Topic: Possible mods to reduce sun-related temperature increase for WS 5000 array

[jcjrogers]

My WS 5000 array was installed in January. I noticed that on sunny days the temperature sensor was affected by direct sunlight.  As the sun started to rise, the temperature reading would quickly rise and become overstated. As it got closer to mid-day, the temperature reading would get closer to the comparisons. These fluctuations are less pronounced now (mid-late April), likely due to the sun being higher in the sky, and the leaves coming out on the trees creating some morning shade. It appears that the top of the unit provides a decent amount of shade for the sensor when the sun is overhead, but the sensor heats up when it takes a direct hit of sunlight from the side. I’m thinking about adding a three-sided box, covering east, south, and west, while leaving the north side open. I also thought about possibly using wood lattice as that would provide some shade and a good bit of ventilation or possibly using a shudder-like material that would create more shade but probably less ventilation. The trick is to find a way to create shade without trapping-in heat. There is also the issue of figuring out a way to mount. 

Has anybody had success doing something like this or have any ideas on how to accomplish?

[Rover1822]

My WS 5000 array was installed in January. I noticed that on sunny days the temperature sensor was affected by direct sunlight.  As the sun started to rise, the temperature reading would quickly rise and become overstated. As it got closer to mid-day, the temperature reading would get closer to the comparisons. These fluctuations are less pronounced now (mid-late April), likely due to the sun being higher in the sky, and the leaves coming out on the trees creating some morning shade. It appears that the top of the unit provides a decent amount of shade for the sensor when the sun is overhead, but the sensor heats up when it takes a direct hit of sunlight from the side. I’m thinking about adding a three-sided box, covering east, south, and west, while leaving the north side open. I also thought about possibly using wood lattice as that would provide some shade and a good bit of ventilation or possibly using a shudder-like material that would create more shade but probably less ventilation. The trick is to find a way to create shade without trapping-in heat. There is also the issue of figuring out a way to mount. 

Has anybody had success doing something like this or have any ideas on how to accomplish?

Before doing all that work, consider a separate outdoor temp/humidity sensor that will over rule the one on the array . Peruse https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start.  You should find a a sensor that will do it, I forget the model number but someone will chime in. Just make sure it is from Ambient or it won't register on your console. Beats going through all the machinations you are contemplating in cost and effort

[MrM1]

What Rover1822 said 

But you will be extremely limited to what you can do with Ambient Weather as far as different (better) temp sensors and mods.

That said, you might want to try and take the shield apart and paint all the inside/bottom of each plate flat black.  This "Might" help it a little.  Or, if you can take the heat shield apart,  it might be of benefit to replace it with a modified better after market shield.  You might even be able to lengthen the control wires going form the TX to the Temp/Humidity Sensor,  and then remove the sensor and place it in a good aftermarket shield.  But without me owning that array,  I have no idea how realistic any of this idea is.

You might check the Wiki to see if/how it is designed and might be able to tell if any of this is doable

[Gyvate]

A WH32 or WH32-EP inside a proper radiation shield (best option see WiKi: https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#passive_solar_radiation_shields_shelters_-_stevenson_screens) is the best solution, Ecowitt consoles have a temperature compensation option available for the outdoor arrays. Unfortunately Ambient decided that they their customers wouldn't need that feature so for the WS-2000/4000/5000 consoles this feature is deactivated by the Ambient portion of the device firmware. This feature also provides some improvement.
So, as an Ambient model owner, only the WH32 + shield option remains.

[jcjrogers]

I think the WH32 Outdoor sensor is what you all are talking about and is supposed to work with the Ambient console.  However, I would have to relocate or put in the same area using a better shield (I like the area where the WS 5000 is mounted and would rather keep everything together). I'm also worried that a "better" shield in the current area could have the same issue.  Also, other than this "winter sunny-morning" issue, I'm pleased with the results I'm getting.  This is what started me down the path of trying a 3-sided box.

