XC0348 (WH1081) transmitter problems

[JohnK]

Hi All.

I'm new to this forum so hopefully this won't seem like a dumb question.

I have an XC0348 weather station, which I think is similar to the WH1081 fine offset unit. It seems the transmitter has stopped working as I'm getting the __________ on the main display. The red LED is on continually. The batteries (AA Alkaline Rechargeable) are buggered but I've tried NIMH and standard alkaline replacements but neither made it work again.

I've ordered a replacement but the supplier is not sure it will work as I have the solar powered unit (no lux or UV), they claim the transmitter they supply is for the WH1081and WH1091.

Does anyone have any experience with the interchangeability of these units? Can I bypass the solar cell?

Thanks in advance,

John

[AllyCat]

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum. If the transmitter red LED stays on permanently after inserting the batteries (with no sensor cables plugged in) then I think we have to assume it's faulty (and repair is unlikely).

Unfortunately, there is a large number of different versions of the transmitter (some even with the same model number), so obtaining a satisfactory replacement can be difficult. However, I think there is a moderate chance that it will work.

Does the Solar Pod cable plug into a transmitter socket marked "Rain"? In any case, I would not plug any sensor cables into the replacement transmitter, first just insert the batteries and then reset the Console (usually by removing batteries and the USB cable). If you're lucky then you should get readings for temperature and humidity within a minute (maybe longer if a Radio Controlled Clock version). Then plug in the Wind cable.

Personally, I would just plug the rain sensor directly into the second socket on the transmitter and forget the solar charging. It should work for at least two years from a pair of normal AA Alkalines, or perhaps 5 years from AA Lithium NON-rechargeable cells.

If everything works and you then want to try to use the solar charging, than tell me how many contacts (like gold wires) are on the Pod plug and inside the socket of the old and the new transmitters.

Cheers, Alan.

[uncle_bob]

I've got one of these and it's the big lemon. When I have a moment it's getting pulled down and replaced.
It loses signal every couple of hours though it has line of sight with it's transmitter, through a window about 12 feet away.

[JohnK]

Thanks Alan. I'll check the contacts out when I receive the replacement. I've bought some lithium's for the new unit. I'll be sure to post my results.

Thanks Uncle Bob. I've been pretty fortunate with this weather station in that it's worked almost flawlessly for the 3-4 years I've had it, apart from a few erroneous readings every now and again. Would love to invest in a more up market pro unit but $$$ doesn't allow it just atm.

[JohnK]

Thanks Alan

Received the new transmitter Friday and installed it today. It has 4 contacts on both the rain and wind receptacles (as did the old one). The cables also have 4 contacts. I initially bypassed the solar charger and that worked OK. Then I plugged the solar charger in and it worked too. So I swapped out the batteries for some lithium units and all is good. Very happy!

Hopefully I'll get at least another 3 or 4 years out of it.

Thank again for your advice.