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4.
Weather Station Installation
4.1
Pre Installation Checkout
B
efore installing your weather station in the permanent location, we recommend operating the
weather station for one week in a temporary location with easy access.
This will allow you to
check out all of the functions, insure proper operation, and familiarize you with the weather station
and calibration procedures. This will also allow you to test the wireless range of the weather station.
4.2
Site Survey
Perform a site survey before installing the weather station. Consider the following:
1.
You must clean the rain gauge once per year and change the batteries every two years.
Provide easy access to the weather station.
2.
Avoid radiant heat transfer from buildings and structures. In general, install the sensor array at
least 5’ from any building, structure, ground, or roof top.
3.
Avoid wind and rain obstructions. The rule of thumb is to install the sensor array at least four
times the distance of the height of the tallest obstruction. For example, if the building is 20’
tall, install 4 x 20’ = 80’ away. Use common sense. If the weather station is installed next to a
tall building, the wind and rain will not be accurate.
4.
Wireless Range. The radio communication between receiver and transmitter in an open field
can reach a distance of up to 300 feet, providing there are no interfering obstacles such as
buildings, trees, vehicles, high voltage lines. Wireless signals will not penetrate metal
buildings. Most applications will only reach 100 feet due to building obstructions, walls and
interference.
5.
Radio interference such as PCs, radios or TV sets can, in the worst case, entirely cut off radio
communication. Please take this into consideration when choosing console or mounting
locations.
6.
Visit Ambient Weather Mounting Solutions for assistance and ideas for mounting your
weather station:
http://www.ambientweather.com/amwemoso.html
4.3
Final Installation of Sensor Array
Prior to installation, you will need to calibrate the wind direction. There is a “S” indicator on the wind
vane that indicates South, as shown in Figure 8. Align this “S” marker in the direction of South.
