Campbell RainVUE Series User manual

Revision: 11/2022
Copyright © 2020 – 2022
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 1
4. QuickStart 2
5. Overview 4
6. Specifications 5
7. Installation 7
7.1 Wiring 8
7.2 Data logger programming 8
7.2.1 CRBasic programming 9
7.3 Siting 9
7.4 Mounting 9
8. Operation 15
8.1 SDI-12 measurements 15
8.2 SDI-12 extended commands 18
8.3 SDI-12 version 1.4 identify measurement commands and responses 20
8.4 Calculations 21
8.5 Device Configuration Utility 23
9. Maintenance and troubleshooting 27
9.1 Maintenance 28
9.1.1 Cleaning and replacing filters 28
9.1.2 Internal lithium battery 30
9.1.3 Updating the operating system 31
9.2 Troubleshooting 32
Table of Contents - i

Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 34
Appendix B. Calibration validation 35
Appendix C. SDI-12 sensor support 37
C.1 SDI-12 command basics 37
C.1.1 Acknowledge active command (a!) 38
C.1.2 Send identification command (al!) 38
C.1.3 Start verification command (aV!) 39
C.1.4 Address query command (?!) 39
C.1.5 Change address command (aAb!) 39
C.1.6 Start measurement commands (aM!) 40
C.1.7 Start concurrent measurement commands (aC!) 40
C.1.8 Start measurement commands with cyclic redundancy check (aMC! and aCC!) 42
C.1.9 Stopping a measurement command 42
C.1.10 Send data command (aD0! … aD9!) 42
C.1.11 Continuous measurement command (aR0! … aR9!) 43
C.1.12 Extended commands 43
C.2 SDI-12 transparent mode 44
C.2.1 Changing an SDI-12 address 44
C.3 References 46
Table of Contents - ii

1. Introduction
The RainVUE-series rain sensors are an ideal solution for many hydrological or meteorological
applications such as weather stations and flood warning systems. The models differ in their body
material; the RainVUE™10 has a molded UV-stabilized plastic body, and the RainVUE™20 has a
rugged aluminum body. In both models, a microprocessor corrects for rainfall intensity and
outputs an SDI-12 signal to communicate with any SDI-12 recorder, including Campbell Scientific
data loggers.
NOTE:
The RainVUE-series rain sensors are compatible with all data loggers that support SDI-12
communications. This manual focuses on Campbell Scientific CRBasic data loggers.
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
lRainVUE-series is a precision instrument that must be handled with care.
lDuring installation, remove the piece of foam from under the tipping mechanism. This
foam should be saved and used whenever the sensor is transported.
lPull and remove the insulator tab used to prevent draining of the backup coin cell battery
during shipping and storage. The tab extends from the bottom of the RainVUE-series
interface to inside the RainVUE-series.
3. Initial inspection
lCheck the packaging and contents of the shipment. If damage occurred during transport,
immediately file a claim with the carrier. Contact Campbell Scientific to facilitate repair or
replacement.
lCheck model information against the shipping documents to ensure the expected products
and the correct lengths of cable are received. Model numbers are found on each product.
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 1

On cables and cabled items, the model number is usually found at the connection end of
the cable. Report any discrepancies immediately to Campbell Scientific.
4. QuickStart
A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:
www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-data logger-getting-started-program-part-3 .Short
Cut is an easy way to program your data logger to measure the sensor and assign data logger
wiring terminals. Short Cut is available as a download on www.campbellsci.com . It is included
in installations of LoggerNet,RTDAQ, and PC400.
The following procedure shows how to use Short Cut to program the RainVUE-series:
1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.
2. Double-click the data logger model.
3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type RainVUE or find it in the Sensors >
Meteorological >Precipitation folder, and double-click RainVUE10/RainVUE20 Rain Gauge.
Enter the correct SDI-12 address for the sensor if it has been changed from the factory-set
default value. Type the numeric month and day for resetting the total accumulation, if you
want to do this. Otherwise, uncheck the Reset total intensity corrected accumulation once a
year box.
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 2

4. Click the Wiring tab, wire the sensor, then click OK.
5. Repeat steps three and four for other sensors you want to measure. Click Next.
6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, a Table Name, and Data Output Storage Interval. Click
Next.
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 3

