Installing and Setting Up The XC0440 Weather Station

Difficulty

TEST & TOOLS

Installing and Setting Up the XC0440 Weather Station

Summary

Have you ever heard the weather on the news or looked at your weather app and thought, 'That can't be right!' Official government weather stations for the Bureau of Meteorology are scattered around the country and commercial operations like WeatherZone have their own instruments too, but they are spread out and the weather for your suburb may be based on an instrument some distance away. The further from a metropolitan centre you are, the worse it is. For example, Gundagai, roughly half-way on the drive between Sydney and Melbourne, gains its weather data from Wagga Wagga, an hour away by highway roads.

In these situations, having your own weather station can do more than just satisfy your curiosity. It can provide you with accurate data so that you can monitor, say, how much rain your vegetable garden has had, or how hot it really is at home so that you can remotely turn on or off your air conditioning, if you have a unit equipped for that. You can also receive more accurate storm warnings for your exact location, and compare data to other people nearby who also have their weather stations connected to Weather Underground or Weather Cloud websites. This allows you to assess the accuracy of your own data. It also allows you to see trends that the official or commercial data may be too sparse to show.

ABOUT THE WEATHER STATION

THE 5-IN-1 SENSOR

The 5-in-1 is the largest part, with a rain sensor, wind vane, anemometer, thermometer, and hygrometer all in one. It is designed to be weatherproof but there are some rules about where to put it if you want accurate information out of it. The sensor needs to be at least 1.5m off the ground to get accurate wind direction and speed readings, and to avoid reflected heat from affecting temperature readings. If mounting on a roof, you may need even more height to avoid reflected heat, but that is not always possible. That's one reason the XC0440 comes with an extra sensor!

The other challenge is for the rain gauge (and, to a point, the wind instruments). A rule of thumb is to mount a rain gauge as far away from any surrounding structures or trees, as those things are tall. In other words, mount it at least 40m away from a 40m high gum tree. That is also not always possible, but is something to consider.

THE EXTRA SENSOR

The extra sensor is a temperature and humidity unit. It is designed to use indoors and outdoors, although under cover is best. If the 5-in-1 sensor is going to be affected by reflected heat, the extra sensor can give a more accurate temperature by being mounted in the shade away from such reflected heat. In our example, we mounted it to the wall under the house eaves. Used indoors, this extra sensor could tell you how well your air conditioning spreads through a house, or what the conditions in the baby's room are.

THE DISPLAY WITH SENSORS

The display is an indoor-only unit but it has a temperature and humidity sensor as well. This is really useful to compare to the outside temperature and humidity to help inform decisions like opening the windows or keeping the home closed up. Never again will you open the windows thinking it's cooler outside only to find the house shoots up to 80% humidity! The display unit is best sited away from sources of temperature changes, like the airflow from an air conditioner or draft from a heater or door. The power cord is around 1.2m long, too, so this will also influence the location.

Materials Required

1	Wireless Digital Weather Station with Colourful LCD Display and WiFi	XC0440
1	Eclipse Alkaline AA Batteries Pk 12	SB2333
1	Phillips #2 x 100mm Screwdriver	TD2237
1	Phillips #0 x 60mm Screwdriver	TD2235

Table of Contents

Step 1: Physical Assembly
Step 2: Installation
Step 3: The Setup

Step 1: Physical Assembly

THE 5-IN-1

5-In-1_Batteries.jpg

There is some physical assembly that can take place before you install any of the sensors in their locations. First, assemble the 5-in1 sensor's mounting system. This dual-purpose bracket can mount horizontally or vertically. In our example, it was mounted vertically on a TV antenna pole. On the ground, however, open the small battery door on the underside of the sensor and insert three AA Batteries according to the diagram for polarity. You will need a #0 Phillips screwdriver for this. Close the battery door and watch the red LED nearby: It should flash every twelve seconds.

Main_Assembly_Bracket_A.jpg

Main_Assembly_Bracket_B.jpg

Insert the tube section into the fitting on the base of the 5-in-1 sensor, taking note of the arrows which align the hole for the bolt. Then, one of the two smaller nuts and bolts from the hardware pack to secure it. One side has a hexagonal recess to hold the nut, while a #2 Phillips screwdriver is needed for the other side. After that, mount the base plate to the tube the same way with the other small bolt and nut, taking care to align the arrows. Choose the horizontal or vertical option depending on your needs.

THE EXTRA SENSOR

Extra_Sensor_Batteries.jpg

The only assembly for the extra sensor is installing the batteries. Remove the rear cover by sliding it down about half a centimetre, then lifting it off. Install two AA batteries, being careful of polarity, and put the cover back on in the reverse of how you took it off. There is a channel selection slide switch under the battery cover too, but ignore that unless you have multiple extra sensors. Turn the unit over, and the LED on the front should flash within twelve seconds.

