Plan for PC Communication Mode
All weather station 35/3600 Series models supported by the HeavyWeather 1.1 software come with an RS-232 (9-pin) serial port communication cable4. Use of this cable is required to upload data from the weather station to your computer.
Reminder: 3610 software runs the WS-3510 or WS-3512 models. The RS-232 communication for La Crosse Technology weather stations uses a proprietary communication protocol. Design data will not be released.
6 Please check your PC (usually in back) to verify that it has a serial port installed. If the computer has a serial port, it will look like a rounded rectangle with 9 pins protruding inside the frame:
Many newer PCs no longer have a serial port. If you cannot locate a serial port, depending on your system, there are relatively simple upgrades you may be able to install to support serial communication (see next page or Appendix D: Frequently Asked Questions, item #7). Caution: If you are not proficient with computer hardware, please consult a qualified technician5 before investing in a solution. Please remember to verify carefully the operating system supported by each new hardware component you intend to purchase to ensure it matches your system. We cannot provide you with complete instructions on how to buy and install the necessary hardware upgrades, nor can we provide support on these components. We can only provide a general concept summary as to what hardware upgrade options are most commonly used and might be available. Desktop Users Communication Type RS-232 Serial Hardware Needed Serial port card (9pin) How it Installs Open slot inside PC Consider before Investment May need help to install. HeavyWeather Installation Guide Used RS-232 Cable (Serial Port). This book, p. 8.
e.g. professional computer technicians may carry an A+ Certification.
Notebook Users Communication Type RS-232 Serial Hardware Needed PCMCIA Serial Port (9-pin) How it Installs Open PCMCIA slot on notebook body Consider before Investment Not all notebooks support PCMCIA. HeavyWeather Installation Guide Used RS-232 Cable (Serial Port). This book, p. 8.
Operating System User Rights On most Windows systems, you need to have administrative permissions to install software. If you do not have this permission on the target computer, please contact your system administrator or computer technician before proceeding further.

After a brief delay, you should see the HeavyWeather installation Welcome window. Select Next.
Note: The 3610 model designation will show on the Welcome screen regardless if you are installing for a WS-3510 or WS-3512.

Select Next.

Note: We do not recommend that you change any HeavyWeather path entries as there are certain tasks dependent on the default locations. The size of the installation is small, and it will not consume much space on drive C.
12 Accept the defaults on the program shortcuts screen and select Next.
Proof-read your selections (as below) and select Install.
The software will display progress screens during installation.
When the message for completing installation comes up, select Finish.
Next click on the Red X (upper right corner of window) to close the Heavy Weather software installation CD. You may remove the CD from the drive and store it in the protective CD case. A desktop icon should now be available for use of the product. Select the icon with a double-click.
You will see the main screen of the software (without weather data).
If your PC assigned your serial port to COM1, then you will notice Wind and/or temperature data fill in quickly on WS-3610 models.
Note: WS-3510 users do not receive wind or rain data. WS-3512 users do not receive temperature, humidity or rain data. These users can verify the Rel Pressure area for data.
Even if you display data quickly, you should continue on and verify the basic software configurations.
15 Find the icons in the toolbar at the top of the HeavyWeather screen. Place your mouse at the yellow ? mark, and double-click to open the Help File.

(Continued)

Notice the Contents entry on the left side of the Help screen. Find section 5.0 on the right side for the Basic Settings of the Heavy Weather Pro 3610 Software. Follow the directions in each portion of Section 5 to configure your software.
Pay particular attention to section 5.2! The COM port configured in the Options window must match the one you verified in Device Manager for the weather stations use. (Hint: This information is likely recorded in the chart provided on page 9.)
Note: The other options can be set as desired later using the Help file on screen. In particular you will want to set the Recording Interval7 (for which the base stores and reports data) and the Units section.

Recording Interval is not displayed unless the base station is connected to your PC.
18 Again, once your COM port is correct, you should begin to see data display in the application Window. The exact weather details displayed will vary according to the features supported in the model you purchased and the types of sensors you have activated. At minimum, all series 35/3600 users should have an entry in the Rel Pressure area (for barometric pressure data). Users of WS-3510 and WS-3610 should also display Indoor Temperature data if the PC serial connection is communicating.
Note: Please allow up to 72 hours for your weather station to collect sufficient outdoor data to display all data types supported in the software (exact features vary by model).
Additional Configurations The full software user Manual is contained in the HTML Help file. Examples of content covered: You have the option to view weather information as graphics or data, set alarms, etc. In Extras|Options, you will want to review the Units of measure tab to ensure they reflect data in the measurement language you prefer. You can organize and graph your data with the HeavyWeather Review module.
Additional Software Modules
HeavyWeather Review HeavyWeather Review helps you graph the data uploaded to the PC from the weather station. This software was automatically installed as you installed HeavyWeather for series 35/3600 weather stations. Details on how to use HeavyWeather Review module start in the Storage & Data Processing section of the HTML help file (see pp 23-25 for instructions to access the on-line help file as help functions similarly in Review and Publisher).
Note: Please keep your template and graph files stored in the folders where HeavyWeather Review saved them, as the software is location-dependent. You can and should, of course, make backup copies of this material in a different location.
HeavyWeather Publisher Users of WS-3510 and WS-3610 can install HeavyWeather Publisher (optional). This software allows you to upload your weather data to a personal or public site (via ftp), or e-mail it to one or more pre-defined address(es). To install Publisher, re-insert the installation CD. It will re-start the main software installation menu.
Note; The main installation screen for models WS-3610 and WS-3510 look slightly different, but the instructions for both are the same.
Locate the Weather Publisher Software heading in the middle of the screen. Select the Install button. After a brief delay, you should see the HeavyWeather Publisher Welcome window Select Next.

Note: We do not recommend that you change any HeavyWeather Publisher path entries as there are certain tasks dependent on the default locations. The size of the installation is small, and it will not consume much space on drive C.

Select Next

Accept the defaults on the program shortcuts screen and select Next.
22 Proof-read your selections (as below) and select Install.
23 A desktop icon should now be available for use of the product. Select the HeavyWeather Publisher icon with a double-click.
The instructions for use of the HeavyWeather Publisher software are found in the online help. When the main screen opens, find the ? on the menu. Select the Help entry from the pull down menu.
Use the HeavyWeatherPublisher Help file that comes up to configure and operate the software.
Alternatively, you can save a copy of the Publisher software manual on your hard drive. To do so, find the View button on the main installation screen (which should still be up on your screen behind Publisher). It can be printed, if desired.
Note: The references to requiring HeavyWeather 2.0 are not applicable to series 35/3600 weather stations. HeavyWeather Publisher works with HeavyWeather 1.1 data, but is installed to C:\Heavyweather because the Publisher module is the same for both series of HeavyWeather software.
25 Now select File|Save A Copy to place a copy of the manual on your hard drive for reference in or outside of the Publisher application. You can print a copy of the manual.
If you do not have Adobe Reader version 7 or later installed, you may get a warning message. Since you cannot edit the manual, you may select OK to acknowledge the message.
You may select any location to save a copy of the manual as a.pdf file. Continue the prompts on screen to find a location you will remember, then click on Save to write the file to disk.
The Save a Copy window will close after writing the file. After you have saved the manual:
26 Click on the Red X (upper right corner) to close the Adobe Reader software. Click on the Red X of the installation screen to close it, as well. Remove the CD from the drive and store it in the protective CD case.
Appendix A: Reassign a COM Port
Right click on the My Computer icon and select Manage. Find Device Manager in the left side of the screen. Select the + sign in Ports (COM & LPT) to expand entries.
Find the port you wish to re-assign. Right click on it and select Properties (or double-click). Select the Port Settings tab. Then select the Advanced Button.
Open the COM Port Number drop down (lower left corner).
You may select any COM port between 1 and 8 that does not show (in use) beside it. Note: If there are none available, you will need to consult your