[jcjrogers]

A WH32 or WH32-EP inside a proper radiation shield (best option see WiKi: https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#passive_solar_radiation_shields_shelters_-_stevenson_screens) is the best solution,

Sorry, you posted the sensor model while I was typing.

[Gyvate]

I think the WH32 Outdoor sensor is what you all are talking about and is supposed to work with the Ambient console.  However, I would have to relocate or put in the same area using a better shield (I like the area where the WS 5000 is mounted and would rather keep everything together). I'm also worried that a "better" shield in the current area could have the same issue.  Also, other than this "winter sunny-morning" issue, I'm pleased with the results I'm getting.  This is what started me down the path of trying a 3-sided box.

Regarding a WH32/WH32-EP (or WN32), you are free to locate it (inside a shield) wherever you want as long as the console can receive its signal.
The console will prefer the WH32/WN32/WH32-EP readings over the T/RH reading of the WS80 (WS-5000-ARRAY).
Preferred height is 2 m / 7 ft. above ground.

The shields described in the WiKi do not have your issue, as long as it's not the RS0001 or Ambient WH31-SRS, they are poor and only good in the shadow and against debris.

A Davis 7714 or an Ambient SRS100LX are good to go (of course the Barani Meteoshield and the SIAP SmaRTCELLino are for sure excellent pieces but also expensive).

[jcjrogers]

I also meant to add that my 3-sided box idea would be open at the top and bottom.  The sides would need to be short enough not to interfere with the wind gauge, and long enough at the bottom to give shade right at sunrise since there is a clear path on the east side.

[jcjrogers]

I think the WH32 Outdoor sensor is what you all are talking about and is supposed to work with the Ambient console.  However, I would have to relocate or put in the same area using a better shield (I like the area where the WS 5000 is mounted and would rather keep everything together). I'm also worried that a "better" shield in the current area could have the same issue.  Also, other than this "winter sunny-morning" issue, I'm pleased with the results I'm getting.  This is what started me down the path of trying a 3-sided box.

Regarding a WH32/WH32-EP (or WN32), you are free to locate it (inside a shield) wherever you want as long as the console can receive its signal.
The console will prefer the WH32/WN32/WH32-EP readings over the T/RH reading of the WS80 (WS-5000-ARRAY).
Preferred height is 2 m / 7 ft. above ground.

The shields described in the WiKi do not have your issue, as long as it's not the RS0001 or Ambient WH31-SRS, they are poor and only good in the shadow and against debris.

A Davis 7714 or an Ambient SRS100LX are good to go (of course the Barani Meteoshield and the SIAP SmaRTCELLino are for sure excellent pieces but also expensive).

I'm pretty sure the unit has the Ambient SRS100LX or at least that is what it looks like.  I'll try to verify.

[jcjrogers]

I'm pretty sure the unit has the Ambient SRS100LX or at least that is what it looks like.  I'll try to verify.

Update: I couldn't verify the shield, but it looks just like the SRS100LX and nothing like the WH31-SRS, and it makes no sense for them to manufacture a completely different shield for the 5000-array when they could use one they already have.

[Platokidd]

I'm pretty sure the unit has the Ambient SRS100LX or at least that is what it looks like.  I'll try to verify.

Update: I couldn't verify the shield, but it looks just like the SRS100LX and nothing like the WH31-SRS, and it makes no sense for them to manufacture a completely different shield for the 5000-array when they could use one they already have.

Possible I'm missing something here in your postings. The 5000 has it's own shield. Below are links to 2 good choices for shields mentioned.
 I have used both shield and they both work well.

