There are three main types of rain gauges for measuring rainfall, using three different methods. There are three main types of rain sensor, namely standard rain gauge, dump rain gauge and weighing rain gauge. Although the basic operation of rain gauges is usually the same as thesemain rain gauge types, further distinctions can be made between how rain gauges are set up and how data is transmitted. Let’s take a closer look at these types of rain gauges and how they work.
The Standard Rain Gauge
The recording of rainfall using the standard or funnel rain sensor is generally done manually. These gauges work by catching the falling rain in a funnel-shaped collector that is attached to a measuring tube. The area of the collector is 10 times that of the tube
Thus, the rain gauge works by magnifying the liquid by a factor of 10.
Magnifying the rain in this way allows precise measurements down to a one-hundredth of an inch. Rainwater overflows the top of the meter in excess of the tube capacity, allowing the recorder to pour the liquid out of the tube and fill it as needed.
The Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge:An instrument used to measure rainfall
The operation of a tipping bucket rain gauges is quite different from the standard gauge. The receiving funnel leads to one of two small buckets. Filling of one bucket occurs at one-hundredth of an inch. The result is a “tipping” of the liquid into the outer shell of the gauge, triggering the second bucket to take its place. The process then repeats itself, allowing for precise measurement of rainfall intensity and amount. This gauge has become standard for wireless weather stations.
Rain sensors : An instrument used to measure rainfall
Weighing rain gauges are most suitable for climatological purposes. This is because the vacuum creates a wind effect, allowing more rain to enter the gauges.
These rain gauges are very accurate in measuring rainfall because a weighing device at the bottom of the collector measures both the depth and time of the rainfall. It records in much the same way as older versions of the dump bucket gauges.
If you want to buy a rain sensor, check out today’s JXCT selection of rain instruments. Or, if you have a question for a member of our team, be sure to contact us for more information.