WXforum.net
Weather Station Hardware => Ambient Weather and Ecowitt and other Fine Offset clones => Topic started by: broadstairs on September 02, 2021, 04:54:38 AM
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My WH80 is currently showing 2.74 volts for the battery now I don't know how long batteries should last but my system has only been running now 5 months and it has lithium AA batteries. From what I've read mots people say they should be changed every year. So why are mine running down like this after 5 months of summer, OK not brilliant summer but long daylight hours. I've seen comments that say 2.75 volts is about as low as it should go.
Stuart
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Hi Stuart,
I once had a WH65 where I had to change the batteries about every 50 days. Regardless of whether it was bright sunshine or cloudy winter weather.
Apparently the solar cell was not producing any electricity or the super capacitor was defective. My dealer then exchanged the sensor for me after lengthy discussions. Since then, the batteries have lasted - for more than a year now.
What I mean by that:
Observe this and make sure to have a recording of the SR sensor as well. The retailer defends any inquiries with a lack of sunlight from which you can object.
Share your observations before the warranty expires. As well-founded as possible and with information on the batteries used (Froggit even wanted me to have photos of the batteries) and also with proof of the availability of sunlight (graphs?) at the location.
Good luck!
Oliver
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Thanks for that Oliver. I purchased this direct from Ecowitt so I will contact them to see what they say, although I will check first to make sure the top of the device is clean just in case some bird has s**t on it! I upload to Ecowitt so they will be able to check there for solar data.
Stuart
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Thanks for that Oliver. I purchased this direct from Ecowitt so I will contact them to see what they say, although I will check first to make sure the top of the device is clean just in case some bird has s**t on it! I upload to Ecowitt so they will be able to check there for solar data.
Stuart
I would say that you definitely have a problem.
BTW, the solar charging is not used for the UV measurement, this is done with a simple light sensitive cell that measures the brightness (lux) which is converted by algorithm to the UV levels.
At the voltage level you report you will start to have problems in measuring wind values, but it will be still transmitting data.
I got about a 1.5 years from my first set of lithium cells in the WS80
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I am going to replace the batteries in my WH80 later this morning, they are down to 2.64 volts this morning. I have emailed support at Ecowitt and asked for the WH80 to be replace under warranty.
Stuart
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Heard back from Ecowitt this morning, they are concerned and want to check the battery status online so sent them a link. I have changed the batteries this morning as I don't want problems happening. I have explained that to Ecowitt as they will see normal voltage now.
Stuart
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Even though you explained the battery change, why do I feel that will just confuse them? :)
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Hi!
Even though you explained the battery change, why do I feel that will just confuse them?
In contrast to the WH65, the WS80 actually shows a history of the battery life. In this respect, a battery change should also be shown in the graphics.
If today, for example, 3.12V is reported and next week already 2.70V, an unusual consumption can be quickly detected. In connection with the existing values for solar radiation, the Ecowitt support should also be able to come to logical conclusions.
With the WH65 I always made a note of when I changed the batteries (and which type) and when the new battery warning came. So I was able to prove exactly how long the batteries had lasted when I complained.
Regards, Oliver
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Yeah, I agree. But I can see them now wanting to see how well the "new" batteries do.
Of course, they will hopefully just look at the existing data.
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As Oliver says they can see the battery history on my Ecowitt site, I did check before I changed the batteries to make sure it was visible. I am not willing to leave it and have errors in the readings just to make the case to Ecowitt. If they want to play hard ball that's up to them.
Stuart
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I will be very surprised if they 'play hard ball!'
This would not be my experience of how Ecowitt works at all!
They are genuinely customer focused and I am sure that you will get a good outcome.
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My WH80 has been running for 2 months now on the new batteries and the latest firmware (as advised by Ecowitt support) and has started to show battery fluctuations - this morning down to 3.18 volts. I've emailed Ecowitt for their view.
Stuart
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Mmm, I think suspect solar panel or super capacitor, unless your device is not seeing much sunlight!
I changed my battery at the beginning of the year and mine is 3.28V for the lithium cells installed.
