Campbell TE525 User manual

TE525 Tipping Bucket
Rain Gage
Revision: 10/13
Copyright © 1990-2013
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Warranty
The TE525, TE525WS, and TE525MM are warranted for thirty-six (36)
months subject to this limited warranty:
“PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. are
warranted by Campbell Scientific, Inc. (“Campbell”) to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve (12)
months from date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding
Campbell pricelist or product manual. Products not manufactured, but that are
re-sold by Campbell, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original
manufacturer. Batteries, fine-wire thermocouples, desiccant, and other
consumables have no warranty. Campbell’s obligation under this warranty is
limited to repairing or replacing (at Campbell’s option) defective products,
which shall be the sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty. The
customer shall assume all costs of removing, reinstalling, and shipping
defective products to Campbell. Campbell will return such products by surface
carrier prepaid within the continental United States of America. To all other
locations, Campbell will return such products best way CIP (Port of Entry)
INCOTERM® 2010, prepaid. This warranty shall not apply to any products
which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, improper service,
accidents of nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all other
warranties, expressed or implied. The warranty for installation services
performed by Campbell such as programming to customer specifications,
electrical connections to products manufactured by Campbell, and product
specific training, is part of Campbell’s product warranty. CAMPBELL
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Campbell is not liable for any special, indirect,
incidental, and/or consequential damages.”

Assistance
Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following
contact information is for US and international customers residing in countries
served by Campbell Scientific, Inc. directly. Affiliate companies handle
repairs for customers within their territories. Please visit
www.campbellsci.com to determine which Campbell Scientific company serves
your country.
To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone [phone]. After an application engineer
determines the nature of the problem, an RMA number will be issued. Please
write this number clearly on the outside of the shipping container. Campbell
Scientific’s shipping address is:
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
RMA#_____
815 West 1800 North
Logan, Utah 84321-1784
For all returns, the customer must fill out a “Statement of Product Cleanliness
and Decontamination” form and comply with the requirements specified in it.
The form is available from our web site at www.campbellsci.com/repair. A
completed form must be either emailed to [e-mail] or faxed to
[phone]. Campbell Scientific is unable to process any returns until we
receive this form. If the form is not received within three days of product
receipt or is incomplete, the product will be returned to the customer at the
customer’s expense. Campbell Scientific reserves the right to refuse service on
products that were exposed to contaminants that may cause health or safety
concerns for our employees.

Table of Contents
PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.
1. Introduction.................................................................1
2. Cautionary Statements...............................................1
3. Initial Inspection .........................................................1
3.1 Ships With............................................................................................2
4. Quickstart ....................................................................2
4.1 Siting ....................................................................................................2
4.2 Mounting..............................................................................................2
4.3 Use SCWin to Program Datalogger and Generate Wiring Diagram ....4
5. Overview......................................................................7
5.1 Wind Screen.........................................................................................7
5.2 Snowfall Adapter .................................................................................7
6. Specifications .............................................................8
7. Operation.....................................................................9
7.1 Wiring ..................................................................................................9
7.2 Datalogger Programming ...................................................................10
7.2.1 Pulse Count Example Programs..................................................11
7.2.1.1 CR1000 Example Program...............................................11
7.2.1.2 CR200(X) Series Example Program ................................11
7.2.2 Control Port Example..................................................................12
7.2.2.1 CR1000 Example Program...............................................12
8. Troubleshooting........................................................12
9. Maintenance ..............................................................12
Appendix
A. Edlog Program Examples ...................................... A-1
A.1 CR10X Pulse Count Example Program .......................................... A-1
A.2 CR10X Control Port Example......................................................... A-2
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Table of Contents
ii
Figures
4-1. TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage ...................................................... 3
4-2. Pedestal base options........................................................................... 3
7-1. Rain Gage Schematic ........................................................................ 10
Tables
7-1. Wiring for Pulse Channel Input........................................................... 9
7-2. Wiring for Control Port Input.............................................................. 9
7-3. Multipliers for Rain Measurement .................................................... 10

TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
1. Introduction
The TE525 is an adaptation of the standard National Weather Service tipping
bucket rain gage. Output is a switch closure for each bucket tip. Three models
are available:
•TE525 6 in. orifice 0.01 in. tip
•TE525WS 8 in. orifice 0.01 in. tip
•TE525MM 24.5 cm orifice 0.1 mm tip
Before installing the TE525, please study:
•Section 2, Cautionary Statements
•Section 3, Initial Inspection
•Section 4, Quickstart
2. Cautionary Statements
•The TE525-series tipping bucket rain gages are precision instruments.
