WR 25
WR 25
Weather Report ™
Digital Weather Station
WR-25
Thank you for purchasing a Weather Report. Your package should contain a WR-25
console, wind sensor, temperature/humidity sensor, rain collector and this manual.
Normal Operation
When in normal operation (no buttons depressed). the instrument displays current
wind direction and speed, cycles current time and date, cycles current indoor,
outdoor and if selected, aux temperatures (if both the indoor and outdoor indicator
lights are extinguished, Aux. temperature is displayed) cycles current barometric
pressure, current relative humidity, and cycles daily, monthly and term cumulative
rainfall. By utilizing the hold buttons associated with each display, the user may
select the most important readings to the user. When wind speed exceeds 99 miles
per hour, a small green light will turn on between the digits of the wind speed
display.
Trend indicators (arrows) are located to the right of the temperature, relative
humidity, and barometric pressure displays. If, for example, the current relative
humidity was increasing. the up trend arrow would be lit. If there was no change, no
arrow would be lit.
The WR-25 uses three sensors to gather weather data. The wind direction and
speed sensor, the temperature and humidity sensor (a small black box) and the
rain collector (see figure 1). The wind sensor and the rain collector are
designed to mount to a television type mast (not provided). The cables from
the sensors attach to the console via RJ-45 connectors in the rear of the unit.
Each sensor has its own color coded plug, yellow for wind, blue for
humidity/temperature and blue for rain. The blue connectors are
interchangeable with each other.
The WR-25 wind direction and speed sensor is normally mounted on television
type antenna masts (see Figure 1). For best results the wind sensor should be
mounted at least 10 feet above the roof of the building. The higher the
installation, the more accurate the readings. There is one yellow cable
consisting of eight wires that must be strung from the wind sensor to the
console. The wind direction sensor is calibrated at the factory and should be
installed with the mounting arm pointed to the North. The wind sensor arm can
be mounted and calibrated in any direction, but it is more convenient to use
North as a reference. If calibration is necessary after the unit is already
mounted, pick a calm day or immobilize the wind vane by hand. Enter
calibration mode on the display (see page 9) and step the direction around
using the min or max key, or load the optional TWI_LOG program (see page
13) in your computer and change item 7, wind dir offset, until the proper
direction achieved.
Plug the sensor cables and the serial cable into the connectors in the rear of
the console. Plug the wall transformer into a 120V wall socket to power up the
unit.
Date/Time Hold
Windchill
Temperature Hold
Comfort
Barometer/Humidity Hold
Average Last
Rainfall Hold
FUNCTION KEYS
Select The select key, when pressed at the same time as the report key,
puts the unit into time/date and lunar/tide cycle set mode. When the select
and scale keys are pressed at the same time, the unit enters the calibration
set mode. When the select and average keys are pressed at the same time,
the unit enters the printer set mode. When select and last are pressed at the
same time the instrument enters rainfall history set.
Clear The clear key, when depressed, causes the unit to display the date
and time of the last memory clear. Pressing clear and minimum at the same
time clears the unit's memory. Pressing clear and maximum at the same
time also clears the unit's memory. Pressing clear and last rain clears the
term rainfall.
Maximum The maximum key functions the same as the minimum key, but
with maximum readings.
Scale The scale key changes the displays from reading in English values to
those of Metric values. The inch light near the rain display is on when the
instrument is in English mode. The English to Metric equivalents are miles per
hour or Knots to Kilometers per hour, Fahrenheit to Celsius, Inches of Mercury
to Millibars, Inches of rain to Centimeters of rain. Pressing the select and
scale key at the same time puts the unit into calibration mode.
Report Pressing the report key sends current data to the serial port. The
report key, when depressed at the same time as the select key, puts the unit
into its time setting function.
Hold The hold key when depressed (toggled on) stops the cycling between
two different parameters on the same display.
Comfort The comfort key, when depressed, calculates and displays, using
humidity and temperature, a factor which represents how warm the
temperature feels.
Last The last key, when pressed, displays the time and date of the last
rainfall and its rainfall rate. When pressed at the same time as the clear key,
the instrument clears the term rainfall register. When last pressed at the
same time as select, the unit enters into rainfall history mode.
Average When toggled on, the dot below the Av light (near the wind speed
display), indicating that the unit is in wind averaging mode. When in wind
averaging mode, the instrument displays the previous minute's average wind
direction and speed. When pressing the average key and the select key and
the select key at the same time, the unit enters into the printer set mode.
Press select and report at the same time, and the last two digits of the year
displays (i.e., 90 = 1990). Press the maximum button to advance the year; the
minimum button to retard the year.
.