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My WH80 has been running for 2 months now on the new batteries and the latest firmware (as advised by Ecowitt support) and has started to show battery fluctuations - this morning down to 3.18 volts. I've emailed Ecowitt for their view.
Stuart
When you look at the graphed data, does the voltage rise again off the low?. Since we don't know where you reside, or I can't remember, are you getting large temperature fluctuations overnight? (common in the fall season where I am). Not saying your batteries are not draining, but certain factors can effect the voltage of them.
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Good point, here is my graph as a comparison.
There was a little wobble in Feb which corresponds with a poor weather/snowy period which probably impaired the charging capability. After that it has stayed constant.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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I heard from Ecowitt and they said they will keep watching. I just looked back at my battery voltage back in August before changing the batteries and it dropped to just over 2.6 volts at its lowest and this was in the summer starting in April and ending on 3rd September when I changed the batteries. New ones show at 1.71 volts each out of the packet. The one I just put back in my WH40 which has been there since last April shows 1.64 volts. Anyway we'll see how it goes.
Stuart
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On thread at https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=43139.msg441071#msg441071 (https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=43139.msg441071#msg441071) Gyvate said-
How do you tell at which amount of solar radiation exposure the super-capacitor starts being charged ?
If it's a really good one (S-C), then it charges at low wattage/area.
What outdoor array do you have ?
Because, in fact, the batteries of the WH65/WS69, WS80, WS68 arrays (the Ambient WS-2000/5000/2902 outdoor arrays) are not charged. What is charged is a super-capacitor which can run the "station" (the outdoor sensor array - station = console + sensors) up to two days when not being reloaded after having been fully charged. It's only then that the batteries come in as a backup. This only occurs at special conditions (long[er] time not sufficient sun exposure, very cold - like during polar night as an extreme case).
Still, it would be interesting to know what minimum amount of wattage/m2 of global radiation is needed for the S-C to start being charged.
Based on this update elsewhere from Gyvate I do not believe my WS80 super cap is doing what it should. Yesterday we had pretty much full sun all day, OK winter but still very sunny all day, so on that basis the super cap should be fully charged pretty much and should easily power the WS80 all night, however every night the voltage on the WS80 drops which to me indicates that the battery is being used during the hours of darkness, this morning it is showing 2.86V and was 2.82V yesterday around 0700.
There is simply no way my WS80 will last 12 months on one set of batteries, it is well on its way through 2 sets now since last April when it was installed. Either the super cap is not up to spec or the solar cells are weak.
I'll chase Ecowitt again as they suggested they would keep an eye on it but I simply do not see how they can think this is right.
Stuart
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I'm very upset with Ecowitt, yesterday I had a reply which says to me they have not bothered to monitor my battery status as they said they would because they asked for the url to check on it despite the fact I had sent it months ago.
Anyway the battery was not that bad yesterday. We had to go out for the day and when we got home I checked again and the batteries were failing, however by then it was dark so I did not want to go out and lower the mast to change them. Finally the batteries gave out completely around midnight. This morning the WS80 has not started again despite it being a bright sunny morning, so I'm convinced either the solar panel or the super cap have failed.
Not good enough Ecowitt!!
Stuart
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@Broadstairs, I am sure Ecowitt will come good (as others have intimated).
My WS80 (believed to be the new type) has random 60C temp spikes, despite being flashed with the latest firmware. It was purchased in the UK, not from Ecowitt
Emailed Ecowitt 10th Jan, to check that there was not still a firmware issue.
Stated that I was not too concerned, as I use a WH32EP for my main temp reading.
Included my 3 id's and a couple of screen grabs.
They replied on the 11th, saying that they need to send me a replacement T & H, And would I disassemble the shield and photograph the existing sensor.
This I did, and CC'd my UK supplier.
Almost by return, I had an Email to state that this was not one of the new units, and that they would arrange a complete replacement unit, would I supply the order number (screen grab of UK order Email).
Confirmation dispatch Email this morning (20th Jan).
