WXforum.net
Weather Station Hardware => AcuRite Weather Stations => Topic started by: BeaverMeadow on June 01, 2019, 11:05:49 AM
-
Why does my model 06058 display show the true .03" rain I received yesterday whereas the data sent to MyAcurite and WU shows 2.58"? That erroneous rain data was received in two discrete instantaneous readings occurring at 6:04pm and then at 9:59pm (as shown below).
My Access is sending this info out to MyAcurite and WU. Is this a malfunction of the Access?
Here's the WU data for the erroneous rain readings:
6:04 PM 72F 51F 47% South 2.0mph 3.0mph 29.80in 0.00in 0.02in w/m²
6:09 PM 71F 52F 51% South 2.0mph 2.0mph 29.80in 1.28in 1.30in w/m²
9:59 PM 51F 50F 97% NNE 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.86in 0.00in 1.30in w/m²
10:04 PM 51F 50F 97% NNE 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.86in 1.28in 2.58in w/m²
Thanks for any ideas. I'm really curious about how this could happen.
-
This is the third or fourth time this has happened-- My display shows correct rainfall of .03. The Access is sending out to WU and MYAcurite a reading of 1.19" of rainfall.
3:29 AM 60F 60F 99% NNE 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.82in 1.19in 1.19in w/m²
Am I the only person with the Access to have this erroneous reading occur? I am blaming the Access but if anyone has any other theories I'd like to hear them.
-
I really don’t know what’s going on. But I’m wondering if your 5-N-1 has periods of lost connections with the Access and the totals get messed up when it reconnects. While your display is always connected with the 5-N-1 and is always getting updated. I know the Access has battery backup for power outages, but don’t know what happens with the data gap during lost connections to the 5-N-1.
Do you notice any data gaps on WU when this occurs?
-
Thanks for the theory. I don't see any gaps below in the uploads to WU. My signal strength is a consistent 3 out of 4 bars.
3:19 AM 60F 60F 99% SW 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.82in 0.00in 0.00in w/m²
3:24 AM 60F 60F 99% NW 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.82in 0.00in 0.00in w/m²
3:29 AM 60F 60F 99% NNE 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.82in 1.19in 1.19in w/m²
3:34 AM 60F 59F 99% SW 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.82in 1.19in 1.19in w/m²
3:39 AM 59F 59F 99% NNW 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.81in 1.19in 1.19in w/m²
3:44 AM 59F 59F 99% WNW0.0mph 0.0mph 29.81in 1.19in 1.19in w/m²
3:47 AM 59F 59F 99% WSW0.0mph 0.0mph 29.81in 1.19in 1.19in w/m²
4:04 AM 58F 58F 99% NNE 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.81in 1.19in 1.19in w/m²
4:09 AM 58F 58F 99% SW 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.81in 1.19in 1.19in w/m²
-
That is strange!!!
Added:
I still wonder what happens if the 5-N-1 loses connection with the Access and there's rain data during that period. There could have been a lost connection and rain data during the five minutes gaps that the data shows.
Wonder if there's a way to test for a rain event on the 5-N-1 during a lost connection with the Access.
Second Add:
I wonder if pulling the batteries on the 5-N-1 during a rain event for two minutes would simulate a lost connection with the Access and see what happens when the batteries are reinserted.
I may try it with my 5-N-1, but there's bad weather here today.
-
I would think that if there is a lost connection between the 5 in 1 and the Access during a rain event the data would be gone since the 5 in 1 has no stored data to upload after the connection is re-established.
But this has nothing to do with my problem-- there was no rain event when the Access falsely reported 1.19" of rain to WU and MyAcurite websites.
Erroneous data is not a good thing when an instrument company such as Acurite claims accuracy. I mean, it's in their company name!
I'm still thinking something is intermittently amiss with the Access based on the fact that the bad data is going out to WU and MyAcurite but not to the Acurite display.
-
Thanks for clarifying that it happened on a no rain event. I won't waste time testing.
Its weird in your first post that 1.28 in was added each time. That's strange.
-
The 1.28 is in the rain rate column. The other column is the rain totals for the day as they accumulate. Seems that the Access is erroneously generating a 1.28 rain rate when it isn't raining. It did it 2 times, with the same value.
Reset the Access, pull batteries out and power cycle.
If it persists then contact Acurite and arrange for replacement. Plenty of people with the Access and I've not seen this issue before. So I doubt it's a firmware bug. Seems more like a hardware malfunction (because it doesn't happen to others).
Doubt the 5-in-1 is at fault because the display is reporting fine. The fact that the error shows up for for myAcurite and WU indicates that the problem is with the Access.
-
It wouldn't be a lost signal.
Rain data is sent as a rolling counter value from the sensor.
The receiving device (Access or display) computes the difference from the last received value with the current value. That difference is the rain amount for that time period.
For example, suppose the current counter value is "123" and it hasn't been raining. That counter value will stay constant until the tipping bucket tips with some rain, then it will change to "124". Now suppose it is raining and the signal is lost for some reason. Let's say the signal was reacquired an hour later, and the counter is now "200". The receiving device will then compute the difference of "76". That translates into "0.76 inches" of rain that accumulated during the signal outage.