Computers with Windows XP use Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). That means XP can change COM or IRQ assignments after installation. Consult Appendix A and B in the Heavy Weather Pro 1.1 Installation Guide for more information on configuring COM ports and IRQs. 6. I want to write my own software to connect to the weather station. Please provide the RS-232 cabling detail. The RS-232 communication protocol for this weather station is proprietary information and it will not be released to the public. Sorry for the inconvenience. 7. My computer does not have a Serial Port or that port is already used in my computer? What are my options? Serial Port Cards You have the option of adding a serial port card to your computer. Desktop users can buy a card to install inside the computer (use your component manufacturers directions to install). Notebook users can only add serial port support if they have a PCMCIA slot available. There are serial cards that can be installed in the PCMCIA slot. 8. I installed my weather station, and now my computer crashes frequently? What do I do? If your computer is crashing and/or getting the "Blue Screen" when connecting the weather station software, it is likely one of the following: You attempted a Serial-to-USB adapter. The weather station product is not USB compatible, such as WS-3610, WS-3510, or WS-3512. Virus or Spyware software are causing a problem.
38 Your modem may be causing a conflict that is undetected (usually in COM port or IRQ).
Note: See response to the previous question for additional tips and known issues.
To continue use of the PC, you can disable a driver or port until the conflict is resolved.
9. HW 2.0 EHELP 05 HOW DO I CALIBRATE MY (2308,2310,2315) TO ENSURE CORRECT DATA? Remove as this is for the base station only, not the computer connection After the station has completed its startup sequence, it must be calibrated in order to work properly. NOTE: It is very important to wait at least 30 minutes after installing batteries in the station before proceeding to this step. 1. Press the SET button. LCD and a number from 0-7 will be flashing. To adjust the contrast of the LCD display press and release the PLUS or MINUS button. Press and release the SET button. 2. The Hour will now be flashing. Press and release the PLUS or MINUS button until the correct hour is shown. WATCH the AM/PM. NOTE: When in the 12h mode, there is only a "PM" display, which appears under the word TIME. During the "AM" hours this area will be blank. When the correct hour is shown, press and release the SET button once. 3. The Minutes will now be flashing. Press and release the PLUS or MINUS button until the correct minutes are displayed. Press and release the SET button once. 4. A 12h or 24h will be flashing. (12h for AM/PM, 24h 1800 time) To change between 12h and 24h, press and release the PLUS or MINUS button. When your choice is shown on the display, press and release the SET button once. 5. The Year will be flashing. Press and release the PLUS or MINUS button until you have set the correct year. Press and release the SET button. 6. The Month will be flashing. Press and release the PLUS or MINUS button until you have set correct month. Press and release the SET button.

F-If the COM port that the USB adapter is listed on is not 1, 2, 3 or 4 you will need to change it. G-Double click the COM Port Ex: (COM 7) this will bring up a Communications Port Properties Box. Click the Port Settings Tab,Click Advanced. In the lower Left corner, you should see the Com port listed. H-Click the Drop Down and select Com 1, 2, 3, or 4. If they are in use, see your computer person BEFORE changing. 2-Is Heavy Weather set to the same Com Port Setting? In Heavy Weather, click the SETUP button. Select the appropriate COM Port setting from the drop down list. 3-Check that all of your comnnections from the base station, 9 pin serial cable and USB adapter are secure. 4-Restart you computer. Allow a few minutes for the signal to com through the extra cable.
HW 1.1 - #59 Remove: This is for WS 3610 station. My computer did not come with a serial port. What are my options? Unfortunately, this station does not support a USB connection at this time. It does need a true serial connection, as stated on the package. Our developers have been advised of the popularity of USB connections. Im running Windows XP. If I open Heavy Weather from a command prompt I get an error. What is wrong?? The 16-bit subsystem error you're seeing is caused by one or more missing or corrupted Windows system files. For more information on this error and instructions to fix it, please visit: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767&Product=winxp 10. When I select the Heavy Weather program icon, nothing happens I receive error message.? What do I do? You may have a corrupted installation. Please follow this procedure to re-install the software properly. If you have installed HW Publisher you will need to uninstall that as well. Open Publisher, select extras, options and uncheck the 2 boxes at the bottom. If you do not have Publisher installed disregard this reference. Heavy Weather Uninstall -Go to your Control Panel, select Add/Remove Programs, Remove anything related to Heavy Weather (e.g. HeavyWeather Pro 3610). -Close Control Panel and look on your desktop. If any Heavy Weather icons remain right click and delete them. -Go to Start, My Computer and click on Local disk C or whatever your "C" drive is called. - Find the folder call Program Files, double click to open it. -Find the Heavy Weather folder and right click to delete it. -Go Back to your "C" Drive and find the Program Files folder. Then find the Heavy Weather folder within. Right click to delete it. -Find your Windows Folder, double click to open. -Find your Temp folder double click to open.

-Go to Edit, Select All. Then go to File and Delete. Yes to delete all.10 - Close out of everything and restart your computer. -Reinstall Heavy Weather only. Connect your weather station and see if it works. When it is working you can install Publisher.
11. HW 2.0/1.1 - #119 How do I verify which COM port is available for use with Heavy Weather? To determine which COM Port your USB adapter is on: (note: 9 pin Connections are generally COM1) 1-Find MY COMPUTER. (icon on the desktop or in start menu). 2- Right-Click MY COMPUTER and select MANAGE. 3-Click on DEVICE MANAGER. 4-Move to the right screen and scroll down until you see PORTS COM and LPT Double click. 6- You should see COM Ports listed with numbers after them Ex: Communications Port (COM 1), USB to Serial Bridge (COM 4). Note:If you do not see a COM setting, your computer does not recognize your USB driver. 7-If the COM port that the USB adapter is listed on is not 1, 2, 3 or 4 you will need to change it. 8-Double click the COM Port Ex: (COM 7) this will bring up a Communications Port Properties Box. Click the Port Settings Tab, Click Advanced. In the lower Left corner, you should see the Com port listed. 9-Click the Drop Down and select Com 1, 2, 3, or 4. If they are in use, see your computer person BEFORE changing. HWR - #120 Everything seems to work in Weather Review except the Time and date are always several hours ahead and the wind chill data looks incorrect. What does this mean?
The \temp directory is a work area for copies of work in progress. Deleting the \temp directory is a normal Windows cleanup task and does not affect your saved work.
47 The current version of Weather Review uses GMT for all time stamps. The incorrect wind chills are caused by a bug; both of these issues have been reported to our developers. Updates will be posted at www.heavyweather.info when available.
When I open Heavy Weather, the window is too big for the monitor screen. How do I adjust this? When your weather software screen is too big for your monitor, you need to have your display set to 96 dpi. This is found on the advanced tab under display settings. Using a larger size (such as 120) will cause the display problem you're seeing. HW 2.0/HW 1.1 - #124 How do I obtain the WWVB time code format information? The WWVB Time Code includes information that tells the Radio Controlled Clock whether standard time (ST) or daylight saving time (DST) is currently in effect, and also whether the current day is a transition day from ST to DST, or from DST to ST. La Crosse Technology Products are not pre-programmed for specific dates to change for DST, but read the Time Code signal directly from WWVB. They will not be affected by the DST date change in 2007. To see the DST part of the time code signal, please visit. http://tf.nist.gov/timefreq/stations/wwvbtimecode.htm 12. How can I reset MIN/MAX temperature on the computer? To reset individual MIN/MAX values, follow these steps: Double click on the min/max value on the Heavy Weather program while your base station is connected to your computer. Click on the Reset button. The min/max value will reset to current values, 0.00 or dashes, dependent on the value. Please Note this will also reset the base station.

