Ambient Weather WS-YG501 - User Manual

Version 1.1 ©Copyright 2014, Ambient LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 1
Ambient Weather WS-YG501 Galileo Thermometer,
Hygrometer and Glass Fluid Barometer
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Preparation ...................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Care and Cleaning ........................................................................................................................... 2
4. Storm Glass Barometer ................................................................................................................... 2
4.1 How the storm glass works .................................................................................................... 2
4.2 Filling the storm glass ............................................................................................................ 3
4.3 Emptying the storm glass ....................................................................................................... 3
5. Galileo Thermometer ...................................................................................................................... 4
5.1 How the Galileo thermometer works ..................................................................................... 4
5.2 How to read the Galileo thermometer .................................................................................... 4
5.3 Galileo thermometer warnings ............................................................................................... 4
6. Hygrometer (Humidity Meter) ........................................................................................................ 5
6.1 How the hygrometer works .................................................................................................... 5
6.2 Hygrometer Accuracy............................................................................................................. 5
7. Warranty Information ...................................................................................................................... 5
8. California Proposition 65…………………………………………………………………………6

Summary

Introduction

Preparation

Care and Cleaning

Storm Glass Barometer

How the storm glass works

Explains the principle behind a storm glass barometer's weather prediction.

Filling the storm glass

Step-by-step guide for filling the storm glass with colored liquid.

Emptying the storm glass

Instructions on how to safely remove liquid from the storm glass.

Galileo Thermometer

How the Galileo thermometer works

Describes the mechanism and components of a Galileo thermometer.

How to read the Galileo thermometer

Guide on interpreting temperature readings from the Galileo thermometer.

Galileo thermometer warnings

Important safety warnings and precautions for the Galileo thermometer.

Hygrometer (Humidity Meter)

How the hygrometer works

Explains the function and sensor mechanism of the hygrometer.

Hygrometer Accuracy

Discusses factors affecting hygrometer accuracy and recalibration.

Warranty Information

California Proposition 65

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Ambient Weather WS-YG501 is a multi-functional weather station that combines a Galileo thermometer, a hygrometer, and a glass fluid barometer into a single, traditional device. This guide provides comprehensive instructions for the preparation, care, and operation of this unique weather instrument, designed for indoor use to offer insights into atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity.

Function Description

The WS-YG501 serves as a traditional weather predictor and environmental monitor. Its core functions include:

• Storm Glass Barometer: This component, based on the principle that decreasing atmospheric pressure predicts stormy weather, visually indicates changes in atmospheric pressure. It consists of a sealed glass container, half-filled with water, and a narrow spout that connects to the body below the water level and rises above it, open to the atmosphere. The water level in the spout rises when air pressure is lower than when the body was sealed, and drops when air pressure is higher. This allows for the forecasting of weather changes hours in advance.

• Galileo Thermometer: This elegant thermometer measures ambient temperature using a series of floating glass bubbles within a sealed glass tube filled with paraffin oil. Each bubble is weighted with a metal tag indicating a specific temperature. As the temperature of the paraffin oil changes, its density shifts, causing different bubbles to float or sink. The lowest floating bubble within the group at the top of the cylinder indicates the current temperature. If all balls float, the temperature is below the lowest floating ball; if all sink, it's above the highest.

• Hygrometer (Humidity Meter): The hygrometer measures indoor relative humidity. It utilizes a sensitive mechanical coil spring bonded with a moisture-absorbent material. This mechanism registers the percentage of water vapor present in the air compared to the maximum possible at a given temperature. While it responds slowly to abrupt humidity changes, taking an hour or more for an accurate reading, it provides valuable information about indoor humidity levels, which are distinct from outdoor humidity reported by weather services. Optimal indoor humidity levels are generally between 45% and 50% during heating and cooling seasons, as low humidity can cause health issues and damage wood furnishings, while high humidity can lead to mold or mildew growth.

Usage Features

The WS-YG501 is designed for straightforward use and visual interpretation of weather phenomena.

• Storm Glass Barometer Operation: To prepare the storm glass, users need to fill it with distilled water, optionally adding food coloring for aesthetic appeal. A syringe and plastic tube are provided for this purpose. The storm glass is inverted during filling to prevent liquid outflow, and the tube is inserted to the bottom of the bulb. Liquid is slowly injected until the bulb is half-filled, then the glass is turned upright, and more liquid is added until it reaches an arrow mark. Users may need to adjust the liquid level over several days by comparing the storm glass's readings to current and predicted weather conditions. Evaporation is normal, requiring occasional topping off. Emptying involves attaching the syringe to the tube, inserting it into the upright storm glass, and slowly pumping out the liquid.

• Galileo Thermometer Reading: The thermometer should be placed on a flat surface. The current temperature is indicated by the lowest floating ball in the top group. If all balls are at the top, the temperature is below the lowest marked temperature; if all have sunk, it's above the highest marked temperature. This provides an approximate, yet visually engaging, temperature reading.

• Hygrometer Interpretation: The hygrometer's dial directly displays the percentage of relative humidity. Users should note that the hygrometer measures indoor humidity, which can differ significantly from outdoor conditions. It's important to allow sufficient time for the hygrometer to stabilize and provide an accurate reading, especially after significant changes in indoor conditions.

Maintenance Features

Proper care and maintenance ensure the longevity and accuracy of the WS-YG501.

• General Care: The device is intended for indoor use only and should not be installed outdoors. Harsh household cleaners and coarse paper towels should be avoided, as they can damage the lacquer or glass surfaces. Gentle cleaning with appropriate materials is recommended to preserve its appearance and functionality.

• Storm Glass Maintenance: The storm glass requires distilled water for filling to minimize streaks on the glass. Due to normal evaporation, the storm glass must be topped off occasionally to maintain its accuracy and visual appeal. The provided syringe and tube facilitate easy refilling.

• Galileo Thermometer Safety: Users are warned that the product is not a toy and should be kept away from children. In case of breakage and contact with the paraffin oil contents, hands should be washed immediately with soap and water. Ingestion of the liquid is dangerous; if ingested, the mouth should be rinsed with water, and a physician or local poison control center should be contacted. Protective gloves are recommended for cleaning up spilled liquid and broken glass.

• Hygrometer Recalibration: Humidity measurement is inherently challenging, and hygrometers are prone to drift. Regular recalibration is necessary to maintain accuracy. While the manual does not detail a user-led recalibration process, it highlights the importance of this aspect for long-term reliable readings.

The WS-YG501 combines traditional weather instruments into an aesthetically pleasing and functional unit, offering a unique way to observe and understand local atmospheric conditions.

Ambient Weather WS-YG501 Specifications