La Crosse Technology, Ltd.
Page 11
Note:
Do not over tighten U-bolts around the mast, then attached to the mast holder, as that can
crack the mast holder.
Mounting Masts:
A suitable mast must be made entirely of a non-conductive material (e.g. treated
wood, electrical grade metal or electrical grade PVC). The issue is the static electricity transmission
capability of the entire pipe, which can lead to erratic wind readings, or loss of signal.
Coating or painting a pipe does not resolve the static or RF (radio frequency) interference risks, as
the inside of the material can conduct.
Any non-electrical grade mast may conduct, which may result in data spikes, RF interference, etc.
Masts should not be more than 1¼ inches in diameter to avoid blocking wind.
Note:
Most recording stations have sensors mounted 33 feet up or higher.
Roof Mounting:
In most cases, at least 6 feet above the peak of the roof (or more) is required for
accurate readings (Avoid tall trees or other obstructions that may block or reflect the wind).
Ground Mounting:
Place at least 6 feet up on a pole in an open area. Higher is better. The wind
sensor should be the highest item in the immediate area. An ideal location to mount the wind sensor
is away from all obstacles that will block wind activity, such as trees and houses. A 50 foot clearance
in all directions is best.
Mounting/Positioning rain sensor
The Rain gauge transmits directly to the thermohygro sensor.
When considering the distance from the thermohygro sensor (200 feet open air) cut that distance in
half for each tree, bush or other obstruction in the signal path.
Closer is better. Material such as stucco or metal will absorb a wireless signal.
Be sure not to screw the rain sensor down too tightly as that will result in a low or inaccurate reading.
Ideally use just two screws, snug not tight.
Install the rain gauge on a level platform that is stationary. If the gauge isn't level it will read low, and
if it isn't stationary, the wind will cause it to read rain that isn't falling.
The rain gauge should be in line-of-sight and less than 200 feet from the thermohygro sensor.
Placing the gauge extremely high is generally not a good idea as the rain sensor should be
accessible to allow for periodic cleaning of debris or insects.
To avoid frequent build-up of debris, do not mount the rain gauge too close to the trees or plants.
Remove the funnel portion of the rain gauge by twisting it firmly counter clockwise.
Hold the base of the rain gauge flat against the mounting surface then use a level to make sure the
rain gauge (as it rests on the mounting surface) is horizontally level.
Use a pencil to trace the inside of the mounting holes on the base of the rain gauge to mark the screw
locations.
Drill a hole in the center of each marked location.
Hold the rain gauge against the mounting surface so the holes on the base are aligned with screw
holes, and then thread washer head screws (not included) into each hole and use a screwdriver to
gently snug the screws.
The rain gauge is self-emptying and can be left out all year or stored in the winter. If stored for the
winter, remove the batteries to avoid leakage.
Be aware of other wireless rain gauges in the area that may cause interference.
Position weather station
Make sure that the weather station is locating within the operating range of the thermo-hygro sensor.
Trees, metal structures and electronic appliances may affect transmission range.
Test reception before permanently mounting all the remote sensors.
Do not place weather station in direct sunlight or on surfaces emitting and radiating heat, such as
heating ducts or air conditioners.
Avoid interference from the wireless devices (such as cordless phones, radio headsets, baby listening
devices, etc.) and electronic appliances. Place the weather station 6 feet or more from these devices.
Distance/Resistance/Interference
Distance:
The maximum transmitting range in
open air
is over 200 feet (60 meters) between the thermo-hygro
sensor and the weather station, or the wind and rain sensor to the thermo-hygro sensor.