This means you won't lose the rain accumulation during a signal outage, but your "rain rate" calculations will likely be goofy.
As for the consistent value of 1.28 (or 128 bucket tips), that's a power of 2. That makes it sounds like a particular bit is getting flipped occasionally in the Access.
I'd definitely ask Acurite for a warranty replacement of the Access.
-
It wouldn't be a lost signal.
Rain data is sent as a rolling counter value from the sensor.
The receiving device (Access or display) computes the difference from the last received value with the current value. That difference is the rain amount for that time period. ........
.....As for the consistent value of 1.28 (or 128 bucket tips), that's a power of 2. That makes it sounds like a particular bit is getting flipped occasionally in the Access.
I'd definitely ask Acurite for a warranty replacement of the Access.
I don't get a consistent value of 1.28". The first time I noticed it it was 1.28. This most recent time it was 1.19".
I'll contact Acurite.
Thanks.
-
You didn't say if you tried powering down and pulling the batteries as I suggested. Sometimes devices need to be restarted.
-
You didn't say if you tried powering down and pulling the batteries as I suggested. Sometimes devices need to be restarted.
Oh sorry-- yes I powered down and pulled batteries. But the erroneous reading only shows up intermittently so I also contacted Acurite about the issue:
Our offices will be closed June 29th through July 7th for a company holiday. Please note that order processing will be delayed during this time, and customer support will be closed. All customer inquiries will be answered in the order they are received when we return on July 8th.
Thank you for your patience during our company holiday.
So I'll have a week to see if the error occurs again.
-
I've had my Atlas 5 months now & had that happened once when Access reported 1.17" and only .03" fell. That was a few months ago & it hasn't happened since.
-
I received a reply from Acurite now that they are back from July 4th vacation:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jul 8, 1:02 PM CDT
Thank you for contacting Acurite. We have had a small handful of users experience this same issue as you have described. We have provided your information to our development team for further investigation of the cause of this issue. We will update you when we have more information to provide at that time.
Have a wonderful day,
Tasha
AcuRite Customer Support
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW, I had the false rain reading again on July 6.
8:24 PM 72F 72F 99% NNE 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.90in 1.11in 1.17in
I am wondering if the WU data comes from Acurite's server or directly from the user's Access? (I recall that there was a change in how the data was handled after the transition from the SmartHub to the Access). If the data is sent to WU from the Acurite server then the erroneous rainfall readings that I and others are having might not originate at the Access at all but instead at the Acurite server.
-
I had it happen again today. My display shows .54” of rain today which is the correct figure yet my acurite and WU are showing 2.46”. Most times it is correct but this is the second time it was way different. Hope they can figure it out.
-
I am wondering if the WU data comes from Acurite's server or directly from the user's Access? (I recall that there was a change in how the data was handled after the transition from the SmartHub to the Access). If the data is sent to WU from the Acurite server then the erroneous rainfall readings that I and others are having might not originate at the Access at all but instead at the Acurite server.
It is sent to wunderground directly from the Access.
I think the protocol change you're thinking of was the firmware upgrade from "Bridge" to "SmartHUB". The bridge firmware sent rain data for the last 36 seconds. The problem with this if you lost your network connection your rain data during the outage was lost.
SmartHUB corrected that by keeping track of the daily rainfall since midnight and the last 60 minutes like wunderground wants.
-
......It is sent to wunderground directly from the Access.
[/quote]
I am wondering if the WU data comes from Acurite's server or directly from the user's Access? (I recall that there was a change in how the data was handled after the transition from the SmartHub to the Access). If the data is sent to WU from the Acurite server then the erroneous rainfall readings that I and others are having might not originate at the Access at all but instead at the Acurite server.
It is sent to wunderground directly from the Access.
I think the protocol change you're thinking of was the firmware upgrade from "Bridge" to "SmartHUB". The bridge firmware sent rain data for the last 36 seconds. The problem with this if you lost your network connection your rain data during the outage was lost.
SmartHUB corrected that by keeping track of the daily rainfall since midnight and the last 60 minutes like wunderground wants.
So that leaves the Access as being the originator of the erroneous rainfall readings.
-
So that leaves the Access as being the originator of the erroneous rainfall readings.
Yes.
-
I have heard back from Acurite today regarding this issue--
They said: "I understand your frustration however, getting a new Access will not correct the rain reading issues for you. At this time we do not have an ETA for when a solution will be found. We do understand it is very frustrating. We are working to find a solution as soon as possible. We do appreciate your patience and understanding while we continue to search for the best solution."...
I responded: "If only a handful of people are having this issue wouldn't that indicate that it is a faulty Access? If not a faulty Access then what else could be the cause?"
-
I wish they would state what the problem is. It could be a sensor/firmware/Access problem or a combination of each. My guess would be that they’re trying to come up with the cheapest solution like a firmware solution. Replacing hardware is expensive for them.
