WH69E 7-In-1 Outdoor Sensor Installation

All-In-One Integrated Outdoor Sensor

This WH69E outdoor sensor array operates wirelessly and contains a wind vane(measures wind direction), wind speed cup, UV / solar radiation sensor, thermo-hygrometer sensor(built inside the radiation shield), rain gauge, bubble level and solar collector.  

Step-by-Step Installation Directions

STEP 1: Install U-bolts and metal plate

        

Installation of the U-bolt, requires installation of an included metal plate to receive the U-bolt ends. The metal plate, has four holes through which the ends of the two U-Bolts will fit. The plate itself is inserted in a groove on the bottom of the unit (opposite side of solar panel). Note that one side of the plate has a straight edge (which goes into the groove), the other side is bent at a 90-degree angle and has a curved profile (which will end up “hugging” the mounting pole). Once the metal plate is inserted, remove nuts from the U-Bolts and insert both U-bolts through the respective holes of the metal plate.

Loosely screw on the nuts on the ends of the U-bolts. You will tighten these later during final mounting.

STEP 2: Install wind vane

                          

Push the wind vane onto the shaft on the top side of the sensor package, until it goes no further. Next, tighten the set screw, with a Philips screwdriver (size PH0), until the wind vane cannot be removed from the axle. Make sure the wind vane can rotate freely. The wind vane’s movement has a small amount of friction, which is helpful in providing steady wind direction measurements.

STEP 3: Install wind speed cups

                 

Push the wind speed cup assembly onto the shaft on the opposite side of the wind vane. Tighten the set screw, with a Philips screwdriver (size PH0). Make sure the cup assembly can rotate freely. There should be no noticeable friction when it is turning.

STEP 4: Install Batteries in sensor package

 

Open the battery compartment with a screwdriver and insert 2 AA batteries in the battery compartment. The LED indicator on the back of the sensor package will turn on for four seconds and then flash once every 16 seconds indicating sensor data transmission. If you did not pay attention, you may have missed the initial indication. You can always remove the batteries and start over, but if you see the flash once every 16 seconds, everything should be OK.

FOR ACCURACY:  We suggest you assemble all components of the weather station, including console in one location so you can easily test functionality. After testing, place the outdoor sensor package in the desired location. Note, however, that movement during assembly, and movement after assembly can cause the rain sensor to “falsely” register rain. It is therefore best if you do not connect the console to any Internet services until you have reset these false readings using the console. The errant values may be hard to remove from Internet services if you do not reset first.

Your 7-in-1 Sensor is now ready to mount!

Siting Guidelines

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/installationguide.asp

Before mounting the sensor, choose an open location with no obstructions above or around the sensor for accurate rain and wind measurement. To ensure that your Professional Weather Station performs at its best, follow these guidelines:

Avoid  Heat & Humidity Sources

Install the sensor away from heat sources like

• heaters, air conditioners, chimneys and exhaust vents.
• asphalt or concrete as these surfaces radiate heat from the sun.
• pools, spas, or other bodies of water as these water sources may affect the accuracy of the humidity.

Avoid Sprinkler Heads

Installing the weather station away from sprinkler systems or other unnatural vegetation may affect temperature, humidity readings and rainfall measurement. We suggest mounting the sensor array over natural vegetation.

Avoid radiant heat transfer from buildings and structures

In general, install the sensor array at least 5’ or 1.52m from any building, structure, ground, or roof top.

Avoid wind and rain obstructions

Installing the sensor package at least four times the distance of the height of the tallest obstruction. For example, if the building is 20’ or 6.10m tall and the mounting pole is 6’ or 1.83m tall, install the sensor array 4 x (20 – 6)’ = 56’ or 4 x (6.1-1.83)=17.08m away.

Mounting Guidelines

• Attach a pipe to a permanent structure and then attach the sensor package to it. The U-Bolts will accommodate a pipe diameter of 1-2 inches .  Make sure the mounting pipe is vertical, or very close to it. Use a level if needed.

• Place the sensor package on top of the prepared mounting pipe. The U-Bolts should be loose enough to allow this but loosen the nuts as necessary. Once placed, hand tightens all four nuts, taking care to do so evenly. Do not use a wrench yet!

• Align the whole package in the proper direction by rotating it on top of the mounting pipe as needed. Locate the arrow labeled “WEST” that you will find on top of the sensor package right next to the light sensor, on the opposite side of the solar panel. You must rotate the whole sensor package until this arrow points due west. To achieve proper alignment, it is helpful to use a compass (many cell phones have a compass application). Once rotated in the correct orientation, lightly tighten the bolts a little more (use a wrench) to prevent further rotation.

•  Check the bubble level. The bubble should be fully inside the red circle. If it is not, wind direction, speed, and rain readings may not operate correctly or accurately. Adjust the mounting pipe as necessary. If the bubble is close, but not quite inside the circle, and you cannot adjust the mounting pipe, you may have to experiment with small wooden or heavy cardboard shims between the sensor package and the top of the mounting pole to achieve the desired result (this will require loosening the bolts and some experimentation).

•  Make sure you check, and correct if necessary, the westerly orientation as the final installation step, and now tighten the bolts with a wrench. Do not over tighten, but make sure strong wind and/or rain cannot move the sensor package.

Battery Guidelines

·         Follow suggested order for battery installation (outdoor sensor first, console second)

• Ensure batteries are installed with correct polarity (+/-)
• Do not mix old and new batteries
• Do not use rechargeable batteries
• If outdoor temperature may go below 32F or 0C for prolonged periods, Lithium based batteries are suggested over alkaline type batteries for the outdoor sensor array

 Warnings and Cautions

• Do not install the weather station in a storm. Only install the weather sensor on a clear and dry day.
•  Any metal object may attract a lightning strike, including the mounting pole. 
•  Consult a licensed electrician for proper grounding, If you are mounting the weather sensor to a house or structure.

Maintenance

The following steps should be taken for proper maintenance of your station

• Clean Rain Gauge

Check the rain gauge every 3 months. Rotate the funnel counter-clockwise and lift it up. Clean the funnel and bucket with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, debris and insects. Spray the array lightly with insecticide, if there’s a bug infestation.

•  Clean Solar Radiation Sensor and Solar Panel

The solar radiation sensor and solar panel of the outdoor sensor array need to be cleaned with a non-abrasive slightly damp cloth every 3 months.

• Replacing Batteries Regularly

Batteries of the outdoor sensor array need to be replaced every 1-2 years for environmental friendly. In serious environments, check the batteries every 3 months and apply a corrosion preventing compound(not included) on the battery terminals for protection.

• To Prevent Snow build up

In snowy days, use anti-icing silicon spray on the top of the weather station to prevent snow build up.

If there’s any problem during the installation or mounting, Contact Customer Support.

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