Ambient Weather Support

Indoor Home Monitoring Stations

Indoor Home Monitoring Stations
Support for Ambient Weather Indoor Home Monitoring Stations

 

The control console for the WS-2000, WS-5000, and WS-4000 require a 5V AC power adapter in order to operate.  If this adapter falls below 5V output, the console may experience this "STARTING" loop, or the device may lose function all together.  Replacing this AC adapter will most likely resolve this issue.

 

If your device is within the 1 year manufacturers warranty, you can fill out the Warranty Request form found at the link below.
https://www.ambientweather.com/rma.html

 

If you cannot locate your order information, or you are aware your device is past the 1 year warranty period, the required replacement adapter can be found at the link below:

Ambient Weather Replacement AC Adapter

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The saturated salt solution test is an easy method for testing the accuracy of your humidity sensor. Most electronic sensors are accurate from +/- 3 to 5% humidity, and some weather stations or weather centers can be calibrated from the display console by applying a bias.

  1. Mix common table salt with tap water until you have a completely saturated solution with no standing water.
  2. Place about 1 inch of the saturated salt solution in an open container or bowl that is approximately 4 inches high. The 3 inches above the solution will contain air with a predictable humidity value. You can use a cut away container as shown in the figure below. One edge of the container is cut slightly lower to rest the sensor on the lip.
  3. Place this container and the sensors in a waterproof zip lock plastic bag, as shown in the figure below. Leave one of the corners open and remove all of the remaining air with a straw. Close the air tight bag.
  4. Leave the sensor in the bag for four days or 96 hours to completely stabilize.
  5. The sensor should read 75% plus or minus the sensors rated margin of error. For example, if the sensor is rated at +/- 5%, the display should read between 70 and 80% relative humidity.
  6. If the sensor is adjustable or calibrateable, set the humidity on the display to 75%.
  7. Repeat this procedure once per year to account for electronic drift (sensor contamination).


    The images above show a table salt slurry of 1″ height mixed in a container about 3″ tall. This solution is then placed in a plastic bag with the sensor.

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    1. Place the sensor inside next to the indoor console sensor. Wait about 24 hours for stabilization. The sensors should agree within the accuracy specifications. Most digital capacitive hygrometer sensors are accurate within +/- 5%. Thus, the sensors should agree within 10% when considering full tolerance stack up.Note that humidity accuracy, like most other measurement parameters, are a percentage of full scale, and not a percentage of point.
    2. Sling psychrometers are very accurate. Perform a formal calibration. The humidity should agree within 5% of the  rating. You can also make your own calibration kit. For details, visit:

Testing The Accuracy Of A Hygrometer - Saturated Salt Test?

3.   Place the sensor in a shaded area on the north side of the structure to avoid direct and radiant heat.

4.  Humidity is significantly impacted by external factors like location and water (grass, lakes, rivers, etc). Insure proper installation. You cannot use a source like the National Weather Service. There are several reasons:

      • The NWS may update once per hour.
      • The NWS has strict installation guidelines (no unnatural structures, bodies of water, or unnatural vegetation nearby).

5.  If the problem persists, we have a one year warranty. Visit: www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html

 

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None of the Ambient Weather Stations support repeaters or boosters at this point in time.

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How to Refresh Your Browsers Cache

Clearing Cache Memory

To ensure you see the latest version of a site you need to clear the cache memory. This is done by doing a force refresh by pressing both control and F5 buttons simultaneously on your keyboard (depending on your browser). Most times a simple force cache refresh won’t work and you need to clear the cache by hand. On this site you can find step by step guides for ChromeFirefox 3Firefox 2Internet Explorer 8Internet Explorer 7Internet Explorer 6Safari and more on how to refresh your cache.

Force Refresh

Someone just told you to “force reload” your browser to fix something. Depending on your operating system all you need to do is the following key combination:

Windows: ctrl + F5
Mac/Apple: Apple + R or command + R
Linux: F5

Cache And Privacy

Internet cache can be a threat to your privacy as everyone who has access to your computer can see some personal information by simply opening the cache folder.
Also when the cache fills up, performance can slow down and your hard drive may run out of space.

