New console - backlight on permanently

[simonvfr]

I've just replaced my console, because the the old pressure sensor went defective. The old one was a WH-8681 bought from Maplins. The new one is not badged on the front but is a WH1080 (bought from the UK Weather Store via EBay).

Everything has worked immediately and well, and although I bought the whole set (rather then just the console) I have only installed the console while keeping the rest for spares and experimentation.

Only issue with the new console is that the backlight is permanently on. I can find nothing in the manual, or on the forum, but does anyone else have one with permanent backlighting? It's USB powered, so shouldn't be a battery issue, but can anyone shed any light on this? (forgive pun!) Is there a way of turning it on/off?

[robynfali]

have you tried a hard reset?

[Orion]

Sounds like that the transistor that turns the light on and off may be shorted
probably best to send it back for a replacement

[AllyCat]

Hi,

If you don't want to have to return it, the transistor (maybe there's a solder bridge across the tracks) is described by hans in this thread.

I've actually considering modifying mine so that the backlight is always on when USB is connected. But the batteries will soon become drained if/when USB power is not avilable.

Cheers, Alan.

[Super-T]

I'd have to wonder about inside temperature readings if the backlight is running permanently. Not a lot of heat generated but possibly enough to raise the reading.

[captzero]

I'd have to wonder about inside temperature readings if the backlight is running permanently.

This is an issue for the Davis consoles.

[simonvfr]

have you tried a hard reset?

If this means a battery removal and re-start, then yes. And it's made no difference.


And thanks to Roy and Alan for the information about the transistor that controls the light. Returning the unit would be a pain, as I have brought it back to France from the UK delivery address. I shall explore the possibility of stray solder - and I guess I could force the light to permanently off. As I never look at the display in normal use, having no light would not bother me.

Terry and Dan suggest that permanent backlighting might raise the internal temperature measurement. I shall check this out, as I have two consoles I can place alongside each other.

[MickinMoulden]

have you tried a hard reset?

If this means a battery removal and re-start, then yes. And it's made no difference.


And thanks to Roy and Alan for the information about the transistor that controls the light. Returning the unit would be a pain, as I have brought it back to France from the UK delivery address. I shall explore the possibility of stray solder - and I guess I could force the light to permanently off. As I never look at the display in normal use, having no light would not bother me.

Terry and Dan suggest that permanent backlighting might raise the internal temperature measurement. I shall check this out, as I have two consoles I can place alongside each other.

There is also a thread in here that mentions that it also changes the pressure readings from when the light is off to when it turns on (for say...longer than 60 seconds). But as your light is not turning on/off your pressure readings should be fine, and your temp (once tested and true) can be adjusted in Cumulus. So as long as you don't mind it being on all the time, there shouldn't be any problem. Would make quite a nice night light

[simonvfr]

In the end, I decided to leave the back-light running permanently as I find this occasionally useful (when computer is off, or for some reason I don't want to bring Cumulus to the fore on the screen).

I have overcome issues about battery drain by connecting the console via a powered USB hub, so external power is used even when the computer is off. Interal batteries now only used during power cuts (which are not infrequent in this part of rural France!).

I checked the impact on the internal temperature sensor - by running alongside the (previously compared) non-back-lit console I was replacing. The offset seemed very constant at 1.4ºC, and I have applied this correction in Cumulus.

Danger that I am making a virtue out of necessity . . . . . but I like the end result.

[Jsears]

I have only recently installed my WS-1080 weather station. One of the few things that I don't like about it is the fact that the display is difficult to see without the backlight on. Even at the highest contrast setting. I'd like to have the backlight on constantly if it would not cause damage to the unit. Mine is connected via USB cable, so I'm not concerned with battery life. Is there a way to make the backlight stay on all the time? I really don't want to start soldering inside the unit for fear that it would void the warranty.

Thanks..

Jim

[simonvfr]

As far as I know, the backlight cannot be forced to stay on. Mine does that because of (assumed) fault.

[MickinMoulden]

You can take the touch screen out to make it easier to read, but of course the touch operations will no longer work. All of the functions of the touch screen can be done through Easy Weather EXCEPT for the clock (off my memory). My screen stoped working.