Report
Time/Date Hold
Windchill
Temperature Hold 90
Comfort
Barometer/Humidity Hold
Last
Rainfall Hold
WEATHER REPORT
Press select a second time, and the month will be displayed (i.e., 1 = Jan. and
12 = Dec.). Press the maximum and minimum key to set the month.
Report
Hold 12 - - AM
PM
Press select a third time, and the day of the month (1-31) digits light. Press the
maximum to advance the date and minimum to retard the date.
Report
Hold - - .25 AM
PM
Report
Hold 04 AM
PM
Press select a fifth time (note the colon between the hours and minutes), and
the unit will display the time in military hour style. Press the maximum button to
advance the hour or minimum to retard the hour.
Report
Hold 23 :- - AM
PM
Press select a sixth time (note the colon between the hours and minutes), and
the unit will display minutes. Press the maximum or minimum buttons.
Report
Hold - - .42 AM
PM
Press select a seventh time (note only the right two digits); the unit will display
seconds. Press the maximum or minimum buttons to set the seconds.
(note: the seconds is updated on the display only when the maximum or
minimum button is being depressed).
Report
Hold 22 AM
PM
Press select a eighth time (a single dot at the bottom separates the hour and
minute); the lunar/tide clock will display the number of hours in a cycle.
Press the maximum or minimum buttons to set the hours of the cycle
(explained in the Lunar Tide section).
Hold 12.- - AM
PM
Press select an ninth time (the single dot remains at the bottom, separating the
hour and minute); the lunar/tide clock will display the minutes of the cycle. Press
the maximum or minimum buttons to set the minutes of the cycle.
Report
Hold - -.51 AM
PM
Press select a tenth time (the single dot is now located at the top, between the
hour and minute); the peak of the cycle hour (usually high tide) will be displayed.
Change as desired.
Report
Hold 09 ' - - AM
PM
Press select an eleventh time (the single dot remains at the top between the
hour and minute), and the minutes of the peak hour will be displayed. Change
as desired.
Report
Hold - -' 31 AM
PM
Press select a twelfth time and the unit will return to normal display mode.
Calibration mode
Calibration Method
Press select and scale at the same time, and the unit enters the calibration
mode, first displaying the Aux temperature. (If the Aux dip switch is in the off
Report
Time/Date Hold
Windchill
Temperature Hold 76
Comfort
Barometer/Humidity Hold
Last
Rainfall Hold
W EATHER REPORT
Press select a second time and the unit displays the indoor temperature.
Press the maximum or minimum key to enter the actual temperature.
Windchill
Hold
Indoor
O utdoor - -.73
Press select a third time - the unit displays the outdoor temperature. Press the
maximum or minimum key to enter the actual temperature.
Windchill
Hold
Indoor
O utdoor - -.28
Press select a fourth time, and the unit displays barometric pressure. Press the
maximum or minimum key to enter the actual barometric pressure.
Hold 29 .9 2
Press select a fifth time, and the unit displays in the rainfall window: 0, 1, 2, or
3. 2 is the normal display. Press the maximum or minimum key to enter the
proper number (see calibration reference for more information).
Last
Hold
D aily
Monthly 2 IInch
Term
Press select a sixth time; the unit will display in the rainfall window a reading
ranging from .01 to .1. Press the maximum or minimum button to enter the
proper number.
Last
Hold
D aily
Monthly .01 IInch
Term
Press select a seventh time - the unit displays wind direction. Press the
maximum or minimum key to enter the actual wind direction.
Press select an eighth time - the unit will return to the normal display mode.
This function is only used if a new humidity sensor is installed. Press select and
humidity hold to enter this mode. The first number to appear is the voltage at
0% humidity that the sensor outputs. Press select again and a second number
will appear. This larger number is the voltage that the sensor outputs at 75%
humidity. The humidity calibration numbers are found on the
humidity/temperature sensor and on the back of the instrument console. These
calibration numbers are supplied to us by the manufacturer of the sensor and
are normally not changed.
Pressing select and average at the same time puts the unit into print set mode.
The unit first displays the report interval in number of hours between lines of
printed information. Press the maximum and minimum keys to change
display.
Pressing select a second time displays the number of minutes between lines of
information. Press the maximum and minimum keys to change the display.
Press select a third time, and the minimum/maximum and form feed options 0
through 7 may be selected as illustrated in the table below:
Press select a fourth time to select the baud rate of the serial output. Press the
maximum and minimum keys to change the display.
Press select a fifth time to select log interval hours. The log interval tells the
Weather Report to send data to the internal memory and at what interval to do
so. Press the maximum or minimum to change the display.