The Acurite Access can accept up to 7 sensors. The following sensors are compatible:
- 06059M AcuRite Atlas Weather Sensor
- 06014M Pro+ 5-in-1 Weather Sensor: Temperature, Humidity, Rainfall, Wind Speed and Wind Direction (https://www.acurite.com/5-in-1-pro-weather-sensor-temperature-humidity-rainfall-wind-speed-wind-direction-06014rm.html)
- 06004M 5-in-1 Weather Sensor with Temperature, Humidity, Rainfall, Wind Speed and Direction (https://www.acurite.com/5-in-1-weather-sensor-temperature-humidity-rainfall-wind-speed-wind-direction-vn1txca1-06004rm.html)
- 06008RM 3-in-1 Weather Sensor with Temperature, Humidity and Wind Speed (https://www.acurite.com/3-in-1-sensor-temperature-humidity-wind-speed-3n1txc-06008rm.html)
- 06002M Wireless Temperature and Humidity Sensor (https://www.acurite.com/temperature-and-humidity-sensor-06002rm-592txr.html)
- 06044M Room Temperature and Humidity Sensor (https://www.acurite.com/indoor-temperature-sensor-and-humidity-gauge.html)
- 00276RM Room Monitor (https://www.acurite.com/room-monitor-00276rm.html)
- 00275RM Outdoor Temperature and Humidity Monitor (https://www.acurite.com/outdoor-temperature-humidity-monitor-00275rm.html)
- 06010RM Add-on Water Detector (requires a room monitor) (https://www.acurite.com/water-detector-06010rm.html)
- 06011RM Add-on Liquid and Soil Temperature Sensor (requires a room monitor) (https://www.acurite.com/liquid-soil-temperature-sensor-06011rm.html)
- 06012RM Add-on Spot Check Temperature and Humidity Sensor (requires a room monitor) (https://www.acurite.com/spot-check-temperature-humidity-sensor-06012rm.html)
- 06034RM Wireless Rain Gauge Collector (https://www.acurite.com/self-emptying-rain-collector-replacement-899tx.html)[/l][/l]
-
I to had a false reading today for the first time on my Atlas system . Showed .12 rain when it's sunny and no wind . Funny part is my display shows no rain at all . Plus as you can see it disappeared later in the morning .
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
-
I have heard back from Acurite today regarding this issue--
They said: "I understand your frustration however, getting a new Access will not correct the rain reading issues for you. At this time we do not have an ETA for when a solution will be found. We do understand it is very frustrating. We are working to find a solution as soon as possible. We do appreciate your patience and understanding while we continue to search for the best solution."...
I responded: "If only a handful of people are having this issue wouldn't that indicate that it is a faulty Access? If not a faulty Access then what else could be the cause?"
It might mean they think it is an issue that will be fixed in the next version of firmware. I could be something like filtering out a spurious reading.
-
An anomaly happen to my setup after getting my Atlas repaired for false lightning strikes and a new replacement Access.
Both of these false readings happen at the same time. A spike of 256 lightning strikes and .01 inch of rain was picked up by the Access and sent to MyAcuRite.com and WeatherUnderground, but it was not picked up by the HD display. Luckily it was only a one time occurrence.
So it does seem to be related to the Access since it doesn't seem to be happening to the HD display.
-
Another erroneous rainfall reading today.Was told by Acurite to be patient. Very irritating. I keep cvs data and have to manually edit out Acurite's errors. Now, reviewing back to when I initially set up the Access, I wonder whenever I see rainfall data of around 1" whether it is a false reading or not.
Do these types of sporadic erroneous readings occur with Ambient or Davis pws' too? Maybe this level of accuracy is the norm for home based weather stations and I should just accept it. ](*,)
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
-
Do these types of sporadic erroneous readings occur with Ambient or Davis pws' too? Maybe this level of accuracy is the norm for home based weather stations and I should just accept it. ](*,)
I have a few Ambient (Fine Offset) consoles (4 versions); WS-2902A, WS-2000, ObserverIP, GW1000 and send data to Meteobridge from the GW1000. None of the consoles has ever had a false reading from any sensor if the sensors are in working order, meaning the consoles don't corrupt data. I've never heard a console being the source of corrupting data to any other Ambient user nor to any Davis user. That is when there is no problem with a sensor. So sure with a bad sensor like a bad humidity sensor then false data is being generated by the sensor itself. Also with Ambient when the batteries die and the when solar panel charged super capacitor isn't enough power to run the unit then you end up with saw tooth data from the sensor coming on and off sporadically. What also does happen is if you are at the fringe distance is that you lose packets so there is missed data. But with a good signal nothing like this ever if the sensors and batteries are in working order.
EDIT: Oh I almost forgot. One other time I've seen false data is when there is morning water drop that hasn't evaporated after a night rain or a lot of morning dew. This only happens sometimes. What happens is that this water drop (which is small and does finally evaporate quickly as the sun comes up). But for a brief moment can cause the UV and Solar Radiation to spike as it acts like a lens that focuses the morning sun in such a way that the sensor gets a bad read. Again in every instance I've spelled out occurrences that originate from the sensor unit.
No console has ever been the source of erroneous data....at least not that I've heard of. Well except for some early firmware builds where things like once the temperature was indicating zero at midnight. Little things like that but they were very short lived, which makes them insignificant. So short lived that I can't even remember these issues. They are bugs that are sometimes introduced by new firmware. The neat thing about Ambient and Ecowitt is that firmware fixes do occur very often (mostly to introduce new features) and they fix issues within days. I've reported numerous firmware bugs and they get patched very fast.