7. Select the output options.
8. Click Finish and save the program. Send the program to the data logger if the data logger
is connected to the computer.
9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor in the data
display in LoggerNet,RTDAQ, or PC400 to make sure it is making reasonable
measurements.
5. Overview
The RainVUE-series funnels rainfall through a stainless-steel screen that traps debris, preventing
it from impeding the flow of precipitation. Rainfall flows through a nozzle into one of two bucket
halves. The internal tipping mechanism assembly rotates around a pivot point. The tipping
mechanism tips when the first bucket fills to a fixed calibrated level, then the tipping mechanism
moves the second bucket under the funnel. A magnet attached to the tipping mechanism
actuates a reed switch as the bucket tips. The outgoing water drains through outlets.
The aerodynamic design of the RainVUE-series reduces the amount of rain that wind carries away
from the collecting vessel. With traditional cylindrical tipping bucket rain sensors, wind can
reduce the rainfall catch by up to 20 percent. The RainVUE-series also includes a microprocessor
that corrects for rainfall intensity and outputs an SDI-12 signal.
During intense rainfall, extra water can accumulate in the bucket before the tipping mechanism
tips. The following graph shows the relationship between bucket volume and rainfall rate. The
RainVUE-series microprocessor corrects for the intensity sensitivity of the bucket mechanism.
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 4

This correction adjusts the rainfall rate based on the time between bucket tips. An electronic
timer precisely measures the time between tips.
Features:
lSuitable for nonfreezing precipitation and high intensity rain events
lDigital processing to correct for high intensity precipitation errors (see Specifications [p. 5])
lUnique aerodynamic shape increases measurement accuracy in windy conditions
lCompliance with WMO recommendations for accuracy and funnel area
lAdjustable mounting feet to simplify leveling
lTilt, internal temperature, and voltage measurements for remote diagnostics on the sensor
lCompatible with CRBasic data loggers: GRANITE-series, CR6, CR1000X, CR800-series,
CR350-series, CR300-series, CR3000, CR1000
6. Specifications
Sensor type: Tipping bucket with magnetic reed switch
Output: SDI-12 version 1.4
Response time: 0 s for M0! command and 1 s for M1! command
Tilt uncertainty: ±1 °
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 5

Temperature uncertainty: ±0.25 °C (±0.45 °F)
Supplyvoltageuncertainty: ±0.5 V
Operating temperature: 1 to 70 °C (34 to 158 °F); –40 to 70°C (–40 to 158°F) including
melting snow
Funnel diameter: 20.0 cm (7.87 in)
Height: 43.5 to 46.5 cm (17.1 to 18.3 in) with feet adjustment
Power: 6 to 18 VDC
Compliance: WMO compliant: 0.1 mm option only
View compliance documents at:
www.campbellsci.com/rainvue10
www.campbellsci.com/rainvue20
Table 6-1: RainVUE-series comparison
Specification RainVUE 10 RainVUE 20
Measurement range
0.01 inch option: 0 to
1200mm/hr (0 to 48in/hr)
0.1 mm option: 0 to 500mm/hr
(0 to 19.7in/hr)
0.2 mm option: 0 to
1000mm/hr (0 to 39.4in/hr)
0.01 inch option: 0 to
1200mm/hr (0 to 48in/hr)
0.1 mm option: 0 to 600mm/hr
(0 to 23.6in/hr
Precipitation amount
resolution
0.01 inch option: 0.254mm
(0.01in)
0.1 mm option: 0.1mm
(0.004in)
0.2 mm option: 0.2mm
(0.008in)
0.01 inch option: 0.254mm
(0.01in)
0.1 mm option: 0.1mm
(0.004in)
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 6

Table 6-1: RainVUE-series comparison
Specification RainVUE 10 RainVUE 20
Precipitation amount
measurement uncertainty
(mm/tip or in/tip)
0.01 inch option: ±1% at 0 to
1200mm/hr (0 to 48in/hr)
intensity
0.1 mm option: The larger of
0.1mm or 4% error at 0 to
500mm/h intensity (0 to
19.7in/h intensity)
0.2 mm option: < 4% at 0 to
1000mm/h intensity (0 to
39.4in/h intensity)
0.01 inch option: ±1% at 0 to
500mm/hr (0 to 20in/hr)
intensity
0.1 mm option: ±3.08% at 0 to
20mm/hr (0 to 0.8in/hr);
±3.6% at 20 to 600mm/hr (0.8
to 24in/hr) intensity
Precipitation intensity
measurement uncertainty
(mm/hr or in/hr)1
0.1 mm option: ≤3.5% at 0 to
300mm/h (7.9 to 11.8in/hr);
≤5% at 0 to 500mm/h (11.8 to
19.7in/hr)
0.2 mm option: ±4% at 200 to
1,000mm/hr (7.9 to 39.4in/hr)
intensity
0.01 inch option: ±1% at 0 to
500mm/hr (0 to 19.7in/hr)
intensity
0.1 mm option: ±3.58% at 20 to
600mm/hr (0.8 to 23.6in/hr)
intensity
Material White, ASA LI-911 plastic
Main collector body: 2mm
thick, powder-coated
aluminum
Base: LM6 marine-grade
aluminum
Weight 2 kg (4.5 lb) 6 kg (13 lb)
1Accuracy over the rain intensity range requires a mechanical calibration that is within 1 percent at a 1 in/hr
intensity. RainVUE-series sensors are calibrated at the factory to meet this specification but should be verified prior
to deployment; see Calibration validation.
7. Installation
If you are programming your data logger with Short Cut, skip Wiring (p. 8) and Data logger
programming (p. 8), as Short Cut does this work for you. See QuickStart (p. 2) for a Short Cut
tutorial.
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 7