Hoping you soon get a resolution.
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Chased Ecowitt again earlier today, still no reply from yesterdays email which is why I rattled their cage again today. Getting seriously fed up with their lack of communication and no apparent effort.
Stuart
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Well I have had a reply from Ecowitt and they are shipping me a replacement WS80 which is great news. I think either the solar panel or super cap has failed as my new set of batteries have dropped from 3.28V to 3.16 in about 24 hours. I hope this set of batteries lasts till the replacement arrives :-|
Stuart
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Hi!
It would be nice to know whether it is the supercap or the panel. When your replacement arrives, you could try it out. For example, measure the voltage at the panel and check the supercap if necessary.
I once had a WH65 that ate batteries. However, I had to send it back to Froggit and was unfortunately unable to test it.
But it would probably help for future problems.
I don't think it's that difficult to replace the supercap - you just have to know how to get at it and which type it is. The panel is a different matter - you should be able to buy a replacement from Ecowitt as possible through Ambient Weather (https://ambientweather.com/ws-5000-solar-assembly).
But of course such tinkering does not make sense as a warranty claim - the device simply has to work after purchase.
Oliver
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That's very good news and no less than I would have expected from Ecowitt and their excellent customer service!
They maybe slow to respond some times but they nearly always deliver when it counts even if it means a nudge or two in reminders.
So the lesson here is patience is a virtue!
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I agree patience is a virtue but I first reported this at the beginning of September 2021, so I think I had been quite tolerant. Anyway I will see what I can do once the replacement arrives. Not sure how easy it will be to get it apart but it will be fund trying!
Stuart
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I just pulled a WS80 apart, when it comes to it, ping me and I'll give you some tips/pics of the internals.
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In this video seems it is quite easy 2:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=phEqhJoN8k4
P.S.
Can't understand if an o-ring is present... may be too easy
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Thanks Mark.
Stuart
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In this video seems it is quite easy 2:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=phEqhJoN8k4
P.S.
Can't understand if an o-ring is present... may be too easy
Yes there is an O-ring in top. Interesting that his had condensation over the solar panel out of the box, unless it was from opening previously.
The super capacitor however is the base.
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I had no idea the top is removable like that. I have checked the battery compartment when changing batteries and that was sealed OK and dry and I was careful to ensure the sealing ring was in place properly when replacing the battery compartment cap. I did not see any condensation in the solar panel. I will check it all carefully when I have it down to replace. I have tracking info for the replacement but right now it does not show much!
Stuart
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I had no idea the top is removable like that. I have checked the battery compartment when changing batteries and that was sealed OK and dry and I was careful to ensure the sealing ring was in place properly when replacing the battery compartment cap. I did not see any condensation in the solar panel. I will check it all carefully when I have it down to replace. I have tracking info for the replacement but right now it does not show much!
Stuart
Ambient sell the cap as a spare part, which I find a bit disconcerting.
Glad your replacement is on it's way.
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I had no idea the top is removable like that. I have checked the battery compartment when changing batteries and that was sealed OK and dry and I was careful to ensure the sealing ring was in place properly when replacing the battery compartment cap. I did not see any condensation in the solar panel. I will check it all carefully when I have it down to replace. I have tracking info for the replacement but right now it does not show much!
Stuart
Ambient sell the cap as a spare part, which I find a bit disconcerting.
Glad your replacement is on it's way.
You can get this part (and others) from Ecowitt too -it's only not in the catalogue.
However, based on email communication, you can get replacements ...
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@Gyvate.
I suspected as such.
The concern, is why it would be offered as a spare.
Part failure or damage. Larger hailstones than I'm used to, or very destructive wildlife. (not in the UK)
I did not find any posts prior to my purchase, other than a general one regarding Cockatoo damage in Australia.
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This morning I received an email from Ecowitt support explaining what they expect to happen with the solar panel-
Based on your setup, you have one hour over 20klux which will charge for 5mA, 2 hours above 10klux, so it will charge 2mA. So as we calculated, you should have about 12mAH charged. Our device consumes about 20mAh. So there will be a 8mAh per day deficit and it needs to be withdrawn from the battery.
