Cumulus Support

Has any one connected the 6v dc on their receiver station. If so have they left normal batteries in as backup or used rechargables?

I'm no electronics wiz, but is it strange that the adaptor has 6V dc written on it when the unit is powered by 2 x 1.5v batteries? There's no reference to this in the manual.

I know with my WH1081 there is no external power input, but when connected to the pc the console is powered by the usb.

With the WH1081 you can hear a relay click when plugging the usb cable in.

If you are going to listen for a relay I'd close cumulus before disconnecting/reconnecting the console. I didn't once and got a wind gust of 98Kmh and about 200-300mm rain.

Gerard

Ah! I didn't think of it getting power from the USB, that's great if it does that as mine is permanently connect to the PC which is permanently left on.

I don't think I'll try listening for the relay in case I create the perfect storm!

Funnily enough, I didn't realise it was powered by USB. I had no batteries when I got the unit, so I plugged in my 6V adapter to get it going then left it plugged in while it was connected to the computer.

have you tried removing the 6v adaptor now? (that would prove its powered by the USB )

Yes, I've removed the adapter now.

Interesting that nowhere in the manual does it state that a WH1091 can be powered by USB.

I couldn't find anywhere in the manual where it said it could be powered by a 6v adaptor either?!?

I assume that means you can't turn off your PC now or you'll loose power to the unit?

Hmm, hadn't thought about what happens when I turn my laptop off. Guess I'll have to leave it plugged in overnight when I shut my laptop down.

Doesn't really matter much at this stage as I haven't fully installed my transmitter anyway.

I wondered about powering the transmitter from a separate source. When my batteries ran out I checked the voltage and found 1.1v for each cell. Rechargeables start at 1.2v so the margin would be small, probably too small for reliable operation eg. if charged by a solar panel. However, changing batteries is only really a problem if the tx unit is up a high mast. With it at the "standard" temperature measurement height, it is no longer a struggle to change batteries.

bummer, I was thinking about doing that too. Mine not that far up a mast, but I have to undo a few extra screws as I've made an enclosure for it. Has anyone tried rechargables & solar panels for the transmitter?

One possibility would be to use a semiconductor voltage regulator to produce the 3v required and power that from 5 1.2v rechargeable batteries and a solar charger for 6v batteries. You might get away with 4 cells - nominally 4.8v - since the tx unit draws very little current.

hills wrote:bummer, I was thinking about doing that too. Mine not that far up a mast, but I have to undo a few extra screws as I've made an enclosure for it. Has anyone tried rechargables & solar panels for the transmitter?

Your answer is here:

https://cumulus.hosiene.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1069

This is my next project. If it takes as long as my stevenson screen I should have it done by July

Gerard

If you have a safe, weather proof power socket available, you could try powering from and old mobile 'phone charger, or a USB style 'charger'.

I have 2 chrome solar garden light fittings, removed the neons, and paralled the batteries from the solar light batteries to the transmitter batteries. ie 2 batteries in transmitter= each battery is linked to 1 solar cell/battery + to +, - to -.etc.
Plenty of power and the chrome looks great.
batteries are NiMH 2600mAH each.

hills wrote:I couldn't find anywhere in the manual where it said it could be powered by a 6v adaptor either?!?

I assume that means you can't turn off your PC now or you'll loose power to the unit?

With my laptop the USB port still power devices even when the computer is switched off - just as long as I keep the laptop power supply connected and the mainsswitch is on.