humidity 6 in %
H15 Humidity 6 in %
b7
L16 Temp 7 in °C b3-b0
H16 Temp 7 in °C b7-b4
L17 Temp 7 in °C b2-b0
b3
H17 Humidity 7 in %
L18 Humidity 7 in %
b3
H18 Temp 8 in °C b7-b4
L19 Temp 8 in °C b3-b0
H19 Temp 8 in °C b6-b4
b7
L20 Humidity 8 in %
H20 Humidity 8 in %
b7
b6-b4
New flag;
0.1
1
10
Sign;
b7-b4
b2-b0
New flag;
0.1
1
10
Sign;
b3-b0
b6-b4
New flag;
0.1
1
10
Sign;
b7-b4
b2-b0
New flag;
0.1
1
10
Sign;
b3-b0
b6-b4
New flag;
(if value > 9 sensor has no humidity)
10 - 2 (0-7)
(0-9)
(0-9)
(0-7)
1 (0-9)
(if value > 9 sensor has no humidity)
10 - 2 (0-7)
(0-9)
(0-9)
(0-7)
1 (0-9)
(if value > 9 sensor has no humidity)
10 - 2 (0-7)
(0-9)
(0-9)
(0-7)
1 (0-9)
(if value > 9 sensor has no humidity)
10 - 2 (0-7)
(0-9)
(0-9)
(0-7)
1 (0-9)
(if value > 9 sensor has no humidity)
10 - 2 (0-7)
Rain sensor
For the rain sensor, rocker strokes are counted and the status of the current 7
bit binary counter is transmitted. In order to obtain a rainfall quantity, the
current status should be subtracted from that of the previous counter and the
difference should be multiplied by 300 ml. This will give the decrease in rainfall.
L21 Rain Lo b3-b0
lowest 4-bit from 7-bit rocker counter
H21 Rain Hi b6-b4
lowest 3-bit from 7-bit rocker counter
New flag;
b7
Wind sensor
The wind is transmitted in BCD format in km/h, where the 10 position represents
an exception, as it can be a value > 9. A wind speed of 123.4 km/h would be
transferred in the form <12> <3> <4>. This yields a range of values from 0 to
159.9 km/h.
The wind direction is transferred with a resolution of 5 °, where the bottom bit in
the first nibble represents the 5 value. Both of the upper bits of the 100 nibble
give the range of fluctuation of the wind direction ((±0 °; ±22.5 °; ±45 °: ±67.5 °)
L22 Wind in km/h b3-b0
0.1 (0-9)
H22 Wind in km/h b7-b4
1 (0-9)
L23 Wind in km/h b3-b0
10 (0-15) ‡ max.: 159.9 km/h
H23 Direction in °
b7-b4
10 (0-9)
L24 Direction in °
b1-b0
100 (0-3)
b3-b2
Fluctuation range; 00•
±0 °; 01•
±22,5 °; 10•
±45 °; 11•
±67,5 °
H24 Direction in °
b0
5° Flag (0 xx0°; 1 xx5°)
b3
New flag;
Indoor sensor
The air pressure is transmitted in BCD format in hPa, where the 100 position
represents an exception, as it can be a value > 9. An air pressure of 1,023 hPa
would be transferred in the form <10> <2> <3>. This yields a range of values
from 0 to 1,299 hPa.
The temperature/humidity are transferred as described previously.
L25 Press. in hPa b3-b0
1 (0-9)
H25 Press. in hPa b7-b4
10 (0-9)
L26 Press. in hPa b3-b0
100 (0-12)
H26 Temp Int in °Cb7-b4
0.1 (0-9)
L27 Temp Int in °Cb3-b0
1 (0-9)
H27 Temp Int in °Cb6-b4
10 (0-7)
b7
Sign;
L28 Humidity Int in % b3-b0
1 (0-9)
(if value > 9 sensor has no humidity)
H28 Humidity Int in % b6-b4
10 - 2 (0-7)
b7
New flag;
Brightness sensor
The brightness is transferred as a 3-digit BCD value (0-999) and a 2-bit factor
(*1, *10, *100, *1000) in lux. This yields a range of values from 0 to 200,000 lux.