-
Another erroneous rainfall reading today.Was told by Acurite to be patient. Very irritating. I keep cvs data and have to manually edit out Acurite's errors. Now, reviewing back to when I initially set up the Access, I wonder whenever I see rainfall data of around 1" whether it is a false reading or not.
Do these types of sporadic erroneous readings occur with Ambient or Davis pws' too? Maybe this level of accuracy is the norm for home based weather stations and I should just accept it. ](*,)
]
Galfert, actually the sensors in my 5 in 1 are working quite well. It is 2 years old. It is the Access part of the pws setup that appears to be the source of the bad rainfall data. My Acurite color display never shows the erroneous rainfall readings. Only WU and MyAcurite.
I sure hope I hear back from Tasha at Acurite customer support this coming week. So far I have received an email response from her that empathizes with my frustration and asks me to be patient.
...."We have determined it is not the Access that is the root cause of the issue you are experiencing which is why a new Access will not correct your issue. We are still researching the root cause for this to happen in the software so we may correct it......"
What software is she talking about? (or does she really mean firmware?) Maybe software that both WU and MyAcurite share at their respective server sites are generating these sporadic readings? Why would "a small handful of users experience this same issue" but not others?
I am starting to wonder just how often these erroneous data readings are actually occurring among Access owners. Acurite owners here at wxforum are only a small sampling of users throughout the country.
-
Galfert, actually the sensors in my 5 in 1 are working quite well. It is 2 years old. It is the Access part of the pws setup that appears to be the source of the bad rainfall data. My Acurite color display never shows the erroneous rainfall readings. Only WU and MyAcurite.
The Access is a console. If you have a display and an Access then you have 2 consoles.
I sure hope I hear back from Tasha at Acurite customer support this coming week. So far I have received an email response from her that empathizes with my frustration and asks me to be patient.
...."We have determined it is not the Access that is the root cause of the issue you are experiencing which is why a new Access will not correct your issue. We are still researching the root cause for this to happen in the software so we may correct it......"
What software is she talking about? (or does she really mean firmware?) Maybe software that both WU and MyAcurite share at their respective server sites are generating these sporadic readings? Why would "a small handful of users experience this same issue" but not others?
That response back from Tasha is confusing, but you are correct. The software being referred to is really firmware. Customer service (from many companies) often speak in simple terms because they assume we are all non-technical. Firmware is special software and they assume many people have never heard of firmware. The problem is firmware in the Access. But it could also be hardware driven issues (really a product design problem) that can sometimes be corrected in firmware by making the firmware filter out these anomalies. Which is why she says that at this point a different Access will not fix the issue.
But when she says that the Access is not the root cause that is really bad information. It is corporate damage control. They could be referring to the Access and the firmware it runs as two separate things. In my view the Access is both the hardware and the firmware it runs. It's symantics and games companies play.
-
"symantics"
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
No one calls an Access a "console".
-
"symantics"
No one calls an Access a "console".
The Access is a console without an attached display. The display for the Access is an app or web page.
Much like an Ecowitt GW1000 and an Ambient ObserverIP and a Davis WLL are all consoles.
An Xbox or a Playstation are consoles. They are game consoles. Similar type device to the console of a weather station where the controls are.
They all fit the definition you posted. "A panel or unit... [with] controls..."
The Access is doing exactly the same thing as a display console...which is making your data available online or on some app or display and it is the control center for calibration and other settings.
-
"symantics"
No one calls an Access a "console".
The Access is a console without an attached display. The display for the Access is an app or web page.
Much like an Ecowitt GW1000 and an Ambient ObserverIP and a Davis WLL are all consoles.
An Xbox or a Playstation are consoles. They are game consoles. Similar type device to the console of a weather station where the controls are.
They all fit the definition you posted. "A panel or unit... [with] controls..."
The Access is doing exactly the same thing as a display console...which is making your data available online or on some app or display and it is the control center for calibration and other settings.
Sorry, but no. Nobody calls the Access a "console". Data isn't shown on the Access, and there are no controls where you can adjust operation.
-
I don't understand how it could be a firmware problem since some Access units operate trouble free while others will periodically send out bad data (specifically bad rainfall data). The firmware is the same in all Access units so the only difference would be the hardware.
-
BTW, it happened again today. That's a new record of two days in a row.
7:19 AM 65F 64F 99% NNE 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.94in 0.00in 0.00in
7:24 AM 65F 64F 99% ESE 0.0mph 0.0mph 29.94in 0.98in 0.98in
-
"symantics"
No one calls an Access a "console".
The Access is a console without an attached display. The display for the Access is an app or web page.
Much like an Ecowitt GW1000 and an Ambient ObserverIP and a Davis WLL are all consoles.
An Xbox or a Playstation are consoles. They are game consoles. Similar type device to the console of a weather station where the controls are.
They all fit the definition you posted. "A panel or unit... [with] controls..."
The Access is doing exactly the same thing as a display console...which is making your data available online or on some app or display and it is the control center for calibration and other settings.
