5-in-1 Weather Sensor Installation | AcuRite
5-in-1 Sensor Installation
5 Features Built into 1 Sensor
Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Direction & Rainfall
Unlike regional weather predictions from sources like the news or online, AcuRite forecasting products rely on sensors that collect organic data right from your backyard. AcuRite's sensor based weather stations track specific sets of weather related variables, like changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure to generate a forecast with pinpoint accuracy.
The AcuRite 5-in-1 sensor is designed to be easy to install and use, without compromising any of the professional weather tracking features you want. It operates wirelessly and contains a temperature / humidity sensor, self-emptying rain collector for measuring rainfall, anemometer and a wind vane. The anemometer measures wind speed, and the wind vane measures wind direction. The 5-in-1 sensor is battery powered and features a solar panel for powering an internal aspirating fan. The internal fan will assist in drawing ambient air through to reduce the heating effects of solar radiation, resulting in a more accurate air temperature measurement.
Installation Video
Step-by-Step Installation Directions
STEP 1: Remove the battery cover located on the bottom of the sensor.
STEP 2: Locate the A-B-C switch inside the battery compartment. Set the A-B-C switch to A, B or C. Be sure to choose the same channel that the A-B-C switch on the display is set to.
STEP 3: Insert 4 AA batteries into the sensor, following the polarity (+/-) diagram in the battery compartment DO NOT use heavy duty or rechargeable batteries. View battery guidelines below. Close the battery compartment cover.
STEP 4: Fasten the mounting base to a post or pole using the 4 longer screws included in the hardware bag.
STEP 5: Insert the mounting base into the hole on the bottom of the sensor. Make sure the arrows on the top of the sensor are pointed in the proper direction and the bubble level is centered.
STEP 6: Fasten the sensor into the mounting base using the 2 shorter screws included in the hardware bag.
STEP 7: Remove and discard the Rain Gauge Stabilizer taped to the bottom of the unit.
**FOR ACCURACY: Clear data collected during the installation process. During the process of installation, internal sensors may be triggered resulting in erroneous rainfall measurements. When installation is complete, you should clear erroneous data from the display console's memory. Please see your product's user manual for instructions on clearing the memory.
Your 5-in-1 Sensor is now ready to use!
Installation Guidelines
After installing batteries into the 5-in-1 sensor, you must choose a location to install the sensor. Choose an open location with no obstructions above or around the sensor for accurate rain and wind measurement. To ensure that your Professional Weather Center performs at its best, follow these guidelines:
- INSTALL AWAY FROM HEAT & HUMIDITY SOURCES
DO NOT Place the sensor near localized heat sources like heaters, air conditioners, chimneys and exhaust vents. Install the sensor away from asphalt or concrete as these surfaces radiate heat from the sun. Also avoid installing the sensor near pools, spas, or other bodies of water as these water sources may affect the accuracy of the humidity. - INSTALL AWAY FROM SPRINKLER HEADS
DO NOT install the sensor where it will be directly sprayed by a sprinkler system, this will affect the rainfall measurement accuracy and may force water into the housing. - WIND & RAIN OBSTRUCTIONS
DO NOT mount the sensor with obstructions above it, as this will ensure proper rainfall measurement. Also consider a mounting location that has very little structures around the sensor, to ensure proper wind speed and direction measurements. - 5 FT INSTALLATION HEIGHT
DO mount the sensor at least 5 feet off the ground (higher is better for accurate wind measurements) in an open area NO FURTHER than 330 feet (100 meters) from the display console. A typical installation would involve mounting the bracket to a secured length of 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 wood, 3/4" pole, etc. (not included) - LEVEL INSTALLATION
DO install the sensor as level as possible to ensure accurate rain and wind measurements. Use the bubble level on the top to ensure a level installation. - SOLAR CELL ORIENTATION
DO install the sensor onto the mounting bracket with the solar cell facing SOUTH.* This is important to ensure that the cell receives as much sun as possible, and also orients the wind direction properly. Install the sensor with the solar cell facing south* to properly orient the wind direction vane. *In the Southern Hemisphere, solar cell should be facing NORTH.
Battery Guidelines
- Use lithium batteries in the sensor when temperatures can reach below -4ºF (-20ºC). When inserting batteries, follow the polarity (+/-) diagram in the battery compartment. Only batteries of the same or equivalent type as recommended are to be used. It may take up to 20 minutes for the main unit to re-synchronize with the sensor when batteries are replaced.
