DIY #2 - Acu-Rite weather station sensor fix

[@John-eq8cu]

I found your video because my sensor started reading 59F when outside temp was more like 75. It used to work, and worked accurately for 2 years. On my display, it shows the sensor battery-level, and mine showed about half. So it appeared to be working, but showing an obviously wrong temperature. Like you, I replaced the sensor battery. But after replacing batteries, I see the red flashing light, indicating it's transmitting. But it still shows 59F, with strong signal. I was getting ready to disassemble the sensor, but after waiting a while, now it shows the correct temperature. Things I learned: * Red flashing light means that the sensor is working. * An animated signal icon on the display shows active communication with the sensor * Patience: the sensor takes some time (like 15 minutes) before it finally shows the correct temperature. * The sensor battery level might show 50%, but this means it needs to be replaced anyway. Thanks for making this video and setting me on the right track.

[@freelancetravels]

Thank you. I needed to use one of my jewelers flat tips to scrape some rust off of the battery plates and then reinstall...works like new. This old thing's been going strong for six years or more.

[@patloftus9928]

THANK YOU! Just bought a replacement outdoor unit as everything "froze". I had totally forgotten the small sensor, found it, replaced the batteries, checked inside for loose wires (coiled wire is free on one end) and now the main unit seems to be working fine. Next, outside to replace the outdoor unit on a tall pole. Yes, I probably did need the outdoor unit as the rain gage became way off, by double, the annomometer lost a cup and the solar screens were cloudy. Unit was 7 years old.

[@toddhyder828]

Thank you! Our 00592TXR remote sensor began to get "stuck" displaying the daily high temperature, even though the batteries had been replaced about a month before. Then, it just completely quit displaying the outdoor temperature and humidity. One can order a replacement remote sensor from Acu-Rite, but it's a whopping USD $32 including postage and tax. Following your video, I popped the back cover off and discovered that the black ground wire was detached from the battery terminal. In addition, where it was once soldered was crusty green oxidation. I was able to carefully strip back the existing ground wire and resolder. Put the batteries back in and was elated to see the red light blink. A few minutes later, the remote sensor was in sync with the main unit and everything works great.. Comments: the coil that looks like a ballpoint pen spring is the antenna. Don't mess with it - one end is supposed to be unattached. Use a low wattage soldering iron with a clean and shiny tip. Use rosin core solder and preferably non-ROHS solder. It is good to gently snug the unit vertically into a vise. It leaves both hands free, as you'll need one hand to hold the solder and another hand for the soldering iron. Finally, if you are fortunate enough to have a set of JIS screwdrivers (Japanese Industrial Standard), the four screws are a cinch to remove and replace. Very much recommended for anyone who tinkers with cameras, smartphones, and small electronics in general.

[@harrisfriesen9886]

Thanks guys, I lost my outdoor temp signal some time ago and even after replacing batteries no signal finally I pushed the "reset" button on the back of the display unit and vola it works!

[@mrs.checkmate1282]

This worked for me also

[@Ptpau1970]

I tried that too but no luck so I googled Accu Rite’s troubleshooting website and changing the ABC Cannel switch to a different channel (which I switched both units from A to C) and that worked for mine.

[@Ptpau1970]

That’s Channel not cannel. Silly auto correct spelling phone. Lol

[@lenpinelli8143]

Great video. Just had to re-solder mine and it's working again. Thanks!

[@JayCouture3D]

Just some general comments: 1. Appreciate you posting the video, I am shopping these sensors and there were alot of 1 star reviews on Amazon and the sensor was main complaint. 2. The coiled copper wire is the antenna 3. The solder you used is likely leaded (60/40) and all modern electronics use lead free (RoHS). Non-leaded solder has a higher melting point (around 220C). While you may get fine service out of the device now, the cold solder joint does have a higher resistance and will drain the batteries faster than with a good joint. How much faster...no idea.

[@AYDENandDAD]

Jay, thanx for your informative comments, much appreciated! Yes, it's a pity they made the sensor not just a little more robust, it is supposed to sit out in the elements after all!