HW 2.0/HW 1.1 - #175 I cant upload data to my PC and dont know what to do next. What information do I send in for technical support? Please include the following responses in an email to support@lacrossetechnology.com. How are you connecting to the computer? Are you connecting with the 9 Pin Serial cable provided or with something in addition to or in place of the 9 Pin Serial cable? If you are using something in addition to the 9 pin serial cable provided, what brand is it? Is it Windows Certified? Does it come with its own driver disk? What operating system do you have on your computer? Did the Software load without errors? If there were errors what are they? What is the software name on the top left Header Bar of the Software when opened on the computer? Do you have the software for other Active sync/Hot sync devices (e.g. PDA) loaded on this computer? What Model is your Weather Station? The model number will start with a WS followed by 4 numbers and possibly letters. How long have you had the Weather Station? Has the Weather Station ever connected to the computer? Describe exactly what you see on the computer screen. Can you attach a screen shot? If it worked previously, did you add software or hardware, move the computer, of have a lightening storm or power outage about the time it stopped connecting? Are you a Ham radio operator? Are there large transformers near you? HWP #201 Im satisfied with my Heavy Weather upload, now how do I publish this information on the internetInternet? To upload weather images to your website, use Heavy Weather Publisher: To upload a weather image, simply click on the "Export" tab of the main Publisher window and enter the data in the spaces provided for the FTP fields as follows: "Internet Connection":
51 Choose "Direct Connection" if you have a high-speed internet connection such as DSL, cable or satellite. Choose "Dial Up Connection" if you use a standard phone line and your computer's modem. You will need to type in the dial-up number you use in the field to the right. "Type and Interval": 1. Choose "FTP" if you choose to upload you weather image to your website. 2. In the "First Start Date" field, choose the date which you choose to begin the report of your weather image. 3. In the "First Start Time" field, choose the time which you choose to begin the report of your weather image. 4. In "Export Interval" choose the number of minutes between updates of your current weather image. If using "FTP", the interval can be between 1 and 1440 minutes. "FTP Server": In this field, type your FTP address for your site (Example: ftp.mysite.com). Information on your FTP address can be found through your service provider. Note: For this program to function properly, the host server of your website must allow FTP protocols. Please contact your website host/service provider (company which you subscribe your webpage/account through) for information regarding FTP protocols and/or your ability to use them with your website. "Username": Type the username you use through your website host. Please assure the name used is correct with appropriate upper and lower case characters. "Password": Type the password you use to access your website host. Please assure the name used is correct with appropriate upper and lower case characters. "Target": In the "File Path" field, type in the file folder on your website which the image will go to. (Example: /pictures) Note: The first file extension may need to be input as your user name with your service provider/host for the website, to be followed by the file names of the folder you wish to store the image on your site (Example: /yourusername/pictures). "File Name":

HW 2.0/HW 1.1 - #210 My data in Heavy Weather was fine until daylight savings time changed. Why? It is not unusual for the change from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time and vice-versa to take as long as 3-5 days depending on various factors including your location and atmospheric conditions. These are normal weather station events and not PC-related issues. For best signal reception in the weather station, follow these steps: Do you have a Tower Icon showing on your Clock or Weather Station? If not you are not currently in contact with the WWVB signal in Ft Collins CO. Are you in the correct Time Zone? Please note that all US Time Zones are negative numbers. Ex: -4 Atlantic, -5 Eastern, -6 Central, -7 Mountain, -8 Pacific, -9 Alaskan, -10 Hawaiian. Is your DST indicator ON or OFF (1 on, 0 off on some units). If this is OFF or 0 your clock or weather station will not change. If your Clock or Weather Station has RCC in the SET UP menu, this must be ON to receive a signal from the atomic clock. Do you have good Alkaline Batteries dated at least 6 years in advance? Without proper batteries, the antenna will have a harder time picking up the signal. Put the Clock or Weather Station in a window (with the front or back) facing Ft. Collins, Colorado and leave overnight. If you do not have a window facing this direction, locate the Clock or Weather Station near an outside wall and point the unit in this general direction. Check it in the morning. If the Clock or Weather Station shows the correct time, you have successfully adjusted for Daylight Savings Time. If the time is still incorrect allow the device 3-4 more nights to set correctly. If after a total of 5 nights the time is still incorrect, please contact customer support. In order to send a product back to La Crosse Technology, you will need a Return Authorization Number. Please forward your Name, Physical Address, Daytime Phone number, a brief description of the issue with the
55 unit, Date of Purchase and the Model number of the product. The model number will start with a WS or WT followed by numbers. We will issue an RMA# and include all necessary return information.
HW 2.0/1.1 - #224 I dont understand what you mean by Weather Forecast. Please explain. There are 2 distinct ways of forecasting weather used by different professional weather station models: Weather Forecast Icons (Sun, Sun with Clouds, or Cloud with Rain). These Icons are forecasting weather in the next 6-12 hours not what you see out your window. For every sudden or significant change in the Air Pressure, the Weather Icons will update accordingly to represent the change in weather. If the icons do not change, then it means either the air pressure has not changed or the change has been too slow for the weather station to register. However, if the icon displayed is a sun or raining cloud, there will be no change of icon if the weather gets any better (with sunny icon) or worse (with rainy icon) since the icons are already at their extremes. The Icons displayed Forecasts the Weather in terms of getting better or worse and not necessarily sunny or rainy as each icon indicates. For example, if the current weather is cloudy and the rainy icon is displayed, it does not mean that the product is faulty because it is not raining. It simply means that the air pressure has dropped and the weather is expected to get worse but not necessarily rainy. Note: After setting up, readings for Weather Forecasts should be disregarded for the next 48-60 hours. This will allow sufficient time for the weather station to collect air pressure data at a constant altitude and therefore result in a more accurate forecast. Common to weather forecasting, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The weather forecasting feature is estimated to have an accuracy level of about 75% due to the varying areas the weather projection station has been designed for use. In areas that experience sudden changes in weather (for example from sunny to rain), the weather projection station will be more accurate compared to use in areas where the weather is stagnant most of the time (for example mostly sunny). If the weather projection station is moved to another location significantly higher or lower than its initial standing point (for example from the ground