Please handle them with care.
•Care should be taken when opening the package not to damage or cut the
cable jacket.
•Sensor is factory calibrated and should not require field calibration. Refer
to Section 9, Maintenance, for field calibration check and factory
calibration.
•Debris filters, funnel, and bucket reservoirs should be kept clean.
•The black outer jacket of the cable is Santoprene® rubber. This compound
was chosen for its resistance to temperature extremes, moisture, and UV
degradation. However, this jacket will support combustion in air. It is
rated as slow burning when tested according to U.L. 94 H.B. and will pass
FMVSS302. Local fire codes may preclude its use inside buildings.
3. Initial Inspection
•Upon receipt of the tipping bucket, inspect the packaging and contents for
damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.
•Immediately check package contents against the shipping documentation
(see Section 3.1, Ships With). Contact Campbell Scientific about any
discrepancies.
•The model number and cable length are printed on a label at the
connection end of the cable. Check this information against the shipping
documents to ensure the expected product and cable length are received.
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
3.1 Ships With
The TE525 ships with:
(1) Calibration sheet
(2) Hose clamps from original manufacturer
(1) ResourceDVD
(3) Screws from original manufacturer
4. Quickstart
Please review Section 7, Operation, for wiring, CRBasic programming, and
Edlog programming.
4.1 Siting
The rain gage should be mounted in a relatively level spot which is
representative of the surrounding area. The lip of the funnel should be
horizontal and at least 30 cm above the ground. It should be high enough to be
above the average snow depth. The ground surface around the rain gage
should be natural vegetation or gravel. It should not be paved.
The rain gage should be placed away from objects that obstruct the wind. The
distance should be 2 to 4 times the height of the obstruction.
•The pipe used to mount the bucket must be vertical. Use a torpedo level or
something similar to get it as vertical as possible.
•Take the funnel off of the top of the bucket and look inside towards the
bottom of the bucket — notice the bubble level. Center the bubble level
while mounting the bucket to the pipe. Replace the funnel and seat it
completely when the installation is complete.
4.2 Mounting
The CM300-series mounting poles provide a stainless steel 1.5 IPS vertical
pole for mounting the TE525 rain gage. Pole length is 58 cm (23 in), 119 cm
(47 in), and 142 cm (53 in) for the CM300, CM305, and CM310 models
respectively. The CM300-series offers pedestal base options as well, as shown
in FIGURE 4-2.
Use the enclosed hose clamps to mount the gage as shown in FIGURE 4-1.
The lip of the gage should be at least 5 cm (2 in) above the post or pole. Level
the rain gage after mounting it.
Before final leveling, press either end of the bucket down against
its stop to make sure the bucket is NOT hung up in the center.
NOTE
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
24”
8”
FIGURE 4-1. TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
FIGURE 4-2. Pedestal base options
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
4.3 Use SCWin to Program Datalogger and Generate Wiring
Diagram
The simplest method for programming the datalogger to measure the tipping
bucket rain gages is to use Campbell Scientific’s SCWin Program Generator
(Short Cut).
This section shows Short Cut’s programming for the
TE525/TE525WS. The TE52MM is done similarly.
