Cumulus Support

I've had my weather station for more than two months now. Overall, things are working well. But in the last two days, the base unit has lost signal contact to the station twice now. I do a battery pull on the station and base unit to get things going again, but if the frequency will increase, I won't exactly be happy about it.

I'm wondering what other users' experiences are with this particular weather station in termS of losing signal contact between the base unit and the station.

Thanks,
Michael

It's a fairly common problem. I had my sensor in a Stevenson Screen, and it kept losing contact. I moved it out and screwed it to the near side of the screen, and haven't had any problems since (as far as I know, at least; my Fine Offset station is for experimental purposes), so it was clearly borderline.

I'm afraid I don't have any advice to improve things other than to move it nearer if possible, and make sure the batteries are good. Others here will probably have some tips.

Michael

Are you loosing contact to short periods or extended (hours/days). Loosing contact for short periods (a few minutes) does happen quite often and it is difficult to pin down a cause.

But when mine went off for days and I had done all the usual tests, it went back to the supplier (Maplin) and they replaced it.

See: https://cumulus.hosiene.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2522

I've done a bit of experimenting so maybe I can help.
First, it is a good idea to use Lithium batteries for the outside unit.

On range. The range is specified with no obstructions so any walls, windows, and appliances will reduce the range. Try moving the console to a higher position if you can. Elevation of the outside weather station is your friend as well when it comes to range. If you are happy with the spot you have chosen for the station try raising it as high as practical. Even a couple of feet can make a difference.

If you have other suitable spots try them. I put mine on a drive in the ground garden fence post si I could move it around till I was happy with the location. In all likelihood you will have to make a compromise.

Remember though when you move that rain gauge, it will recorded some rain most likely. What I do when a move is needed is disconnect the console from the computer, finish the move, make sure it works then clear the memory of the console(In the instructions)

I hope this helps.

Thanks everyone, the suggestions are helpful. The sensor loss is not just a few minutes, but multiple hours in both cases, until i check Cumulus and realize the sensor loss. The sensor unit is about 40-50 meters from the base unit, and yes, through a couple of walls to where my office is. Maybe i'll have to move the base unit (and attached laptop) to the bedroom, which has a line of sight path just through windows. I do use lithium batteries all around. And due to practical reasons, the mounting height of the transmitter is at about 6 ft.

I figured if the issue continues, i will move the units closer to each other first and go from there. Luckily Cumulus is not causing me any problems at all, what a great piece of software!

Thanks everyone,
Michael

wd40 wrote:Remember though when you move that rain gauge, it will recorded some rain most likely. What I do when a move is needed is disconnect the console from the computer, finish the move, make sure it works then clear the memory of the console(In the instructions)

Isn't it easier just to unplug the rain gauge from the transmitter unit before moving it?

(Electrically this is OK, as the rain sensor is just a switch that closes momentarily as the bucket tips.)

jim-easterbrook wrote:Isn't it easier just to unplug the rain gauge from the transmitter unit before moving it?

(Electrically this is OK, as the rain sensor is just a switch that closes momentarily as the bucket tips.)

That's what I do whenever I do anything to the rain gauge.

Michael, it might be worth reading this thread.
https://cumulus.hosiene.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2886

Particularity this post
https://cumulus.hosiene.co.uk/viewtopic.p ... 405#p24405

PS: I still have had no problems apart from 1 or 2 lost sensor contact
and the odd ftp timeout which is probably my ISP.

Very Happy

Isn't it easier just to unplug the rain gauge from the transmitter unit before moving it?

It is a good point.

Here is the instructions for memory.

Clear Memory. Press the history key to clear memory. The memory fill icon will be flashing. Press and hold enter key for 3 seconds to clear memory.

I started getting lost sensor contact errors for hours at a time a few weeks ago, I had only just replaced the batteries with Lithiums a month or 2 before that. I found the problem was caused by a small stack of CDs that were placed in front of the receiver. I have moved them and the problem has not re-occured since (touch wood).

I wonder if the transmitter and/or receiver are truly omnidirectional? It might be worth experimenting with different orientations in cases of borderline reception....

Ned wrote:I wonder if the transmitter and/or receiver are truly omnidirectional? It might be worth experimenting with different orientations in cases of borderline reception....

They aren't. Maximum transmission/reception is at right angles to the circuit board.