La Crosse Technology Portable Radio WA 1140U User Manual

Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
WA-1140U  
4 Day Talking Weather Forecaster  
Owner’s Manual  
WEATHER DIRECT®  
Presented by La Crosse Technology®  
La Crosse Technology, Ltd.  
2809 Losey Blvd. S.  
La Crosse, WI 54601  
Phone 608-785-7935  
Page 1 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
Hear the Audio Feed Assigned to the “A, B or C” Key ......................................................... 20  
“SET” Key.................................................................................................................................. 20  
When ADD 4 LOCATIONS Expansion Option is Active....................................................... 20  
Changing Settings on Your Wireless Display ....................................................................... 20  
Set Mode 1 – Set LCD Contrast (1-8) .............................................................................. 21  
Set Mode 2 - Set Text Scrolling Speed (1-3).................................................................... 21  
Set Mode 3 – Factory Reset of Wireless Display............................................................. 21  
Set Mode 4 - View Device ID............................................................................................ 22  
FREE Trial of Expansion Options for 14 Days .............................................................................. 22  
Four Additional Forecast Locations........................................................................................... 23  
Severe Weather Alerts .................................................................................................................. 23  
Types of Severe Weather Alerts:.......................................................................................... 24  
Forecast Icons Explained .............................................................................................................. 25  
Care and Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 26  
Battery Low Icons.......................................................................................................................... 26  
Battery Replacement..................................................................................................................... 27  
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................. 27  
Specifications................................................................................................................................. 27  
Temperature Range.............................................................................................................. 27  
Battery Life............................................................................................................................ 27  
Dimensions ........................................................................................................................... 27  
Weather Direct® Update Rate.............................................................................................. 27  
Weather Direct® Wireless Range......................................................................................... 27  
Power Requirements..................................................................................................................... 27  
Liability Disclaimer......................................................................................................................... 28  
FCC Statements ............................................................................................................................ 29  
Warranty Information..................................................................................................................... 30  
Page 3 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
Congratulations  
You have just purchased the world’s first Internet-Powered Weather Station.  
Weather Direct® uses the power of the Internet to deliver weather data and other  
important information tailored to you, because you are in control of the  
information it delivers.  
We understand that no one likes having to read a manual, so we’ve tried to make  
this a fun and rewarding read. After all, Weather Direct® is all about you. It’s like  
having your own personal assistant to tell you the weather how, when and where  
you want it. Knowing how Weather Direct® works will allow you to get the most  
out of this innovative new system.  
Weather Direct® - Not Just Another Weather Station. Weather Direct® is the  
complete weather experience.  
Quality Forecasts  
Weather Direct® provides the most accurate forecast information available,  
customized to your exact location! Our forecasts go beyond backyard  
measurements by using Internet-enabled weather data provided by official  
National Weather Service instrumentation and local weather reporting stations  
widely distributed throughout North America.  
The same quality weather information used by meteorologists to deliver the local  
forecast plus additional weather data unique to the Weather Direct® network is  
available to you 24 hours a day! We provide the most detailed, customized, up-  
to-date weather forecasts available on any medium. Weather Direct® allows you  
to pinpoint your exact location to ensure that you receive precision weather  
forecasts customized for you!  
Weather Direct® is Green  
We are doing our part to keep our planet healthy by eliminating our paper  
manuals, saving trees in the process. Not only are we reducing the amount of  
paper, but we are also trying to help you save space in your desk drawer, file  
cabinet or box in the basement where all these pesky manuals end up. Now you  
can print only the pages from this manual that you need… or not print any at all if  
you find what you are looking for online.  
Page 4 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
The Gateway uses only 1 watt of power with a two year battery life on the  
Wireless Display and Temperature sensor. Since the Weather Direct® system  
works even when your computer is off, you save money on electricity.  
Included in the Box  
The WA-1140U 4 Day Talking Weather Forecaster is a complete Weather  
Direct® system that includes:  
WA-1140U Wireless Display – Provides weather forecast information,  
time, date and other custom data from the Internet. Also receives and  
displays wireless outdoor temperature, from your backyard using the  
included Wireless Outdoor Sensor.  
Wireless Gateway + Mounting Plate – Provides your Weather Direct®  
System with weather data and other customizable feeds from the  
Internet. Sends data your Wireless Display with a wireless range of up  
to 330 feet (open air).  