[@bigjim9556]

..aw...very cool, detailed, zoomed-in, helpful-video....Thank-You....mine's not-just-like-yours, but, its an acurite--and the "outdoor-sensor" is much-the-same---indeed-- was one of the 2 "battery-clip-contact-wires"-- bizarre they must all have that "common-weakness"-- the "wire" they use is "hair-thin" & perhaps "moisture" over the years, causes that "tiny-thin-sprig-of-wire" to, "corrode"-- "ka-dink"-- it silently , separates from its solder-point..?... * note * good that you told people to steer-clear of the "little coiled-wire" ( antennae ?) at other-end... ..thanx again..Happy New Year...rock on dude !

[@Ptpau1970]

I’ve had mine over 5 yrs and works fine. Just have to reset occasionally. Mine was Model 00554SBDI

[@JohnBerthoty]

Same exact wire off. Replaced. Works. Thank you!

[@roidroid]

If the alkaline batteries leak you can clean the mess up with an old toothbrush & vinegar, then alcohol (isopropyl, methylated spirits, vodka, whatever). Vinegar is a mild acid, so is good for neutralizing the alkaline battery schmoo. The same method will probably be able to clean your rusty battery contacts too. Note: If it's not an alkaline battery then vinegar might not be appropriate, coz some batteries chemistries use acidic electrolytes instead.

[@halb.1702]

Duracells are the worst for leaking.

[@Ptpau1970]

Just be sure to read the troubleshooting suggestions and follow instructions. I copied what corrected my problem from their site for others to see. Hope this helps. See what troubleshooting suggestion fixed mine: “Flashing of the outdoor temperature may be an indication of wireless interference: • Make sure the A-B-C switch in the battery compartments of both the display unit and sensor are switched to the same letter. You may choose A, B or C; but both units must match to sync up. Sometimes changing to a different channel helps”.

[@53Oldude]

Thank you, all that I needed was the battie replacement order that fixed mine. :-)

[@goldenstars8983]

Had weak signal from my 5 in1, seemed to be bothered by increase in solar activity. I opened the back of the receiver-display and found a very thin copper wire for the antenna. I cut a short piece of copper wire about the same thickness and attached it to the antenna wire and let it stick out of unit about 6inches. No more signal drop out and full bars. I have had this instrument for three years and noticed as the solar minimum has past and activity is on the rise I was losing signal off and on all day. I saw a fix to do this to the transmitter outside but mine is on a pole 20 feet off the ground and I just had it down to do my yearly battery replacement and did not want to drop the pole again. I also heard attaching a wire to the transmitter antenna could damage the transmitter over time. The receiver was inside and much easier to get at and add a extra length of antenna wire. So far no signal drop out with extending the receiver antenna wire.

[@bwxmoto]

It is fine to use alkaline AA batts. Just do not leave them in so long that they go below 1.0v and start leaking, and do not use them in very very cold conditions. Have to keep an eye on them. Change them once a year whether or not they seem to need it. I use lithium AA batts in the coldest winter months only, so they last several years. Alkalines are cheap and I use them for most of the year.

[@AYDENandDAD]

Thanx for the comment and useful tips BWX! :)

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos I Got 1 At A Yard Sale To day The Outside Sensor Is Broke

[@agnesmariedill5004]

Thank you, my acu rite had stopped recording the outside temperature and after putting new batteries in the outside sensor it is working now.

[@AYDENandDAD]

+Agnes Marie Dill So glad we could help Agnes Marie! Thanx for the comment! :)

[@susanhenderson2322]

My outside sensor has regular cheap cosco batteries, works fine even at -40c and usually last 2+ years

[@davisallen7786]

I have the old Display (model 00827RX) that has no ABC switch. When the temperature failed to show on the Display, I assumed the problem was the Sensor. So, I just bought 2 new Sensors (00592TXR), but they do not have ABC switches. I have tried setting the Sensor to each of the 3 letters, but none of them get the display to show the temperature. When I wrote the company, they said the only way the new Sensor will work is with a new Display with an ABC switch. They said I should have figured that out (the importance of buying a new sensor without an ABC switch) when I ordered the new Sensor. When I asked AcuRite either a refund on the 2 Sensors I just bought a new Display with an ABC switch -- free of charge. They said I had to talk to the retailer I bought the sensor from, or use one of AcuRite's coupons for a 10% discount. Clearly, AcuRite has no pride behind their products.

