Ambient Weather WS-YG302

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Ambient Weather WS-YG302 Cherry Finish Brass Dial

Traditional Weather Station User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2

2. Preparation ...................................................................................................................................... 2

3. Care and Cleaning ........................................................................................................................... 2

4. Hygrometer (Humidity Meter) ........................................................................................................ 3

4.1 How the hygrometer works .................................................................................................... 3

4.2 Hygrometer Accuracy............................................................................................................. 3

5. Aneroid Barometer .......................................................................................................................... 3

5.1 How the aneroid barometer works ......................................................................................... 3

5.2 Reading the barometer............................................................................................................ 3

5.3 Absolute vs. Relative Pressure ...................................................................................................... 4

5.4 Barometer Calibration ............................................................................................................ 4

6. Dial Thermometer ........................................................................................................................... 5

7. Installation ....................................................................................................................................... 5

8. Measurement Specifications ........................................................................................................... 5

9. Warranty Information ...................................................................................................................... 5

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Summary

Care and Cleaning Instructions

Hygrometer Functionality

How the Hygrometer Works

Explains the measurement principle of the hygrometer using a sensitive mechanical coil spring.

Hygrometer Accuracy Considerations

Discusses challenges in humidity measurement accuracy and factors affecting it.

Aneroid Barometer Operation

Aneroid Barometer Mechanism

Details the mechanism of an aneroid barometer using an evacuated metal capsule.

Reading and Using the Barometer

Advises on tapping the barometer for accurate readings and its use in weather forecasting.

Absolute vs. Relative Pressure

Explains the difference between absolute and sea-level corrected barometric pressure.

Barometer Calibration Guide

Instructions for calibrating the barometer for altitude and accurate readings.

The Ambient Weather WS-YG302 is a traditional weather station featuring a cherry finish and a brass dial. This user manual provides comprehensive details on its function, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance.

Function Description

The WS-YG302 weather station integrates three key instruments: a hygrometer (humidity meter), an aneroid barometer, and a dial thermometer. These instruments work together to provide indoor environmental readings and assist in basic weather forecasting.

The hygrometer measures the indoor relative humidity. It utilizes a sensitive mechanical coil spring bonded with a moisture-absorbent material. This coil expands or contracts in response to changes in air moisture, driving an indicator needle to display the humidity percentage. The hygrometer's readings reflect the percentage of water vapor present in the air relative to the maximum amount that can be present at a given temperature. It's important to note that hygrometers respond slowly to humidity changes, taking an hour or more to reach an accurate reading. They measure indoor humidity, which can differ significantly from outdoor humidity. Optimal indoor humidity levels are generally between 45% and 50% during heating and cooling seasons. Low humidity can lead to health issues and damage wood furnishings, while high humidity can promote mold and mildew growth.

The aneroid barometer measures atmospheric pressure. It employs a small, flexible metal box called an aneroid cell, made from an alloy of beryllium and copper. This evacuated capsule is prevented from collapsing by a strong spring. Small changes in external air pressure cause the cell to expand or contract. These tiny movements are amplified by mechanical levers, which then drive the indicator needle on the barometer's face. A manually set needle is included to mark the current measurement, allowing users to observe changes in pressure over time. The barometer's ability to indicate changes in barometric pressure makes it a useful tool for weather forecasting. Users are advised to lightly tap the glass near the center brass knob before taking a reading to overcome any friction that might affect accuracy, especially during periods of slow atmospheric changes.

The dial thermometer measures indoor temperature. It uses a bimetallic strip wrapped into a coil. One end of the coil is fixed to the device's housing, while the other end drives an indicating needle. The principle behind this thermometer relies on the fact that different metals expand at different rates when warmed. As the bimetallic strip heats or cools, it bends, causing the needle to move and display the temperature. Bimetallic thermometers are generally less accurate than bulb (mercury or red spirit) thermometers.