56 floor to the upper floors of a house), discard the weather forecast for the next 48-60 hours. By doing this, the weather projection station will not mistake the new location as being a possible change in air-pressure when really it is due to the slight change of altitude. Weather Tendency Indicator (Up or Down arrows) Working together with the weather icons is the Weather Tendency Indicators. When the Indicator Points Upwards, it means that the Airpressure is Increasing and the weather is expected to improve, but when Indicator Points Downwards, the Air-pressure is Falling and the weather is expected to become worse. This is forecasting 6-12 hours in the future. Taking this into account, one can see how the weather has changed and is expected to change. For example, if the indicator is pointing downwards together with cloud and sun icons, then the last noticeable change in the weather was when it was sunny (the sun icon only). Therefore, the next change in the weather will be cloud with rain icons since the indicator is pointing downwards. HW 2.0/ HW 1.1 #239 Does La Crosse Technology have software for my Mac or Linux PC? Unfortunately, La Crosse technology weather stations do not support a MAC or Linux at this time. Our developers have been advised of the popularity of MAC and Linux capability. Any update would be posted at www.heavyweather.info. We have become recently aware of a beta release reporting good compatibility with the 2300 series weather stations on a Mac. Weather Tracker is in testing at http://www.afterten.com/ Linux users may have options available as 3rd party products. At this time, the 3rd party vendors we are aware of who promote Linux support are: III.Virtual Weather Station is published by www.ambientweather.com. Please be aware you need to install Heavy Weather software to use Virtual Weather. (and how do they do that on Linux???) IV.Weather Display is published by www.weather-display.com, a 3rd party software program that will work with our units. Weather Display offers a 30 day free trial. V.The open source project Open2300 is available at http://www.lavrsen.dk/twiki/bin/view/Open2300/WebHome. This
57 sites published compatibility is for a variety of Linux and Unix distributions but their feature support is limited to our 2300 series models data. La Crosse Technology does not guarantee 3rd party compatibility of other vendors software products. The vendor is responsible for that testing. We do a basic review only before posting the vendors links for your convenience. If you decide to use 3rd party software, all software support issues should be directed to the 3rd party publisher of the product at the web sites listed above. #244 COMBINE W/ NUMBER 210 It is not unusual to take as long as 3-5 days to pick up the WWVB signal depending on various factors including your location and atmospheric conditions. For best signal reception, follow these steps: Do you have a Tower Icon showing on your Clock or Weather Station? If not you are not currently in contact with the WWVB signal in Ft Collins CO. Are you in the correct Time Zone? Please note that all US Time Zones are negative numbers. Ex: -4 Atlantic, -5 Eastern, -6 Central, -7 Mountain, -8 Pacific, -9 Alaskan, -10 Hawaiian. Is your DST indicator ON or OFF (1 on, 0 off on some units). If this is OFF or 0 your clock or weather station will not change. If your Clock or Weather Station has RCC in the SET UP menu, this must be ON to receive a signal from the atomic clock. Do you have good Alkaline Batteries dated at least 6 years in advance? Without proper batteries, the antenna will have a harder time picking up the signal. Put the Clock or Weather Station in a window (with the front or back) facing Ft. Collins, Colorado and leave overnight. If you do not have a window facing this direction, locate the Clock or Weather Station near an outside wall and point the unit in this general direction. Check it in the morning. If the Clock or Weather Station shows the correct time, you have successfully connected to the atomic clock. If the time is still incorrect allow the device 3-4 more nights to set correctly. If after a total of 5 nights the time is still incorrect, please get back to me.

58 In order to send a product back to La Crosse Technology, you will need a Return Authorization Number. Please forward me your Name, Physical Address, Daytime Phone number, a brief description of the issue with the unit, Date of Purchase and the Model number of the product. The model number will start with a WS or WT followed by numbers. I will issue an RMA# and include all necessary return information. HW 2.0 - #250 I installed my Serial-to-USB Adapter, and now my computer crashes frequently? What do I do? If your computer is crashing and/or getting the "Blue Screen" when connecting the weather station software, it is likely one of the following: One identified issue is the driver for the USB adapter used to connect to the computer. Some computer like Prolific Chip Drivers and some will crash when using that driver. Be sure your USB adapter is Windows Certified and if using Vista, that is has a Vista driver. Using non-certified adapters can lead to stability problems. VI.The USB adapter is not Windows Certified (not just compatible). VII.If your USB adapter is Windows Certified, you may need to go to the USB adapter manufacturers website to download an updated driver. VIII.The product is not USB compatible, such as WS 3610, WS 3510, WS 3512, or WS 8610. IX.Virus or Spyware software are causing a problem. X.Your modem may be causing a conflict that is undetected. XI.Vista and Media Center 2005 may not support serial connection even via usb adapter. TO CONTINUE USE OF THE PC, YOU CAN DISABLE THE DRIVER UNTIL RESOLVED! Please note we have and are using the same software here with the same usb adapters for thefor the past several years. If the problem resumes, please contact customer support. Be sure to provide your Name, Physical Address, Daytime Phone number, and Date of Purchase as we may need to issue an RMA. HW 2.0/HW 1.1 - #264 What Windows versions does LTC support? (add the new chart).
59 We are currently testing to see if out stations will work with these new programs. Our software was designed well before MS Media Center 2005 & MS Vista, and we could not plan for operating systems not yet created. This is what we have discovered. All La Crosse Technology weather software will run on the Windows XP Media Center and Vista operating systems. One identified issue is the driver for the USB adapter used to connect to the computer. Some computer like Prolific Chip Drivers and some will crash when using that driver. Be sure your USB adapter is Windows Certified and if using Vista, that is has a Vista driver. Using non-certified adapters can lead to stability problems. We cannot guarantee that your computer will work with this adapter. After installing the Adapter Driver (the driver disk is often a 2 inch mini disk in the packaging) check in device manager to confirm that Windows has recognized the adapter. If it does not show under ports (COM & LPT) double-check that the driver has been installed. If the adapter has been recognized, right click on it, choose properties > port settings > advanced. Then be sure to select a COM port number between one and four. After configuring the adapter, connect the weather station and open the Heavy Weather software. Data should begin to download within a minute or two. USB adapters that have been used here. Drivers online: Cables Unlimited driver (select "executable"), http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm Sewell 1301 Driver http://sewelldirect.com/usbtoserial.asp Bafo (select "bf812") http://www.usbwholesale.com/bafo_drivers.htm

62 From the main Heavy Weather window, the history section will show the file name used to save the weather data together with the date and time and the total number of sets of data recorded. Each set of data consists of pressure, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, outdoor humidity, dew point, wind chill, wind speed, wind direction, total rain, time and date. The user can also select to record a new history file at anytime by changing the history file or revert to any saved history file that had been previously saved. The initial history file name is history.dat. If a previously saved history file is used again, the current recording interval will be regarded as the latest setting and all new data will be recorded into that file (see 8.0 Settings below for working detail). The history file can be displayed in a window parallel in running to the Heavy Weather program. If desired the saved files can be saved as text files and opened in other formats. It is recommended that you rename the history file to a easily understandable name (not history, history 1, history 2, etc) and change the file at least quarterly. Previous history is saved and can be retrieved at any time. If the base station has not been connected to the computer and is storing data, when you connect to the computer, it should download the saved dated at the interval selected by the computer. If 5 minute intervals are selected, it will retrieve 1 random reading from the base station in 5 minute intervals.
16. I cant upload data to my PC and dont know what to do next. What information do I send in for technical support? Please include the following responses in an email to support@lacrossetechnology.com. How are you connecting to the computer? Are you connecting with the 9 Pin Serial cable provided or with something in addition to or in place of the 9 Pin Serial cable? If you are using something in addition to the 9 pin serial cable provided, what brand is it? Is it Windows Certified? Does it come with its own driver disk? What operating system, including Service Pack, do you have on your computer? Did the Software load without errors? If there were errors what are they? What is the software name on the top left Header Bar of the Software when opened on the computer? Do you have the software for other Active sync/Hot sync devices (e.g. PDA) loaded on this computer?
63 What Model is your Weather Station? The model number will start with a WS followed by 4 numbers and possibly letters. How long have you had the Weather Station? Has the Weather Station ever connected to the computer? Describe exactly what you see on the computer screen. Can you attach a screen shot? If it worked previously, did you add software or hardware, move the computer, of have a lightening storm or power outage about the time it stopped connecting? Are you a Ham radio operator? Are there large transformers near you?

