Topic: Ecowitt WS90: is data real or mixed from other stations?

[iko.]

Hi all,

I’ve been checking this forum for two years now, used the search function a lot but never participated.

I have noticed that my new Ecowitt WS90 (reporting to a GW1100) had some winds above average around 2am in the last two nights. I have tried to calibrate, reset, reset also the GW1100,... and I’m still noticing that even having the WS inside the house and covered with a blanket is giving me the same UV and wind direction than outside. It’s actually mimicking the data from the iOS Weather app, at least for wind and solar.

Don’t really know what else I can do, that’s why I posted this on another place, here and also waiting for an answer from Ecowitt. Did anyone have experience this before? Because, what’s the point of having a PWS if the data is taken from other stations?!

PS: I used to have another station before and it was ok.

[Gyvate]

- to calibrate the WS90 to a zero baseline for wind you have to put it into a wind free space (e.g. a box) and press the "CAL" button for a few seconds
- to find out if you receive the sensors of a different station from yours, you have to check the sensor ID --> WS View Plus app
- how likely is it that someone in your neighbourhood (~300 m) also has a WS90 ?
only one sensor ID of a WS90 can be connected to a GW1100 at a time

[iko.]

Thanks for your answer.

I did the calibration twice: first covered in a blanket and second time in the closet. Both times indoors.

In the image I attached before (a screenshot from WSView Plus) I can see an icon on the right that says -ID:BD- but only shows on the outdoor temperature/humidity and rain. These are actually the only measures that I find real for my WS90. Wind and solar are completely inaccurate given it was inside the closet.

It’s a residential area of houses and I know the neighbours. I would say the chance of someone having a WS90, or just a WS in general, is close to zero.

[Gyvate]

this sensor ID looks unusual for a WS90 - rather looks like a WH65/WS69.
did you check on the sensor ID page in WS View Plus (More --> Sensors ID) if and what is registered for the WS90 ? (top entry)

[Gyvate]

also, you should upgrade the firmware of your GW1100 - V.2.0.2 is not likely to work with a WS90 - current firmware is 2.2.3

[iko.]

Yes, I keep wondering what sensor name is that for outdoor temperature/humidity and rain but that’s the only data that seems to match the WS90 when was outside, in the closet,... I attach image for reference.

About the firmware, WSView Plus neither the web interface (after logging out from the app) are showing an update. It just says -It’s the latest version-.

I’m getting a headache trying to guess who’s wrong: the WS90 or me?

[Gyvate]

your GW1100 on V.2.0.2 does not support the WS90 yet.
you will have to upgrade to at least 2.2.0, better 2.2.3
did you try via WS View Plus to upgrade the GW1100 firmware ?
And obviously a WS69 is connected to the GW1100 - or what it thinks with FW 2.0.2 is a WS69
what you see in your app are data from a WS69 - an old one of yours or from some neighbour.
sometimes the "check for new firmware" button needs to be pressed several times.
Also your WS View Plus needs to be upgraded to at least 2.0.39

[iko.]

To upgrade, I tried via WSView Plus app and also the IP. Both times it’s says it’s in the latest version, which apparently is not. I even deleted the app and then log in using the IP to see if there was some sort of interference.

[Gyvate]

what version is your WS View Plus app ???

[iko.]

WSView Plus app: 2.0.38

Strange, isn’t? I wonder if Ecowitt support does take long to answer. In the meantime, I really appreciate your input on this.

[Gyvate]

did you do a factory reset of your GW1100 - press the middle part of the front button for > 10 seconds ?
or insert a staple end into the hole on the reverse side of the GW1100 between the first slits ... also > 10 seconds

[Gyvate]

WSView Plus app: 2.0.38

Strange, isn’t? I wonder if Ecowitt support does take long to answer. In the meantime, I really appreciate your input on this.

your issue is not with the WS90 - it's with the GW1100
did you tell Ecowitt support that you cannot get it upgraded ?
Otherwise they may follow a wrong lead ...

[iko.]

I did both this afternoon but I’ll do it again because this problem is keeping me awake. I’ll edit this after I do it but I suspect there will be no change.

You may be right on the problem with the GW1100 but it’s shocking to see Wind and Solar readings when there’s none.

[Gyvate]

I did both this afternoon but I’ll do it again because this problem is keeping me awake. I’ll edit this after I do it but I suspect there will be no change.

You may be right on the problem with the GW1100 but it’s shocking to see Wind and Solar readings when there’s none.

there is either a WS69 in a radius of 300 m active and registered to your GW1100 - or, due to the old firmware - it misinterprets the WS90 as a WS69. But the readings from sensor ID BD rather speak for a WS69. It also explains readings when your WS90 is covered and indoors.
You can disable the sensor (your first array picture) on the sensors ID page.

[Gyvate]

I did both this afternoon but I’ll do it again because this problem is keeping me awake. I’ll edit this after I do it but I suspect there will be no change.

You may be right on the problem with the GW1100 but it’s shocking to see Wind and Solar readings when there’s none.

make sure to constantly press and hold for >10 seconds !!! Otherwise it just does a simple reset.

[iko.]

Not much changed. Only a slight change: the sensor showing for temperature and rain is now called 0x89 instead of 0xBD. I noticed that 89 sensor name before my first reset earlier today.

[Gyvate]

Not much changed. Only a slight change: the sensor showing for temperature and rain is now called 0x89 instead of 0xBD. I noticed that 89 sensor name before my first reset earlier today.

just disable it !!! - and keep it disabled - as you say you don't have a WH65/WS69 outdoor array
then you should see still the indoor T/RH and the pressure

[iko.]

I’ve just disabled it. Following your advice, I have also update my email with Ecowitt asking why I can’t upgrade the GW1100. Maybe it all gets fixed magically overnight but I doubt it after spending all day on this. Thanks anyway!

[iko.]

Nearly a month later, and if someone ends up here after using the search feature:

I exchanged several messages with Ecowitt over the last weeks and they decided to send me a replacement of the GW1100 which solved my main issue.

However, Ecowitt never clarified if they mix data from other users or providers. I found very strange that while the WS90 was in the closet it was sending to the GW1100, solar and wind readings more appropriate to a beach location. Actually, it was almost the same data as the default Weather app on iOS.

[Gyvate]

who knows what's going on in your closet 

[henry]

Nearly a month later, and if someone ends up here after using the search feature:

I exchanged several messages with Ecowitt over the last weeks and they decided to send me a replacement of the GW1100 which solved my main issue.

However, Ecowitt never clarified if they mix data from other users or providers. I found very strange that while the WS90 was in the closet it was sending to the GW1100, solar and wind readings more appropriate to a beach location. Actually, it was almost the same data as the default Weather app on iOS.

Did you mention this problem of sensor data issue?  The device won't create its own data, as long as I have known it until now. So it must be some other sensors you left or from your neighbor's.  Is your newly received GW1100 picking up your WS90 data? The "sensor ID" page from the APP gives you insight into what sensors are being hooked on your gateway. If you took a screenshot from there and posted here, I believe we can help you to identify the problem better.