Author Topic: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?  (Read 2491 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Online Rover1822

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1989
    • Mini Wind and Solar Data project
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #25 on: July 26, 2021, 07:41:48 PM »
Let's take a small step back.
Throwing parts at something , yes may solve the issue, then again, it may not

Basic troubleshooting, you want to identify the actual issue and solve it. Let's say I have an engine over  heating in a car, might be the thermostat, might be a computer sensor send , might be a hole in the radiator, might be a bad water pump, ... goes on

Sadly, :) , few come in here saying, all is working great.

So, for some unknown reason  I haven't yet fathomed, some of will try to diagnose the the issue.

I think there may be some disease involved





« Last Edit: July 26, 2021, 07:44:18 PM by Rover1822 »
Ambient:
  WS-2000
  PM 2.5(2)
  WH31B(2)
  WH40E
  WH31P
EcoWitt:
  GW1100
  GW1000(4)
  WH31(2)
  WH57
  WH51(12),
  WH40
  WH5360B
  WN34S
  WittBoy WS90 + GW2000
  WS90 (other one) + GW1100
Personal Sites: Weather Cam

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #26 on: August 03, 2021, 07:46:27 AM »
The reed of the ws65 ( osprey Y shaped sensor ) is located in a small board inside the rain bucket.
Not that difficult to unsolder in case it is faulty

P.S.
On the ecowitt forum there is a topic about rain bucket maintenance

Thanks!. Those pictures are really helpful!. I'll have to find a proper screwdriver that fits. I When I get it out, I will let everyne know if the part looks waterlogged or corroded.
--
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #27 on: August 06, 2021, 07:46:09 AM »
The reed of the ws65 ( osprey Y shaped sensor ) is located in a small board inside the rain bucket.
Not that difficult to unsolder in case it is faulty

P.S.
On the ecowitt forum there is a topic about rain bucket maintenance
UPDATE: Ecowitt' support has been very good. As davidefa has correctly pointed out, the rain gauge sensor is a separate PCB. Ecowitt will sell you that part only ( not price given yet) as they have been suggesting doing some trouble shooting by using a magnet to actuate the reed switch. According to Ecowitt there should be a soft audible click. If the reed switch passes that test, then Ecowitt suggests that the terminals could be corrroded. Rover1822 could be correct - some disease involved. Unfortunately none of my half dozen phillips screwdrivers fit, so I will have to find/order the proper tool.Photo courtesy of davidefa [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #28 on: August 26, 2021, 02:57:00 PM »
The reed of the ws65 ( osprey Y shaped sensor ) is located in a small board inside the rain bucket.
Not that difficult to unsolder in case it is faulty

P.S.
On the ecowitt forum there is a topic about rain bucket maintenance

Thanks!. Those pictures are really helpful!. I'll have to find a proper screwdriver that fits. I When I get it out, I will let everyne know if the part looks waterlogged or corroded.
--

Bit of a delay.. had for wait for a Wiha Phillips #1 screwdriver to arrive. It is the only screwdriver that fits the screws that attach the rain gauge to the array.

A tip of the hat to galfert for the suggestion!.

Good news. There was no corrosion of any sort. The bad news is that I lost both screws in the long grass doing the field repair. The good news is that I forgot to turn off the WS-2000 during the disassembly process and got 76mm rain on the console!!

Maybe a loose wire? Sticky reed switch?

I reinstalled all the components and used a trickle of water from a garden hose to simulate rain.

I hurriedly ran into the house to see my self-repairing rain.gauge that had come back from the dead  and what i saw surprised.me. Now the bad news. The rain gauge did not move and still registered the same 76 mm of rain.

Arghh....

... At least I can post some pictures and a bit of a how-to to disassemble a Osprey rain gauge.