TX-50U Wireless Outdoor Temperature Sensor + Mounting Plate –  
Measures the outdoor temperature where you are and sends  
temperature data to your Wireless Display with a wireless range of up  
to 330 feet (open air).  
(4) Screws and drywall anchors for mounting the Wireless Outdoor  
Temperature Sensor and the Wireless Gateway  
Quick Set Up Card  
Weather Club Information Card  
LAN cable to connect the Gateway to a network router  
AC adapter for Gateway  
915 MHz Wireless Sensor Technology  
This product offers:  
INSTANT TRANSMISSION is the state-of-the-art new  
wireless transmission technology, exclusively designed  
and developed by LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY®.  
INSTANT TRANSMISSION offers you an immediate  
update (every 4 seconds!) of all your outdoor data  
measured from the sensors: follow your climatic  
variations in real-time!  
Page 5 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
What You Need to Get Started:  
High-speed Internet connection – cable, DSL or other broadband  
Internet service will work. NOTE: If you only have a Dial-Up Internet  
connection, Weather Direct® will not work. However, you can use  
Weather Direct® Lite with a Dial-Up connection using your computer’s  
Router or broadband modem with built-in router. (contact your Internet  
service provider ISP for information on compatibility with their service)  
If you have any questions about routers, or you would like a  
recommendation on a great router for use with Weather Direct®, see -  
Valid e-mail address – required to make sure you can retrieve your  
password and receive other information about your user profile.  
2 “AA” Alkaline batteries for the Wireless Outdoor Sensor  
 NOTE: Rechargeable batteries are not recommended due to the wide variation in  
performance between brands and types. Please use only fresh Alkaline batteries.  
3 “C” Alkaline batteries for the Wireless Display  
 NOTE: Rechargeable batteries are not recommended due to the wide variation in  
performance between brands and types. Please use only fresh Alkaline batteries.  
Visit www.weatherdirect.com and click “Register” to Start  
After you have registered and selected a forecast location and Time  
Zone for your Wireless Display, the forecast data will show up on the  
display within 60 seconds.  
A reasonably current Windows, Macintosh, or Linux PC with internet  
browser installed is required for initial set up and configuration  
changes.  
The browser must be configured with Java Script enabled. Most  
browsers allow JavaScript as a standard feature. If you have turned  
off support for JavaScript in your browser, please allow JavaScript to  
run again to register or configure your Device.  
Page 6 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
IMPORTANT MESSAGE:  
Please DO NOT insert batteries into the Wireless Display or the Outdoor Sensor  
until instructed to do so.  
Connect the Gateway to an available LAN port on your network router with the  
LAN cable (included) and then power up the Gateway with the AC Adapter  
(included).  
Set Up your WA-1140U  
 NOTE: The Quick Set-Up Card that is included in the box contains additional  
instructions to help you get started quickly if you want to perform a basic setup of  
your Weather Direct® system without reading this entire manual.  
Open www.weatherdirect.com in a web browser and click “REGISTER” at the top  
of the page. Our Online Registration Wizard will guide you through the complete  
registration process.  
Hardware Installation  
 NOTE: Hardware installation is only intended to be performed after you have  
registered your Gateway and Wireless Display, inserted batteries into the  
Wireless Outdoor Temperature Sensor, and have confirmed successful reception  
of weather data.  
Page 7 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
Wireless Outdoor Sensor Installation Options  
 NOTE: Move the Wireless Outdoor Sensor into its intended location and wait for  
10 minutes to make sure the outdoor temperature is still being received by the  
Wireless Display. Press the “SNOOZE” Key on your Wireless Display to show  
the outdoor temperature. If the display shows - -,-F for the outdoor temperature,  
the signal cannot reach the Wireless Display. Find a closer location to mount the  
Wireless Outdoor Sensor and wait 10 minutes to check the Wireless Display  
again for reception.  
 DO NOT mount the Wireless Outdoor Sensor in a permanent fashion until  
you are sure the signal is being received by the Wireless Display.  
To Surface Mount the Outdoor Sensor:  
We have provided a mounting plate that you can attach to a surface  
with the supplied screws. The Sensor can be positioned on a flat  
surface by securing the stand to the bottom by gently pushing the  
bottom of the Sensor onto the holding pegs of the stand until they  
click into place in the grooves on the Sensor.  
To Wall Mount the Outdoor Sensor:  
The Outdoor Sensor is weather resistant, but not water proof. To  
ensure maximum Sensor life, mount it in a covered place out of the  
elements like under the eaves. Placement on the North side of your  
home will provide the most accurate readings. Mount it about 18”  
down from the eaves for optimum performance. This ensures that the  
weather data collected by the Outdoor Sensor will not be affected by  
the temperature of the air leaving the attic.  