Internet Service Provider Cache

In the same way that your web browser has a cache of recent web pages, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be doing some caching on your behalf.

In some (rare) cases, even though you are using shift-refresh to get new data from a webpage, the pages still seem to be old. This may be because your Internet Service Provider also has a cache and their cache may not be set up quite right, and they are not downloading the latest web pages.

When you encounter this problem you will have to communicatie with your ISP to fix this problem

 

Command Prompt: Ipconfig /Flushdns

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Simply moving your display console (or receiver) to a different location may easily fix the communication issue.

We recommend the following best practices for trouble free wireless communication.

  1. Fresh Batteries. If applicable, make sure there are fresh batteries in both the console and remote. Remember to power up the console last when changing batteries. Do not use rechargeable batteries. They have a lower voltage and lower range than non-rechargeable batteries.
  2. Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI). Keep the console several feet away from computers, TVs and electronic cables.
  3. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). If you have other 433/915 MHz devices and communication is intermittent, try turning off these other devices for troubleshooting purposes. You may need to relocate the transmitters or receivers to avoid intermittent communication.
  4. Cold Weather. If the temperature is below < 10 degF, use e2 energizer batteries (Lithium), available in most stores batteries are sold (blue in color). Alkaline and NMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries do not operate below 10 degF.
  5. Sensor orientation.  To insure proper communication, mount the remote sensor on a vertical surface, such as a wall.  Do not lay the sensor flat if this is a small remote sensor.
  6. Line of Sight Rating. This device is rated at 300 feet line of sight (no interference, barriers or walls) but typically you will get 100 feet maximum under most real-world installations, which include passing through barriers or walls.
  7. Metal Barriers. Radio frequency will not pass through metal barriers such as aluminum siding. If you have metal siding, align the remote and console through a window to get a clear line of sight.
  8. Defective Sensor. It is possible the remote sensor is defective. If you have not done so already, to replace under one year warranty, please visit AmbientWeather.com/rma.html

The following is a table of reception loss vs. the transmission medium. Each “wall” or obstruction decreases the transmission range by the factor shown below.

Medium RF Signal Strength Reduction
Glass (untreated) 5-15%
Plastics 10-15%
Wood 10-40%
Brick 10-40%
Concrete 40-80%
Metal 90-100%
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It may be as simple as placing the remote(s) (powered up with fresh batteries) about 10-20 feet away from the console, power down and up the console by removing one or more batteries, disconnecting from AC power (if applicable), wait 30 seconds, and put the batteries back in, then wait several minutes to synchronize.

DO NOT TOUCH ANY BUTTONS and look for the search icon. Wait until the search icon turns off before pressing any buttons.

If you have more than one sensor, make sure they are programmed to transmit on different channels.

If the problem persists, we have a one year warranty. Please visit: www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html

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If your console did not come with the MAC address on a sticker on the back of the console, there are 2 other ways of finding the MAC address. In the console settings with the mode button and via the Web GUI

Via the Mode Button

6063-img1

On the console press the mode button on the side of the console 6 times. It will then show the MAC address on the console display. It will be the first set of numbers left to right that are on the display. 

Via the Web GUI

To acccess the Web GUI you first press and hold the Temp and Rain buttons together on the console for 5-10 seconds.

Calibrate1965-1

The console will then flash the wifi icon by time and date.

Calibrate1965-2

Then on your phone, tablet or computer go to settings, and then the wifi networks. Select the consoles access point. It will start with WN1965B-WIFI

Calibrate1965-3

It will say connected without wifi or no internet or sometimes it will checkmark. After that you open a web browser and type into the web address bar 192.168.4.1. If it pops up a screen that say login, use Admin for the username, make sure the password is blank, then click the login button.

Calibrate1965-4

It will then let you access the Web GUI. On the left click on Local Network.

It will then show you the MAC address for the console 

6063img2

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To Calibrate the Multi CH T& H sensors you will need to access the Web GUI. To access the Web GUI you first press and hold the Temp and Rain buttons together on the console for 5-10 seconds.

Calibrate1965-1

The console will then flash the wifi icon by time and date.