But I think right now a liquid refreshment may be in order.
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline davidefa

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 436
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #29 on: August 26, 2021, 03:36:44 PM »
A few days ago received the the 'wh65 t/h/rain sensor'... with my surprise is the complete assembly

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #30 on: August 29, 2021, 10:52:27 AM »
A few days ago received the the 'wh65 t/h/rain sensor'... with my surprise is the complete assembly

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Pretty nice rain sensor! Mine will not be as pretty.
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #31 on: August 29, 2021, 11:40:47 AM »
The reed of the ws65 ( osprey Y shaped sensor ) is located in a small board inside the rain bucket.
Not that difficult to unsolder in case it is faulty

P.S.
On the ecowitt forum there is a topic about rain bucket maintenance

Thanks!. Those pictures are really helpful!. I'll have to find a proper screwdriver that fits. I When I get it out, I will let everyne know if the part looks waterlogged or corroded.
--

Bit of a delay.. had for wait for a Wiha Phillips #1 screwdriver to arrive. It is the only screwdriver that fits the screws that attach the rain gauge to the array.

A tip of the hat to galfert for the suggestion!.

Good news. There was no corrosion of any sort. The bad news is that I lost both screws in the long grass doing the field repair. The good news is that I forgot to turn off the WS-2000 during the disassembly process and got 76mm rain on the console!!

Maybe a loose wire? Sticky reed switch?

I reinstalled all the components and used a trickle of water from a garden hose to simulate rain.

I hurriedly ran into the house to see my self-repairing rain.gauge that had come back from the dead  and what i saw surprised.me. Now the bad news. The rain gauge did not move and still registered the same 76 mm of rain.

Arghh....

... At least I can post some pictures and a bit of a how-to to disassemble a Osprey rain gauge.

But I think right now a liquid refreshment may be in order.

Good news. Found one screw which is more than good enough to tie down the rain gauge.

Now to remove the rain gauge sensor...

Tools required:

1. Wiha Phillips Phillips #1
2  Wiha Phillips #0
3. One or two tiny precision slotted screwdrivers in order to pry out the ribbon cable connectors from their sockets.

Follow galferts disassembly instruction to remove the entire rain gauge/solar radiation shield from the body of the array so you can access the rain sensor printed circuit board (PCB). https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=37532.msg386150#msg386150

Locate the rain gauge sensor. That is the part with the black heat shrink tape located just behind the plastic enclosed magnet of the dipper spoon assembly. The heat shrink can be cut away with a sharp blade but steer clear of the circuit traces on the board.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

There will be lots of a clear gel or grease like substance surrounding the sockets- waterproofing material probably - that can wiped up with clean cloth. Do so now as it will get everywhere!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I believe it's the back of the PCB that faces the magnet. Note: take picture first prior to disassembly.

Use the Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the 2 small crews holding the PCB in place. The PCB easily slides out of its molded plastic channel.

Next step is to remove the two ribbon cables. One cable goes to the main array and the other cable continues on to the temperature and humidity sensor located in the solar radiation shield. You do not have to make a note of which connector goes where as one will be larger than the other and the plug goes in one way only.

Although there is probably some sort of specialty tool for removing the connectors,  I had to make do with what I had. When tiny needle nose pliers did not work for me, I used a very small slotted screwdriver to pry out the corner of each connector by gently levering out each side of the connector using the edge of the circuit board as a fulcrum. Be gentle as the white plastic connectors are quite soft.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

When you have removed the PCB inspect the connections for corrosion. In my case the board looked in remarkably good condition for something that is over 2 ½ years old. There is not much to this board as there is only a reed switch and a tiny capacitor. This is the first time I’ve seen a reed switch. It is two thin metal strips(the reed?) that overlap in the centre all of which is enclosed in a glass tube.

I’ve ordered a replacement part from Ecowitt. We'll see from there...


Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline davidefa

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 436
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #32 on: August 29, 2021, 01:14:15 PM »
It seems quite strange to me that when you dismounted the board the first time it recorded 76mm of rain ( 76mm = 300 clicks ).
Check also the cables and the connectors for broken wires or wires not correctly crimped or connector not correctly inserted.
You can also test the circuit: shorting the reed should result in 1 ( or more ) 'click' of rain

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #33 on: August 29, 2021, 01:25:37 PM »
It seems quite strange to me that when you dismounted the board the first time it recorded 76mm of rain ( 76mm = 300 clicks ).
Check also the cables and the connectors for broken wires or wires not correctly crimped or connector not correctly inserted.
You can also test the circuit: shorting the reed should result in 1 ( or more ) 'click' of rain
Thanks for the help! I'll try bypassing the reed switch. Is the reed switch normally open?
Yes, odd to see so high of a number. It could be that when I was prying out the connectors, I opened or closed some circuit. I immediately registered 75mm in one data packet and the other 2 packets added 1 mm more.
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Online Rover1822

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1989
    • Mini Wind and Solar Data project
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #34 on: August 29, 2021, 01:39:59 PM »
I think those are your manipulations. If it doesn't fall to 0, something else going on
The switch closes on the tilt

Ambient:
  WS-2000
  PM 2.5(2)
  WH31B(2)
  WH40E
  WH31P
EcoWitt:
  GW1100
  GW1000(4)
  WH31(2)
  WH57
  WH51(12),
  WH40
  WH5360B
  WN34S
  WittBoy WS90 + GW2000
  WS90 (other one) + GW1100
Personal Sites: Weather Cam

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #35 on: September 10, 2021, 03:20:17 PM »
@davidfa @rover1822

I took out my old analogue multimeter and measured 0.55V at the pin ends of the reed switch.

davidfa suggested that the reed switch might be the culprit and as per his suggestion I bypassed the reed switch and lo and behold- lots of rain in a sunny sky!

Still confused about what is happening:

The rain sensor PCB is curently out of its slot for diagnostic purposes. No magnet around.

I read volts at the pin ends which is encouraging I guess - telling me at least the main PCB is supplying voltage to the rain sensor.

When I short the reed swich ( the shaft of the screwdriver works here), I register rain on the display console.

This tells me that the reed switch is open and electricity is going nowhere untill I short out/bypass the reed switch.

Waving a magnet around the reed switch (as per Ecowitt support) doesn't do anything so I am assuming the switch is permanently open and not reacting to spoon tips.

Since my electronics knowledge is limited to soldering a lamp cord, can I further assume that the reed switch is broken and is stuck open?

When there is no rain(no tipping), what role does the magnet play - if any? If it does nothing, does that mean it is designed to be too far away from the reed switch when the spoon is in the neutral position?

OR ...

is the role of the magnet to keep the reed switch open and when it tips the magnet gets closer to the reed switch and then it closes the circuit?

I guess what I am asking is that if I replace the reed switch do I buy a normally open reed switch or a normally closed reed switch?
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #36 on: September 10, 2021, 08:37:06 PM »
@davidfa @rover1822

I took out my old analogue multimeter and measured 0.55V at the pin ends of the reed switch.

davidfa suggested that the reed switch might be the culprit and as per his suggestion I bypassed the reed switch and lo and behold- lots of rain on a sunny sky!

Still confused about what is happening:

The rain sensor PCB is curently out of its slot for diagnostic purposes. No magnet around.

I read volts at the pin ends which is encouraging I guess - telling me at least the main PCB is supplying voltage to the rain sensor.

When I short the reed swich ( the shaft of the screwdriver works here), I register rain on the display console.

This tells me that the reed switch is open and electricity is going nowhere untill I short out/bypass the reed switch.

Waving a magnet around the reed switch (as per Ecowitt support) doesn't do anything so I am assuming the switch is permanently open and not reacting to spoon tips.

Since my electronics knowledge is limited to soldering a lamp cord, can I further assume that the reed switch is broken and is stuck open?

When there is no rain(no tipping), what role does the magnet play - if any? If it does nothing, does that mean it is designed to be too far away from the reed switch when the spoon is in the neutral position?

OR ...

is the role of the magnet to keep the reed switch open and when it tips the magnet gets closer to the reed switch and then it closes the circuit?

I guess what I am asking is that if I replace the reed switch do I buy a normally open reed switch or a normally closed reed switch?

Maybe I can answer my own question.

Did a little bit more research. It looks like the thin metal strips in the reed switch are magnetic. The reed switch is at the very top of the PCB so would not be affected by the magnet on the dipper spoon in the neutral resting position.

