10
Connection Options
The WatchDog weather station communicates with a PC
through either the
Computer
or
AUX
port which are lo-
cated under the LCD and keypad. The communication
options are separated into 3 main categories.
Direct Communication
There are 3 options for connecting directly to the station.
1.
PC interface cable
-
The cable that accompanies the
SpecWare software. Connects to the
Computer
port.
2.
A 75
-
ft Direct Connect Cable (item 3660
-
75SP)
-
This
cable has a modular (telephone
-
type) connector on
one end and a 9
-
pin RS
-
232 connector on the other.
Comes with surge protection and connected to the
station through the
AUX
port.
3.
Short
-
Range Modem Pair
-
The weather station can
be hardwired up to 4000 feet from a PC with a twisted
-
pair cable and a short
-
range modem pair. Powered
with an A/C adapter and connected to the station
through the
AUX
port.
Caution
: Extended lengths of cable can attract lightning.
It is recommended that these cables always be connect-
ed to surge protectors. This provides upgraded protection
against voltage surges caused by nearby lightning strikes.
Wireless Radio Communication
There are 2 options for contacting the station by a wire-
less radio connection. The short
-
range transceiver can
communicate up to 1000 ft. The mid
-
range radio has a
range of 2 miles. Both wireless options require line of
sight between the base and remote radios. See the
WatchDog Wireless Modem
user
’
s guide for additional
details.