Sorry, but no. Nobody calls the Access a "console". Data isn't shown on the Access, and there are no controls where you can adjust operation.
If it isn't rain rate it is Linux and now it is consoles. I'll respectfully agree to disagree with you.
-
"symantics"
No one calls an Access a "console".
The Access is a console without an attached display. The display for the Access is an app or web page.
Much like an Ecowitt GW1000 and an Ambient ObserverIP and a Davis WLL are all consoles.
An Xbox or a Playstation are consoles. They are game consoles. Similar type device to the console of a weather station where the controls are.
They all fit the definition you posted. "A panel or unit... [with] controls..."
The Access is doing exactly the same thing as a display console...which is making your data available online or on some app or display and it is the control center for calibration and other settings.
Sorry, but no. Nobody calls the Access a "console". Data isn't shown on the Access, and there are no controls where you can adjust operation.
If it isn't rain rate it is Linux and now it is consoles. I'll respectfully agree to disagree with you.
I'd love to agree with you on those subjects, but there's no point in both of us being wrong.
-
I don't understand how it could be a firmware problem since some Access units operate trouble free while others will periodically send out bad data (specifically bad rainfall data). The firmware is the same in all Access units so the only difference would be the hardware.
Same thing happened when the Atlas had false lighting issues that some people experienced and others didn't till that mystery was solved. For whatever reason there are circumstances that affect some people and not others. It is impossible to know of all the environmental or circumstantial differences, maybe even manufacturing tolerance differences. If you want a controlled environment then you take a working Access that has never had any issues and you move it to a location where a different Access experienced problems. Maybe even using the other Access power supply. But even that does not account for the manufacturing tolerance differences between one component or device and a different one. You can also do the same thing in reverse where you take a problem device and you put in where a different device had not experienced issues. There are many external factors that affect things. Maybe the Access for example does not like your particular brand of microwave oven every time you use it. Maybe the Access doesn't like your power company and quality of the power it delivers. I'm not an electrical engineer so any of these idea may actually be ridiculous but that isn't the point, the point is that there are always external factors or possibly design issues that the designers or developers did not foresee. Companies sometimes need time to find and provide solutions to these issues.
-
"symantics"
No one calls an Access a "console".
The Access is a console without an attached display. The display for the Access is an app or web page.
Much like an Ecowitt GW1000 and an Ambient ObserverIP and a Davis WLL are all consoles.
An Xbox or a Playstation are consoles. They are game consoles. Similar type device to the console of a weather station where the controls are.
They all fit the definition you posted. "A panel or unit... [with] controls..."
The Access is doing exactly the same thing as a display console...which is making your data available online or on some app or display and it is the control center for calibration and other settings.
Sorry, but no. Nobody calls the Access a "console". Data isn't shown on the Access, and there are no controls where you can adjust operation.
If it isn't rain rate it is Linux and now it is consoles. I'll respectfully agree to disagree with you.
I'd love to agree with you on those subjects, but there's no point in both of us being wrong.
I don't expect you do agree with anything I say. I don't need any one person being the judge of what I say. You say what you say and I say what I say. I let the audience decide. I read many sources of information, books, articles, news outlets, documentation, white papers, blogs, reviews...etc. I'm free to judge any source. I don't like to use any one source alone. It is good to find consensus. Likewise I let other judge whatever I spew without judgement. I don't feel the need to educate or change 100% of my audience. The overall feedback I receive is indicative enough of the quality of my information.
I do see your point (shame you never see my point...yeah I know...I'm wrong, you are right). I get that perhaps Acurite doesn't want to call the Access a console....they call it a hub. If you take the words console and hub out of the discussion and you focus what the devices actually do then an Access is providing the same basic functionality that an Ambient ObserverIP console is doing, or a Daivs WLL or an Ecowitt GW1000.
This is like debating Motor vs Engine, or battery vs cell, or modem vs media access device which is a transceiver, bridge or adapter (no modulation/demodulation).
-
It's been six days since I received an erroneous rainfall reading. I hope the problem is resolved.
I was wondering if Acurite has the capability of sending "software" fixes to my specific Access unit? If that is possible then perhaps that's what fixed my problem. If not, then maybe they made software mods at their and WU's servers.
-
It's been six days since I received an erroneous rainfall reading. I hope the problem is resolved.
I was wondering if Acurite has the capability of sending "software" fixes to my specific Access unit? If that is possible then perhaps that's what fixed my problem. If not, then maybe they made software mods at their and WU's servers.
They do have the ability to send minor changes to specific units. Typically this is used for updating things like your wunderground credentials and elevation, but I imagine there are many other parameters they can tweak if necessary.
-
It's been six days since I received an erroneous rainfall reading. I hope the problem is resolved.
I was wondering if Acurite has the capability of sending "software" fixes to my specific Access unit? If that is possible then perhaps that's what fixed my problem. If not, then maybe they made software mods at their and WU's servers.
They do have the ability to send minor changes to specific units. Typically this is used for updating things like your wunderground credentials and elevation, but I imagine there are many other parameters they can tweak if necessary.
