Setting up the Hama weather station
The sensor is not recognised, the control centre does not show the outdoor temperature? Whether it's a battery change or a new outdoor sensor, these instructions will help you synchronise the weather station and sensor.
At a glance: Setting up the Hama weather station
- Quick guide for setting up and changing batteries: How to set up the weather station and outdoor sensors correctly - step by step
- Outdoor sensor: where best to place it to get reliable data
- Other devices that work with high-frequency transmitters can interfere with the signals - distance and other channels can help
- Weak batteries: why the wireless connection may not work properly - and how best to proceed
Quick guide: Commissioning / battery replacement
To summarise: Proceed as if you were putting the measuring station with outdoor sensor into operation for the first time when changing the batteries or integrating additional sensors. This means step by step:
- Place the weather station and outdoor sensor(s) directly next to each other.
- Remove the batteries from the measuring station and sensor(s). If the weather station is supplied with power by cable, disconnect it from the mains or unplug the cable.
- Leave all components de-energised for a while, preferably for two to three hours or even overnight.
- Important when inserting the batteries: Always start with the outdoor sensors.
- If there are several sensors: Make sure that each one is set to a different channel.
- Now insert the new batteries into the weather station. If it has a cable, plug the power supply unit back in.
- Then leave all devices, i.e. station and sensors, next to each other.
- After approx. 30 minutes, you can now install the weather station and outdoor sensors at the desired location.
It is essential that you follow this sequence so that the weather station and outdoor sensors recognise, adjust to and synchronise with each other reliably. Please also note that it may take 30 minutes for the devices to recognise each other. Only then move the devices to the desired measuring location.
Tip for multiple sensors: Of course, this procedure only applies to outdoor sensors that you are integrating for the first time or whose batteries you want to replace. Existing sensors that are already connected to the base station and do not yet require new batteries can of course be left at the measuring location.
We explain below where it is best to place outdoor sensors. You can find more information about your weather station and the outdoor sensor you want to set in the respective operating instructions.
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Where can I find the operating instructions?
If you don't have the operating instructions for the weather station or outdoor sensor to hand, you can also download them from this page: Go to support.hama.com and enter the article number in the search field (8-digit number). You will find the instructions on the article page under Downloads.
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Do I have to use batteries or can I also use rechargeable batteries?
We recommend using dry batteries with a voltage of 1.5 V to power the weather station and outdoor sensors. Do not use rechargeable batteries, as these usually only have a voltage of 1.2 V, which is not sufficient.
Where best to install an outdoor sensor
The installation location for the outdoor sensor should fulfil the following criteria:
- outdoors, but protected from the weather, e.g. under a roof overhang
- if possible on the north side of the building
- within the range of the weather station
The range varies depending on obstacles such as walls, windows, etc. We therefore recommend not exceeding a maximum distance of ten metres between the weather station and the outdoor sensor.
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At what height should an outdoor sensor for a weather station be mounted?
An ideal height of between 1.25 and 2 metres above the ground is recommended for installing the outdoor sensor in order to obtain the most accurate readings possible. Please note that the sensor should always be in the shade and generally protected from moisture and heat so as not to falsify the measurement result.
Common sources of error and how to avoid them
If the data exchange between the weather station and outdoor sensor does not work and you do not get an outdoor temperature display, we have two more tips for you here as to why this could be the case.
1. signal interference from other devices in the vicinity
Malfunctions on an outdoor sensor can occur, for example, if there are other high-frequency transmitters in the immediate vicinity. Possible sources of such interference signals, which can affect the connection between the weather station and the outdoor sensor, are e.g:
- Routers
- Microwave oven
- Wireless sockets
- Cordless telephones (landline)
- Other weather stations
Typically, the device works smoothly as soon as the distance to the "interfering" device is large enough again.
It can often also help if you set a different channel for the weather station and outdoor sensor. Make sure to select a different channel for each sensor.
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433 MHz: Basis for many devices
Hama weather stations and outdoor sensors operate in the 433 MHz band. This is a freely authorised frequency for European countries and is therefore free of registration and fees. For this very reason and as is usual in HF technology, high-frequency interference may occur for regional reasons because other people and devices in your neighbourhood can also use it. Corresponding interference is therefore not caused by your device, but by the free transmission technology.
2. weak batteries, weak signal
Another source of error: weak or flat batteries in the weather station itself, i.e. in the central base station. In this case, it is easier for signals from other devices in the vicinity to interfere with the actual signal or completely overlay it.
Tip for changing the batteries: Remove the batteries from both devices, i.e. from the weather station and from the outdoor sensor, for approx. 30 minutes. Then insert the batteries with the correct polarity - first into the outdoor sensor, then (the new batteries) into the base station. See also our instructions above.