With Lithium battery, you have about 2400mAH minimum power, and this will last for about 300 days and it is almost a year.
So it really looks not normal.
We will check this up again in our side.
So they expect the batteries to last nearly a year, quite possibly longer when conditions are good for charging and therefore having less than or zero deficit.
Anyway I'll see what happens when I get my replacement.
Stuart
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@Gyvate.
I suspected as such.
The concern, is why it would be offered as a spare.
Part failure or damage. Larger hailstones than I'm used to, or very destructive wildlife. (not in the UK)
I did not find any posts prior to my purchase, other than a general one regarding Cockatoo damage in Australia.
@DelChard: you named already some of the possible reasons ... :-)
the fact that there are replacement parts available for your car, won't make you very much concerned about your car, will it ?
Also, once out of the warranty period, you may prefer to replace (if needed) only parts of such a 6-in-1 sensor rather than the whole sensor.
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This morning I received an email from Ecowitt support explaining what they expect to happen with the solar panel-
Based on your setup, you have one hour over 20klux which will charge for 5mA, 2 hours above 10klux, so it will charge 2mA. So as we calculated, you should have about 12mAH charged. Our device consumes about 20mAh. So there will be a 8mAh per day deficit and it needs to be withdrawn from the battery.
With Lithium battery, you have about 2400mAH minimum power, and this will last for about 300 days and it is almost a year.
So it really looks not normal.
Based on my experience with one of the pre-production units I would agree with the summary.
I got about 17 months from my first set of Lithiums in the WS80. The unit was installed in August 2019 and lasted until Jan 2021 when it went off line due to low voltage.
We will check this up again in our side.
So they expect the batteries to last nearly a year, quite possibly longer when conditions are good for charging and therefore having less than or zero deficit.
Anyway I'll see what happens when I get my replacement.
Stuart
Very odd, not sure what happened here.....
My comments were that my usage from having one of the very first WS80's (pre-production testing) that you can expect upto 18 months on lithium AA cells.
The WS80 was installed in August 2019 (summer) and lasted through till January 2021.
So the guideline of around 12 months battery swap is probably a wise one (at least for my Northern Hemisphere position) If you live further south then you may get longer
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@Mandrake: and your reply was what ... ? So far it's only re-posting Stuart's post...
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His reply is buried in the inner quote.
"Based on my experience with one of the pre-production units I would agree with the summary.
I got about 17 months from my first set of Lithiums in the WS80. The unit was installed in August 2019 and lasted until Jan 2021 when it went off line due to low voltage."
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Off topic, but:
Morewood Ontario Canada
Date Registered: January 22, 2009, 09:21:23 AM
Local Time: January 22, 2022, 09:43:50 AM
Enjoy,Paul
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His reply is buried in the inner quote.
"Based on my experience with one of the pre-production units I would agree with the summary.
I got about 17 months from my first set of Lithiums in the WS80. The unit was installed in August 2019 and lasted until Jan 2021 when it went off line due to low voltage."
Thanks, clear now. Camouflaged.
And for it's worth - my WS80 is now running on the same batteries (I guess mainly on its super-capacitor though) for more than 1 1/2 years.
Now, making some calculation based on the Ecowitt response: assuming that for 1/3 of the year the WS80 does not get enough sun exposure to re-charge the super-capacitor sufficiently, that's about 100-120 days. If by EW estimate the batteries hold for 300 days, it will take up tp three years before the batteries need to be replaced.
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Off topic, but:
Morewood Ontario Canada
Date Registered: January 22, 2009, 09:21:23 AM
Local Time: January 22, 2022, 09:43:50 AM
Enjoy,Paul
That doesn't seem right.
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Off topic, but:
Morewood Ontario Canada
Date Registered: January 22, 2009, 09:21:23 AM
Local Time: January 22, 2022, 09:43:50 AM
Enjoy,Paul
That doesn't seem right.