19. Im satisfied with my Heavy Weather upload, now how do I publish this information on the Internet? To upload weather images to your website, use Heavy Weather Publisher: To upload a weather image, simply click on the "Export" tab of the main Publisher window and enter the data in the spaces provided for the FTP fields as follows: "Internet Connection": Choose "Direct Connection" if you have a high-speed internet connection such as DSL, cable or satellite. Choose "Dial Up Connection" if you use a standard phone line and your computer's modem. You will need to type in the dial-up number you use in the field to the right. "Type and Interval": 1. Choose "FTP" if you choose to upload you weather image to your website. 2. In the "First Start Date" field, choose the date which you choose to begin the report of your weather image. 3. In the "First Start Time" field, choose the time which you choose to begin the report of your weather image. 4. In "Export Interval" choose the number of minutes between updates of your current weather image. If using "FTP", the interval can be between 1 and 1440 minutes. "FTP Server": In this field, type your FTP address for your site (Example: ftp.mysite.com). Information on your FTP address can be found through your service provider. Note: For this program to function properly, the host server of your website must allow FTP protocols. Please contact your website host/service provider (company which you subscribe your web page account through) for information regarding FTP protocols and/or your ability to use them with your website. "Username": Type the username you use through your website host. Please assure the name used is correct with appropriate upper and lower case characters. "Password": Type the password you use to access your website host. Please assure the name used is correct with appropriate upper and lower case characters. "Target":
66 In the "File Path" field, type in the file folder on your website which the image will go to. (Example: /pictures) Note: The first file extension may need to be input as your user name with your service provider/host for the website, to be followed by the file names of the folder you wish to store the image on your site (Example: /yourusername/pictures). "File Name": Type the file name which you will identify the file by. (Example: "weather.jpg") After all of this information is filled in, press "Apply" to save the data, otherwise it will be lost.

The WX-200 and WM-918 stations provide alarm and historical high and low data. The battery status is also shown in this window.
The icon can be updated based on the selected METAR station in your area. For more information, reference section 8.17. 6.22.2.4 Figure 25- Alarms and Memory (WM-918 and WX-200 only) 6.22 Icon Settings Icon Settings 6.22.4 Editing Icon Images Update Icon Based on Smart Forecast
Reference Section 6.23 for more information on this option. 6.22.3 Jpeg Settings
Select this option to create a jpeg image of the forecast icon for insertion into your webpage.
The forecast icon can be updated manually or automatically by several means. To view the icon, select the Display Icon checkbox. The icon is also displayed and updated in the Broadcast Display. 6.22.1 Display Attributes
The icon images are located in the following directories: Daytime: \vws\icons\day Nighttime: \vws\icons\night You can create your own icons to replace the icons provided with the distribution kit. Make sure you save these icons as read only to prevent Virtual Weather Station from overwriting at the next installation of Virtual Weather Station.
The icon displays the current temperature. The color, units and precision of the displayed temperature can be changed. The icon frame width and color can also be modified. 6.22.2 Icon Automation
The icons can be updated manually or automatically as described in the following paragraphs. 6.22.2.1 Manually Updating the Icon
To manually update the icon, select Icon Automation None and select the weather conditions from the Weather Conditions pull menu. 6.22.2.2 Update Icon Based on Weather Station Prediction
To update the icon based on the weather stations
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide P1. Parameter 1 as defined in the smart forecast section.
P2. Parameter 2 as defined in the smart forecast section. Condition. (AND) or (OR). Specify the condition required for forecast to be active. For example, if Parameter 1 and Parameter 2 are TRUE, select P1 AND P2. Value. The value compared against the parameter. Figure 26 - Icon Settings 6.23 Smart Forecast Smart Forecast Forecast. The forecast if the condition is met. ON. The condition is met if the LED is red.
The Smart Forecast option allows you to display current weather conditions based on your own prediction. For example, if the rate of change of pressure is increasing rapidly, the weather is generally clearing. If the rate of change of rainfall is increasing, light rain, rain or heavy rain can be displayed. Fog or mist can be displayed based on temperature and humidity. 6.23.1 Smart Forecast Settings

Priority. The Smart Forecast is prioritized based on the Priority number, where 1 has the highest priority. Boolean settings have priority over the individual settings. Active. Activate the smart forecast. Parameter. Specify the forecast parameter 6.24 Condition. Greater than (>) or less than (<). Specify the condition required for forecast to be active. Value. The value compared against the parameter. Forecast. The forecast if the condition is met. ON. The condition is met if the LED is red. 6.23.2 Boolean Settings You can program Virtual Weather Station to play a wav sound, launch an executable or send an EMail when a specific alarm condition occurs. For example, play a wind chime when the wind speed limit is exceeded, a lightning sound when the rain rate is exceeded, or a bird chirp when the temperature is high enough to open windows in the house. In addition, you can run an executable or batch file when a condition is exceeded. 6.24.1 Alarm Settings Alarms Alarms Menu Shortcut: Settings Figure 27 - Smart Forecast Settings
NOTE: You must have a properly functioning sound card for this feature to work.
Boolean settings allow you to set conditions based on multiple parameters defined in the Smart Forecast section. Note that the Smart Forecast parameters need not be active to be used in the Boolean Settings. Priority. The smart forecast is prioritized based on the Priority number, where 1 has the highest priority. Boolean settings have priority over the individual settings. Active. Activate the boolean forecast.
Parameter. Specify the alarm parameter Condition. Specify the condition required for the alarm to sound.
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide Example: "Send an alarm when the Outside Temperature is less than 70.00" Outside Temperature < 70.00 "Send an alarm when the Wind Speed is greater than 20.00" Wind Speed > 20.00 Sound (Wav) or Exectutable (exe, com, bat) Filename. Specify the wav file to play or the executable to run. VWS includes sample wav files in the sounds subdirectory. 6.25 Reference Section 6.24.2 for details on launching executable or batch files. Browse. Browse to the wav file location. Alarm LED. LED Displays RED when the alarm condition is met. Otherwise, the alarm LED will remain gray. Alarm Timer. Specifies the frequency you wish to sound the alarm. The alarm is also played at start-up. 6.24.2 Launching Executable or Batch Files Figure 28 - Alarm Sound Settings Synchronize Date and Time Synchronize Date and Time

Your computer may lose time because of accuracy of the ROM BIOS. Virtual Weather Station allows you to synchronize your computer clock to the Weather Station's clock automatically. This is particularly useful because the WMR-918 and WMR-968 are equipped with the RF Clock feature that synchronizes to the atomic clock (this feature is available with the European model only). Check your WMR-918 / 968 Weather Station Instruction Manual for more details on this feature. Note that you must be the Administrator for this function to work on an NT based machine. The WM-918 station does not report the year, so careful attention must be taken at the beginning of each year. 6.26 6.26.1 Desktop Options The Taskbar
VWS starts running a program and returns without waiting for it to exit. The executable can be either an MS DOS or MS Windows executable, including *.exe, *.com, *.bat and *.pif files. If you need to execute a command built into command.com such as copy, dir, etc, you can call "command.com /C DosCommand args", where DosCommand is the shell command you want to be executed. For example, "command.com /C copy c:\\temp\\file.tmp c:\\tmp" would copy file.tmp from the temp directory to the tmp directory. Refer to your DOS documentation for further help with command.com.exe,.com, and.bat DOS programs use the settings in default.pif (in your Windows directory) when running. You can change their priority, display options, etc., by editing default.pif or by creating another pif file. Refer to your Microsoft Windows documentation for help on creating and editing pif files.
Virtual Weather Station displays an icon on your taskbar. To hide Virtual Weather Station, double click the Virtual Weather Station icon on your taskbar. To display Virtual Weather Station when hidden, double click on the Virtual Weather Station icon again. 6.26.2 The Toolbar
Virtual Weather Station displays the following parameters on your toolbar (when minimized only): Outdoor Temperature Outdoor Humidity Wind Direction @ Wind Speed 6.27 Rainwise Settings
The Rainwise Weather Station includes a programmable

