Topic: Changing sensor arrays

[theslydog]

Hi all

I have an old (2017) WH2902/2900 etc console connected to an equally old Y WH65.

The WH65 is now eating batteries about every 6 weeks. I tried changing the temperature sensor but that didn't make any difference. Anyway the I-shape WS69 array was on EOFY sale so I picked one up.

Will the WH2900 console just pick up the new WS69 when I power it up and de-power the WH65? Or do I have to do something more?

Also would there be any way to turn the rain gauge part of the WH65 into a WH40?  I also have a GW1000 and a WS80 and that has been piggy backing off the WH65 for rain.

I mean I will piggy back off the WS69 for rain but would be good to keep the rain gauge part of the old WH65 if I can.

[Wooks61]

Take a look at the Wiki for some great information:
https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start

[Gyvate]

Hi all

I have an old (2017) WH2902/2900 etc console connected to an equally old Y WH65.

The WH65 is now eating batteries about every 6 weeks. I tried changing the temperature sensor but that didn't make any difference. Anyway the I-shape WS69 array was on EOFY sale so I picked one up.

probably the supercapacitor is broken - if you are into tinkering or have someone to do it for you, you can replace it
see https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=repairs#repair_a_defective_super-capacitor_of_a_ws69
it works the same with a WH65

Will the WH2900 console just pick up the new WS69 when I power it up and de-power the WH65? Or do I have to do something more?

yes, once the old one is electrical "dead", the new one will be picked up by the console

Also would there be any way to turn the rain gauge part of the WH65 into a WH40?  I also have a GW1000 and a WS80 and that has been piggy backing off the WH65 for rain.

it depends on what exactly you mean by that - could you be a bit more specific/verbose here !?
Maybe the answer to the first question already settles this one ...

[Rover1822]

Will the WH2900 console just pick up the new WS69 when I power it up and de-power the WH65? Or do I have to do something more?

You have to make sure it is completely dead , pull the batteries, and let it sit somewhere dark for a period, may be as long as a week. Alternative is to move the unit to a site which won't be in range of the console, like office, friends house... etc

Wait for the console to show it is not receiving anything , then power up your new unit. If it is not immediately recognized (immediate , I mean like 10 minutes), then we have to look at other items that may be feeding you console data

[OldAlaskaGuy]

What about wrapping the array in a few layers of tin foil to block the signal?

[Rover1822]

What about wrapping the array in a few layers of tin foil to block the signal?

OK, without going into a discussion about tin foil hats.

It may help, but if you are trying to get to a Faraday shield, be a bit more.

The simplest, is still to move it off site.  A mile or 2 be fine, or wait for depletion of the cap.

Edit: I guess you could try both, wrap in foil and move it , frankly, I have no data on that.
 

[theslydog]

You have to make sure it is completely dead , pull the batteries, and let it sit somewhere dark for a period, may be as long as a week. Alternative is to move the unit to a site which won't be in range of the console, like office, friends house... etc

OK thanks. Will do.

Once the console has picked up the WS69 and is running with it, will it keep hold of WS69 if I start working on the WH65 and power it up to see if I can fix it?

[theslydog]

probably the supercapacitor is broken

I will check. I actually didn't think the early WH65 had a super capacitor.

Good if that is all that is wrong with it.

It works fine other than the chewing of batteries.

[theslydog]

it depends on what exactly you mean by that - could you be a bit more specific/verbose here !?
Maybe the answer to the first question already settles this one ...

Yeah, maybe.  I was thinking if I couldn't fix it there might have been someway to remove all the extra bits to turn it into only a rain gauge that used less battery power.

However, if I can fix it I will just stick it back up as I have a spare GW1100 in the cupboard that could use it.

[Gyvate]

You have to make sure it is completely dead , pull the batteries, and let it sit somewhere dark for a period, may be as long as a week. Alternative is to move the unit to a site which won't be in range of the console, like office, friends house... etc

OK thanks. Will do.

Once the console has picked up the WS69 and is running with it, will it keep hold of WS69 if I start working on the WH65 and power it up to see if I can fix it?

It usually does - however, it's always a good idea to keep a copy of the sensorIDs (paper, photo, ....) so that you can manually re-register it/them, just in case.