NOTE
1. Open Short Cut and click on New Program.
2. Select the Datalogger and enter the Scan Interval.
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
3. Select TE525/TE525WS Rain Gauge, and select the right arrow (in
center of screen) to add it to the list of sensors to be measured, and then
select Next.
4. Define the name of the public variable and the measurement units.
After entering the information, click on OK, and then select Next.
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
5. Choose the Output and then select Finish.
6. In the Save As window, enter an appropriate file name and select Save.
7. In the Confirm window, click Yes to download the program to the
datalogger.
8. Click on Wiring Diagram and wire according to the wiring diagram
generated by Short Cut.
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
5. Overview
The TE525-series tipping bucket rain gages funnel precipitation into a bucket
mechanism that tips when filled to a calibrated level. A magnet attached to the
tipping mechanism actuates a switch as the bucket tips. The momentary switch
closure is counted by the pulse-counting circuitry of Campbell Scientific
dataloggers.
The TE525-series tipping bucket rain gages are manufactured by Texas
Electronics and then cabled by Campbell Scientific. The –L after the model
number indicates the cable length is specified when ordered. The cable can
terminate in:
•Pigtails that connect directly to a Campbell Scientific datalogger
(option –PT).
•Connector that attaches to a prewired enclosure (option –PW). Refer
to www.campbellsci.com/prewired-enclosures for more information.
•Connector that attaches to a CWS900 Wireless Sensor Interface
(option –CWS). The CWS900 allows the probe to be used in a
wireless sensor network. Refer to www.campbellsci.com/cws900 for
more information.
•Connector that attaches to a CS110 Electric Field Meter or ET-series
weather station (cable termination option –C).
•Military-style connector that attaches to a RAWS-P Permanent
Remote Automated Weather Station (cable termination option –RQ).
This option is not available for the TE525MM.
5.1 Wind Screen
Campbell Scientific offers the 260-953 Wind Screen to help minimize the
effect of wind on the rain measurements. This wind screen consists of 32
leaves that hang freely and swing as wind moves past them. Refer to the 260-
953 manual for siting information and the installation procedure.
5.2 Snowfall Adapter
Campbell Scientific’s CS705 Snowfall Conversion Adapter uses antifreeze to
melt snow, allowing the TE525WS to measure the water content of snow. The
CS705 cannot be directly used with either the TE525 or TE525MM. However,
both the TE525 and TE525MM can be converted to a TE525WS by returning
them to Campbell Scientific (see Assistance page at the beginning of this
document). Refer to the CS705 manual for siting information and the
installation procedure.
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
6. Specifications
Features:
•High precision
•Compatible with all Campbell Scientific dataloggers (including the
CR200(X) series)
•TE525WS conforms to the National Weather Service
recommendation for an 8-inch funnel orifice.
•TE525WS is directly compatible with the CS705 Snowfall Adapter
allowing it to measure the measure the water content of snow.
•Campbell Scientific can modify a TE525 or TE525MM to it to be
used with the CS705 Snowfall Adapter. Refer to Assistance page at
the beginning of this document for the procedure for sending the
tipping bucket to Campbell Scientific.
Compatible Dataloggers: CR200(X)-series
CR800 series
CR1000
CR3000
CR5000
CR9000X
CR510
CR500
CR10(X)
CR23X
CR7
21X
TE525 TE525WS TE525MM
Sensor Type tipping bucket/potted magnetic momentary contact reed switch
Switch Ratings 30 Vdc at 2 A; 115 Vac at 1 A;
closure time: 135 ms; bounce settling time: 0.75 ms
Bucket Material white powder coated spun aluminum
Funnel Collector Material gold anodized spun aluminum
Screen Material gold anodized spun aluminum
Locking Snap Ring Material stainless steel
Operating Temperature 0° to +50°C (32° to 125°F)
Resolution 1 tip
Volume per Tip 4.73 ml/tip
(0.16 fl. oz/tip)
8.24 ml/tip
(0.28 fl. oz/tip)
4.73 ml/tip
(0.16 fl. oz/tip)
Rainfall per Tip 0.01 in (0.254 mm) 0.1 mm (0.004 in)
Accuracy 1.0% up to 2 in/hour (50 mm/hr)
Knife Edge Funnel Collector Diameter 15.4 cm (6.1 in) 20.3 cm (8 in) 24.5 cm (9.7 in)
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
TE525 TE525WS TE525MM
Height 24.1 cm (9.5 in) 26.7 cm (10.5 in) 29.2 cm (11.5 in)
Tipping Bucket Weight 0.9 kg (2 lb) 1 kg (2.2 lb) 1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
Cable 2-conductor shielded cable
Cable Weight 0.1 kg (0.2 lb) per 10 ft length
7. Operation
7.1 Wiring
When Short Cut is used to generate the datalogger program, the sensor should
be wired to the channels shown on the wiring diagram created by Short Cut.