Menu Shortcut: Internet

A weather website can be easily created with the Weather Website Builder. Virtual Weather Station includes predefined templates that can be automatically sent to your remote server or your local Intranet.
Figure 44 Webpage example created with the Virtual Weather Station Weather Website Builder. jpeg files to another location on the network without using ftp or web server options. 8.2 Internet Features and Operation
The following sections outline settings for your specific application.
8.3 Remote Server Applications
The following section describes methods for displaying your weather data on the Internet or Intranet. There are two primary ways to operate and display your data using Internet standards and protocols. Remote Server. Your Web Site is located on a remote server, and you periodically transfer or ftp files. This is the most common application for Virtual Weather Station. Non Internet Protocols on Local Area Network. Your computer is located on the Intranet, and you simply transfer
For remote server applications, you will use the automated ftp features. Virtual Weather Station periodically updates jpeg files, which are snapshots of the gauges and graphs displayed on Virtual Weather Station's panels. These files are linked to an html page resident on your remote server, and periodically transferred automatically.
Figure 45- Remote Web Server Configuration
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide 8.6.3 8.4 Connecting to the Internet Most Internet service providers provide the following features: A direct connection to the Internet A remote World Wide Web Server A remote Ftp Server 8.6.5 A remote E-Mail (SMTP) Server NOTE: You must have direct access to the Internet for Virtual Weather Station's automated features to work. Connecting through a Service Provider such as America On Line (AOL) will limit Virtual Weather Station's automated features. 8.5 Network Connection Stay Connected after Dial-up. Stays connected to the remote server after dial-up. Disconnect after Internet Operation Complete. Disconnects from the remote server after all internet operations are complete. Note that if you are already connected to the Internet when the dial-up session is opened, Virtual Weather Station will not disconnect from the remote server. Menu Shortcut: Internet Network Connection Dial-up Automation Use the Following Dial-up Networking Connection
Select one of the dial-up networking connections defined in the Windows Dial-up Networking. 8.6.4 Username, Password and Domain
Dial-up networking account information.

925 ---

926 ---

927 ---

928 ---

059 060

206 207
-----------------------------

500 501

929 --930 --931 --932 --933 --934 --935 --936 --937 --938 --939 --940 --941 --942 ---

1677 1824

Channel 1 Temperature Average 061 (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) Channel 1 Humidity Average (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) 063

943 ---

944 ---
Channel 2 Temperature Average 063 (WMR-968/WMR-91, Davis Vantage Pro2) Channel 2 Humidity Average (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) 064

945 ---

946 ---
Channel 3 Temperature Average 065 (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) Channel 3 Humidity Average (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) Evapotranspiration Average (Davis, WeatherHawk) 066

947 ---

948 ---

949 ---

UV Index Average (Davis) 068 Battery Voltage (WeatherHawk) Solar Radiation Average (Davis, 069 WeatherHawk) Wind Chill Average Heat Index In Average Heat Index Out Average Dewpoint Average Sea-level Barometer Average Wind Direction High Wind Speed High Gust High Indoor Humidity High 074 ---------

950 ---

951 ---

221 ---------

-------------------

515 ---------

952 --953 --954 --955 --956 -----------------------------------
1838 -----------------------------------------
Outdoor Humidity High Indoor Temperature High Outdoor Temperature High Barometer High Total Rain High Channel 1 Temperature High (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) Channel 1 Humidity High (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) Channel 2 Temperature High (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) Channel 2 Humidity High (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) Channel 3 Temperature High (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) Channel 3 Humidity High (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2)

-------------

Evapotranspiration High (Davis, --WeatherHawk) UV Index High (Davis) --Battery Voltage (WeatherHawk) Solar Radiation High (Davis, WeatherHawk) Wind Chill High Heat Index In High Heat Index Out High Dewpoint High ---

---------

975 --976 --977 --978 ---
Sea-level Barometer High Wind Direction Low Wind Speed Low Gust Low Indoor Humidity Low Outdoor Humidity Low Indoor Temperature Low Outdoor Temperature Low Barometer Low Total Rain Low Channel 1 Temperature Low (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2)

-----------------------

979 --980 --981 --982 --983 --984 --985 --986 --987 --988 --989 ---
Channel 1 Humidity Low (WMR- --968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) Channel 2 Temperature Low (WMR-968/WMR-918, Davis Vantage Pro2) ---

Channel 10 Temperature Average --(WMR-100)
Channel 10 Humidity Average (WMR-100) UV Channel 2 Average (WMR100) UV Channel 3 Average (WMR100) THW Index Average THWS Index Average

3694 3841

Table 12 Jpg Display Settings File Index Numbers 8.10 Other Jpeg Filenames 8.12 Web Page Templates
In addition to the jpg filenames in the previous section, the following filenames describe other jpg files created from the desktop weather images. Description Broadcast Panel Display Icon Display METAR Icons Filename broadcast.jpg icon.jpg icon1.jpg thru icon30.jpg cable1.jpg cable2.jpg
Your software was shipped with several HTML templates. To view these templates, select Weather Website Builder from the Internet Menu, and select one of the Web Page Templates. 8.13 Creating Web Pages with Virtual Weather Station Tags
Cable TV Slide 1 Cable TV Slide 2
NOTE: It is highly recommended you start with the html templates provided with Virtual Weather Station and edit these files to familiarize yourself with this feature. Run the Weather Website Builder provided under the help menu, and then explore the file templates and HTML files generated from the templates. 8.13.1 Description of HTML Tags
Table 13 Other Jpg Filenames 8.11 Intranet and Local Area Network Applications
If your computer is on a Local Area Network or an Intranet, both the ftp and web server options will work. Virtual Weather Station provides another method, which is direct jpg file transfer. This does not require use of ftp or web server technology. Select the Jpeg Direct File Transfer option. The files will be transferred to the Jpeg file location specified in the panel.
HTML Tags allow you to insert weather station data text into your web page. Virtual Weather Station accomplishes this by searching for a known Tag in a Template file, replacing the tag with weather data, and copying the template to an HTML file. The steps are provided in the following sections. 8.13.2 Creating an HTML Template File (htx file)
HTX files or HTML template files can be created with most Web Page authoring tools. Microsoft Frontpage is one of several commercially available web authoring packages, and there are several shareware software packages available.
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide To create a template file, save the template with an htx file extension with any text editor or web authoring tool. 8.13.3 Complete List of Tags HTML Tags

To view the complete list of tags, select the Complete Tag List icon located in this window. 8.13.4 Inserting HTML Tags Into the Templates
There are three types of File Tags: Each weather parameter has a unique file tag. For example, the file tag for the outdoor temperature can be inserted into your web page template as follows: Outside Temperature: ^vxv006^^uni006^ WEATHER STATION DATA yields, for example: ^vxv###^ Outside Temperature: 72F where the vxv006 is the HTML tag for outdoor temperature, uni006 in the units of measure, and ^ is the parsing character. METAR data that you download has a unique file tag. For example: Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) Temperature: ^mtr004KLAX^F ^vlo###^ where the mtr004 is the METAR tag for outdoor temperature, KLAX is the METAR designator for Los Angeles International Airport, and ^ is the parsing character. File Tags. You can specify the path of any file specified on the File Tags list. For example: ^c:\vws\data\daily.txt^ where c:\vws\data\daily.txt is the complete file path and ^ is the parsing character. For more information for adding a file path to the tag list, reference Section 8.14, HTML File Tags. To view a complete list of the HTML tags, reference Figure 48 - HTML Tags. The HTML Tags window allows you to easily cut and paste HTML tags into the template file. To select and copy a Tag to the clipboard, double click on the selected parameter in the list. Next, paste the Tag into your HTML template. ^vma###^ ^vlt###^ ^vva###^ ^vhi###^ ^vht###^ vxv = Virtual Weather value, ### designates weather parameter number. Example: ^vxv006^ Figure 48 - HTML Tags The following table provides an index of tag names: Tag Name Description
vhi = Virtual Weather Daily High vht = Virtual Weather Daily High Time vlo = Virtual Weather Daily Low vlt = Virtual Weather Daily Low Time vva = Virtual Weather Running (filtered) Average Value vda = Virtual Weather Daily Average Value vma = Virtual Weather Monthly Average Value vya = Virtual Weather Yearly Average Value vvr = Virtual Weather Rate vrh = Virtual Weather Rate High vrt = Virtual Weather Rate High Time vrl = Virtual Weather Rate Low vrs = Virtual Weather Rate Low Time

