SOFTWARE
There are three levels of software in the Weather Station system and all are included for a turnkey solution. The software is fully integrated and has been designed for easy setup and use. Once installed, it runs unattended while collecting and sending data to the Internet
Embedded Firmware:
This is code that runs in the weather station Main Unit's hardware microprocessor. It is called firmware because it is permanently stored in the processor's memory and runs whenever power is applied to the system.
The function of the firmware is to control and read data from all of the sensors comprising the weather station and to format the data into "packets" sent by serial communication to the system PC (either by wired serial connection or wirelessly if the wireless options is employed).
PC Software:
A Windows (XP or higher) software program called WS3.exe runs continually on the computer the weather station is attached to. It's function is to receive "data packets" from the weather station hardware and format them for uploading to the Internet. Ancillary functions include a detailed setup capability, a log of activity, some diagnostics of the system, the ability to issue a reset command to the weather station hardware, and a calibration function for fine-tuning sensor accuracy.
The software also monitors for errors in the system and will either restart the WS3 application or reboot the computer. Optional capability to send a notification text and/or email when a restart or reboot has occurred is also included.
Web Software:
The PC software can be set up to upload to a website and/or Weather Underground. Weather Underground has its own format for sending data to a free, registered PWS (Personal Weather Station). For a website, the ability to accept data uploads from the Weather Station system computer and format/display the data is required. A complete set of files are included for this purpose and can be easily customized for specific information (e.g. The site's name).