[@leddyleds]

Awe man how unfortunate! I just bought a new sensor because our 7 year old one seemed to be done….but the new one does not have ABC (but our display does). This is a bummer, from your situation sounds like we won’t have much luck getting this new sensor to work with our display 😓

[@Powerstroke98]

Having the same issue, where it looks as if there is no information from the sensor, albeit...the red light flashes on our sensor every 20 seconds or so. The Acurite station shows the 'future forecast', percentage of moisture (I assume) and hPa (whatever that is). Time, month and date are also showing. BUT, no temperature setting...just two lines. Sensor is currently right beside the weather station, and there is no change. Unsure what the issue is?

[@petervanderhelm1839]

Thankyou. Saved me time and money.

[@d53101]

Sending unit updates and light flashes every 30 seconds. My sending unit began to go through batteries in less than a week. So replaced the entire device. Receiver is OK, so now I have two working indoor units.

[@lloydprunier4415]

Thanks for posting this video. I was hoping it wouldn't be too technical, and found that it was a different model than mine. I have had mine apart so many times I have almost worn out the screws. I have checked everything physically and with a magnifying glass. Think I'll check their web site and see if I can get a replacement temp sensor and sender. I would have already thrown it away, but it will work for a few days then stop. Then it randomly repeats the process and the temp is fairly accurate when it does work???? The wind meter on mine has never appeared to be very accurate. I had to replace the bushing in it and if I lightly oil it every few weeks it still works.

[@AYDENandDAD]

Lloyd, how cold does it get where you live, or does it stop/work even during the warm months of the year?

[@rickreid81]

Thank you. Good video. Very helpful.

[@dvdfrnzwbr]

Strangely, on my model Acu-Rite, I have found that if you put in new batteries into the indoor display unit and immediatly start pushing buttons to set Day-Time -Date the outdoor temp display on the unit will remain blank. You have to put the batteries in and wait for the outdoor temp to display before setting Day-Time-Date. Which is why, on your unit, the flat watch battery that keeps the settings when removing the main batteries makes sense in regards to my unit that doesn't have that feature.

[@AYDENandDAD]

That's handy to know, seems like they realized that that's a problem, and fixed it in my version. Thanx for sharing, maybe reply with your model #, so people looking for answers for strange behavior can find it.

[@dvdfrnzwbr]

AYDENandDAD Model: 1031 Must be 5 or 6 years old. www.acurite.com/acurite-digital-indoor-outdoor-thermometer-with-atomic-clock-01031.html

[@AYDENandDAD]

Thanx, hopefully this helps somebody with a similar model and issue :)

[@polaris911]

I opened up my (not working) sensor and the connections were all intact. These Acurite stations are garbage, I have owned probably 5 of these things and the transmitters broke on all of them. They are not built to withstand the elements I even tried wrapping the sensor in 10 Ziplock plastic bags to protect them and they still break. The LCD display pixels go dead easily.

[@AYDENandDAD]

Wow, it does sounds like you've had some bad luck with these devices! Maybe I was just lucky so far, but I've only had trouble once. You shouldn't have to wrap the sensor in Ziplock bags, it sort of defeat the sensor's "sensing" I would think, but I understand how you can get so frustrated with something constantly breaking, that you'd try anything. Maybe you should try another brand?

[@MstrRo]

The issue with Duracell is that they leak after awhile as do other Alkaline batteries.

[@yeahsure1234]

10 minutes of my life that I will never get back. Put in new batteries. Duh.

[@AYDENandDAD]

Nope, wasn't THAT simple, but now you'll never know! :)

[@vitaminb4869]

Wow, what an idiot!

[@dvdfrnzwbr]

Soldering is not a simple repair for 95% of people

[@AYDENandDAD]

That might be true, but as soldering jobs go, this one was pretty simple.

[@Willam_J]

dvdfrnzwbr - You're absolutely right. I've been an Electronics Engineer for 38 years and the amount of techs I've worked with that can't solder is shameful. It's not just my opinion that they can't solder. They freely admit that they can't solder. That's like a carpenter that can't drive a nail. Soldering isn't that hard with a little practice. I became interested in electronics when I was 9 years old and by the time I was 10, I could solder proficiently. I'm not saying that to brag. I'm saying that to encourage people to learn how to solder. It's not that hard. Like anything else, it just takes practice.

[@jimbush80528]

Hungarian accent?

[@chrisradla]

Very inaccurate! I am very dissatisfied with my purchase. Waste of money, landfill, creates negative environmental impact by manufacturing, warehousing and transporting from China. shame on accurite