https://ambientweather.com/amwesrpatean.html

https://www.amazon.com/Davis-Instruments-Radiation-Shielding-7714/dp/B000WXKNM0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BJ9LJJF8XCQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0-r9GwOzw1_PlJip6FiAfwU_gQjGjxca7fZMCmk426cuua41QA3VHmGTpbFGl7_ht7EHWJRWw-pKaRaqU1GyGb-rp4hBYuRaQ1EICBR4wF4hIIyNMHAvQp-Cq-DoGvU6gvnvi7CfUdFA3X1TWUu-XH6lM6pEBgIP4fgjakt-g3hMmeHh6Uu3qz6Oz__PhopTnb9t7BtZg1Z8w1ZI0k7yNGY2lA4Ld2QAmDyM1PuYtTv7_RTyX2TY-6sdpLky0Qz29Ns_ufa71P_IPI-6FdkuD8MX3tJ7Q9z-qB8r8lPnc6Y.0k92KNxXVPcvULpmugRlqefF8REFHJZa6ryDlOp6XpM&dib_tag=se&keywords=davis+7710+davis+pro2+passive+radiation+shield&qid=1745829165&sprefix=davis+77%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1

[MrM1]

Update: I couldn't verify the shield, but it looks just like the SRS100LX and nothing like the WH31-SRS, and it makes no sense for them to manufacture a completely different shield for the 5000-array when they could use one they already have.

The SRS100LX shield is about 2 x's larger than the entire  5000-array. 

This is a picture of the WS85 (which is a similar form factor of the WS80/5000-array without temp) and the SRS100LX shield and 2 WH31-SRS shields.  The SRS100LX is pretty huge.  The Shield of the 5000-array is about 50% of the Size of the WH31-SRS shield.  You could almost put the entire 5000-array inside the SRS100LX shield.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

[Gyvate]

I think the WH32 Outdoor sensor is what you all are talking about and is supposed to work with the Ambient console.  However, I would have to relocate or put in the same area using a better shield (I like the area where the WS 5000 is mounted and would rather keep everything together). I'm also worried that a "better" shield in the current area could have the same issue.  Also, other than this "winter sunny-morning" issue, I'm pleased with the results I'm getting.  This is what started me down the path of trying a 3-sided box.

Regarding a WH32/WH32-EP (or WN32), you are free to locate it (inside a shield) wherever you want as long as the console can receive its signal.
The console will prefer the WH32/WN32/WH32-EP readings over the T/RH reading of the WS80 (WS-5000-ARRAY).
Preferred height is 2 m / 7 ft. above ground.

The shields described in the WiKi do not have your issue, as long as it's not the RS0001 or Ambient WH31-SRS, they are poor and only good in the shadow and against debris.

A Davis 7714 or an Ambient SRS100LX are good to go (of course the Barani Meteoshield and the SIAP SmaRTCELLino are for sure excellent pieces but also expensive).

I'm pretty sure the unit has the Ambient SRS100LX or at least that is what it looks like.  I'll try to verify.

The unit, the WS-5000-array, has its own little radiation shield, smaller than a WH31-RS and much smaller than a SRS100LX. These are separate "devices".

[MrM1]

I do not have a 5000-array,  but honestly, you could probably mount a 5000-array on top of a modified SRS100LX shield  (without the top plate) placing the shield of the 5000-array inside the SRS100LX shield and attaching the SRS100LX to the bottom of the array.

[Gyvate]

I do not have a 5000-array,  but honestly, you could probably mount a 5000-array on top of a modified SRS100LX shield  (without the top plate) placing the shield of the 5000-array inside the SRS100LX shield and attaching the SRS100LX to the bottom of the array.

you want to build a Matroshka-Array ...
Interesting idea.

In fact, the little shield of the WS80/WS-5000-ARRAY isn't really that bad - of course, Ambient users have the disadvantage that Ambient decided not to have the temperature correction function for the WS-2000/4000/5000 consoles activated (something which would come for free and would be helpful for the users) what Ecowitt users have.

Just take a SRS100LX and put a WH32/WN32 inside, register the WH32 als T&H sensor - case closed.