Calibrate1965-2

Then on your phone, tablet or computer go to settings, and then the wifi networks. Select the consoles access point. It will start with WN1965B-WIFI

Calibrate1965-3

It will say connected without wifi or no internet or sometimes it will checkmark. After that you open a web browser and type into the web address bar 192.168.4.1. If it pops up a screen that say login, use Admin for the username, make sure the password is blank, then click the login button.

Calibrate1965-4

It will then let you access the Web GUI. On the left click on Calibration.

6058cal-1

Once in calibration scroll down and select Multi CH T&H Calibration

multich-2

On the next screen it will then let you calibrate the Multi CH T&H sensors. 

After entering the calibrations click save. 

multi-ch-sensor-calibration

Then the console will calibrate to the new entry.

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Temperature reads too high (or inaccurate) when placed in the sun or close to a radiant heat source, like a house, building or structure.

  1. Place the sensor inside next to the indoor console sensor. Wait about 1 hour for stabilization. The sensors should agree within the accuracy specifications. Most RTD (resistive thermal device) sensors are accurate within +/- 2 degF. Thus, the sensors should agree within 4 degF.
  2. Mercury or red spirit thermometers are very accurate. Inside your house, place a red spirit thermometer next to the digital thermometer. The thermometers should agree within 2 degF.
  3. If the sensor is separate, place the sensor in a shaded area on the north side of the structure to avoid direct and radiant heat.
  4. Temperature sensors that do not have radiation shields will absorb solar energy and read higher than the ambient temperature. To prevent this problem, purchase a solar radiation shield from Ambient Weather.
  5. We have a one year warranty and a 30 day return policy. For details, please visit: www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html
  6. While at the website, enter the part number of the transmitter in the Search by Keyword to locate the product.
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The WH31WH31B and WH31E are 8-channel thermo-hygrometers that support a variety of Ambient Weather Stations

The WH31 and WH31E include a radio controlled clock (RCC). The WH31B does not.

The WH31 and WH31E are only required for the WS-3000 Series, which includes a Radio Controlled Clock.

Our Internet Connected weather stations receive the time from the Internet Time Server (NIST.gov).

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The WS-3000-X8 is designed to display eight sensors at the same time. The display is similar to as follows:

The WS-3000-X5 displays 5 sensors and a graph:

You can convert the display from 8 sensors to 5 sensors (or visa versa) by downloading and installing the firmware for the WS-3000:

Ambient Weather WS-3000 Download Center

You can share the same field for sensors 5, 6, 7 and 8 and use the scroll mode to view each parameter. Please reference your User Manual for assigning more than one sensor to a field.

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User Manual (required):
Download the current User Manual for the WS-3000.

WS-3000 User Manual


Software (optional):
The WS-3000 Software allows you to program the console, set alarms and download archived data from SD Card.

1. Download the software from the link below.
2. Run the installer.
3. Connect the USB Cable.
4. Run the software

.

Windows WS-3000 Software


Firmware Updates:

Important Note: The WS-3000-X3 and WS-3000-X5 includes a graph on the display. The WS-3000-X8 removes the graph so all 8 sensors can be displayed at the same time.

Important Note:  WS-3000 sold pre-05/2022 require firmware versions V1.2.2 for -X3 and -X5 configurations and V1.1.9 for -X8 configuration.

  • WS-3000-X3 and WS-3000-X5::
     Version 1.2.2

    Instructions:
    • Download the firmware file above.
    • Extract the file (Firmware.bin).
    • Copy the extracted files to the root directory of a blank Micro SD Card from your computer.
    • Power down the WS-3000 Display Console.
    • Insert the Micro SD Card into the WS-3000 Display Console Micro SD card slot.
    • Power up the console.

  • WS-3000-X8:
     Version 1.1.9

    Instructions:
    • Download the firmware file Firmware.bin above.
    • Copy the Firmware.bin file to the root directory of a blank Micro SD Card from your computer.
    • Power down the WS-3000 Display Console.
    • Insert the Micro SD Card into the WS-3000 Display Console Micro SD card slot.
    • Power up the console.

In order to stay up to date with the latest Ambient Weather firmware or app updates, sign up for email notifications below. This way, you'll always be notified when a new update is available for your station or app.