That means the reed switch would have to be a normally open type as the metal strips are normally apart (open circuit).

As the magnet sweeps across the magnetic field of the switch(when the spoon starts to dip) it pushes/pulls the strips closed thereby closing the circuit. Closing the circuit counts as rain.

After the dipper spoon empties the magnet moves away from the reed switch causing the metal strips in the reed switch to spring back to its normal resting position (metal strips are apart). No current flows. No rain.

Ecowitt did not confirm my order for a new PCB so I'll attempt to replace the reed switch myself.

In the meantime, I have transitioned away from Ambient and went with Ecowitt - a WS68 and WH40. Basically an Ecowitt GW1002.

Therefore regretfully, the WS-2000 has been disconnected from ambientweather.net and once the rain gauge is repaired, the system or components will be sold.

I would miss the display console and of course, the WS-2000 console will not work with Ecowitt parts so perhaps I can  swap the WS-2000 console with someone and get a HP2551-C console.
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline Gyvate

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 3296
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #37 on: September 11, 2021, 09:12:33 AM »
......
I would miss the display console and of course, the WS-2000 console will not work with Ecowitt parts so perhaps I can  swap the WS-2000 console with someone and get a HP2551-C console.
If you happen to have an old (or new) Android tablet, you could use the Personal Weather Tablet (PWT) app as a console replacement or as a "transition console". The app has been recently updated to cover the whole Ecowitt sensor range.
It can be used via the custom server option of the GW1000.
see also:
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=39453.0
WS2350 1.6.7, GW1000(3) 1.7.7,WH2650 WiFi (2) 1.7.7 (test/backup), GW1100 2.3.1, GW2000(3) 3.1.1, HP2551 1.9.5,5.1.5;HP3500 1.7.2,WS3800 1.2.8, WN1910 1.2.3,WN1980 1.2.3;
Ecowitt WS90(2)1.3.5/1.4.0, WS80(2)1.2.5, WS68, WS69, WH40, WH31, WH31-EP, WN30, WN34L, WN35, WH32, WH32-EP, WH32B, WH57 [Lightning], WH41 [PM2.5], WH51, WH45, WH55
MeteobridgePro(2)[test,prod] 5.8 Mar 01 2024, 15185 - Blake-Larsen Sun Recorder - RPi4/weewx 4.8.0/4.10.2/CumulusMX 3283/Meteobridge RPi4B-2GB(3169)
Barani Meteoshield Pro, MetSpec Rad02 - Ecowitt 5763,34418;WU ISAARB3(WH4000SE),ISAARB22(HP2553), http://meshka.eu

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #38 on: September 11, 2021, 09:35:32 AM »
......
I would miss the display console and of course, the WS-2000 console will not work with Ecowitt parts so perhaps I can  swap the WS-2000 console with someone and get a HP2551-C console.
If you happen to have an old (or new) Android tablet, you could use the Personal Weather Tablet (PWT) app as a console replacement or as a "transition console". The app has been recently updated to cover the whole Ecowitt sensor range.
It can be used via the custom server option of the GW1000.
see also:
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=39453.0
Great thought gyvate. Checked it out. Looks great!

Alas, I am already using the GW1000 custom server to upload to a "live" website (pwsdashboard) updating every 17 seconds. Like my old ATMOCOM website,(now retired with the WS-2000), you have to change the panels internal refresh rate . No issues from the webhost about DDOS.

Would another GW1000/1100 work?

Unfortunately I do not have an old Android tablet however I am wondering if a new Fire tablet could be repurposed or failing that just buy a cheapo no-name android tablet for about $85 CAD. If I order a new HP2551-C from Ecowitt that's going to be at least $200 CAD. Maybe more. Ouch.
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline Gyvate