THE DISPLAY

Display_Base.jpg

Assembling the display base involves attaching the stand and plugging in power. Before you do either, however, look in the middle of the back to find the backup battery cover. There will be a plastic tab sticking out: Pull it until it is fully removed, and discard it. Next, plug the USB Micro-B cable into the bottom left-hand corner of the rear of the display unit. The socket is down a recess so look closely for which way up the USB cable needs to be, and slide it in. There is a symbol above the recess, and the plug body will guide it into place. Push with a thumb or finger on the back of the plug body to make sure the plug is fully into the socket. Next, attach the stand by rocking it into place from front to back until it clicks.

Step 2: Installation

THE 5-IN-1 SENSOR

5-In-1_Sensor_On_Pole.jpg

Install the 5-in-1 sensor in your chosen location. If mounting vertically, use the four stainless steel bolts, washers, and nuts from the hardware pack. Use the backing plate on the other side of the pole, and the hexagonal recesses to hold the nuts. Use a #2 Phillips driver to screw the bolts in. Before fully tensioning the bolts, turn the unit until the arrow on top of the 5-in-1 sensor points north, so wind direction figures are accurate. You may need a compass to get this right, but remember to account for the difference between magnetic north and grid north, and that metal objects like roofs and the mounting pole can affect accuracy.

When working from ladders, use extreme caution. Two of the biggest contributing factors to ladder-related injuries are complacency and incorrect use, usually by someone who thought they knew what they were doing! See https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/outdoor/workshop/ladders for details.

If mounted horizontally to a pole, the process is the same. However, if you are screwing the base plate directly to a surface for mounting, you will need your own relevant hardware. You can use the outer set of holes in the base plate in this case.

Of course, you may not have a pole already attached to your house to mount this to! You may need Jaycar's LT3200 Antenna Barge Board Mount, but check the strength of your structure first. The thin metal fascias common on many modern roofs are not strong enough for this or any other kind of mounting bracket. The older style solid timber barge boards are much stronger.

THE EXTRA SENSOR

Extra_Sensor_Mounted.jpg

Mounting the extra sensor is best done by the keyhole in the back. Drive a nail or screw with a small enough head into the appropriate surface, (or use a drilled hole and wall plug in masonry) and hang the sensor on it. That's it, you're done!

Step 3: The Setup

CONNECTING THE SENSORS

When you first power on the display unit, it will begin searching for sensors. It should find and pair automatically. You will know when the main array is connected because the wind data panel will display data. As for the outdoor temperature and humidity display in the top left, it displays the data from both the main and secondary sensors. By default, it should show the main sensor, however if the secondary is connected first, this may be the displayed data. This can be changed by pressing the 'Channel' button on the back of the display unit. If you push and hold this button, the outdoor temperature section of the display will cycle every four seconds between the 5-in1 sensor and any extra sensors.

If the sensors are not automatically found, or after changing batteries, press the 'sensor/WiFi' button on the back of the display unit, then the reset button(s) on the sensor(s). The reset button for the extra sensor is next to the batteries, while the reset button for the 5-in-1 sensor is underneath near the battery door.

Before you set up any further data on the display unit, you will need accounts for Weather Underground and WeatherCloud if you are going to use them. Read ahead to set these up, then come back to this point and proceed with the setup of the weather station.

SETTING UP THE WI-FI

When first powered up, the display unit is in 'AP' mode, indicated by the flashing symbol in the middle bottom where the time normally is. This is 'access point' mode and is used for setup. Open the Wi-Fi settings on your phone, tablet, or computer. Where you normally look for networks to connect to, you will see a new entry: PWS-E517F8. Note that there are some grey boxes overlaid in this and the following screenshots. These are to protect the privacy of the person who made this guide! Click the PWS network (it may be necessary to disconnect from another network first) and connect to it.

WiFi_Screenshot.jpg

Once connected, you will, of course, have no internet. Open a web browser, like Chrome, or Firefox, or your phone's inbuilt one, and type in http://192.168.1.1

This will take you to a settings page like this:

WiFi_Connection_Details.jpg

Here, type in the details of the Wi-Fi network you want the weather station to connect to. Next to 'Router', find the network in your home (or wherever you are installing this). Ours is greyed out because this test was done at a private home, but the name of your network and any neighbours nearby should appear. Choose yours.

Next, add your Wi-Fi password, again the one you use at home normally. Then you can add the Wunderground and WeatherCloud details if you are using them, as detailed further on. The Mac address is automatic, but we greyed it out so no one could see ours and find our location with it. That could only ever happen if you publish your MAC address. Click 'Complete', and you're done! Your weather station will disconnect your device from the PSW network, and then connect to the home network you just entered.

Of course, if you are not using the Wi-Fi features, you can skip all of this.