Press select a sixth time to select the log interval minutes. Press the maximum
or minimum to change the display.
Press select a seventh time and a number between 0 and 255 will appear in
the pressure/humidity window which represents output options. Enter the
proper option number by pressing the maximum or the minimum keys. The
output options control the selection of such things as AM PM, wind speed
knots, auxiliary display and average wind speed output. (Look at the first item
Press select a eighth time and the unit will return to a normal display.
Connect the 9pin female DB-9 plug of one end of the supplied RS-232 cable
into the male DB-9 plug of the WR-25. Plug the other end of the RS-232 cable
using either the DB-25 or the DB-9 female plugs into a open com port on your
computer (all com ports on computers are either 9pin male or 25 pin males). If
you do not use the supplied cable, please note that a null modem adapter is
required to properly talk to a computer, the supplied cable has one built in.
The WR-25 via its RS-232 interface can communicate with computers running
either the optional TWI-LOG program or standard computer communication
programs. The WR-25 responds to the following ASCII characters sent by
computers, with ASCII space delimited text.
Command Characters
c- Unit responds with a daily minimum and maximum of all parameters, then
clears. The term rain is present rather than rainfall rate.
Sample
MIN 07/24/90 SW 00MPH 070F 067F 067F 054% 30.00" 00.19"D 01.38"M 00.00"T
MAX 07/24/90 SSE 25MPH 052F 071F 092F 099% 30.06" 00.19"D 01.38"M 00.72"T
Sample
TA 10:33 038F TA 09:32 056 F
TO 04:15 075F TI 15:03 080 F
TO 10:33 038F TO 16:10 056 F
RH 15:44 033% RH 01:40 060 %
BP 16:11 29.57” BP 10:20 30.15"
RD 04/29 00:00“ RT 01:00"
RM 03.32“ WS 00:00 000 MPH 048
The system has two completely separate memory buffers (C and M
commands).
R- Unit responds with current conditions. The rainfall rate is present rather
than the term rain. (Note: in 30.04R the “R” denotes rising pressure)
Sample
5:15 07/24/90 SSE 04MPH 052F 069F 078F 099% 30.04R 00.19"D 01.38"M 11.78"T
r- Unit responds with current conditions. The term rain is present rather than
the rainfall rate. (Note: in 30.04F the “F” denotes falling pressure, a “S”
character denotes steady pressure.)
Sample
5:15 07/24/90 SSE 04MPH 052F 069F 078F 099% 30.04F 00.19"D 01.38"M 00.72"R
K- Unit responds with current calculated values, for dew point, Windchill and
heat index.
Twi_Log Program
Note: TWI LOG is no longer sent with the weather stations. The TWI Cal
Windows program has replaced TWI_LOG and is included with the weather
station. If for some reason you still need the TWI_LOG program it is available
on our website at www.texas-weather.com.
Pressing selection 3 accesses the WRL via modems and phone lines.
WRL access can be modified by editing the twi_com.dat file on your TWI_LOG disk. To
change the configuration load twi_com.dat into a text editor and change to your preference.
The first station in this example is identified as green. It is set up on com 1 at 2400 baud, no
parity, eight data bits and one stop bit. BIN, DSO, CD0, and CS0 are various configuration
parameters that must be in the string. The TWI station is configured as a remote unit. A
modem would be connected to com1 set at 2400 baud, no parity, 8 data bits and one stop bit.
The ATE0QV1M1X4S0=0 is the modem configuration string required by this particular
modem. The DT1,214,234-1309 is the phone number where the remote unit and its modem
are located. Please note that TWI_LOG does not support Com3 or Com4.
F1 Report Output
F2 Retrieve Log Data
F3 Display Log Data
F4 Purge Log Data
F5 Display Cal Data
F6 Graphic Log Data
F7 Print Log Data
F8 Get Version again
F9 Set Date/Time
F10 Exit Program
Pressing F1 enables the user to communicate with the WRL using all the
commands referred to in the Communicating with the WRL (page 14) Section
of this manual.
Pressing F2 instructs the computer to retrieve data from the WRL and place
that data in a file on the disk drive. Only new data will be written to disk during
successive retrievals. Any number of WRL’s or WPS’ can be accessed and
their data will be put in different files on the drive. There will be two files written
on to your drive, log_day.??? and log_rec.???. Log_day. ??? has the
minimum and maximum values and log_rec.??? has the individual records.
Each file has a file extenuation that corresponds to the ID number of each
weather unit. The ID number can be changed through the calibration (F5)
routine in Twi_Log. For example if you downloaded data from a unit with the ID
of 124 the data for that unit would be found in log_rec.124.