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 3296
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #39 on: September 11, 2021, 09:38:36 AM »
Of course, another GW1100/1000 would work - or, you could use the FOSHKplugin.
Install it e.g. on your RPi.
Send your data from your GW1000 to the FOSHKplugin and have it distributed from there to your target places.
It supports up to 50 target "hosts" in different protocols.
WS2350 1.6.7, GW1000(3) 1.7.7,WH2650 WiFi (2) 1.7.7 (test/backup), GW1100 2.3.1, GW2000(3) 3.1.1, HP2551 1.9.5,5.1.5;HP3500 1.7.2,WS3800 1.2.8, WN1910 1.2.3,WN1980 1.2.3;
Ecowitt WS90(2)1.3.5/1.4.0, WS80(2)1.2.5, WS68, WS69, WH40, WH31, WH31-EP, WN30, WN34L, WN35, WH32, WH32-EP, WH32B, WH57 [Lightning], WH41 [PM2.5], WH51, WH45, WH55
MeteobridgePro(2)[test,prod] 5.8 Mar 01 2024, 15185 - Blake-Larsen Sun Recorder - RPi4/weewx 4.8.0/4.10.2/CumulusMX 3283/Meteobridge RPi4B-2GB(3169)
Barani Meteoshield Pro, MetSpec Rad02 - Ecowitt 5763,34418;WU ISAARB3(WH4000SE),ISAARB22(HP2553), http://meshka.eu

Offline olicat

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 1515
  • GWxx00, HPx5x1C, WN1900C, WN1980C & WS3800C
    • FOSHKplugin
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #40 on: September 11, 2021, 09:44:07 AM »
Hi!

Quote
Would another GW1000/1100 work?
Of course. But you don't need to have more GW1000 to have more than one custom server.

Quote
Alas, I am already using the GW1000 custom server to upload to a "live" website (pwsdashboard) updating every 17 seconds
Where does your PWSDashboard run? Probably on a local Linux machine? A Raspi?
Then you could use FOSHKplugin to feed as many custom servers you need.
The communication path would then be:

GW1000 -- via custom server --> FOSHKplugin -- Forward 1..n --> PWSDashboard
                                                                                            --> Personal Weather Tablet (PWT)
                                                                                            --> any other service

BTW:
I run PWT on several Amazon tablets here without problems ...

Regards, Oliver

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #41 on: September 11, 2021, 10:04:45 AM »
Of course, another GW1100/1000 would work - or, you could use the FOSHKplugin.
Install it e.g. on your RPi.
Send your data from your GW1000 to the FOSHKplugin and have it distributed from there to your target places.
It supports up to 50 target "hosts" in different protocols.
Thanks for the tip. I've seen many references on the forum about the FOSHKplugin but I don't know much about how to set it up twith the GW1000.
But I'll give it a try.
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline Gyvate

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 3296
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #42 on: September 11, 2021, 10:26:28 AM »
there is a whole thread about it - with all necessary links.
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=39625.0
And, whether it's a GW1100/1000 or another console doesn't really matter.
It receives the data the console (e.g. GW1000) posts via (e.g.) Ecowitt protocol and converts it (if and where necessary) and forwards it to the respective recipient(s).
WS2350 1.6.7, GW1000(3) 1.7.7,WH2650 WiFi (2) 1.7.7 (test/backup), GW1100 2.3.1, GW2000(3) 3.1.1, HP2551 1.9.5,5.1.5;HP3500 1.7.2,WS3800 1.2.8, WN1910 1.2.3,WN1980 1.2.3;
Ecowitt WS90(2)1.3.5/1.4.0, WS80(2)1.2.5, WS68, WS69, WH40, WH31, WH31-EP, WN30, WN34L, WN35, WH32, WH32-EP, WH32B, WH57 [Lightning], WH41 [PM2.5], WH51, WH45, WH55
MeteobridgePro(2)[test,prod] 5.8 Mar 01 2024, 15185 - Blake-Larsen Sun Recorder - RPi4/weewx 4.8.0/4.10.2/CumulusMX 3283/Meteobridge RPi4B-2GB(3169)
Barani Meteoshield Pro, MetSpec Rad02 - Ecowitt 5763,34418;WU ISAARB3(WH4000SE),ISAARB22(HP2553), http://meshka.eu

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #43 on: September 11, 2021, 10:26:59 AM »
Hi!