^vda###^

^vya###^
^vvr###^ ^vrh###^ ^vrt###^ ^vrl###^ ^vrs###^
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide Tag Name ^vmh###^ ^vmd###^ Description vmh = Virtual Weather Monthly High vmd = Virtual Weather Monthly High Date vml = Virtual Weather Monthly Low vme = Virtual Weather Monthly Low Date vyh = Virtual Weather Yearly High vyd = Virtual Weather Yearly High Date vyl = Virtual Weather Yearly Low vye = Virtual Weather Yearly Low Date vzh = Virtual Weather Yesterdays High vzt = Virtual Weather Yesterdays High Time vzl = Virtual Weather Yesterdays Low vzs = Virtual Weather Yesterdays Low Time vhv = Virtual Weather value, 24 hours ago vdv = Virtual Weather value, difference between current value and value 24 hours ago, or daily difference. uni = Abbreviated units of measure for the Virtual Weather station value. temp_rec_hi Record high daily temperature background color, based on Figure 49 - Color spectrum for the HTML Tags. Example HTML usage: bgcolor="#^temp_rec_hi1^"> where temp_rec_hi1 is the record high temperature for station 1 defined in the almanac. ^mtr003ABCD^

^temp_norm_lo# ^ ^temp_norm_hi# ^

Tag Name

Description on Figure 49 - Color spectrum for the HTML Tags. Example HTML usage: bgcolor="#^temp_rec_lo1^"> where temp_rec_lo1 is the record low temperature for station 1 defined in the almanac. temp_norm_hi Normal high daily temperature background color, based on Figure 49 - Color spectrum for the HTML Tags. Example HTML usage: bgcolor="#^temp_norm_hi1^"> where temp_norm_hi1 is the record normal temperature for station 1 defined in the almanac. temp_norm_lo Normal low daily temperature background color, based on Figure 49 - Color spectrum for the HTML Tags. Example HTML usage:

^vml###^ ^vme###^

^vyh###^ ^vyd###^

^vyl###^ ^vye###^

^vzh###^

^vzt###^

^ vzl###^

^ vzs###^

bgcolor="#^temp_norm_lo1^"> where temp_norm_lo1 is the normal low temperature for station 1 defined in the almanac. METAR DATA ^mtr001ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 001 specifies the METAR Identifier. Example: ^mtrKLAX001^ ^mtr002ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 002 specifies the METAR Site. Example: ^mtrKLAX002^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 003specifies the METAR UTC Update. Example: ^mtrKLAX003^ ^mtr004ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 004 specifies the METAR

^ vhv###^

^ vdv###^

^ uni###^

^temp_rec_hi# ^

^temp_rec_lo# ^

temp_rec_lo Record low daily temperature background color, based
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide Tag Name Description Tag Name Description Example: ^mtrKLAX014^ ^mtr015ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 015 specifies the METAR Rain/hr. Example: ^mtrKLAX015^ ^mtr016ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 016 specifies the METAR Wind Chill. Example: ^mtrKLAX016^ ^mtr017ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 017 specifies the METAR Heat Index. Example: ^mtrKLAX017^ WARNING DATA
warning_desc# warning_desc = Weather Warning Description # = location (1 to 15) warning_time# warning_time =Weather Warning Time # = location (1 to 15)

Temperature.

Example: ^mtrKLAX005^ ^mtr005ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 005 specifies the METAR Dew Point. Example: ^mtrKLAX005^ ^mtr006ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 006 specifies the METAR % Relative Humidity. Example: ^mtrKLAX006^ ^mtr007ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 007 specifies the METAR Pressure. Example: ^mtrKLAX007^ ^mtr008ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 008 specifies the METAR Wind Direction. Example: ^mtrKLAX008^ ^mtr009ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 009 specifies the METAR Wind Speed. Example: ^mtrKLAX001^ ^mtr010ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 010 specifies the METAR Wind Gust. Example: ^mtrKLAX010^ ^mtr011ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 011 specifies the METAR Visibility. Example: ^mtrKLAX011^ ^mtr012ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 012 specifies the METAR Cloud Height. Example: ^mtrKLAX012^ ^mtr013ABCD^ ABCD = METAR identifier, 013 specifies the METAR Sky. ^almnormlo#^ Example: ^mtrKLAX013^ ^almdatelo#^

Virtual Weather Station allows you to automatically transfer files from your PC to the Internet and from the Internet to your PC. There are three categories of FTP operation described in the following sections.
Virtual Weather Station allows you to send up to 20 files to your remote Ftp server automatically. You can send any file, such as weather cam images or HTML files generated from the HTML templates. Reference Figure 55 - Sending Files to the Internet (FTP
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide server). Menu Shortcut: Internet FTP Upload File (Send) based on a schedule. The files include any public file addressable from the Internet, and must be in text format only. The files are saved on your local drive and can be used for display in your web pages using file tags (see the section on File Tags for more details). FTP (ftp://) or HTTP (http://) files can be downloaded. For more information on obtaining National Weather Service text data, please visit http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data
Figure 55 - Sending Files to the Internet (FTP server) 8.15.2.3 Sending (Upload) the Entire Contents of a Folder to the Internet (FTP Server) FTP Upload Folder (Send)
Virtual Weather Station allows you to send all the files in a specific folder to a specific location on your FTP server. Reference Figure 56 Send the Entire Contents of a Folder to the Internet. Figure 57 - Downloading Files from the Internet 8.16 E Mail Weather Reports and Alarming
Virtual Weather Station allows you to automatically or manually send Internet e-mail messages. Your Web server must send the message through a server that supports the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) protocol. SMTP is the standard Internet mail transfer protocol. Ask your network administrator for the name of a computer that your server can use as an SMTP server. The parameters specify the SMTP server, sender, recipient, subject, message body, and file attachments of the message. The file attachments can include any text or binary files. The SMTP standard does not require a user name and password. To get started, identify your E Mail server name (for example, mail.earthlink.net), and send an alarm to yourself. 8.16.1 Email Settings Email Settings

