"Thanks so much for your diligence in helping me get this replacement part for my weather station... It's good to see that outstanding service is alive and well at Weather Shack, and I really appreciate your help."
— Ed B.
Albemarle, NC
"This has been such a joy compared to many other places we've ordered from, I'm sure you will hear from us again."
— Ted M.
Perkins, OK
"Thank you so much for your prompt delivery of the weather station! I was so pleased by how quickly it arrived. My husband loves it. Thanks again for the great service!"
— Angie H.
Troutville, VA
"Thanks. I just placed my weather station order. I am ordering through you because of your timely response to my inquiry. I had emailed the same question to three other companies and you were the only person to answer. Thank you for your help and very quick service. On the net, as in real life, service is everything!!!"
— Steve L.
Orinda, CA
"...the wireless thermometer arrived and as predicted my father was thrilled. Thank you very much for your prompt attention to this order and I will be certain to share my WeatherShack experience with others."
— Ian B.
West Newton, MA
Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
The Most Common Type Of Automated Rain Sensor
The most common rain detector used in electronic weather stations is the "tipping bucket" type of rain sensor. This interesting technology uses two small "buckets" mounted on a fulcrum (balanced like a see-saw). The tiny buckets are manufactured with tight tolerances to ensure that they hold an exact amount of precipitation, typically .01 inch. The tipping bucket assembly is located underneath the rain collector, which funnels the precipitation to the buckets. As rainfall fills the tiny bucket, it becomes overbalanced and tips down, emptying itself as the other bucket pivots into place for the next reading. The action of each tipping event triggers a small switch that activates the electronic circuitry to transmit the count to the indoor console, recording the event as .01 inch of rainfall. On a wireless rain gage, that count is transmitted via a radio signal.
For detailed information about weather station set up, please review that section elsewhere in our education center. Be aware that the accuracy of a tipping bucket rain gauge degrades significantly if it is installed on a non-level plane, so it is critical that it be mounted on a level surface (a bubble level can be used to make sure of it). The surface should also be free of vibration. Follow the manufacturers instructions when installing your tipping bucket rain gauge and be sure to verify that the path for water runoff from the drain screens is unobstructed.
Once the rain detector has been installed, you will need to check to see if the bucket assembly has been secured from movement during shipment. Often manufacturers use some type of fastener (like a cable tie) to hold the assembly steady until it's been installed. If you find that there is a fastener, carefully remove it.
All content on the WeatherShack Education Center is Copyright © 2002-2010 WeatherShack.com. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of WeatherShack.com. For permission, please contact support@weathershack.com
-- The Staff at WeatherShack.com