Quote
Would another GW1000/1100 work?
Of course. But you don't need to have more GW1000 to have more than one custom server.

Quote
Alas, I am already using the GW1000 custom server to upload to a "live" website (pwsdashboard) updating every 17 seconds
Where does your PWSDashboard run? Probably on a local Linux machine? A Raspi?
Then you could use FOSHKplugin to feed as many custom servers you need.
The communication path would then be:

GW1000 -- via custom server --> FOSHKplugin -- Forward 1..n --> PWSDashboard
                                                                                            --> Personal Weather Tablet (PWT)
                                                                                            --> any other service

BTW:
I run PWT on several Amazon tablets here without problems ...

Regards, Oliver

I do have an rpi and WeeWX that does ftp uploads to a couple weather34 -ish type of templates on a remote webhost.

However Wim's pwsdashboard (Ecowitt custom server option) is pretty slick. No computer required. You just need a GW1000/1100 to get a live weather website.  Wim warns that some hosts may not like too frequent uploads and think it is a DDOS attack but I have not had any issues.

There is a bit of a breeze today and if you look at the wind panel on weather.glenns.ca , it should be updating around 17 seconds or so.

Thanks for the info on your FOSHKplugin. My computer skills ae rather limited, but I'll give it a go. Good to hear that Amazon tablets can be used. Sometimes a used on ecomes up on Amazon.
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline Gyvate

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 3296
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #44 on: September 11, 2021, 10:34:22 AM »
when you managed to make weewx serve your various templates on a (or more) web site(s), FOSHKplugin won't be too big a challenge for you.
It's nicely documented with examples by Oliver (@olicat, who created it) - and if there are some questions left or something doesn't work out as expected, feel free to ask here in the forum - either in this thread or in the FOSHKplugin thread (or even open a new one).
https://www.loxwiki.eu/display/LOXBERRY/FOSHKplugin+-+generic+version

You can start with having the GW1000 post to the FOSHKplugin and have the plugin forward the data to where the GW1000 posts now. Just use the plugin as a man-in-the-middle. And then take it from there. Once you get this up and working, you can add all your other destinations one by one.
« Last Edit: September 11, 2021, 10:59:53 AM by Gyvate »
WS2350 1.6.7, GW1000(3) 1.7.7,WH2650 WiFi (2) 1.7.7 (test/backup), GW1100 2.3.1, GW2000(3) 3.1.1, HP2551 1.9.5,5.1.5;HP3500 1.7.2,WS3800 1.2.8, WN1910 1.2.3,WN1980 1.2.3;
Ecowitt WS90(2)1.3.5/1.4.0, WS80(2)1.2.5, WS68, WS69, WH40, WH31, WH31-EP, WN30, WN34L, WN35, WH32, WH32-EP, WH32B, WH57 [Lightning], WH41 [PM2.5], WH51, WH45, WH55
MeteobridgePro(2)[test,prod] 5.8 Mar 01 2024, 15185 - Blake-Larsen Sun Recorder - RPi4/weewx 4.8.0/4.10.2/CumulusMX 3283/Meteobridge RPi4B-2GB(3169)
Barani Meteoshield Pro, MetSpec Rad02 - Ecowitt 5763,34418;WU ISAARB3(WH4000SE),ISAARB22(HP2553), http://meshka.eu

Offline Gyvate

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 3296
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #45 on: September 11, 2021, 11:00:11 AM »
when you managed to make weewx serve your various templates on a (or more) web site(s), FOSHKplugin won't be too big a challenge for you.
It's nicely documented with examples by Oliver (@olicat, who created it) - and if there are some questions left or something doesn't work out as expected, feel free to ask here in the forum - either in this thread or in the FOSHKplugin thread (or even open a new one).
https://www.loxwiki.eu/display/LOXBERRY/FOSHKplugin+-+generic+version