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What is the correct Timezone/Time Zone setting for my location:

Here is a list of Time Zones:

Hours from GMT Time Zone Cities
-12 IDLW: International Date Line West
-11 NT: Nome Nome, AK
-10 AHST: Alaska-Hawaii Standard
CAT: Central Alaska
HST: Hawaii Standard
Honolulu, HI
-9 YST:  Yukon Standard Yukon Territory
-8 PST: Pacific Standard Los Angeles, CA, USA
-7 MST: Mountain Standard Denver, CO, USA
-6 CST: Central Standard Chicago, IL, USA
-5 EST: Eastern Standard New York, NY, USA
-4 AST: Atlantic Standard Caracas
-3 São Paulo, Brazil
-2 AT: Azores Azores, Cape Verde Islands
-1 WAT: West Africa
0 GMT: Greenwich Mean
WET: Western European
London, England
1 CET: Central European Paris, France
2 EET: Eastern European Athens, Greece
3 BT: Baghdad Moscow, Russia
4 Abu Dhabi, UAE
5 Tashkent
6 Astana
7 Bangkok
8 CCT: China Coast Bejing
9 JST: Japan Standard Tokyo
10 GST: Guam Standard Sydney
11 Magadan
12 IDLE: International Date Line East
NZST: New Zealand Standard
Wellington, New Zealand

Note: There are no half settings. Example: If your time zone is 5.5 then you would select a whole number such as 5 or 6.

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To set the dip switches in an 8 channel sensor, there are three dip switches with 8 different combinations.

DIP SWITCH FUNCTION
1 2 3 4
DOWN DOWN DOWN Channel 1
UP DOWN DOWN Channel 2
DOWN UP DOWN Channel 3
UP UP DOWN Channel 4
DOWN DOWN UP Channel 5
UP DOWN UP Channel 6
DOWN UP UP Channel 7
UP UP UP Channel 8
DOWN °F
UP °C

After you set the dip switches, you must always power down and up the remote sensor by removing and reinserting the batteries for the change to take effect.

Why do we do it this way instead of an 8 position switch? The reason is 8 position switches are much more difficult to implement, less reliable and takes up more space.

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Q: Can I have a label name for each of my sensors?

A: Yes you can with Firmware version 1.2.6. Please follow the steps below to install the version 1.2.6 firmware

WS-3000-X3, WS-3000-X5, WS-3000-X8:

Download the latest Firmware

Instructions:

  • Download the firmware file above.
  • Extract the file (Firmware.bin).
  • Copy the extracted files to the root directory of a blank Micro SD Card (Less than 32Gb in size, formatted for FAT32) from your computer.
  • Power down the WS-3000 Display Console.
  • Insert the Micro SD Card into the WS-3000 Display Console Micro SD card slot.
  • Power up the console.

Sensor Labeling

You can label the location of each of your sensors from the pre-programmed menu.

To add a label, Press the Mode Key  to the Channel Reference Screen. Highlight ‘Setup’ for the Channel you wish to add a label to. Press the  Selection key to access the Channel Reference screen. Use the   Scroll keys to highlight the label you wish to use. Press the  Selection key to save the selected Channel Reference. Press the Mode key till you return to the Home screen to view the newly added label.

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To display additional sensors 6-8, you will need to set up the sensors to scroll within the same display area.

In the Normal mode, press the MENU key once to enter Setup Mode.

In the example below, we will have display area scroll Channels 5-8.

Select CH Area5:

and select Channels 6-8 to display in Display Area 5:

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If firmware update file is not being read from your Micro SD Card:

  1. The Firmware.bin file must be the only file on the SD Card and not contained in a folder. Also, if you own a Mac, it may add a file extension to the name.
  2. Make sure the Micro SD Card is blank.
  3. We recommend an SD Card memory size of 32 GBytes or less. If the card is larger than 32 GBytes, it must be partitioned.
  4. Make sure the SD Card is FAT32 formatted. Right click on the SD Card Drive from your computer:
  5. Try a different SD Card.
  6. If the problem persists, we have a one year warranty. For details, please visit:www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html
    and we can attempt to update the firmware for you.
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Here is how the sensors display on the console for the WS-3000×3, WS-3000×5 and WS-3000×8

WS-3000×3 showing sensors 1-3 With Bar Graph

WS-3000×5 showing sensors 1-5 With Bar Graph

WS-3000×5 showing additional sensors 6-8(optional) With Bar Graph 

The WS-3000×5 Will monitor up to 8 sensors. The WS-3000×5 Will display a bar graph with sensors 1-5 on the main screen then show any additional sensors(#6, #7 and #8) on the right section of the screen as shown in the image above.