The rain gage is typically wired to a datalogger’s pulse channel (see TABLE
7-1).
TABLE 7-1. Wiring for Pulse Channel Input
Color
|
Description
CR800
CR850
CR1000
CR3000
CR5000
CR9000(X)
CR510
CR500
CR10(X)
21X
CR7
CR23X
CR200(X)
Series
Black Signal Pulse
Channel
Pulse
Channel
Pulse
Channel
P_SW
White Signal
Return
G
Clear Shield G
Dataloggers listed in TABLE 7-2 have the capability of counting switch
closures on some of their control ports. When a control port is used, the return
from the rain gage switch must be connected to +5 V on the datalogger.
TABLE 7-2. Wiring for Control Port Input
Color
Description
CR800
CR850
CR1000
CR3000
CR500
CR510
CR10X
CR23X
Black Signal Control Port C2/P3 Control Port Control Port
White Signal Return 5 V 5 V 5 V 5 V
Clear Shield G
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
The CR10 does not support the use of control port inputs with the Pulse Count
instruction.
Black
White
Clear 100 Ω
FIGURE 7-1. Rain Gage Schematic
In a long cable, there is appreciable capacitance between the lines. A built up
charge could cause arcing when the switch closes, shortening switch life. A
100 Ωresistor is connected in series at the switch to prevent arcing by limiting
the current (FIGURE 7-1). This resistor is installed on all rain gages currently
sold by Campbell Scientific.
7.2 Datalogger Programming
This section is for users who write their own programs. A datalogger program
to measure this sensor can be generated using Short Cut. You do not need to
read this section to use Short Cut.
In CRBasic, the rain gage is measured using the PulseCount() instruction.
Choose switch closure (code 2) for the PConfig parameter. Dataloggers that
use CRBasic are the CR200(X), CR800, CR850, CR1000, CR3000, CR5000,
and CR9000(X).
In Edlog, the Pulse (P3) is used to measure the rain gage. Choose switch
closure (code 2) for parameter three. Dataloggers that use Edlog are the
CR500, CR510, CR10(X), CR23X, CR7, and 21X.
The multiplier used in the PulseCount() or Pulse (P3) instruction determines
the units in which rainfall is reported (see TABLE 7-3).
TABLE 7-3. Multipliers for Rain Measurement
Rain Gage inches millimeters
TE525 0.01 0.254
TE525WS 0.01 0.254
TE525MM 0.00394 0.1
TE525 or TE525MM w/8 in funnel 0.0057 0.1459
The volume of water required to cause a tip in the TE525 and the TE525MM is
the same. The difference in calibration is strictly due to funnel size. If the
CS705 Snowfall Adapter or other eight inch funnel is installed on these gages,
use a multiplier from the last row in TABLE 7-3. (The CS705 will not install
directly on the TE525MM; the MM funnel must first be replaced with an eight
inch funnel.)
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
7.2.1 Pulse Count Example Programs
The following example programs use a pulse channel to read the output from
the rain gage. The CR1000 example will also work with the CR800, CR850,
CR3000, and CR5000. CR9000(X) programming is similar to the CR1000
except it has an additional parameter in the PulseCount() instruction to specify
the pulse module’s slot.
