Topic: WS90 solar charging issue

[Rover1822]

This weekend I had to replace the batteries in my WS90 (Kickstarter version). This seemed really soon to have to do that. I am not using the external power cable. Then I looked at the graphs , and it appears as though the supercap is not charging or there is an issue with the solar panel connection/circuit. I'm thinking this is going to be an Ecowitt contact issue, but wonder if anyone else has experienced this. I have not done a reset on the unit as I can't fathom how that would affect it.

Here is an image of a graph that was generated from Ecowitt.net and I went back far enough to see the behavior change. You can see that it just stopped with the higher voltage peaks.

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That condition resulted in battery death as seen in this capture , also note after the battery change , the condition continues, and I expect
the batteries to die in short order. You can also see where I replaced the batteries
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Edit: Added 2nd graph of battery death

[Rover1822]

Issue sent to Ecowitt

[Rover1822]

Received Reply from Ecowitt, they do respond quickly. I did open the top, there was no sign of moisture.

Yes, we can see your problem. It looks that the problem occurred after May 29: the system seems suddenly has a high current loading. I believe it is not the solar cell issue. It can be possible that there are water or moisture inside. Can you open the top part( by turning anti-clock wise) to see if there is water inside?

We will send you a replacement shortly. Could you let me know your original order information?

[Rover1822]

My new unit should arrive next week. Little long, but they did a new production run as they were out, also stating it would be updated (no idea what that means, I'm guessing just firmware). I'm OK with that, but I'm not feeding the non charging unit anymore batteries to keep it online. For info, without the the solar , you get about a week out of 2 AA Lithium (energizers) batteries.

Those are not cheap to replace, especially not weekly.

[Autofill]

Interesting find.

I don't have batteries connected to mine, just pure DC power.

I'll keep an eye out for my ups and down like yours and then flatline.

If you find out what updates they did that would be awesome.

[Autofill]

By the way are they sending you a whole unit or are they sending you just the top part? One of the features they mentioned for the ws90 is that the parts are easily replaceable and modular.

[Rover1822]

My understanding is a complete WS90
I will post more once the unit arrives

[Rover1822]

Replacement Unit arrived today, firmware 1.1.9
Will wait for graph data on charging issue, I have to assume it will be OK

[Rover1822]

Replacement Unit arrived today, firmware 1.1.9
Will wait for graph data on charging issue, I have to assume it will be OK

New unit charging correctly

[Autofill]

Great service.

Hopefully, just a one off and not a systemic issue.

Did you confirm what the problem was (take apart your old one)? and is the only upgrade the FW?

[Rover1822]

Great service.

Hopefully, just a one off and not a systemic issue.

Did you confirm what the problem was (take apart your old one)? and is the only upgrade the FW?

I did take it apart once the new one arrived and is working. There was nothing obvious for a cause. As far as upgrade, can't tell, look the same, no other information provided.

Edit: In theory, as the unit still works on battery power alone with all the onboard sensors. If I got really bored, I could devise an alternate power supply to the battery compartment. It may also work with the 12V input cable, but as I don't know where the issue is, and there has to be voltage regulator circuitry off the 12V and no idea what shared lines that may have, I would start with the battery wiring to get it to a working unit. More than likely , I will just hold on to it for parts.

[Rover1822]

I may have spoken too soon. I'm not seeing any solar values from the unit , no UV, nada, none. All other sensors turned off on the GW2000

Edit: I wish in the interfaces like WSView / plus , there was a way to disable all. Turning off anything in the list, including learning , is a bit of a pain

[Autofill]

Wait you're saying that your replacement unit is also giving you some issues? Not cool.

Have you tried to Frankenstein the parts between the two units perhaps you can make a working unit from the parts.

[hiljo]

I may have spoken too soon. I'm not seeing any solar values from the unit , no UV, nada, none. All other sensors turned off on the GW2000

Edit: I wish in the interfaces like WSView / plus , there was a way to disable all. Turning off anything in the list, including learning , is a bit of a pain

Not to bash Ecowitt, but they could improve their quality checks after production. I'm seeing to often that even new sensors are not functioning properly. A quality check would save them a lot of customer service effort, shipment costs and replacements.
Although their customer service is always good, if a sensor has a defect, they don't hesitate to send a new one.