Sensor Interchangeability (wxforum.net) (https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=3087.msg23693#msg23693)
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Wow. Probably didn't come back until just a couple years ago.
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Well I now have a tracking number and it is with YunExpress so I can hopefully see when it will arrive. Can't tell if it is air or surface mail though.
Stuart
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@broadstairs
I don't think that surface transport from China to Europe for mail/parcels exists - unless you considered water as surface. :roll:
Yun Express will deliver by air into the "continent" of destination.
Your last mile provider will be Royal Mail.
For the UK, see https://www.tracktry.com/couriers/yunexpress
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@broadstairs
I don't think that surface transport from China to Europe for mail/parcels exists - unless you considered water as surface. :roll:
Very droll... #-o :roll: yes I do mean water as surface :roll:
Stuart
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Don't know if it important... but droll is translated in sundanese as 'ngagugulung' ( don't know why I had sundanese selected in the translator... but nice to know anyway ; - )
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same problem for me ](*,)
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i've bought the ws80 from froggit but they don't reply to my email. What can i do ? #-o
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maybe pray for more and more intense sunshine .... :roll:
my WS80's batteries have gone down to 2.79 V after 1 1/2 years - in the past weeks very little sun here - often max radiation < 90 W/m2 - so its super capacitor obviously can't be charged fully for the whole night ...
It's one of the 1st hardware revision and came directly from Ecowitt.
i've bought the ws80 from froggit but they don't reply to my email. What can i do ? #-o
you can still contact Ecowitt - we had a few cases in Germany where people had issues with their WS80 (water related though) and Froggit wouldn't move - so they turned to Ecowitt - and they (EW) sent them a replacement device [tup]
But as long as it still works (meaning doesn't go off), difficult to complain ...
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no, the ws80 no longer works, and even with new batteries it does not turn on. I don't understand why froggit behaves like this
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no, the ws80 no longer works, and even with new batteries it does not turn on. I don't understand why froggit behaves like this
They can be strange - how old is the WS80 ?
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I received the station yesterday, hp2553 kit with (wh40, ws80 wh32 and hp2550 console). I received an opened and broken box (i think it was already opening previously). I made a video during unboxing and this is a screenshot.
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On the ws80 the factory film over the solar panel was missing.
So I think they are previously used products (it was not indicated that they were used on the sale advertisement)
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They have a form by/through/with which you can return goods for warranty etc.
You can also call them +49 221 / 367 48 05, 10:00-16:00 CET, using a VOIP call will not provide high cost.
If you can't get through or make yourself understandable, I could help you out and mediate (I speak their language 8-)) - send me a PM in that case.
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They have a form by/through/with which you can return goods for warranty etc.
You can also call them +49 221 / 367 48 05, 10:00-16:00 CET, using a VOIP call will not provide high cost.
If you can't get through or make yourself understandable, I could help you out and mediate (I speak their language 8-)) - send me a PM in that case.
thank you so much
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Getting back to my relacement WS80 it left China by air on 27th January but has not yet arrived in the UK, at least the tracking has not been updated yet, 4 days in the air apparently :roll:
Stuart
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did you try https://www.yuntrack.com/ ?
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Both old & new sites show the same information.
Stuart
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don't worry. In china there is spring festival. Check it from 10 feb.
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That really is no excuse with technology today it should get updated, it's no longer in China!
Stu
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My last order hang for about a week at customs.. until it was released, there was no update about the shipment information, then suddenly it was updated and delivered in two days.
Patience.. patience... ;)
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Cleared customs this morning.
Stuart
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Now with Hermes couriers for delivery, I'm guessing tomorrow or maybe Friday.
Stuart
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Well the new WS80 arrived today. On opening the package I noticed that on the WS80 box it shows 4 radio frequencies 915Mhz 868Mhz (mine) 433Mhz and a new one to me 920Mhz. Where is that legal? Also there is an extension cable for the heater which has the correct connector on one end and bare wires on the other ready to connect to a PSU. This one also has small plastic deflectors on the four wind transducers, I'm assuming that is part of the upgrade. Before installing this in the next day or so I will check the f/w level. The other noticeable difference is that there is a small white plastic cap over where the UV/Solar sensor reside which is under the protective clear plastic cover for that and the solar panel for power, my original one has no such cap and the sensors are visible. My original one also had a clear thin peel-off plastic cover over the top which this one does not have.