Pressing F3 displays the data written on disk. Press the up arrow key to go up
or down one record at a time, press the page up or down keys to display one
screen of data at a time, press the home or end key to go to the top or bottom
of the file. The delete key takes all records prior to that displayed at the top of
the screen and transfers that data to an archive file arc_log.??? file. The
extension ??? will be the same as the unit number. The data that is archived is
removed from the current display and log file.
Note: This screen and its index numberswill vary depending on what options
are installed.
Pressing F7 will take the current binary data file and convert it to a text file. The
text file will be named prn_day.??? for the minimums and maximums and
prn_rec.??? for the record. The extension of the files will correspond with the
ID number of the weather unit whose record is being converted.
Pressing F8 will display the version number of the firmware in the WRL.
Pressing F9 will set the weather station time to match that of the computer.
You may look at data that is stored on disk even if you are not tied directly to
that weather station by entering TWI_LOG /ixxx where xxx equals the ID number
of the unit (the unit ID may be set using the F5 function key within TWI_LOG).
At the DOS prompt TWI_LOG /I135 would access the data for unit 135.
REFERENCE
Control Options
Control options can be changed through the print set routine, see page 13 for
directions on changing this number. These control options can also be changed
through the optional TWI_LOG program F5 screen. The first control option is wind
speed scale. When turned on, the wind speed is in knots instead of the normal mile
per hour or kilometer per hour when in metric scale. The second control option selects
the manner in which the time is displayed. 24 hour military style or the AM PM format.
When on, the AM PM style is displayed. Aux display disable is the third option, when it
is on the temperature display cycles between the indoor and outdoor values only. If you
do not have options such as aux temperature or solar radiation aux display disable
should be turned on. Instant wind speed output is the fourth option. When turned on
To turn on the desired control options via the weather station display, refer to the table
below, add up the values of the controls that should be turned on and enter that value
into the weather instrument via the print set function (see page 13). The default value is
224. For example if you wanted AM PM turned on and instant wind speed output
turned on you would add 32+128 which equals 192. Enter 192 into the weather
instrument via the print set function.
Option Value
Knots on 16
AM PM on 32
Aux disable on 64
Instant wind speed on 128
total
You may also change these functions via the software program TWI_LOG F5 routine
RS-232 Interface
RS-232 Interface
Modem Installation
A modem may be used with the WR-25 for remote operations. A modem
adapter which is available from TWI must be used to properly connect the
weather station to a modem. For auto answering, an auto-answering modem
with non-volatile memory must be used. The WR-25 does not send AT control
signals, so in order for the modem to properly answer, the modem must be told
(programmed with a computer) to answer on whichever ring the user desires.
Typical Output
15:00 07/24/90 SE 03MPH 070F 069F 082F 090% 30.04S 00.01"D 01.20"M 00.00"R
15:15 07/24/90 SSE 04MPH 052F 069F 078F 099% 30.04S 00.19"D 01.38"M 00.72"R
15:30 07/24/90 SE 02MPH 065F 068F 072F 089% 30.04S 00.19"D 01.38"M 00.00"R
MIN 07/24/90 SW 00MPH 070F 067F 067F 054% 30.00" 00.19"D 01.38"M 00.00"R
MAX 07/24/90 SSE 25MPH 052F 071F 092F 099% 30.06" 00.19"D 01.38"M 00.72"R
Computer Interface
The WR-25 may be plugged directly into computers equipped with RS-232
interfaces. Data may be captured to disk by using a communication program
(i.e., Crosstalk or Procomm for the IBM-PC) or the TWI_LOG program. The
WR-25 sends data in a serial format at 300 to 19.2 baud rate, 8 data bits, no
parity and one stop bit.
Note: The WR-25 has two separate minimum and maximum memories.
Clearing the M command minimum and maximum memory will not affect the
C command minimum and maximum memory and vice-versa. The
printer/computer memories clear at 12:00 midnight every day and/or when
the c key is pressed on the computer console.
Calibration Reference
The Weather Report comes pre-calibrated from the factory, but it is possible to
recalibrate most of the primary functions of the instrument using the F5 function
of the TWI_LOG program.
Barometric Pressure
Temperature
If for some reason you suspect that the temperature is not calibrated properly,
use a quality bulb thermometer with which to calibrate. Remember, the WR-25
will be most accurate near the temperature at which it was calibrated.
Rainfall
The WR-25 is compatible with most rain collectors on the market today. The
rain inc flag is only utilized to tell the WR-25 what type rain collector is installed.
Actual measurement calibration is accomplished inside the rain collector by
adjusting two stainless steel screws.