Figure 58: Automatic E Mail Settings 8.16.2 Weather Reports
Periodic weather reports can be sent based complex user defined schedule. To view the schedule, select the calender from the panel. The weather report sends the parameters specified in the File Settings Panel. To view, this panel, select the parameter icon from the panel. The names and units are
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide The benefits of having the U.S. standardize to these new code formats are as follows. Hourly and special observations are used both as stand alone data for the sites and as inputs to global weather models for both analysis and forecasting. It is this global use of each small bit of information which drives the need for standardization. Additionally, the increase in international flights between the U.S. and other nations from more U.S. locations than ever before lends itself to developing a more "seamless" international standard for aviation. Moreover, standardization becomes vital for the general aviation community for flights from the U.S. to Canada, the Caribbean Area, and Mexico. 8.17.2 Finding METAR Reports 8.17.5 Figure 59 METAR Station Setup Displaying METAR Icons on the Desktop METAR Icons
METAR reports worldwide can be found at the NOAA anonymous ftp server in the following text file formats: Individual Decoded Reports ftp://weather.noaa.gov/data/observations/metar/decoded/ Individual Coded Reports 8.17.3 Locating a Station Near You
After you have selected a specific METAR station for download, you can display this data on your desktop. Reference Figure 61 METAR Icon Display Settings. Enter the Site identifier and the title your wish to display on your desktop. To display the icon, check the Display Checkbox. Create a jpg file if you wish to display the image on your website. The files are named icon1.jpg to icon30.jpg based on the display number. The jpg images are saved in the same file location as the other desktop images unless you specify a different directory on the panel. The icon background changes from day to night based on your local sunset time. To adjust the day and nighttime text color, select the color boxes.
The NOAA provides a convenient map for locating a METAR station near your. Click on the following link to go to the map: http://www.faa.gov/asos/map/map.htm 8.17.4 METAR Station Setup Station Setup Figure 60 METAR Icon

Menu Shortcut: METAR

Reference Figure 59 METAR Station Setup. To display METAR data on your desktop and generate a history based on METAR reporting stations, select Add New Station to List. Each METAR station requires an identifier. To find a list of identifiers, select one of the following buttons: View Worldwide Station List. Provides a list of stations around the world View USA Station Map. Find a station near you in the USA. View Independent Station List. Provides a list of independent station owners (like yourself). You can join the network of independent station owners by following the instructions at www.weatherforyou.com.

Figure 61 METAR Icon Display Settings 8.17.6 METAR Settings METAR Icons 8.17.7 Figure 62 METAR Icon Settings METAR Report Generator METAR Generator
To define METAR settings, select [Modify Display][METAR Icons] from the Menubar. The following METAR settings are adjustable. Parameter Auto Update METAR Active Description This checkbox must be selected to automatically fetch METAR data from the server Creates a METAR text file summary report A schedule must be defined to automatically update METAR data METAR cloud height and visibility is expressed in km or kft and miles There are two servers to obtain data. The NOAA server is the official government server, but is slow and does not include private weather station owners. The HamWeather Server is a mirror server, is much faster, and provides access to the network of personal weather station owners data Table 15 METAR Settings
Since METAR is the reporting standard for weather observations, VWS generates METAR reports so you can share weather data. VWS also includes an interpreter, so you can interpret other METAR reports. The main reason users put their information on the internet is to share data. VWS provides a conduit for sharing weather information.
Create METAR File Schedule

Distance Units

Server
Figure 63 METAR Report Generator 8.17.8 METAR Text Reports
Three text reports are available from METAR generated data. The following section describes the METAR reports and locations.
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide 8.17.8.1 METAR Summary Text Report following file location: \data\metar.txt
Press in 29.91 29.90 29.92 Rain in ------Wind Dir ESE ESE WSW Wind Spd 6 Wind Visib Cloud Sky/Weather Gust miles kft --- Clear/ --- Clear/ --- Clear/
The METAR summary text reports are located in the
Location Last Update Date and Time Van Nuys 05/29/2001 09:51pm Burbank 05/29/2001 08:53pm Los Angeles 05/29/2001 09:50pm Temp F 63 Dew F 59 HtIx Chill %Rh F 68 F 60 % 88
Figure 64 METAR Summary Reports 8.17.8.2 METAR Historical Text Report \data\KABC.txt where KABC is the METAR identifier.

Virtual Weather Station User's Guide Problem Solution The celestial calculator is a close approximation of the sunrise and sunset in your location and may be inaccurate by several minutes due to equation inaccuracy or your altitude (the equations are based on sea-level). You can account for this inaccuracy by entering a number in the offset (-60 minutes to +60 minutes). Sunrise and sunset are off by one hour, or did not change with the Daylight Savings Time Change. This problem may be related to the operating system's daylight savings time clock. The clock may not be available on your system. To account for this problem, enter an offset of +60 minutes or -60 minutes. The strip charts lose the data when the program is shut down The minimum and maximum daily values are not correct Rate of changes are not correct Strip charts are intended for plotting data "real-time" and the data is not saved permanently to a file. Reference the section on graphs vs. strip charts. Virtual Weather Station must be running to record daily highs and lows (data not stored in your weather station's memory). Rate of change is set to zero when Virtual Weather Station is started. Virtual Weather Station calculates the rate of change by calculating the derivative of a parameter, and then filtering it over one hour. Thus, the rate of change equation factors all of the measurements taken in the last hour, and may not exactly match the change in one hour. Determining the actual change in one hour would require every measurement within the hour to be saved, which is not practical, and would require the software to be operational for more than one hour. Instead, Virtual Weather Station uses calculation techniques standard in the engineering community for calculating rate of change. Virtual Weather Station's rain rate may not agree with the rain rate calculated by the weather station because different techniques are used. How do I display more decimal points for a parameter? Change the precision from the display's attributes panel. For example, changing the precision to three will add three numbers to the right of the decimal point (1/1000ths). Power save mode must be turned off to prevent distorted images Virtual Weather Station prefers to run at High Color or 16 bit. Select [Start][Settings][Control Panel] from the windows menubar and select [Display][Settings] and High Color. Select [Program Settings][Program Settings] and set the CPU resources to Low. Select [Internet][FTP General Settings] and set the FTP Priority to Below Normal and select the Max CPU During FTP to OFF. Select [Communication][Communiaction], and set the Communication Rate (sec) to 3.0 seconds or greater. The graphical images are missing The computer is low on memory You may be low on memory. Reduce the number of graphical images displayed. Reduce the number of displays. Too many displays may result in insufficient memory. Reduce the length of time in your graphs. Select Plot Last x hours. Enter a number less than 240 hours (for example). Plotting 20,000 points on multiple graphs can

3 gentle breeze loose paper blows around 4 moderate breeze branches sway
5 fresh breeze small trees sway, leaves blown off 6 strong whistling in telephone wires; sea spray from waves
Virtual Weather Station User's Guide Number and description breeze 7 near gale 8 gale 9 strong gale 10 storm 11 violent storm 12 hurricane large trees sway twigs break from trees branches break from trees trees uprooted; weak buildings collapse widespread damage widespread structural damage Table 20 - Beaufort Scale 11.2 Heat Stress Index Scale Extreme Cold Condition Wind chill < 0 F 102117 above above 74 Air speed Features kph mph
The Heat Stress Index calculates the body's reaction to heat and humidity, or the Heat Index. High temperatures and humidity stress the body's ability to cool itself, and heat illness becomes a special concern during hot weather. Do not base important decisions on this heat stress index! Everybody's reaction to heat is different. Scale --Caution Extreme Caution Danger Extreme Danger Condition Heat Index < 80 F 80 F < Heat Index < 90 F 90 F < Heat Index < 105 F 105 F < Heat Index > 130 F Heat Index > 130 F
Uncomfortably Cold 0 F < Wind chill < 30 F Cool Comfortable Warm Uncomfortably Hot Extreme Hot 30 F < Wind Chill < 60 F 60 F < Temperature < 80 F 80 F < Temperature < 90 F Temperature > 90 F and Heat Index < 100 F Heat Index > 100 F Table 22 - Comfort Index
Table 21 - Heat Stress Index 11.3 Comfort Index
The comfort index calculates the body's reaction to heat, cold, humidity and wind chill. High temperatures and humidity stress the body's ability to cool itself, and low temperature can stress the body's ability to heat itself. Do not base important decisions on this comfort index! Everybody's reaction to heat and cold is different.