Topic: WS-5000/WS80 Heater Element

[CoreyX64]

Hello,
I am new here. We’ve recently purchased a WS-5000 kit from Ambient with the intention of integrating it with other gear/automatic controls. This is an upgrade from an older 1200 series ObserverIP model that had a damaged WH24 array (permanent 100% humidity and exploded batteries from NE Ohio frigid temps)

One of those controls is the thermostat controlling the heater element of the WS80. We are not purchasing the thermostat PSU assembly because of the integration I mentioned above, but I would like to get input on those who do have that component on the voltage and ampacity rating.

The majority of the controls I’m putting in (for non-weather stuff) are 12V, so if this is the same that’s awesome. But if it’s not, I’ll need to buck/boost it accordingly.

If anyone has that piece and can share that info or a pic of the label on it, that would be wonderful. Thank you!

[Mandrake]

Off the top of my head I am not sure of the current rating but its not very high as the system is based on USB power (5V)
I am sure someone here will have measured the power pull when on.

[Jai Soone]

If you go to "https://www.ecowitt.com/shop/homePage" and search for "EC0002" (ecowitt's equivalent of Ambient Weather's "WS-5000-HEATER-AC"). Click on "Learn more". Now click on the product image. Up will pop what seems to be a pdf image that you can click on "+" to enlarge the image to where one can read the information on the power brick. Seems to be a 5V, 2000mA, 10W device.

[CoreyX64]

If you go to "https://www.ecowitt.com/shop/homePage" and search for "EC0002" (ecowitt's equivalent of Ambient Weather's "WS-5000-HEATER-AC"). Click on "Learn more". Now click on the product image. Up will pop what seems to be a pdf image that you can click on "+" to enlarge the image to where one can read the information on the power brick. Seems to be a 5V, 2000mA, 10W device.

This is exactly what I was looking for - thank you! I looked around For spec sheets on the WS80 itself and ambient didn’t provide anything in the power brick itself. Forgot about checking Ecowitt’s site.

Thank you again for the tip!

[plectron25]

Has anyone determined if the thermostat that controls the heater element is located in the sensor array, or in the power supply unit?  I saw warnings not to leave the heater on during warm weather to avoid damage, but I don't see any markings on the power supply (linked above) suggested that it has an integral thermostat.

I plan to place the power supply unit indoors, so the location of the thermostat sensor is important...

It would be nice if the heater power supply could also provide the backup power that the two batteries support so I don't ever have to go up on the roof to swap batteries...

[CoreyX64]

Has anyone determined if the thermostat that controls the heater element is located in the sensor array, or in the power supply unit?  I saw warnings not to leave the heater on during warm weather to avoid damage, but I don't see any markings on the power supply (linked above) suggested that it has an integral thermostat.

I plan to place the power supply unit indoors, so the location of the thermostat sensor is important...

It would be nice if the heater power supply could also provide the backup power that the two batteries support so I don't ever have to go up on the roof to swap batteries...

Current gen sensor arrays contain the thermostat. External control is not needed. Mine is tied into an always on 12V circuit alongside landscape lights and a plethora of other DC controls and I have notice no snow buildup or abnormal wind readings.

The heater element is entirely independent of the sensor controls. The solar panel/3V battery backup is its own thing. I thought about that too but if I’m only changing batteries every 2 years or so, I’m not terribly concerned. If I wanted to get creative, an inline step down transformer (12V > 3V) and seal/gasket the line into the battery compartment. But that’s for another time. I’m just happy it works.

[wardie]

See my post 62 here with a picture of the supply, AFAIK the power supply is just a power supply, all logic happens inside the sensor array on WS80.
https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=40977.62

[plectron25]

Thanks so much for directing me to that other discussion.  I had only seen another where there were dire warnings about not powering the heater continuously.  It all makes much more sense now.

[wardie]

Thanks so much for directing me to that other discussion.  I had only seen another where there were dire warnings about not powering the heater continuously.  It all makes much more sense now.

Also from my testing the heater was pulling about 12W when on, and the adapter is now 12V not 5V. See the other thread.