Trixology
WeatherCat => WeatherCat General Discussion => Topic started by: macclivet on March 17, 2014, 03:42:26 PM
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Hi, For some time now I have been seeing intermittent "Low Battery" warnings displayed on the console. I reported to Davis and they said check the battery and change if low, which I did. As I write this I have had 2 weeks of no message but today, the message is back. My researches tell me that this battery is backup for the solar power system which ought not to have a bearing since it is bright and sunny here and has been for a week. Davis tell me this battery will power the sensor suite for months without sun.
I ran the power check diagnostic from within WeatherCat and although the readings are OK (both station and console) when the station is quiescent, the graphic of the transmitter(s) showed bad with many red segments. Is is possible to have an explanation of this diagnostic and what the error might be if red segments show. I find the graphic inexplicable because I do not understand the test. What do the segments represent and what is ISS? (Integrated Sensor Suite?).
I have attached two graphics: one - the steady state picture while the Low Batt massage is displaying and two - the picture during the test (which alters as test runs).
How does the power test stress the power system to flush out the error?
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From the WeatherCat manual:
'WeatherCat monitors the Vantage power system including that of remote transmitters. By default, it will send you an email when it detects either a problem with the station power supply or a transmitter battery. The ?Test Power System? button causes WeatherCat to simulate various power failures ? the display will update, and power fail and power restore emails will be sent if enabled.'
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Dear macclivet, Blick and Weather station troubleshooters,
Hi, For some time now I have been seeing intermittent "Low Battery" warnings displayed on the console.
If you are seeing the errors again on your console after replacing the battery, odds are you have a problem with your ISS. Just to be safe, you should confirm that the voltage of the 123 lithium battery you used is correct. You might have had the misfortune of getting a bad battery. If the battery isn't bad, alas, something else has to be.
Better call Davis again and ask them what to do.
Sorry for the bad news . . . :(
Cheers, Edouard
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Hi Guys, thanks for your input and advice. I checked the battery voltage in situ and as expected, it was low (3.03V). So, I put the other new battery in and re-measured (luckily they are sold in pairs). A healthy 3.3 Volts. But, the station is still reporting "low battery on station 1", so I guess the ISS is bad! It seems to be discharging the battery very quickly which confuses me because I thought the battery was only used in case of lack of sunshine and is the type of battery that will last for months. There must be a massive drain. Interestingly, sensors and console are working OK.
Next port of call is Davis.
Cheers, Clive.
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Dear Clive and WeatherCat Davis owners,
I checked the battery voltage in situ and as expected, it was low (3.03V). So, I put the other new battery in and re-measured (luckily they are sold in pairs). A healthy 3.3 Volts. But, the station is still reporting "low battery on station 1", so I guess the ISS is bad!
. . . . .
It seems to be discharging the battery very quickly which confuses me because I thought the battery was only used in case of lack of sunshine and is the type of battery that will last for months. There must be a massive drain.
Sorry to hear of your troubles. Sounds like the circuit board failure is so extreme that it is using up more power than even the solar panel and the battery can supply. That would explain why the battery was so severely drained even with abundant sunshine.
Hope Davis can get your back in business as fast as circumstances permit.
Cheers, Edouard