[jcjrogers]

Possible I'm missing something here in your postings. The 5000 has it's own shield. Below are links to 2 good choices for shields mentioned.
 I have used both shield and they both work well.

https://ambientweather.com/amwesrpatean.html

https://www.amazon.com/Davis-Instruments-Radiation-Shielding-7714/dp/B000WXKNM0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BJ9LJJF8XCQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0-r9GwOzw1_PlJip6FiAfwU_gQjGjxca7fZMCmk426cuua41QA3VHmGTpbFGl7_ht7EHWJRWw-pKaRaqU1GyGb-rp4hBYuRaQ1EICBR4wF4hIIyNMHAvQp-Cq-DoGvU6gvnvi7CfUdFA3X1TWUu-XH6lM6pEBgIP4fgjakt-g3hMmeHh6Uu3qz6Oz__PhopTnb9t7BtZg1Z8w1ZI0k7yNGY2lA4Ld2QAmDyM1PuYtTv7_RTyX2TY-6sdpLky0Qz29Ns_ufa71P_IPI-6FdkuD8MX3tJ7Q9z-qB8r8lPnc6Y.0k92KNxXVPcvULpmugRlqefF8REFHJZa6ryDlOp6XpM&dib_tag=se&keywords=davis+7710+davis+pro2+passive+radiation+shield&qid=1745829165&sprefix=davis+77%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1

Correct, it has a built-in shield, but it is affected by direct sunlight when the sun hits it from the sides (early morning/late afternoon). The effects in late afternoon are less just due to what is on the west side of my yard, and it appears now that the leaves are out, the west side poses no problems. When the sun is overhead, it seems to work pretty well, likely due to the shade thrown by the top of the device. I’m trying to address the sun hitting from the sides.

[jcjrogers]

The SRS100LX shield is about 2 x's larger than the entire  5000-array. 

This is a picture of the WS85 (which is a similar form factor of the WS80/5000-array without temp) and the SRS100LX shield and 2 WH31-SRS shields.  The SRS100LX is pretty huge.  The Shield of the 5000-array is about 50% of the Size of the WH31-SRS shield.  You could almost put the entire 5000-array inside the SRS100LX shield.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Okay, I can see the size difference. However if you look at this picture, you'll see that the design is very similar and nothing like the WH31-SRS shield.
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

[jcjrogers]

I do not have a 5000-array,  but honestly, you could probably mount a 5000-array on top of a modified SRS100LX shield  (without the top plate) placing the shield of the 5000-array inside the SRS100LX shield and attaching the SRS100LX to the bottom of the array.

That might work, but I'm afraid I would have to tear-up an SRS100LX shield to find out.

[jcjrogers]

In fact, the little shield of the WS80/WS-5000-ARRAY isn't really that bad - of course, Ambient users have the disadvantage that Ambient decided not to have the temperature correction function for the WS-2000/4000/5000 consoles activated (something which would come for free and would be helpful for the users) what Ecowitt users have.

Just take a SRS100LX and put a WH32/WN32 inside, register the WH32 als T&H sensor - case closed.

I would like to have the temperature correction function and would probably get an Ecowitt console if it were that simple. However, if it uses solar readings to adjust, I'm afraid it wouldn't help. My issues occur when solar readings would be relatively low, mainly sun-up and shortly thereafter.

Going with the different sensor and shield is obviously a possibility, but my fear is that it might do the same thing as if I leave in the same spot, it will receive the same direct sunlight (I would rather leave in the same spot than move somewhere else).

[Gyvate]

In fact, the little shield of the WS80/WS-5000-ARRAY isn't really that bad - of course, Ambient users have the disadvantage that Ambient decided not to have the temperature correction function for the WS-2000/4000/5000 consoles activated (something which would come for free and would be helpful for the users) what Ecowitt users have.

Just take a SRS100LX and put a WH32/WN32 inside, register the WH32 als T&H sensor - case closed.

I would like to have the temperature correction function and would probably get an Ecowitt console if it were that simple. However, if it uses solar readings to adjust, I'm afraid it wouldn't help. My issues occur when solar readings would be relatively low, mainly sun-up and shortly thereafter.

Going with the different sensor and shield is obviously a possibility, but my fear is that it might do the same thing as if I leave in the same spot, it will receive the same direct sunlight (I would rather leave in the same spot than move somewhere else).