Customer service told me they would reach out to me when they have a solution. If I don't hear from them and all continues to be aok I'll update them and see if I can extract any info regarding how the fix was applied.
-
More bad news from Acurite this morning. I guess they haven't fixed the problem yet--
1:55 AM 50.9F 50.6F 99% NNE 0.0mph 0.0mph 30.04in 0.00in 0.00in w/m²
2:01 AM 50.9F 50.6F 99% NNE 0.0mph 0.0mph 30.04in 0.00in 0.00in w/m²
2:44 AM 48.9F 48.6F 99% SSW 0.0mph 0.0mph 30.04in 2.44in 2.44in w/m²
2:49 AM 48.8F 48.5F 99% South 0.0mph 0.0mph 30.04in 2.44in 2.44in w/m²
-
Yesterday WeatherUnderground and MyAcuRite app showed 1.95" and my AcuRite monitor showed .38" (.38 is the correct amount of rainfall).
Looking at the MyAcuRite rain gage chart, the 1.95" accumulated in 1 hr and 15 min. During the first 5 minutes of this time frame, it shows 1.59". So over the next 1 hr and 10 minutes, it shows .36" which I believe is a good number, so the problem occurred in the first few minutes of the rainfall. The WeatherUndround app chart shows exactly the same inaccurate graph.
I wonder if some of the others reporting rainfall data problems is a somewhat similar issue to mine??? Just check the charts and please comment.
-
Add me to the list of people experiencing this problem. It's happened four times over the past month.
The response from Acurite confirms this is a problem they have to fix:
Regrettably, there is a known issue with the Firmware in the Acurite access that can sometimes produce false rain.
We currently do not have a fix for the issue and it should be resolved with our next firmware update.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Pete
-
Please refer to my post (two posts above). Same thing happened early this morning with false rain amount during the first five minutes. The total rain amount was not as much as last time, but the percentage of error during the first five minutes was very similar. I have a second rain level gage and I check with neighbors to confirm right from wrong. My AcuRite monitor showed the correct level but WeatherUnderground and MyAcurite app were both wrong, so it sure appears that the Access device is messing things up again.
-
I haven't had a false rain reading in about a week but the last time I had a stretch of accurate rain data I started getting false readings again so I do not know if the problem is solved for me or not.
This was last communication I received from Acurite customer service:
Thank you for reaching back out to me. As previously discussed we are not sending a replacement Access as that has already been proven to not correct your issue. We are still researching the root cause for this to happen in the software (the access is the hardware) so we may correct it.
We will reach out to you when we have a solution. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding while we are looking to resolve this issue.
Not very reassuring but at least hopeful.
The enigma seems to be that this problem doesn't happen to every Access user even though the same "software" is installed in all the units (afaik). Maybe it can be resolved in the software end of their and WU's computers.
-
I agree, this doesn't seem to me like a software issue because not everyone is experiencing it. It may be that they find a way to filter and catch this issue with a software update of which is initially a hardware issue. The reason a replacement does not solve the problem could be because not everyone is exposed to the same interference that is then materialized in the faulty hardware design. Many issues in hardware can often be fixed with software. It's happened to Intel several times and to many other companies. I don't doubt though that in a few months a second revision of the Access I will be released quietly.
Anybody have a track record of Access firmware updates? If nobody has a precise log or releases and dates then an approximation of how many updates have been released since product launch would be also informative. It just seems to me like it takes them a long time to do anything.
-
They're back-- useless bad Acurite data. Today is a sunny, dry, beautiful day in Massachusetts but Acurite Access data sent to WU and MyAcurite says there was torrential rain here to the tune of 2.33".
This is starting to make an Acurite pws look like a poor choice for anyone hoping for reliable weather data. This is going on for far too long with no resolution.
Messages from Acurite admit that they are clueless to the cause or to solution.
-
They're back-- useless bad Acurite data. Today is a sunny, dry, beautiful day in Massachusetts but Acurite Access data sent to WU and MyAcurite says there was torrential rain here to the tune of 2.33".
This is starting to make an Acurite pws look like a poor choice for anyone hoping for reliable weather data. This is going on for far too long with no resolution.
Messages from Acurite admit that they are clueless to the cause or to solution.
I'd ask them to escalate or post a message on twitter or facebook.
Frankly, it's not an issue that's popping up on the other forums. I'm wondering if the support person correctly categorized the problem.
-
Now my Access seems to be acting up now in this way. I had 0.64 inches reported from the Access and no rainfall on my display today. I know it did not rain today. This is the second time this month this happened. It seems more frequent is what I am saying. The Access I have is my original and I got it when Acurite offered the deal of $40 for it. So I have had it for a while. Is it on it's way out? I don't know, but it should last longer than this. Other than this, my Access works fine most of the time. The signal fluctuates every so often, but always stays online with the devices reporting to it. My Access is at least 3 feet away from any electronics.
-
Now my Access seems to be acting up now in this way. I had 0.64 inches reported from the Access and no rainfall on my display today. I know it did not rain today. This is the second time this month this happened. It seems more frequent is what I am saying. The Access I have is my original and I got it when Acurite offered the deal of $40 for it. So I have had it for a while. Is it on it's way out? I don't know, but it should last longer than this. Other than this, my Access works fine most of the time. The signal fluctuates every so often, but always stays online with the devices reporting to it. My Access is at least 3 feet away from any electronics.
