La Crosse Technology V61

The La Crosse Technology Wi-Fi Professional Weather Station (Model V61) is a comprehensive device designed to monitor and display various environmental conditions, both indoors and outdoors, with the added convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity for enhanced features and remote access via the La Crosse View app.

Function Description:

The weather station provides real-time and historical data for a wide range of weather parameters. Its core function is to collect and display information from its included sensors: a Rain Sensor (LTV-R3) and a Breeze Pro Sensor (LTV-WSDTH04). When connected to Wi-Fi, it leverages AccuWeather for more advanced forecast data and allows users to monitor their home environment and receive custom alerts through the La Crosse View app.

Key functionalities include:

Temperature & Humidity Monitoring: Displays current indoor and outdoor temperature (Fahrenheit/Celsius) and humidity, along with daily high/low records. It also calculates "Feels Like" temperature (Wind Chill/Heat Index) based on conditions.
Wind Data: Shows prevailing wind direction, current wind speed, and top wind speed for various timeframes (31 seconds, 60 minutes, 24 hours, 7 days, 1 month, 1 year). It includes a visual wind speed graph and wind cup animation.
Rainfall Tracking: Records rainfall for the last hour, 24 hours, 7 days, 1 month, and 1 year, as well as total rainfall since the last reset. It also tracks "Days Since Last Rain."
Barometric Pressure: Displays relative pressure in InHg or hPa, with a filled arrow indicating pressure tendency. The station's internal barometer acclimates over time or can be manually set.
Weather Forecast: Provides a 12-hour forecast using barometric pressure changes when offline. When connected to Wi-Fi, it offers enhanced forecasts from AccuWeather, including daily/hourly forecasts, chance of precipitation, and HI/LO temperatures.
Moon Phase: Displays the current moon phase based on date settings.
Customizable Alerts: Users can set high/low alerts for various parameters like wind speed, rainfall, temperature, and humidity. When an alert value is reached, the station beeps and the respective icon flashes.
LCD Display: Features a backlit LCD with adjustable brightness (4 levels + off) and an auto-dim setting for preselected times.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: Connects to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network to access AccuWeather data, synchronize time/date, and enable remote monitoring and alerts via the La Crosse View app.
Expandability: Supports up to 4 additional add-on sensors (e.g., Thermo-Hygro sensors, Water Leak Sensors) to expand monitoring capabilities.

Important Technical Specifications:

Station (V61):
- Indoor Temp. Range: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
- Indoor Humidity Range: 10 to 98%RH
- Relative Pressure Range: 23.62 to 32.48 InHg (800 to 1100 hPa)
- Power Requirements: 5.0V AC Adapter (included) for primary power, 1 "CR2032" Coin Cell Battery (included) for backup.
- Dimensions: 8.30 in. L x 1.13 in. W x 6.33 in. H (21.09 cm L x 2.88 cm W x 16.09 cm H)
- LCD Brightness: 4 Intensity Levels + OFF (Programmable Auto-Dim Backlight Option)
- Language Options: English, Spanish, French, German.
Rain Sensor (LTV-R3):
- Rainfall Range: 0 to 393.6 Inches (0 to 9999mm)
- Transmission Range: 400 Feet (121.92 Meters)
- Power Requirements: 2 "AA" batteries
- Update Interval: Every 45 Seconds
- Dimensions: 7.16 in. L x 5.24 in. W x 4.72 in. H (18.2cm L x 13.3cm W x 12.0cm H)
Breeze Pro Sensor (LTV-WSDTH04):
- Wind Speed Range: 0 to 111 mph (0 to 178 kMh)
- Degrees of Wind Direction: 360° with 16 Cardinal Directions
- Outdoor Temp. Range: -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C)
- Outdoor Humidity Range: 10 to 99%RH
- Transmission Range: 400 Feet (121.92 Meters)
- Power Requirements: 3 "AA" batteries
- Update Interval: Every 31 Seconds
- Dimensions (With Bracket): 13.39 in. L x 7.80 in. W x 9.69 in. H (34 cm L x 19.8 cm W x 24.6 cm H)
- Dimensions (Without Bracket): 9.37 in. L x 7.80 in. W x 6.97 in. H (23.8 cm L x 19.8 cm W x 17.7 cm H)
Wi-Fi Network Requirements:
- Broadcast Frequency: 2.4GHz (802.11 b/g/n)
- Network Name/Password: Must Not Exceed 45 Characters
- Network Speed: Must Be Greater than 1 Mbps
Mobile Requirements:
- Apple phones: iOS with cellular or Wi-Fi service.
- Android phones: Android OS with cellular or Wi-Fi service.

Usage Features:

Initial Setup: Involves installing batteries in the Rain Sensor and Breeze Pro Sensor, plugging in the 5V power adapter to the station, and removing the insulation tab from the station's battery compartment. Sensors should connect within 10 minutes.
La Crosse View App Integration: The app is crucial for connecting the station to Wi-Fi, adding devices, and accessing advanced features. Users can manually add devices by scanning a barcode or entering the Device ID.
Navigation: Buttons on the top of the station (ALERTS, WIND, +/-, SET, EXTRA SENSOR, TEMP, RAIN) allow users to view different data, enter settings menus, adjust values, and reset records. The LIGHT button controls backlight and auto-dim settings.
Station Settings: Accessed by holding the SET button, allowing manual configuration of language, time/date format, temperature units, pressure units, wind speed units, wind direction, and rainfall units.
Sensor Positioning:
- Rain Sensor: Mount horizontally, level, more than 3 feet (91.4 cm) above ground, in an open area, and not in a depression.
- Breeze Pro Sensor: Mount level with the solar panel facing directly south for optimal battery life and wind direction readings. Ideally, it should be on the tallest object in the area, away from obstructions like eaves, rooflines, or trees. Ensure all screws on mounting brackets are securely fastened.
Data Viewing: Dedicated buttons allow users to cycle through various data records (e.g., Wind Speed History, Rain History, Temp. & Humidity History, Daily/Hourly Forecast). Auto-scroll functions are available for some data types.
Alert Management: Alerts can be customized and activated/deactivated through the Alert Settings Menu.
Add-On Sensors: Extra sensors can be added by holding the EXTRA SENSOR button, installing batteries in the sensor, and pressing its TX button (if applicable).

Maintenance Features:

Rain Sensor Cleaning: Periodically remove leaves, grass, or debris from the funnel. Unlatch locking tabs to remove the funnel and clean inside the sensor, ensuring the rocker moves freely.
Rain Sensor Winter Storage: Options include removing batteries and storing in a safe place, removing batteries and covering in place, or leaving outside uncovered (water from melted snow will be counted as rain). The sensor is self-emptying to prevent freezing.
Battery Care:
- Do not mix old and new batteries or different types (Alkaline, Lithium, standard, rechargeable).
- Always use the correct size and grade of battery.
- Ensure correct polarity (+/-).
- Promptly remove expired batteries.
- Clean battery contacts before installation.
- Remove batteries from equipment not in use for extended periods.
Factory Reset: If experiencing issues, press and hold the ALERTS and RAIN buttons simultaneously until the display beeps to restart the station without removing the button cell battery.
Recycling & Disposal: Users are encouraged to consider the environment when disposing of the product, checking local donation centers or electronic recycling programs.