 

WS-3000×5 Showing extreme temperature ranges:

 

 

WS-3000×8 showing sensors 1-8 No Bar Graph

 

You can convert the display from 8 sensors to 5 sensors (or visa versa) by downloading and installing the firmware for the WS-3000: https://www.ambientweather.com/ws3000.html

You can share the same field for sensors 5, 6, 7 and 8 and use the scroll mode to view each parameter. Please reference your User Manual for assigning more than one sensor to a field.

Manuals:
WS-3000-x3: https://p10.secure.hostingprod.com/@site.ambientweatherstore.com/ssl/Manuals/WS-3000.pdf
WS-3000-x5: https://p10.secure.hostingprod.com/@site.ambientweatherstore.com/ssl/Manuals/WS-3000.pdf
WS-3000-x8: https://p10.secure.hostingprod.com/@site.ambientweatherstore.com/ssl/Manuals/WS-3000-X8.pdf

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If your screen does not power up, the issue may be with the AC adapter. Measure the output voltage of the AC adapter, and it should be about 5 Volts.

If the AC adapter is not registering a voltage, we have a one year warranty here: www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html

If out of warranty. the AC adapter is available here for purchase: https://www.ambientweather.com/amwewsacadre1.html

If the voltage is fine, the console needs replacing, we have a one year warranty here: www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html

If out of warranty, the console is available here for purchase: https://www.ambientweather.com/amws3000c.html

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If the console no longer powers up, it will need replacing.

We have a one year warranty. For warranty replacements, please visit: www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html

Otherwise, replacement consoles are available here:

https://www.ambientweather.com/amws3000c.html

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You cannot change the archive interval from the console, but you can change the archive interval from the PC software.

You can download the software here:
https://www.ambientweather.com/ws3000.html

Select Menu | Setup to set the time, date and display customization settings.

From this screen you can set the archive interval:

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If one of the sensors does not communicate with the console,  try swapping channels with another sensor.

For example, switch Sensor Channel 4 to 5 on one sensor and and 5 to 4 on another sensor. You will have to power down and up the remotes after you change the dip switches.

 

Place both sensors about 10 feet from the console, then power down and up.

 
Next, power down and up the console.
 
Does the problem follow the sensor problem sensor to the new channel?
 
If so, the sensor needs replacing. We have a one year warranty. To replace under warranty, please visit: www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html
 
To replace out of warranty, please visit: https://www.ambientweather.com/amwh31.html
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Console : Input 5V DC; 6.5′ 110-240V 50-60 Hz wall charger included,

Console Power Consumption: 5V / 200 mA

DC barrel connector dimensions:  9.0mm ( L )  x 2.5mm ( OUT D) x 0.70mm ( Inner D)

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If data is not being written to your Micro SD Card:

  1. Make sure the Micro SD Card is blank.
  2. We recommend an SD Card memory size of 32 GBytes or less. If the card is larger than 32 GBytes, it must be partitioned.
  3. Make sure the SD Card is FAT32 formatted. Right click on the SD Card Drive from your computer:
  4. Try a different SD Card.
  5. If the problem persists, we have a one year warranty. For details, please visit:www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html
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To export a csv file to your computer, you must insert an SD Card into the memory card slot on the console.

 

Backup data to micro SD / TF card.

The SD card will record data into the HISTORY directory.

The file is comma separated value (csv) and can be imported into Microsoft Excel, or other text based applications.

The file format is as follows:

YYYYCH#A

where YYYY is the year,  # is the channel number and A is the revision letter.

Example: 2016CH2A is the data for 2016, Channel 2, and A is the revision letter each time you change a units of measure or calibration setting.