I have removed the top part to check the sensors and solar panel are plugged in correctly which is what I will check when I take down the original one.
Stuart
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Can you post a photo?
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I will later....
Stuart
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Two photos, one of the wind area and one of the top.
Stuart
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My replacement was the same.
i've noticed the solar and UV values are higher (I had old and new side by side, reporting to different gateways)
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Two photos, one of the wind area and one of the top.
Stuart
with old version of ws80 i've a lot of problem with the measurement of radiation, tons of spike and wrong value
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A filter like that i think will improve the situation
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My replacement was the same.
i've noticed the solar and UV values are higher (I had old and new side by side, reporting to different gateways)
the correct offset is 0.7 for UV and 1.3 for radiation
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the correct offset is 0.7 for UV and 1.3 for radiation
Is that for the old style or the new one?
Stuart
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the correct offset is 0.7 for UV and 1.3 for radiation
Is that for the old style or the new one?
Stuart
Old (without filter), but I think is the same
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@giusCB
Those spikes are not wrong 'tout court'. In cloudy days, when 'clouds open' and sun shines trough, the sensor 'sees' direct sunlight + reflected sunlight ( well this is always true ), but in this case reflected light may be particularly high, and the sum may be higher than 'theoretical direct' sunlight.
Not saying this is your case ( only it is one possible explanation ).
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@giusCB
Those spikes are not wrong 'tout court'. In cloudy days, when 'clouds open' and sun shines trough, the sensor 'sees' direct sunlight + reflected sunlight ( well this is always true ), but in this case reflected light may be particularly high, and the sum may be higher than 'theoretical direct' sunlight.
Not saying this is your case ( only it is one possible explanation ).
thank you for the explanation [tup] I need to better analyze the case. Sometime goes up to 1600 watt
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thank you for the explanation [tup] I need to better analyze the case. Sometime goes up to 1600 watt
I just checked my all time records and the highest I have ever recorded here in the south of the UK was 1378 w/m² and that was using my old Davis VP1 solar sensor, 1600w/m² is rather high but it does depend on your latitude and time of year and very much how many clouds there are causing reflections.
Stuart
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For now, I have 0.69 For UV and Radiation. Radiation seemed high with 1.0.
My old WS80 once delivered a UV spike of 15, and had frequent Radiation spikes, so I have no confidence it was performing (or communicating)correctly.
I just noticed the jump in both as I changed the sensorID.
I plan on leaving until a cloudless midday and comparing to CumulusMx theoretical max witth a transmission rate of 0.91.
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I have today installed my replacement WS80 and it seems to be running fine, it already had the latest f/w installed. One minor problem was that the U-bolts to mount it on my pole would not clamp up enough despite those on the original being fine they seemed to be the same when I compared then so I assume it is the plastic part which is slightly different, if the thread went further up the bols then it would have been fine. So I packed them out with washers. Now the old one had been up in full sun today so I expected it to run without batteries for some time but the super cap went flat within about 15-20 minutes and the LED stopped flashing. Now the new one ran for about 8+hours after I tested it with batteries and removed them (they were in for about 2-3 hours and I left it in the sun for a couple of hours as well). So I suspect the super cap is failing on the old one.
As regards to the solar offset mentioned I found that in pretty much full sun today 1.3 as a factor was too high and it was reading quite a lot over expected max so I'm now running at 1.0 to see how it goes.
Stuart
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My WS80 has behaved for a week, had some rain today, with no side effects. Early days.
Comparison on solar values. I had to knock the UV gain down.
I don't think 3 was realistic for an overcast February day. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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Sadly there is no real uv sensor, the uv data is simply int(solar_data/100)
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Yes,I know it's calculated. A UV sensor would be more expensive than a complete Ecowitt set.