Setting 0 turns the rainfall counter off. Setting 1 or 2 tells the WR-25 to react
with one count for every momentary switch closure of the rain collector.
Setting 3 tells the WR-25 to react with one count for every rain collector switch
transition from an open or closed state. Rain inc value tells the WR-25 how
much rainfall to display for each count. Use the TWI_LOG F5 calibration routine
index 8 and 9 to change these settings.
The daily rainfall register is zeroed every day at midnight. The monthly rainfall
register is zeroed on the last day of each month at midnight. The term rainfall
register is never zeroed automatically, it must be manually zeroed through the
TWI_LOG calibration routine or by pressing last and clear on the display at the
same time.
Report Flag
The report flag selects the format of the RS-232 output and may be changed
via the display using the print set routine or by using the TWI_LOG program
calibration routine (F5) item 15 report flag (normally used when outputting
directly to a printer).
Min/Max, when selected outputs at midnight the minimum and maximum value
for the day. The report function must be on in order for the output to occur. This
function must also be on if you want the minimum and maximum to be logged to
memory.
Form Feed, when selected sends a form-feed character at midnight, which is
normally desirable if a printer is directly hook up to the RS-232 interface.
Rainfall rate, when selected outputs rainfall rate instead of term rain in the
report function.
Keys must be pressed precisely at the same time to perform the desired
function.
To set the tide clock, follow the directions in the time set function. The first item
to be entered is the tide cycle duration. The tide cycle duration may be set from
1 to 99 hours. Twelve hours and fifty one minutes is the normal number for a
tide clock. The second item to be entered is the time of the high tide. This
information is generally found in the newspaper. If predicting the tide does not
apply to your area, any cycle that lasts between 1 and 99 hours may be
displayed.
When the clear button is depressed and held, the unit will display the date and
time the instrument's memory was last cleared. In order to clear the memories,
the clear and minimum button must be pushed at the same time. The items
cleared are as follow: minimum and maximum, wind speed, temperature
(indoor, outdoor, and aux), barometric pressure and humidity. Daily rainfall is
cleared automatically at midnight every night. Monthly rainfall is cleared
automatically at midnight on the last day of the month. Term rainfall may be
cleared at any time by the user by depressing clear and last rain at the same
time. The term rainfall register may be used for any term desired by the user,
but is most commonly used to account for yearly rainfall. The memories can
also be changed by using TWI_LOG.
If the information is available, the actual daily, monthly and term rainfall amounts
that occurred before the installation of the weather station may be manually
entered. To do so enter the rain history mode, by pressing select and last at
the same time. The first item to appear will be the dally rainfall total. Press
minimum or maximum to input the correct amount. Press select again and
the monthly rainfall amount will appear. Press select again and the unit will
display term rainfall, change as desired. Press select again and the unit will
return to normal mode.
25
Aux (solar) and Indoor Outdoor temperature, humidity
temperature- Red and rain- Blue. Either jack if
Wind Speed-Yellow Either jack if installed installed.
Power
9vdc
Power
LED
1 2 3
-
+
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15, Subpart B, of the FCC
Rules. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause interference to radio communications.
The limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference in a residential situation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the affected radio or
television
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the affected
receiver.
• Connect the equipment and the affected receiver to power outlets on
separate circuits.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
MODIFICATIONS
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Texas Weather
Instruments, Inc. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
SHIELDED CABLE
Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance
with FCC regulations.
1/6/96
Check that all connectors in the back of the unit are properly seated and that
sensor wires are on their proper junctions and secure (see to Figure 2).
Try unplugging then replugging the transformer to reset the weather station.
Check the fuse in the back of the instrument If it feels hot, replace with a .75
amp fuse available at most electronic stores.
If you still experience problems, please call 800-284-0245 and ask for Technical
Support, we will be happy to help you.
A
I
arc_log.???, 15
ASCII characters, 12 ID number, 17
AT control signals, 19 Inside temperature calibration, 16
Aux disable, 17 INSTALLATION, 2
Average, 5
average wind data, 17
L
B Last, 5
logging interval hours, 17
Barometric Pressure, 20 logging interval minutes, 17
Barometric pressure calibration, 16 Lunar Tide Cycle, 22
baud rate, 17 lunar/tide cycle, 4
C M
D
O
Daily rainfall history register, 17
daily rainfall register, 21 OPERATION, 4
day, 17 Outside temperature calibration, 16
Dewpoint, 22
P
F
pagoda, 3, 26
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE Print Set, 11
STATEMENT, 25 prn_day.???, 18
FUNCTION KEYS, 4 prn_rec.???, 18
H R
Temperature, 20
temperature/humidity sensor, 2