We have provided a mounting plate that you can attach to the wall with the  
supplied screws. Gently snap the Sensor onto the holding pegs on the mounting  
plate after the plate is screwed to the wall. When the holding pegs are securely  
locked into the slots on the Sensor, you will hear a “Click”.  
Gateway Installation  
The Gateway should be installed indoors in an  
easy-to-reach location. Registration requires  
that you press the gray button on the  
Gateway. It can be mounted securely to the  
wall with the included mounting plate and  
drywall anchors.  
Page 8 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
If you require a longer LAN cable to mount the Gateway in a desired location,  
any standard Category 5 network cable will work, but a crossover cable may not  
work. Crossover cables designed to connect two computers without networking  
hardware may not work with your Gateway.  
 NOTE: Network cables usually have length limitations. The same length  
limitations will apply that apply to computers on your home network.  
The Gateway sends weather forecasts to your Wireless Display over a maximum  
330 ft. range. Walls and other obstructions between the Gateway and Wireless  
Display will affect the range. The Wireless Signal Icon will indicate the signal  
strength to let you know if your Gateway and Wireless Display are within range.  
Online Resources  
These links can help to enrich your Weather Direct® experience:  
FREE Membership Included to the Weather Club, at  
ƒ Online weather forecasts by Meteorologist Paul Douglas  
ƒ Radar maps  
ƒ Video and photo uploads  
ƒ And Much more!  
For a list of places to choose from as forecast locations -  
Page 9 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
Features  
Free Forecasts for Over 40,000 Locations in the United States and  
Canada, Including Your Hometown, Golf Courses, Parks Sports  
Venues and More.  
Automatically Updates Itself via the Gateway  
4 Day Forecast with Daily Sky Condition Icons  
Specific Forecast for Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Night and Full  
Day  
Lower LCD Line Scrolls City Name, Forecast, Outdoor Temperature,  
Sun Rise/Set  
Lower LCD Line Scrolling Speed Adjustment (1-4)  
LCD Contrast Setting (1-7)  
Daily HI / LOW Temperature Forecast  
Wireless Outdoor Temperature (°F/°C)  
Monitor Your Outdoor Temperature From Anywhere in the World on a  
Free Membership to the Online Weather Club. For more details,  
Time Alarm with Snooze  
Time and Date Set Automatically  
Low Battery Indicator on the LCD and the web site for the Wireless  
Display and Outdoor Sensors  
Time Setting on Wireless Display  
The Time Zone you select  
for your Wireless Display is  
intended to set the time for  
your physical location so  
the clock on your Wireless  
Display is accurate. This  
time is independent of your  
selected forecast locations.  
The Wireless Display will  
ONLY display the time from  
the “Time Zone for Wireless  
Display Clock” set on the  
web site, NOT the time at  
the forecast locations.  
There is only one Time  
Zone available per Wireless  
Page 10 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
Display.  
The Daylight Saving Time (DST) checkbox on your Wireless Display settings at  
www.weatherdirect.com is selected by default because most locations observe  
DST. If you are in a location that does not observe DST, please make sure to  
uncheck this box.  
Wireless Outdoor Sensor  
The Wireless Outdoor Sensor sends temperature data to your Wireless Display,  
accurate to within a tenth of one degree.  
The Outdoor Temperature Sensor uses 2 x “AA”,  
Alkaline batteries. To install and replace the  
batteries, please follow the steps below:  
1. Remove the battery compartment cover on  
the back of the sensor.  
2. Insert the batteries, observing the correct  
polarity (see marking).  
3. Replace the battery compartment cover on  
the unit.  
Press the “SNOOZE” Key on your Wireless Display to show the outdoor  
temperature at any time. The outdoor temperature will scroll on the bottom of the  
LCD.  
Edit Device Settings Online  
This section will show you how to set up your Wireless Display using your  
account at www.weatherdirect.com .  
Log In to your profile on www.weatherdirect.com and click on your  
WA-1140U Wireless Display under the “My Devices” banner  
Page 11 of 31  
 
Version 1.1 - 11/11/2008  
Click the “Edit Device Settings” button  
Scroll down to the desired section on the setup page and enter your  
preferences.  
Click the “Save Settings” button to finish  
Page 12 of 31