My sympathies. This is a pretty sad situation as far as having an expectation of reasonably accurate weather data being transmitted for online availability-- this being a key selling point for this product.
For reference, here is a log of my communications with customer support at Acurite:
Jul 8, 1:02 PM CDT
Thank you for contacting Acurite. We have had a small handful of users experience this same issue as you have described. We have provided your information to our development team for further investigation of the cause of this issue. We will update you when we have more information to provide at that time.
Jul 10, 12:23 PM CDT
I understand your frustration however, getting a new Access will not correct the rain reading issues for you. At this time we do not have an ETA for when a solution will be found. We do understand it is very frustrating. We are working to find a solution as soon as possible. We do appreciate your patience and understanding while we continue to search for the best solution.
Jul 12, 8:35 AM CDT
...We have determined it is not the Access that is the root cause of the issue you are experiencing which is why a new Access will not correct your issue. We are still researching the root cause for this to happen in the software so we may correct it. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding while we are looking to resolve this issue.
Jul 17, 11:38 AM CDT
Thank you for reaching back out to me. At this time we do not have an answer as to what is causing your false rain on your My Acurite account. We are still researching the root cause for this to happen in the software so we may correct it.
We will reach out to you when we have a solution. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding while we are looking to resolve this issue.
07/22/2019
(03:47:09 PM) Melissa : Unfortunately, we are not replacing the Access for erroneous data being recorded, as it could be from the access, the sensor or an issue with the sire itself.
(03:52:51 PM) Melissa : We are not currently warranting the Access for this issue, If that changes a follow up will be done.
03:57:54 PM) Melissa: At this time we do not have an answer as to what is causing the false rain on your myAcurite account, We are still researching the root cause for this to happen in the software so we may correct it. We will reach out to you when we have a solution.
(03:59:02 PM) Paul: Do you have an estimate of how long until you figure out what is going on with the erroneous rainfall data and the intermittent signal strength?
(03:59:28 PM) Melissa : Paul, I, unfortunately, do not.
(04:01:05 PM) Paul: Melissa, Can you tell me how widespread this erroneous rainfall data is with the Access?
(04:01:59 PM) Melissa : I do not know the Specific Paul But I have had a few cases come in with the same issue, We have sent each case for review.
Jul 23, 12:50 PM CDT
Thank you for reaching back out to me. As previously discussed we are not sending a replacement Access as that has already been proven to not correct your issue. We are still researching the root cause for this to happen in the software (the access is the hardware) so we may correct it.
We will reach out to you when we have a solution. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding while we are looking to resolve this issue.
-
BeaverMeadow, thank you for that info. Hopefully, they are right that it is not a hardware issue. I hope they figure out what is going on in the software. In these cases it definitely helps to have the display, which I have. It helps me pinpoint issues that come up with having the display when comparing to what the Access receives and reports online.
-
Has anyone PMed Victoria about the issue?
-
So I just noticed this was not just the rainfall that was fluky today with the Access, but also temperature and humidity. Here are screenshots from WU and MyAcurite. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ] [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
-
And I just noticed that I had a second "rainfall event" on this sunny day bringing my total up to 4.66"!
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
-
So I just noticed this was not just the rainfall that was fluky today with the Access, but also temperature and humidity. Here are screenshots from WU and MyAcurite.
I had 3 events last week with corrupted temperature data. WU and Acurite were showing below zero readings. I did not see the same error on my 2 displays.
Did an online chat, they recommended a reset of the 5in1. :roll:
-
So I just noticed this was not just the rainfall that was fluky today with the Access, but also temperature and humidity. Here are screenshots from WU and MyAcurite.
I had 3 events last week with corrupted temperature data. WU and Acurite were showing below zero readings. I did not see the same error on my 2 displays.
Did an online chat, they recommended a reset of the 5in1. :roll:
If your displays were correct then the 5 in 1 was working okay and I don't understand why they would tell you to do a reset of it. A reset of the Access would make more sense.
-
I'm pretty sure a55bruce got that and knows as much...hence the roll eyes.
Acurite is just punting, or that was a very clueless tech support person.
-
......Acurite is just punting, or that was a very clueless tech support person.
I think both scenarios can exist simultaneously in the ACURITE universe!
Sincerely;
Getting more disgusted with Acurite everyday:
Here are my last 31 days of false rainfall readings:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
-
To all who are having this rain reading problem here's a couple of thought . First I'm not saying this is happening to you but it was happening to me before . My old 5-1 use to barely move in the wind but a gust even 4 to 5 miles a hour would give me a rain reading . I had to brace my pole I was using better to stop that . Second my new Atlas was getting false rain reading because I used a new pole a lot higher when I first put it up . I used 1inch PVC with a second 1/4 PVC pipe inside of it but it would still move a tad bit and the false rain readings started when the wind picked up . I finally hooked up some guide wires a boom it hasn't had and false readings since then . So if you want take a close look at your weather station , is it moving just a touch one way or another ? When I put my replacement Atlas up last week just walking up the ladder and reinstalling it and trying to be as careful as possible showed 1.60 inches of rain when I looked at My Acurite later . So the rain gizmo inside the Atlas and the 5-1 can be very touchy . Also one more thing to check and please don't laugh but are there birds around you weather station ? Were I had my old 5-1 a couple of pigeons use to love to use it and sit on it to see the world from and they could really make the rain readings happen . Like I said it probably not happening to you but just something to look at also .