7.2.1.1 CR1000 Example Program
'CR1000
'TE525/TE525WS & TE525MM sample program
Public Rain_mm
Units Rain_mm=mm
DataTable(Rain,True,-1)
DataInterval(0,60,Min,0)
Totalize(1,Rain_mm,FP2,0)
EndTable
BeginProg
Scan(1,Sec,1,0)
'For TE525MM Rain Gage, use multiplier of 0.1 in PulseCount instruction
PulseCount(Rain_mm,1,1,2,0,0.254,0)
CallTable(Rain)
NextScan
EndProg
7.2.1.2 CR200(X) Series Example Program
'CR200(X) Series
'Declare Variables and Units
Public Rain_mm
Units Rain_mm=mm
'Define Data Tables
DataTable(Rain,True,-1)
DataInterval(0,60,Min)
Totalize(1,Rain_mm,0)
EndTable
'Main Program
BeginProg
Scan(1,Sec)
'TE525/TE525WS Rain Gage measurement Rain_mm:
PulseCount(Rain_mm,P_SW,2,0,0.254,0)
'Call Data Tables and Store Data
CallTable(Rain)
NextScan
EndProg
'For TE525MM Rain Gage, use multiplier of 0.1 in PulseCount instruction
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
7.2.2 Control Port Example
This example measures a TE525 rain gage in millimeters. A different
multiplier would be entered (TABLE 7-3) for other units.
7.2.2.1 CR1000 Example Program
'CR1000
'Declare Public Variables and Units
Public Rain_mm
Units Rain_mm=mm
DataTable (Rain,True,-1)
DataInterval (0,60,Min,0)
Totalize (1,Rain_mm,FP2,0)
EndTable
'Main Program
BeginProg
Scan (1,Sec,1,0)
'For TE525MM Rain Gage use multiplier of 0.1 in PulseCount Instruction.
PulseCount (Rain_mm,1,18,2,0,.254,0)
CallTable (Rain)
NextScan
EndProg
8. Troubleshooting
Symptom: No Precipitation
1. Check that the sensor is wired to the Pulse Channel specified by the pulse
count instruction.
2. Verify that the Configuration Code (Switch Closure), and Multiplier and
Offset parameters for the Pulse Count instruction are correct for the
datalogger type.
3. Disconnect the sensor from the datalogger and use an ohm meter to do a
continuity check of the switch. The resistance measured at the terminal
block on the inside of the bucket between the black and white leads
should vary from infinite (switch open) when the bucket is tipped, to less
than an ohm when the bucket is balanced.
9. Maintenance
The funnel and bucket mechanism must be kept clean. Routinely check for and
remove any foreign material, dust, insects, etc. The following calibration
check is advised every 12 months.
Field Calibration Check:
(1) Secure a metal can that will hold at least one quart of water.
(2) Punch a very small hole in the bottom of the can.
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
(3) Place the can in the top funnel of the rain gage and pour 16 fluid ounces (1
pint) of water into the can. (A 16 oz. soft drink bottle filled to within 2.5
inches of the top may be used for a rough field calibration. An exact
volume will allow for a more precise calibration).
(4) If it takes less than 45 minutes for this water to run out, the hole in the can
is too large.
(5) The following number of tips should occur:
TE525, TE525MM 100 ± 3
TE525WS 57 ± 2
(6) Adjusting screws are located on the bottom adjacent to the large center
drain hole. Adjust both screws the same number of turns. Rotation
clockwise increases the number of tips per 16 oz. of water; counter
clockwise rotation decreases the number of tips per 16 oz. of water. One
half turn of both screws causes a 2% to 3% change.
(7) Check and re-level the rain gage lid.
Factory Calibration:
If factory calibration is required, contact Campbell Scientific to obtain an RMA
(see Warranty and Assistance at front of manual).
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TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
14