I'll stick with the calculated version.
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A stand a lone UV sensor with genuine UV detection is still on our wish list with Ecowitt.
Hopefully one day we will get this.
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A stand a lone UV sensor with genuine UV detection is still on our wish list with Ecowitt.
Hopefully one day we will get this.
Vote +1! :-P
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I do not disagree with the sentiments of the 2 previous posts.
And I'm swayed more by an engineering definition of accuracy (reason for buying the WS80).
However I was originally put off a VP2 pro+ on cost.
This post https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=43353.msg441795#msg441795
Would suggest that cost/performance benefit would be a major hurdle.
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Yes a Davis VP2 here fully configured with solar, UV and the kit to connect it to either cloud or PC comes in around £1000 here in the UK. My Ecowitt station was just under £250. OK so it has some compromises but for an amateur who only wants an indication of things not 200% accuracy it's a no brainer.
Stuart
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Also, to achieve my goal, I needed at least 2 soil/temp modules + sensors. My shopping list got close to £2000.
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I live in Arizona (USA) and have had to change the batteries in mine sooner than I expected. I read through this post but don't fully understand how the power works on the WS80? Does it run on solar during the day and batteries at night?
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Yes, unless there is some magical new electrical generation device for the dark. [tup]
But, technically I think it always runs on batteries. Solar charges the batteries. Someone else who knows the circuit should chime in.
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Easy to figure out. When I put my hand over the solar panel on a VP2 the fan slows down. Obvious what is happening. You should be able to determine the other one that way too.
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Really? I thought it ran from a capacitor which was charged by the solar panel and when the capacitor is discharged from lack of sunlight, it switches to battery. Or does this model have rechargeable batteries?
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The WS80 is much like the Davis ISS in that it has a supercap which is charged up from the solar panel and discharges when there is not enough sunlight (or at night) the batteries are only used when the supercap is depleted. Here in summer I'd expect the batteries to not be used hardly at all but in Winter time with much less sun they will be used. A good WS80 will should only need batteries about once every 12 - 18 months. It does NOT charge the batteries.
Stuart
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Really? I thought it ran from a capacitor which was charged by the solar panel and when the capacitor is discharged from lack of sunlight, it switches to battery. Or does this model have rechargeable batteries?
Oh ya. I misread the post. I thought the question was about fan for temp/hum shield.
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Easy to figure out. When I put my hand over the solar panel on a VP2 the fan slows down. Obvious what is happening. You should be able to determine the other one that way too.
Not quite.
You appear to have a 24Hr FARS which by design uses the solar panel to charge the batteries and run the fan at high speed, and switch to low speed when running on battery.
The WS80 runs on a passive radiation shield (no fan, no power hungry motor)
As described by alanb and Broadstairs, the WS80 uses its solar panel to charge a supercap, which then supplies the minimal amount of power to run the electronics at night.
The batteries are not rechargeable, and under normal circumstances will only drain during extended periods of darkness (long winter nights).
The battery voltage on my own WS80 has been a constant 3.28v since installation (replacement unit end of Jan 22).
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As you see above. I noticed my mistake.
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Thanks guys. Considering that it's basically always sunny here, I would have expected the WS80 batteries to last a real long time.
I know that Lithium batteries are the suggested type to use, but is that actually necessary?
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Thanks guys. Considering that it's basically always sunny here, I would have expected the WS80 batteries to last a real long time.
I know that Lithium batteries are the suggested type to use, but is that actually necessary?
Nope, I put normal alkaline in mine months ago and they haven't lost any voltage to speak of at all yet - 0.02 V!
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I do use lithium batteries mainly because they are better in cold weather.
Stuart
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I do use lithium batteries mainly because they are better in cold weather.
And they don't leak, so no possibile damage to the sensor [tup]
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I tried to upload the image here but it generated an error that says I can't view attachments. Here's a picture of the battery graph: https://i.imgur.com/2aqaW0b.png (https://i.imgur.com/2aqaW0b.png)