-
Wouldn't an unstable pole causing erroneous rainfall readings also show up on the color display?
-
Wouldn't an unstable pole causing erroneous rainfall readings also show up on the color display?
Some of my false reading only showed on the display ( my old one ) and some showed up only on My Acurite and WU . I have no idea why maybe the display reading ever so often the rain figures and My Acurite reading at a different time causes this . BUT Im no expert on this either !!
-
Wouldn't an unstable pole causing erroneous rainfall readings also show up on the color display?
Some of my false reading only showed on the display ( my old one ) and some showed up only on My Acurite and WU . I have no idea why maybe the display reading ever so often the rain figures and My Acurite reading at a different time causes this . BUT Im no expert on this either !!
Remember, this is not only showing false rain readings, but also false temperatures at times as shown in my screenshots above on this thread. This is only isolated to what the Access is reporting, not what the displays are receiving. My Atlas display is correct and did not show anything false showing up in these instances, which means it is not anything with the outdoor sensor. At least for me, this is the case.
-
Wouldn't an unstable pole causing erroneous rainfall readings also show up on the color display?
Some of my false reading only showed on the display ( my old one ) and some showed up only on My Acurite and WU . I have no idea why maybe the display reading ever so often the rain figures and My Acurite reading at a different time causes this . BUT Im no expert on this either !!
Remember, this is not only showing false rain readings, but also false temperatures at times as shown in my screenshots above on this thread. This is only isolated to what the Access is reporting, not what the displays are receiving. My Atlas display is correct and did not show anything false showing up in these instances, which means it is not anything with the outdoor sensor. At least for me, this is the case.
I'm in no way saying any other false readings are caused by bad installs only talking about the rain ones !!! That's a whole other problem with the Access I believe . Now I have been lucky using the E-Mail system to get things done as far as my problems have been . But my stuffs still under warranty so I know that's the only reason they sent me a replacement Atlas .
-
Wouldn't an unstable pole causing erroneous rainfall readings also show up on the color display?
Some of my false reading only showed on the display ( my old one ) and some showed up only on My Acurite and WU . I have no idea why maybe the display reading ever so often the rain figures and My Acurite reading at a different time causes this . BUT Im no expert on this either !!
Remember, this is not only showing false rain readings, but also false temperatures at times as shown in my screenshots above on this thread. This is only isolated to what the Access is reporting, not what the displays are receiving. My Atlas display is correct and did not show anything false showing up in these instances, which means it is not anything with the outdoor sensor. At least for me, this is the case.
I'm in no way saying any other false readings are caused by bad installs only talking about the rain ones !!! That's a whole other problem with the Access I believe . Now I have been lucky using the E-Mail system to get things done as far as my problems have been . But my stuffs still under warranty so I know that's the only reason they sent me a replacement Atlas .
A shaky installation is a long known and obvious cause of erroneous rainfall readings and easily resolved as you have been able to do.
It is not related to the problem that this thread is discussing, a problem which originates somewhere at the Access or beyond.
-
UPDATE:
I received the new 5 in 1 from Acurite and have it installed on a pole near my old 5 in1. The old one had the multi-panel solar array and the new one has only the single panel. It will be interesting to see if there is any difference in daytime sunny day temps due to this. Also, the motor in the new one is almost inaudible whereas the motor in the old one is quite loud.
So far I have received no erroneous rainfall data on the new display _or_ on the old one. It will be interesting to see if I get a rainfall spike on the old supposed at fault 5 in 1 and not on the new one that is supposed to correct the problem. (I'll communicate any findings with Acurite).
One new and interesting minor problem occurring now is that while the new 5 in 1 hasn't had any connection problems with the Access, the old 5 in 1 will pretty consistently change from strong signal/normal battery/online state to strong signal/normal battery/weak and then offline state. The new 5 in 1 may drop to weak signal intermittently but it has remained consistently online since installation a few days ago.
-
UPDATE 2
Sadly #-o the new 5 in 1 unit sent to me from Acurite has reported erroneous rainfall. All was well until this morning. Interestingly, both the new and old units reported false rainfall data although different amounts and at different times of the same day. The old unit had reported false readings several times since I installed the new unit but this was the first time for the new unit. Is this a clue to the cause of the problem? I still think a new Access added into the equation would diagnostic but Acurite Co. doesn't agree so I am back to square one.
Included are two screen captures showing the problem.
1- The MyAcurite screen shows the new and old 5 in 1 units and the erroneous rainfall recorded for both. Interestingly the bad data occurs at different times of the morning.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
2- The Wunderground map is only reporting the new 5 in 1 unit and shows the erroneous .11" rainfall at my station as well as the other stations in my area that are correctly reporting 0" rainfall.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]