- DO NOT mix old and new batteries or types of batteries (alkaline / standard). DO NOT use rechargeable batteries. DO NOT use heavy duty batteries (gold, max, super, ultra, etc.). DO NOT short-circuit the supply terminals.
- NOTE: The sensor features an integrated solar cell for collecting sunlight and converting it into usable power, however this feature is intended to EXTEND the life of the batteries you install. The sensor REQUIRES batteries to operate, and will not function on solar power alone. BATTERIES MUST BE INSTALLED FOR THE SENSOR TO OPERATE.
5-in-1 Sensor Maintenance
- HOW TO CLEAN THE SENSOR HOUSING
Clean the housing of the sensor with a damp cloth. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or materials that will mar the polished surfaces of the rain collection funnel or the solar panel - this could result in decreased performance and reliability of the sensor. - HOW TO CLEAN THE RAIN COLLECTOR CUP
Occasionally remove the rain collector screen cup and empty it. This will filter out seeds and small sticks, etc. (the rain collector screen cup is located within the rain funnel. Remove from the top gently by squeezing and pulling out). - SNOW & FREEZING WEATHER
The 5-in-1 sensor is designed to remain outdoors all year long and will not be damaged by freezing conditions. NOTE: If the rain collector cup fills with snow and then melts, it will register as rain on the unit. - HOW TO CLEAN THE WIND VANE & ANEMOMETER
Remove any foreign matter on the outside of the housing to allow for free movement of wind vane and anemometer. If needed, you can use a small amount of spray lubricant, clear silicone or graphite powder on the anemometer for improved movement. - BATTERY MAINTENANCE
Clean the battery contacts located under the battery door on the bottom of the sensor. Remove batteries from equipment which is not to be used for an extended period of time. Follow the polarity (+/-) diagram in the battery compartment. Promptly remove dead batteries from the device. Dispose of used batteries properly. Only batteries of the same or equivalent type as recommended are to be used. DO NOT mix old and new batteries or types of batteries (alkaline/standard). DO NOT use rechargeable batteries. DO NOT recharge non-rechargeable batteries. DO NOT short-circuit the supply terminals. Use lithium batteries in sensor when temperature is below -4ºF (-20ºC). - INSECT PREVENTION
In most cases, insects will not pose a problem to the sensor. However, in some instances, insects may cause repeated obstructions to weather measurement by nesting in or contaminating the sensor. In these cases, it may help to spray the housing with insect repellent to limit the problem.
SENSOR CLEANING
Items Needed: 5-in-1 sensor, Philips screwdriver, damp cloth, car wax, toothbrush (optional), moth ball (optional)
- First, open your 5-in-1 sensor by removing the (4) four screws from the bottom. The screws toward the center of the sensor are for Rain Gauge calibration only. Do not adjust these screws.
- After your sensor has been opened, remove any insects, cobwebs, or debris. An old toothbrush can help to clean out the hard-to-reach places.
- Use a damp cloth to clean off the rain gauge tipping buckets. Note: The damp cloth should only be used to clean the tipping buckets. Do not use to clean any other internal components.
- Place a small amount of car wax on a soft cloth and wipe down the tipping bucks to ensure that rain flows through smoothly.
- To further defend against insects crawling into your sensor, you may place a moth ball in the nook, near the tipping buckets (shown in video). Adhere the moth ball to the sensor with a piece of tape. Note: Insect repellant may be used for additional protection, but should not be sprayed on the internal components or into the sensor.
- Reassemble the 5-in-1 sensor by replacing the (4) four screws on the bottom of the sensor that were removed earlier.
- Clear out any false readings that were taken while you were cleaning your sensor by pressing the CLEAR TODAY button on your 5-in-1 compatible display.
RAIN GAUGE CALIBRATION
The rain gauge on the 5-in-1 sensor can be calibrated to improve accuracy.
Items Needed: 5-in-1 sensor, display console, plastic cup, pin, screw driver
- First, make sure the 5-in-1 sensor is perfectly level using the built-in bubble level.
- Place the display console close by so you can monitor it during the calibration process.
