WatchDog 2000 Series Weather Stations
The WatchDog 2000 Series Weather Stations are advanced, weatherproof devices designed for comprehensive environmental monitoring. These stations are capable of collecting and logging various weather parameters with high accuracy, making them suitable for agricultural, research, and general environmental monitoring applications. The data collected can be viewed on an integrated LCD screen or downloaded for further analysis.
Function Description
The WatchDog 2000 Series Weather Stations are designed to measure, log, and display a variety of environmental data. They are equipped with multiple sensors to capture parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, dew point, and solar radiation. Some models also support external sensors for additional measurements like soil moisture, leaf wetness, and barometric pressure.
The stations feature an internal data logger that stores collected data at user-defined intervals. This data can be accessed directly through the station's keypad and LCD display, or transferred to a computer using SpecWare software. The stations also support advanced calculations such as Growing Degree Days and Chill Hours, which are crucial for pest management and crop development.
Communication options include direct connection via PC interface cable, a 75-ft Direct Connect Cable, or a Short-Range Modem Pair for wired connections. For wireless communication, a Wireless Radio Modem can be used, offering a range of up to 2 miles line-of-sight. Long-range (telephone) communication is also possible with appropriate modems.
Important Technical Specifications
The 2000 Series Weather Stations offer robust specifications suitable for extended outdoor use:
Data Capacity:
- 8800 data intervals, allowing for 183 days of data storage when logging at 30-minute intervals.
Size (L x W x H):
- 2900ET, 2700: 12 in (30 cm) x 8.5 in (21.5 cm) x 12 in (30 cm)
- 2550, 2800: 10 in (26 cm) x 8.5 in (21.5 cm) x 3.5 in (8.5 cm)
Weight (with rain collector and anemometer):
Power Source:
- 4 AA batteries.
- Battery life is approximately 10 months with alkaline batteries and 12 months with Lithium batteries.
Available External Sensor Ports:
- 6 (on model 2900ET)
- 9 (on model 2800)
Operating Temperature Range:
- -22° to 130°F (-30° to 55°C)
Sensor Specifications (Accuracy):
- Wind Speed: 0, 2-150 mph (±2 mph (±3 km/h), ±5%) or 0, 3-241 km/h
- Wind Direction: 1° increments (±4°)
- Air Temperature: -40° to 125°C (±0.3°C) or -40° to 257°F (±0.5°F)
- Relative Humidity: 0% to 100% (±2%) @5° to 50°C
- Dew Point: -73° to 60°C (±2°C) or -99° to 140°F (±4°F)
- Rainfall: 0.01" (0.25mm) resolution (±2% at < 2 in (5 cm)/hr)
- Solar Radiation: 1-1500 W/m² (±5%)
Firmware Versions and Number of Sensors:
- 2550, 2700: Firmware 6.9, 2 sensors
- 2800: Firmware 3.2, 2 sensors
- 2900ET: Firmware 6.9, 1 sensor
External Sensors (Optional):
- 3666: Leaf Wetness
- 3667 (6ft), 3667-20 (20ft): External (Soil) Temperature
- 3670i: Silicon Pyranometer
- 3668i 3668i3, 3668i6: Quantum Light
- 3669: Soil Moisture Transducer
- 6470-6 (6ft), 6470-20 (20ft): WaterScout SMEC 300 Soil Moisture/EC/Temp Sensor
- 6460 (6ft), 6460-20 (20ft): WaterScout SM 100 Soil Moisture Sensor
- 6450WD (6ft), 6450WD20 (20ft): Watermark Soil Moisture Sensor
- 6451: Irrigation On/Off
- 3671: Barometric Pressure
- 3673, 3674: Input Cable for User Supplied Sensor
- 3664: 20 ft. Sensor Extension Cable
Usage Features
The WatchDog 2000 Series Weather Stations are designed for user-friendly operation, offering both direct interaction via a keypad and LCD, and remote configuration via software.
Configuration:
- Initial Setup: The station requires checking components, setting up the anemometer, and installing the station in an open, unobstructed area.
- Logging Interval: Users can set the logging interval from 1 to 183 days. Changing the interval will alter the frequency of data storage.
- Sensor Type: External sensor ports can be assigned to specific sensor types.
- Geographic Data: Latitude and altitude can be set for accurate ET (Evapotranspiration) report calculations.
- Degree Day Calculation Method: Options include "Actual" and "S Sine" methods.
- Date and Time: The keypad can be used to set the date and time, crucial for accurate data logging.
- Display Units: Data can be displayed in English or metric units.
- Degree Day Counter: Users can enable or disable the degree day counter and set base and upper temperatures.
- Chill Hour Counter: Similar to the degree day counter, this can be enabled/disabled with base temperature settings.
- Wireless Radio Address: For wireless communication, the remote transceiver's address must be configured.
Data Access and Display:
- LCD Display: The station's LCD provides real-time readings and historical data. Users can scroll through various screens to view current sensor readings, calculated parameters (e.g., Growing Degree Days, Chill Hours), and archived data.
- Daily Archive: The station stores the last 30 days of data, which can be accessed via the "Daily Archive" key. This includes high/low temperature, humidity, total rainfall, degree day, and chill hour counters.
- SpecWare Software: For more detailed analysis and configuration, the SpecWare software offers a comprehensive interface to manage the station, download data, and generate reports.
Calibration:
- Wind Vane Calibration: The wind direction must be calibrated by pointing the weather vane north and setting the direction via the keypad.
- Rain Collector Adjustment: If the rain collector is not reading correctly, it can be adjusted by checking for debris, ensuring proper tipping spoon movement, and verifying the magnetic sensor.
Maintenance Features
Maintaining the WatchDog 2000 Series Weather Stations ensures their longevity and accuracy.
Battery Replacement:
- The stations are powered by 4 AA batteries. These should be replaced every 10-12 months.
- To replace batteries, remove the thumbscrews on the upper cover of the WatchDog (above the LCD).
- An internal clock crystal maintains station time even when batteries are removed, but for older units, the time and date must be reset immediately after battery replacement.
- A pull tab is provided to allow the clock crystal to receive power from the back-up battery, which should be removed before use.
Clearing the Logger's Memory:
- The station's memory can be cleared manually through SpecWare software. This is often done at the end of a season or when moving the station to a new location.
- Data erasure is permanent and cannot be recovered. SpecWare provides warning messages to prevent accidental clearing.
Resetting Counters:
- Rain Counter: The rain counter can be reset to zero at any time, for example, to track weekly rainfall accumulations.
- Disease Models: The disease model calculations can be reset at the beginning of a season.
General Care:
- Ensure external sensor wires are secured to the mounting pole with a plastic tie to prevent disconnection during recording.
- Regularly check for debris in the rain collector and ensure the tipping spoon moves freely.
- Keep the station in an open, unobstructed area for accurate measurements.
Warranty:
- The product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Spectrum Technologies will repair or replace defective products. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper installation, lightning, negligence, accident, or unauthorized modifications.
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