L29 Brightn. in lux b3-b0
1 (0-9)
H29 Brightn. in lux b7-b4
10 (0-9)
L30 Brightn. in lux b3-b0
100 (0-9)
H30 Factor b5-b4
Factor (0*1; 1*10; 2*100; 3*1000)
b6
Sunshine flag;
b7
New flag;
Pyranometer
The irradiation effect is transferred as a 3-digit BCD value (0-999) and a 2-bit
factor (*1, *10, *100, *1000) in 1/10 W/m+. This yields a range of values from 0 to
99,900.0 W/m+.
L31 Effect in W/m+ b3-b0
1 (0-9)
H31 Effect in W/m+ b7-b4
10 (0-9)
L32 Effect in W/m+ b3-b0
100 (0-9)
H32 Factor b5-b4
Factor (0•
*1; 1•
*10; 2•
*100; 3•
*1000)
b7
New flag;
The new flag reveals whether the sensor data has been received again in the
time period between the reception of this data record and of the last data record
If this flag is not in place, this means that the value is equal to twice that of the
previous data record.
Request status
<SOH> ‘5’ (-total) <EOT>
Response from the interface: (16 byte – WS2500 ; 18 byte – WS2500PC)
B1 Temp sensor status 1
B2 Temp sensor status 2
B3 Temp sensor status 3
B4 Temp sensor status 4
B5 Temp sensor status 5
B6 Temp sensor status 6
B7 Temp sensor status 7
B8 Temp sensor status 8
B9 Rain sensor status
B10 Wind sensor status
B11 Brightness sensor status
B12 Pyranometer status
B13 Indoor sensor status
B14 Interval time in min.
B15 B0 : 0 WS2500 German/1 WS2500 English
(0 without HF 1 with HF)
B1 : 0 not DCF synchronised 1 DCF synchronised
B2 : 0 without DCF 1 with DCF
B3 : 0 Protocol V1.2 1 Protocol V1.1
B4 : 0 WS2500 1 WS2500PC
B5 – B7 : Indoor sensor address (0-7)
B16
Version number
B17
B0 – B2 : Rain sensor address (0-7)
B3 :—
-
B4 – B6 : Wind sensor address (0-7)
B8 :—
B18
B0 – B2 : Pyranometer sensor address (0-7)
B3 :—
-
B4 – B6 : Brightness sensor address (0-7)
B8 :—
Status of sensors:
· < 16 unavailable
· = 16 OK
· 17 .. 255 Reception interference quantity +16
Interface init
<SOH> ‘D’ [interval] [V wind/rain] [V brightn./pyrano] [V indoor/version] (-total)
<EOT>
The interface is re-initialised. In this way the interval time, the sensor addresses
and the protocol version are re-set. Then the interface runs an HF initialisation.
[interval] •
Time interval in which the data records are written to the
buffer.
The value range extends over a period of 2 min. .. 63 min.
The recording time is calculated from: Time interval * 1024 [min]
Bit 7 is always set for this value.
[V wind/rain] •
Wind and rain sensor addresses.
B0 – B2 : Rain sensor address (0-7)
B3 :free
B4 – B6 : Wind sensor address (0-7)
B8 : always 1
[V brightn./pyrano]
•
Brightness sensor and pyranometer address
B0 – B2 : Pyranometer address (0-7)
B3 :free
B4 – B6 : Brightness sensor address (0-7)
B8 : always 1
[V indoor/version]
•
Indoor sensor and protocol version addresses
B0 :0 Protocol V1.2 1 Protocol V1.1
B1 – B3 :free
B4 – B6 : Indoor sensor address (0-7)
B8 : always 1
Response from the interface: (1 byte)
<ACK>
# format_wdat
# format_interf
75
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