Below is an example of the file output:

Time,Temperature(F),Humidity(%),Dewpoint(F),HeatIndex(F)

2016/02/18 08:05,48.7,32,20.3,48.7

2016/02/18 08:10,49.1,33,21.2,49.1

2016/02/18 08:15,49.1,31,19.8,49.1

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Temperature can read too low (or inaccurate) at night when placed close to a radiant heat source, like a house, building or structure.  It can also read lower then other stations in your area due to irrigation or sprinklers.

  1. Place the sensor inside next to the indoor console sensor. Wait about 1 hour for stabilization. The sensors should agree within the accuracy specifications. Most RTD (resistive thermal device) sensors are accurate within +/- 2 degF. Thus, the sensors should agree within 4 degF.
  2. Mercury or red spirit thermometers are very accurate. Inside your house, place a red spirit thermometer next to the digital thermometer. The thermometers should agree within 2 degF.
  3. For colder temperature verification, place the sensor with the red spirit thermometer in the regrigerator or freezer.
  4. If the sensor is separate, place the sensor in a shaded area on the north side of the structure to avoid direct and radiant heat.
  5. Temperature sensors that do not have radiation shields will absorb solar energy and read higher than the ambient temperature. To prevent this problem, purchase a solar radiation shield from Ambient Weather.
  6. We have a one year warranty and a 30 day return policy. For details, please visit: www.AmbientWeather.com/rma.html
  7. While at the website, enter the part number of the transmitter in the Search by Keyword to locate the product.
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If the WS-3000 console just flashes or keeps trying to boot up then a firmware update should correct this. Please refer to the steps below to download and install the firmware for your console.

 

Firmware Updates:

Important Note: The WS-3000-X3 and WS-3000-X5 includes a graph on the display. The WS-3000-X8 removes the graph so all 8 sensors can be displayed at the same time.

 

  • WS-3000-X3 and WS-3000-X5:
     Version 1.2.2

    Instructions:
    • Download the firmware file above.
    • Extract the file (Firmware.bin).
    • Copy the extracted files to the root directory of a blank Micro SD Card (Less than 32Gb in size, formatted for FAT32) from your computer.
    • Power down the WS-3000 Display Console.
    • Insert the Micro SD Card into the WS-3000 Display Console Micro SD card slot.
    • Power up the console.

  • WS-3000-X8:
     Version 1.1.9

    Instructions:
    • Download the firmware file Firmware.bin above.
    • Copy the Firmware.bin file to the root directory of a blank Micro SD Card (Less than 32Gb in size, formatted for FAT32) from your computer.
    • Power down the WS-3000 Display Console.
    • Insert the Micro SD Card into the WS-3000 Display Console Micro SD card slot.
    • Power up the console.
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If the temperature or humidity does not match between what is displayed on the remote sensor and what is displayed on the console:

  1. If you own more than one remote sensor:
    The sensor has a channel number displayed on it, next to the temperature. Make sure that that Channel Number displayed on sensor matches the channel number shown on the display. If they do not match, refer to your User Manual on how to switch the channel display.
  2. It is possible the temperature or humidity were adjusted or calibrated unintentionally. Refer to your individual User Manual on how to remove or correct the adjustment from the console.

    Here is an example:

  • Remote sensor reads 70.0
  • Console for the same sensor channel reads 71.2
  • Adjust the console down 1.2 degrees to match 70.0.
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This was a bug in the firmware that was fixed on September 4, 2018.

To resolve this issue:

  1. Download and install the latest Version of EasyTemp software here:https://www.ambientweather.com/ws3000.html
  2. Download and install the Firmware for the WS-3000-X8 console here:https://www.ambientweather.com/ws3000.html
  3.  To install the firmware in the console, copy the file Firmware.bin from your computer to a blank Micro SD Card.
  4. Insert the SD Card into the console.
  5. Power down and up the console. Once the firmware update is complete, eject and delete the Firmware.bin file if you wish to use this SD Card for data collection.

 

Product Manual
https://ambientweather.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/466/

Product Page
https://www.ambientweather.com/amws3000x8.html

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Do you have a question for us? Head on over to the Contact Us page to reach out!