SETTING UP THE DISPLAY

Time_Zone_Change.jpg

After connecting to the network, your XC0440 display unit should sync to a time server. However, it may not know your location properly, so you will have to change the time zone. Press and hold the button with the clock symbol on the back of the unit, for two seconds. There should be a flashing '00' where the time was. Use the up and down arrow buttons on the back to change your timezone. The numbers are the number of hours different from UTC (universal time) that your time zone is. For the East Coast of Australia, that's 10 hours for normal time, and 11 for daylight saving time, which you often see as 'UTC+10' or 'GMT+10'. For anyone else, your time zone will look like that too, and your phone's settings page should tell you which is yours. You can also change other date and time information here.

Wind_Data_Change.jpg

You can also change the wind speed display, choosing from Knots, Miles Per Hour, Kilometres Per Hour, or Metres Per Second. Press and hold the 'Wind' button for two seconds, which is the button on the front with symbols that look a bit like music notes and rain drops together. It's on the bottom row of buttons toward the middle right. Then, use the up and down arrow buttons on the back to choose a unit, and press the 'wind' button again to set it.

The instruction booklet contains a lot more settings, but most people won't need them except perhaps for changing the rainfall units. However, comparing our instructions and pictures to the instruction manual should help you figure them out! Now, your XC0440 Weather Station is ready to enjoy!

SETTING UP WEATHER UNDERGROUND

In a new web browser, type in www.wunderground.com, and the home page should appear. In the far right corner, click 'log in', circled here in red.

Wunderground_Homepage.jpg

Of course you cannot log in yet, but the log on screen contains the button to sign up, circled again in red.

Wunderground_SignUp.jpg

On the following screen, enter details including your first name only, the email address you wish to use, and a password according to the rules under the password field. As before, we have covered personal details from our test screen, which used a staff member's real details. When finished, click 'sign up' at the bottom of the screen.

Wunderground_SignUp_2.jpg

Go back to the home page and log in with your new account. Click 'My Profile' at the top right, and select 'My Devices'.

Wunderground_My_Devices.jpg

You will be presented with an empty list. Over to the right, is a blue button marked 'Add New Device'. Click it.

Wunderground_My_Devices_2.jpg

On the new screen that pops up, click the dropdown box and scroll all the way to the bottom to select 'other', then press 'Next'.

Wunderground_New_Device_Other.jpg

Select your location by typing in the property address. We greyed ours out again so we aren't showing the world where our staff member lives, but you will get a map with a pin showing the location, so you can verify, as well as elevation, latitude and longitude, suburb (called 'neighborhood'), and time zone. Click 'Next' if you are happy with the result.

Wunderground_New_Device_Location.jpg

You will now be prompted to 'Tell Us More About Your Device'. You can make up your own name for the first field. Elevation can be found from topographic maps for your area, which in most Australian states are now viewable online for free. There are other free mapping tools too, and Google Earth can also do the job. The 'Device Hardware' must also be set to 'other', 'while surface type' is whatever you are mounting the 5-in-1 sensor near. Ours is on a Colorbond roof, so we chose 'metal'. Height above ground is in feet, so be careful of that one. So is 'elevation', but we forgot to convert that one and had to go back later on . When done, click 'Next'.

Wunderground_New_Device_Details.jpg

Your weather station is now registered with Weather Underground. Record the station ID and Station Key for later use, in setting up the Display unit. You can exit the page now.

Wunderground_New_Device_Registration.jpg

SETTING UP WEATHERCLOUD

Open a new browser window and type in 'www.weathercloud.net/en' Note the .net rather than .com! Enter a username, your chosen email address, and a password that is made up of letters and numbers only, and click the blue 'sign up' button.

WeatherCloud_SignUp.jpg

After this, you need to go to your email to find the validation email from WeatherCloud, and click 'Activate My Account'. You will be unable to log in at all until you have done this. When you have, you can log into the WeatherCloud site through the 'get started' tab on the home page.

On the home page are two panels: 'Your Devices' and 'Devices You Follow'. Click 'Create Device'.

WeatherCloud_Add.jpg

The 'Create Device' page asks for a range of details. Name is the name you choose for the weather station. Model should be set to W100 and Link type should be 'Pro Weather Link'. On the right, fill in your location data. For latitude and longitude, use the 'Get Coordinates' button.

WeatherCloud_New_Device.jpg

This brings up a map, which you can zoom in to street level to click your property, and gain the coordinates you need. They will be pre-filled in the form once you click 'done'. Then, you can click the green 'Create' button at the bottom of the device details page.

Coordinates.jpg

Go back to 'Your Devices', and click the one you just created. On the right-hand side of the page, towards the top, is a 'settings' button. Click it for a dropdown menu, and click 'Link Device'. As usual, the grey box in the image protects personal data.

WeatherCloud_Link_Device.jpg

This button brings up a dialogue box with the details of your weather station device, for use in the Wi-Fi setup section of the display unit above. Record these details for use later. As usual, we greyed ours to protect privacy.