You can start with having the GW1000 post to the FOSHKplugin and have the plugin forward the data to where the GW1000 posts now. Just use the plugin as a man-in-the-middle. And then take it from there. Once you get this up and working, you can add all your other destinations one by one.
I guess weewx reads directly from the GW1000 via the GW1000 API driver.
If not (yet) and you use the weewx interceptor driver, replace the interceptor by the GW1000 API driver.
In that case I could point you to the necessary instructions here in the forum where you find the weewx.conf entries to (+/-) copy-and-paste. Max 10 minutes work.
WS2350 1.6.7, GW1000(3) 1.7.7,WH2650 WiFi (2) 1.7.7 (test/backup), GW1100 2.3.1, GW2000(3) 3.1.1, HP2551 1.9.5,5.1.5;HP3500 1.7.2,WS3800 1.2.8, WN1910 1.2.3,WN1980 1.2.3;
Ecowitt WS90(2)1.3.5/1.4.0, WS80(2)1.2.5, WS68, WS69, WH40, WH31, WH31-EP, WN30, WN34L, WN35, WH32, WH32-EP, WH32B, WH57 [Lightning], WH41 [PM2.5], WH51, WH45, WH55
MeteobridgePro(2)[test,prod] 5.8 Mar 01 2024, 15185 - Blake-Larsen Sun Recorder - RPi4/weewx 4.8.0/4.10.2/CumulusMX 3283/Meteobridge RPi4B-2GB(3169)
Barani Meteoshield Pro, MetSpec Rad02 - Ecowitt 5763,34418;WU ISAARB3(WH4000SE),ISAARB22(HP2553), http://meshka.eu

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #46 on: September 11, 2021, 03:14:51 PM »
when you managed to make weewx serve your various templates on a (or more) web site(s), FOSHKplugin won't be too big a challenge for you.
It's nicely documented with examples by Oliver (@olicat, who created it) - and if there are some questions left or something doesn't work out as expected, feel free to ask here in the forum - either in this thread or in the FOSHKplugin thread (or even open a new one).
https://www.loxwiki.eu/display/LOXBERRY/FOSHKplugin+-+generic+version

You can start with having the GW1000 post to the FOSHKplugin and have the plugin forward the data to where the GW1000 posts now. Just use the plugin as a man-in-the-middle. And then take it from there. Once you get this up and working, you can add all your other destinations one by one.
I guess weewx reads directly from the GW1000 via the GW1000 API driver.
If not (yet) and you use the weewx interceptor driver, replace the interceptor by the GW1000 API driver.
In that case I could point you to the necessary instructions here in the forum where you find the weewx.conf entries to (+/-) copy-and-paste. Max 10 minutes work.
Thanks for the links and offer of help. Looks like I have some reading to do.
Yes, I am using Gary's excellent GW1000 API driver for WeeWX however I still pursuing "realtime" with WeeWX. I can only use 60 second updates.Anything more frequent - WeeWX protests. Slow ftp maybe? Anyways, another project for another time.
Just ordered a couple reed switches..let's see what I can do with a 1/4" chisel tip...
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #47 on: September 26, 2021, 06:31:45 PM »
@davidfa @rover1822

I took out my old analogue multimeter and measured 0.55V at the pin ends of the reed switch.

davidfa suggested that the reed switch might be the culprit and as per his suggestion I bypassed the reed switch and lo and behold- lots of rain in a sunny sky!

Still confused about what is happening:

The rain sensor PCB is curently out of its slot for diagnostic purposes. No magnet around.

I read volts at the pin ends which is encouraging I guess - telling me at least the main PCB is supplying voltage to the rain sensor.

When I short the reed swich ( the shaft of the screwdriver works here), I register rain on the display console.

This tells me that the reed switch is open and electricity is going nowhere untill I short out/bypass the reed switch.

Waving a magnet around the reed switch (as per Ecowitt support) doesn't do anything so I am assuming the switch is permanently open and not reacting to spoon tips.

Since my electronics knowledge is limited to soldering a lamp cord, can I further assume that the reed switch is broken and is stuck open?

When there is no rain(no tipping), what role does the magnet play - if any? If it does nothing, does that mean it is designed to be too far away from the reed switch when the spoon is in the neutral position?

OR ...

is the role of the magnet to keep the reed switch open and when it tips the magnet gets closer to the reed switch and then it closes the circuit?