Important Technical Specifications

Indoor Temperature:
- Range: -40 to 140 °F
- Accuracy: ± 3.6 °F
- Resolution: 2 °F
Indoor Humidity:
- Range: 0 to 100%
- Accuracy:
  - 20%-45%: ± 9%
  - 45%-75%: ± 6%
  - 75%-98%: ± 9%
- Resolution: 1%
Barometric Pressure:
- Range: 940 hPa to 1070 hPa (approximately -100 to 7,000')
- Accuracy:
  - 1060hPa - 1030hPa: ± 10hPa
  - 1030hPa - 990hPa: ± 5hPa
  - 990hPa - 960hPa: ± 10hPa
- Resolution: 1 hPa

Usage Features

Weather Forecasting with Barometer: The barometer aids in weather forecasting based on the rate of change of barometric pressure. Generally, increasing pressure indicates improving weather (sunny to partly cloudy), while decreasing pressure suggests degrading weather (cloudy to rain).
- A fast rise in barometric pressure typically means good weather of short duration.
- A rapid drop indicates nearby disturbances or short-duration showers.
- A regular elevation in pressure usually signifies clear, dry weather conditions (cold and dry in winter).
- A slow but continuous drop suggests persistent bad weather.
- Slow drops of 2-3 tenths mbar over 24 hours indicate a depression some distance away.
- Drops of 1-2 tenths mbar per hour suggest nearby disturbances of short duration.
- Steep drops of 6-10 tenths mbar within 4-5 hours indicate coming rain and/or storms with strong winds.
Absolute vs. Relative Pressure: The barometer measures absolute pressure at your location. For comparison with official weather reports, meteorologists correct pressure to sea-level conditions, known as relative pressure. To set the relative pressure, users should locate an official reporting station (e.g., Weather.com or Wunderground.com) and adjust their weather station to match the reported sea-level pressure. The standard sea-level pressure is 29.92 in Hg (1013 mb). Readings greater than this are considered high pressure, and less than this are low pressure.
Barometer Calibration: The barometer can be calibrated for sea-level pressure. A small screw on the back allows for adjustment using a flat blade screwdriver. Users should turn the screw slightly in either direction while observing the indicator needle, tapping the barometer to settle the needle. This process should be repeated until the correct pressure reading is obtained, matching a local official reporting station. The screw should not be turned too far counter-clockwise to prevent it from falling out. Once calibrated, further adjustment is only needed if the barometer is moved to a new geographic location.
Installation: The weather station is designed for indoor use only. It should be hung on a wall using the hole built into the plaque, in a clean area.

Maintenance Features

Preparation: Upon receiving the weather station, remove the protective pad and circular instruction sheet that prevent damage to the barometer glass case during shipment. The barometer is then ready for use.
Care and Cleaning of Wood Case: The solid wood case has a clear, satin lacquer finish for protection. While occasional use of furniture polish is acceptable, periodic cleaning with a very lightly water-dampened soft cloth is recommended. Always wipe the wood dry with a soft cloth after cleaning.
Care and Cleaning of Lenses and Bezels: Avoid harsh household cleaners and coarse paper towels, which can damage the lacquer coating or scratch the bezel or lens. Fingerprints and dirt can be removed from the lenses and bezels with a soft cloth lightly dampened with a mixture of water and mild dishwashing liquid. Ensure the lens and bezel are dried with a soft cloth after cleaning.
Hygrometer Accuracy and Recalibration: Humidity measurement is challenging, and hygrometers can be subject to drift, requiring regular recalibration to maintain accuracy.
Dial Thermometer Calibration: The dial thermometer typically does not require calibration.
Warranty: Ambient, LLC provides a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the original date of purchase. The warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and requires contacting Ambient, LLC for problem determination and service procedures. Proof of purchase (original dated bill of sale) is required for warranty service. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship but excludes damage from accidents, unreasonable use, neglect, failure to follow instructions, unauthorized repairs, non-home use, or applications for which the product was not intended (e.g., outdoor use). It covers actual product defects but not installation costs, normal setup adjustments, or performance variations due to installation-related circumstances.