Topic: WS80 LED indication

[Rocketman]

Would it be better if the LED indication was on the side of the WS80 instead of the top ?
Also would it be better to label it as  -  data transmit ?

[olicat]

Hi!

Would it be better if the LED indication was on the side of the WS80 instead of the top ?

Not in my opinion. Because on which side should the LED be mounted? It would always be exactly on the side that is hidden from the viewer by the housing of the device.
In this respect, the LED at the top makes perfect sense - it can be seen from everywhere. Perhaps the bottom would be a good option. But the tube might get in the way again.

Also would it be better to label it as  -  data transmit ?

What do you mean by that?

Oliver

[Rocketman]

I can't see any LED indication and my WS80 is only mounted about 7 feet from the ground

What do you mean by that?

Oliver

From the WS80 manual

 the LED indicator on the back of
the sensor package (item 4) will turn on for 3 seconds
and then flash once every 4.8 seconds indicating sensor
data transmission.

[solartempest]

I find the key usefulness of the LED is for troubleshooting and confirmation before mounting/raising the unit itself. On top is the simplest and most protected location since the whole top cover requires sealing once only and light sensor PCB is exposed anyway, rather than having another hole through the body in which moisture could enter.

After raising the unit to its installed location, the app and sensor frequent interval data take over the online status reporting.

[Rocketman]

I find the key usefulness of the LED is for troubleshooting and confirmation before mounting/raising the unit itself. On top is the simplest and most protected location since the whole top cover requires sealing once only and light sensor PCB is exposed anyway, rather than having another hole through the body in which moisture could enter.

After raising the unit to its installed location, the app and sensor frequent interval data take over the online status reporting.

I agree with all you say ,but I wish the dome on top of the WS80 was higher so the LED could be seen from ground level

[Gyvate]

I agree with all you say ,but I wish the dome on top of the WS80 was higher so the LED could be seen from ground level

at night I can clearly notice the bluish flash - every 5 seconds with the WS80 and every 9 seconds from my WS90 - even though they are both 3+ meters above ground. And when they happen to come in synch after some time, it's rather bright.

[Rover1822]

I agree with all you say ,but I wish the dome on top of the WS80 was higher so the LED could be seen from ground level

Yeah, you probably don't want to disrupt sensor alignment by changing the dome top .But in reality , for those that can't see the top of the unit  when on final mount, an underside LED may be useful.  With the understanding , all of these things require a power draw, although minimal, it is additive, and like any device of this type , power management is a big deal. What might seem like minimal draw for an added component has to be held in balance with something that is already operating at a minimal supply, or , you are changing batteries more often than expected.

[Rocketman]

Be nice to get a LED on the bottom side which is user selectable with the top LED ( that way the user can choose )
Anyway I think my bracket is slightly out of alignment -cause I can't see any LED indication  - need to re-think the mounting arrangement

[solartempest]

What might seem like minimal draw for an added component has to be held in balance with something that is already operating at a minimal supply, or , you are changing batteries more often than expected.

I'm in agreement with this. My WS80 is normally around 50ft off the ground and I'm not regularly looking at that spot either. So having another LED or potential moisture intrusion point has little value for me.

On the flipside, LEDs and shiny things are always more exciting. 

[hiljo]

Why would you need a LED to see if the sensor is working? I look at my console if any data is received. It also shows the values, reception and battery status.
I never look at the LED, unless no data is received. But that could have several reasons, besides the working of the sensor.

Furthermore you shouldn't convince us, but Ecowitt. We can't do anything about the design of the sensors

[olicat]

Hi!

On the flipside, LEDs and shiny things are always more exciting.

I asked Ecowitt a long time ago whether the LED flashing, which is only useful for debugging purposes, can be switched off.
It disturbs the environment and costs energy - 99% of the total operating time.

I only need it during commissioning.
So that's how different the views are ...

Oliver

[Rocketman]

Maybe add a three way switch to give the user the option ( position 1 Top , position 2 OFF , position 3 Bottom ) and let user choose whether they want ( Top or Bottom ) or switch OFF completely