Proper passive shields are built in a way to also take low sun positions into account.
With your WS80/WS-5000-ARRAY, you could paint the inner underside of the shiel elements with black clour, about 1/2 to 1 inch (1 - 2.5 cm) broadth, to avoid direct sunlight being reflected into the shield at low sun positions.

[jcjrogers]

The paint might have some effect, but I think I am going to talk to my handy-man to see if he can make and mount something simple as I've described (I'm handicapped and have to rely on someone else to mount this stuff for for me). He also does woodworking so he might have some good ideas. If he and I don't come up with a good shade solution, I think I will try the SRS100LX/WH32 combo and place in the same location as the 5000-array. A few questions:

• The WH 32 is compatible with the Ambient 5000 console, correct?
• Won't the WH 32 override the 5000-array sensor for "Outdoor" temperature and humidity? If so, is there a way to assign the 5000-array's temperature/humidity sensor to a channel?
• I’ve read that the SRS100LX has a flimsy mounting bracket. Is there a simple mod to help shore that up?

[Platokidd]

The paint might have some effect, but I think I am going to talk to my handy-man to see if he can make and mount something simple as I've described (I'm handicapped and have to rely on someone else to mount this stuff for for me). He also does woodworking so he might have some good ideas. If he and I don't come up with a good shade solution, I think I will try the SRS100LX/WH32 combo and place in the same location as the 5000-array. A few questions:

• The WH 32 is compatible with the Ambient 5000 console, correct?
• Won't the WH 32 override the 5000-array sensor for "Outdoor" temperature and humidity? If so, is there a way to assign the 5000-array's temperature/humidity sensor to a channel?
• I’ve read that the SRS100LX has a flimsy mounting bracket. Is there a simple mod to help shore that up?

The Ecowitt wh32 (outdoor temp) is compatible with the WS5000 console.

The WH32 will override the 5000 arrays T/H. The arrays temp cannot be set to a channel.

Yes, the SRS100LX has a flimsy bracket. Easiest solution and cleanest looking, is to buy the Powder Coated Aluminum Mounting Bracket from AW.
https://ambientweather.com/amwesrpatean.html

[Gyvate]

The paint might have some effect, but I think I am going to talk to my handy-man to see if he can make and mount something simple as I've described (I'm handicapped and have to rely on someone else to mount this stuff for for me). He also does woodworking so he might have some good ideas. If he and I don't come up with a good shade solution, I think I will try the SRS100LX/WH32 combo and place in the same location as the 5000-array. A few questions:

• The WH 32 is compatible with the Ambient 5000 console, correct?
• Won't the WH 32 override the 5000-array sensor for "Outdoor" temperature and humidity? If so, is there a way to assign the 5000-array's temperature/humidity sensor to a channel?
• I’ve read that the SRS100LX has a flimsy mounting bracket. Is there a simple mod to help shore that up?

1. yes
2. no - please read https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=faq1#what_different_types_of_temperature_sensors_exist_and_how_can_they_be_used_and_how_many_of_them
3. you can buy that piece of metal as @Platokid suggests for almost half the price of the whole SRS100LX shield from Ambient for $$$ or get such an angled piece from any hardware or DIY store for $

[jcjrogers]

Thanks guys! One more question: the Ambient website doesn't show its own WH31E as compatible with the SRS100LX, which appears to have the same dimensions as the WH32. I realize Ambient puts as little effort as possible into support and even into updating their website, but will the WH32 fit without any modifications?

[Gyvate]

Thanks guys! One more question: the Ambient website doesn't show its own WH31E as compatible with the SRS100LX, which appears to have the same dimensions as the WH32. I realize Ambient puts as little effort as possible into support and even into updating their website, but will the WH32 fit without any modifications?

the WH31E and a WH32 have the same housing size.
Ambient states for the SRS100LX
"Some sensors require the removal of mounting bracket or aesthetic covers to fit within the inner cavity of the SRS100 (WxLxH): 2.5" x 4.3" x 7.4". "
If the WH32/WH31 housing meets these requirements, it should fit. The probe of a WH32-EP will definitely fit.