[aprssig] WS-2317-CP Wireless Weather Station

[Bruce W. Martin, KQ4TV]

For those considering purchasing WX stations from La Crosse (also  
marketed as The Weather Channel (TWC)).
I purchased their rain sensor and had some bizarre results. Here is  
the conversation I had with their tech support.

-----------------Original message------------------
From:  Bruce Martin
Subject: 	WS-2317-CP Wireless Weather Station
Date: 	November 15, 2005 12:15:26 PM CST
To: 	  support at lacrossetechnology.com


I recently purchased a WS-2317-CP Wireless Weather Station and also  
purchased the accessory Rain Gauge with PC Interface from Sam's Club.
Are there other Weather station displays that I can buy to use with  
these same set of sensors so that I can have displays in several  
rooms of the house?

Is there some adjustment somewhere for the rain gauge. We have had a  
little rain here lately and the NWS reports that we have had about  
0.2 inches of rain yet my station is reporting over 24 inches of  
rain. It would seem that something is wrong.

Is there a way to read the data from the WS-2317-CP base unit from  
just a terminal window without using the heavy weather software.  
There would seem to be a big market for your products if they can  
easily be interfaced to other operating systems and devices and not  
having to rely on the heavy weather software that only runs on one  
operating system.

-------------Reply---------------

Inquiry : 5-0706

RE: Accuracy

Bruce Martin:

Where and how is your rain gauge mounted, and are there any  
electronic devices nearby?  There are several potential causes of  
your incorrect reading.  Displays for the 2317 are not available  
separately, but it will work with a 2310 or 2315 display which is  
available from www.greatbigoutlet.com

Best Regards,

La Crosse Technology - Customer Support

-------------Reply---------------

On Nov 18, 2005, at 4:14 PM, DAVE wrote:


>
> 	Where and how is your rain gauge mounted, and are there any  
> electronic devices nearby?  There are several potential causes of  
> your incorrect reading.  Displays for the 2317 are not available  
> separately, but it will work with a 2310 or 2315 display which is  
> available from www.greatbigoutlet.com
>
>

The rain gauge is mounted on an arm sticking out from a post about 6  
ft. off the ground. The TX4 unit is about 3 ft. away. I shortened the  
cable to connect it to the TX4. The TX4 is communucating with the  
base unit via RF.

How much rain is measure with each tilting/emptying of a cup in the  
guage? .1" .01" 1mm

Bruce W. Martin, KQ4TV

-------------Reply---------------

Inquiry : 5-0706

RE: Accuracy

Bruce Martin:

	Each tip should be .02 inches.  Also since the cable has been  
modified, warranty coverage on the rain gauge is void.

Best Regards,

La Crosse Technology - Customer Support

-------------Reply---------------

On Nov 22, 2005, at 6:59 PM, DAVE wrote:

>
> 	Each tip should be .02 inches.  Also since the cable has been  
> modified, warranty coverage on the rain gauge is void.
>

Are you saying the length of the cable is a key factor in getting  
accurate rainfall measurement? It looks like you have a magnetic reed  
switch that pulses each time the buckets tip. If the sensor is 3 feet  
away why do I need 40 feet of cable.

Bruce W. Martin, KQ4TV

-------------Reply---------------

Inquiry : 5-0706

RE: Accuracy

Bruce Martin:

The length has nothing to do with accuracy, but modifying the cable  
can cause intermittent readings and other issues.
The manual also states that unauthorized modification will void your  
warranty.

Best Regards,

La Crosse Technology - Customer Support

-------------End-------------------------


So I voided the warranty by cutting and re-crimping the cable.  
Mentioning that escentially also cut all useful communications with  
La Crosse Technology.
I could buy another rain sensor for $15 and see if it makes a  
difference and try this again.

Just thought that those considering buying these products should know.

Bruce


-- 
Bruce W. Martin, KQ4TV
Mt. Juliet, TN
EM66sf