- Make a pin hole in the bottom of a plastic cup. Hold the cup over the rain gauge and fill it with exactly 1 cup (8 oz.) of water, allowing the water to drip into the rain gauge. You should hear the internal buckets tip and see the water drain through the rain gauge.
- A few seconds after each bucket tip, the display console will display rainfall in approximately 0.01" or more increments.
- The cup of water should take more than 20 minutes to empty; a quicker period will result in an inaccurate calibration. (We’re trying to simulate a normal steady rainfall.) When the cup is completely empty of water, the display console should register 1.06"
If the rain gauge doesn't register close to 1.06" after the cup is empty of water, then you should make an equal adjustment to the two calibration screws on the bottom of the 5-in-1 sensor. Be sure to adjust both screws the same amount. Turning screws clockwise will increase rainfall amount. Turning screw counter clockwise will decrease it.
Adjustment:
To adjust the rainfall reading by 2% turn both screws 1/8 of a turn.
To adjust the rainfall reading by 4% turn both screws 1/4 of a turn.
To adjust the rainfall reading by 8% turn both screws 1/2 of a turn.
- There should be nearly an equal number of water drops (typically about 25 water drops) between bucket tips. If not, then adjust the calibration screws on the bottom of the 5-in-1 sensor until an equal number of water drops are tipping the buckets. Then, restart the calibration procedure.
- If you don't hear the buckets tipping and see water dripping alternately out of each drain, there may be an issue with the rain gauge or it's adjustment. Contact Customer Support.
Troubleshooting
OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE IS FLASHING OR SHOWING DASHESFlashing of the outdoor temperature may be an indication of wireless interference. Make sure the A-B-C switch in the battery compartments of both the display unit and sensor are switched to the same letter. You may choose A, B or C; but both units must match for successful synchronization. Sometimes changing to a different channel can help.
NO OUTDOOR RECEPTION- Relocate the display unit and/or the 5-in-1 sensor. The units must be within 330ft (100m) of each other.
- Make sure both units are placed at least 3 feet (.9m) away from electronics that may interfere with the wireless communication (such as TVs, microwaves, laptops, computers, etc).
- Change the batteries. Use standard alkaline batteries (or lithium batteries in sensor when temperature is below -4ºF/-20ºC). Do not use heavy duty or rechargeable batteries. NOTE: It may take up to 5 minutes for display unit and sensor to synchronize after batteries are replaced. View battery guidelines.
Synchronize the units:
- Bring both the sensor and display unit together and power down by removing at least one battery from each and/or removing the power cord.
- Change the A-B-C switch on both units to match on the same channel. Changing to a different channel can be helpful.
- Reinstall the battery in the outdoor sensor.
- Reinstall batteries and/or power cord into the display unit.
- Let the units sit within a couple of feet of each other for approximately 5 minutes or until you see a solid sensor signal.
INACCURATE FORECAST
Weather Forecast icon predicts conditions for the next 12 to 24 hours, not current conditions.
- Has Learning Mode icon disappeared from the display unit? Learning Mode must complete before forecast and pressure will be accurate.
- Allow unit to run continuously for 33 days. Battery removal or resetting the display unit will restart Learning Mode. After 14 days, forecast should be fairly accurate, however Learning Mode calibrates for a total of 33 days.
INACCURATE TEMPERATURE OR HUMIDITY
- Make sure the sensor is placed away from any heat sources or vents.
- Make sure the sensor is positioned away from moisture sources.
- Make sure the sensor is mounted at least 5 ft off of the ground.
INACCURATE WIND READINGS
- What is wind reading being compared to? Pro weather stations are typically mounted at 30 ft high or more. Make sure to compare data using a sensor positioned at the same mounting height.
- Check location of the sensor. Ensure it’s mounted a minimum of 5 ft in the air with no obstructions around it (within several feet).
- Ensure wind cups are spinning freely. If they hesitate or stop try lubricating with graphite powder or spray lubricant.
NO RAINFALL
Be sure the plastic tab underneath the rain collector (put in place for shipping purposes) on the bottom of the 5-in-1 sensor has been removed.Make sure the 5-in-1 sensor's internal tipping lever is able to move freely by dripping a small amount of water through the rain collector. You should be able to hear the lever tipping. If you're experiencing inaccurate weather measurements from your 5-in-1 sensor, you may have internal obstructions caused by insects or debris (video above demonstrates how to remove obstructions).
INACCURATE RAINFALL