I guess what I am asking is that if I replace the reed switch do I buy a normally open reed switch or a normally closed reed switch?

OK, I purchased a new reed switch(plus a few spares).

The soldering went a bit smoother than anticipated.

TIP: Do not trim the ends of the leads before you solder - you won't have anything to hold while you are soldering. The easy way to remove the old reed switch is to break the glass tube and cut out the two metal strips.

There are no pin holes to worry about de-soldering and resoldering.

Just lay the new switch leads across the original solder joint and heat with a soldering iron . Trim off the lead ends.

That was the good news.

Now the bad news. As I was maneuvering the newly repaired PCB board in place ,the 4-pin connector broke or to be more specific, 2 wires pulled away from the connector - one flex too many I guess. The other 2 wires are hanging on for dear life. Broken.

Now I am stuck. How to repair/replace that unidentified connector.

Here is what it looks like:
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

5-pin connector shown here but it is the 4-pin connector that is broken:
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Can anyone identify what type of connectors these are and or suggest a fix? I am guessing it is some sort of JST type connector but I am not sure...

Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

Offline WA4OPQ

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 320
  • 4 stations: 2902 array, GW1000, 3 on Meteobridge
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #48 on: September 26, 2021, 11:07:52 PM »
I don't know the name of the connector, but just about every connector has a way to remove the pin.
Use high magnification and see if you can see a small locking barb (Amazon has excellent headband magnifiers for about $11 USD). If you can see the barb then there is a good chance that you can depress it with a fine needle or equivalent to remove the pin.

But just buying a new JST connector won't necessarily work because you don't have the required crimper.

« Last Edit: September 26, 2021, 11:12:39 PM by WA4OPQ »

Offline gszlag

  • Forecaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 431
  • ..have you calibrated your barometer today?
    • Michael's Bay - Manitoulin Island weather
Re: WS-2000 rain gauge dead?
« Reply #49 on: September 27, 2021, 11:43:39 AM »
I don't know the name of the connector, but just about every connector has a way to remove the pin.
Use high magnification and see if you can see a small locking barb (Amazon has excellent headband magnifiers for about $11 USD). If you can see the barb then there is a good chance that you can depress it with a fine needle or equivalent to remove the pin.

But just buying a new JST connector won't necessarily work because you don't have the required crimper.
Thanks for the suggestion and help - never thought about dragging out my 10X loupe for a closer look. I also have a headband magnifier but max magnification is only 3X.

In the interest of science, I snapped off the broken connector to get a up-close look.

Unfortunately there is no clamping device like on the old style harddrive ribbon cables. IDC connector?

And it appears it was factory molded and crimped. There are no pins at the end of the ribbon end - the bared wires are merely inserted and crimped at the connector. With some difficulty, I removed the terminal end of one of the 4 connection points - basically ripping it out just to see if there were pins. Nope, just an ordinary crimp end with a pin receptacle on the other end.

These things are tiny and the wires are tinier - trying to uncrimp the terminal end and reconnect would be nigh impossible.

After doing more googling, you can buy 4-pin JST connectors (if that is what I have) with bared wire leads so with some neurosurgeon skills you might be able to solder it to the ribbon cable.

Pin spacing would be my next question. Is this is what is called pitch? I see references to pitch sizes like 1.0mm, 1.25mm,2.0mm, etc.
Ambient Weather WS-2000
Ecowitt GW1000/GW1100
Ecowitt WS68: Anemometer, UV/solar
Ecowitt WH40: Rain gauge
Ecowitt WH57 Lightning sensor
Ecowitt WH32E: Outside T & H sensor
Stratus Rain Gauge (manual)
Raspberry Pi 3B+ (WeeWX/CumulusMX)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (WeeWX/MQTT/Belchertown)
---
Barometer wiki: http://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=barometer#barometer
---
http://weather.glenns.ca (pwsdashboard - live)
http://weewx.glenns.ca
http://glenns.ca/cumulusmx2/index.htm
---
Uploading to: AWN, ecowitt.net, Weather Underground, PWSweather.com, AWEKAS, Windy.com, WOW

 

anything