7.1 Wiring
Connect the wires in the order shown in the following table.
Table 7-1: Wire color and function and data logger connection
Wire color Wire function Data logger connection
White SDI-12 signal Cor Uconfigured for SDI-121
Clear Shield G
Brown Power 12V
Black Power ground G
1Uand Cterminals are automatically configured by the SDI12Recorder() instruction.
If multiple SDI-12 sensors are connected to a data logger, Campbell Scientific recommends using
separate terminals when possible. However, multiple SDI-12 sensors can connect to the same
data logger control or Uterminal. Each must have a unique SDI-12 address. Valid addresses are 0
through 9, a through z, and A through Z.
For the CR6 and CR1000X data loggers, triggering conflicts may occur when a companion
terminal is used for a triggering instruction such as TimerInput(),PulseCount(), or
WaitDigTrig(). For example, if the RainVUE-series is connected to C3 on a CR1000X, then C4
cannot be used in the TimerInput(),PulseCount(), or WaitDigTrig() instructions.
7.2 Data logger programming
Short Cut is the best source for up-to-date programming code for Campbell Scientific data
loggers. If your data acquisition requirements are simple, you can probably create and maintain a
data logger program exclusively with Short Cut. If your data acquisition needs are more complex,
the files that Short Cut creates are a great source for programming code to start a new program
or add to an existing custom program.
NOTE:
Short Cut cannot edit programs after they are imported and edited in CRBasic Editor.
AShort Cut tutorial is available in QuickStart (p. 2). If you wish to import Short Cut code into
CRBasic Editor to create or add to a customized program, follow the procedure in Importing
Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor (p. 34). Programming basics for CRBasic data loggers are
provided in the following section.
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 8

7.2.1 CRBasic programming
The SDI12Recorder() instruction is used to measure a RainVUE-series. This instruction sends
a request to the sensor to make a measurement and then retrieves the measurement from the
sensor. See SDI-12 measurements (p. 15) for more information.
For most data loggers, the SDI12Recorder() instruction has the following syntax:
SDI12Recorder(Destination, SDIPort, SDIAddress, “SDICommand”, Multiplier, Offset,
FillNAN, WaitonTimeout)
For the SDIAddress, alphabetical characters need to be enclosed in quotation marks (for
example, “A”). Also enclose the SDICommand in quotation marks as shown. The Destination
parameter must be an array. The required number of values in the array depends on the
command (see Table 8-1 [p. 16]).
FillNAN and WaitonTimeout are optional parameters (refer to CRBasic Help for more
information).
A downloadable example program is available at www.campbellsci.com/downloads/rainvue-
example-program .
7.3 Siting
Mount the RainVUE-series in a relatively level location representative of the surrounding area.
Ensure that the funnel is horizontal. Place the sensor away from objects that obstruct the wind at
a distance of at least two times the height of the obstruction. A concrete pad is recommended,
but the RainVUE-series should not be installed over a large paved or concrete surface.
7.4 Mounting
The RainVUE-series has three equally spaced leveling feet. Next to each leveling foot is a hole for
securing the sensor to a flat surface. The CM241 mounting bracket offered by Campbell Scientific
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 9

allows the RainVUE-series to be mounted on a CM300-series mounting pole or to a user-
supplied 1.5-inch IPS (1.9-inch OD) unthreaded pipe.
Mounting poles may be placed directly into a concrete foundation, attached to a concrete
foundation with J-bolts, or self supported with three legs (see Figure 7-1 [p. 10]).
Figure 7-1. CM300-series mounting options
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 10

The procedure for mounting to a CM241 bracket and leveling the sensor is as follows:
1. Attach the feet to the sensor using the nuts and washers provided. The hardware used to
mount the feet are shipped in a bag with the feet.
Figure 7-2. RainVUE-series feet
2. Loosen and remove the three base thumb screws, then lift the funnel upward.
Figure 7-3. Thumb screw on RainVUE 20
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 11

3. Remove the wing nuts and washers from the CM241 mounting bracket.
Figure 7-4. CM241 mounting bracket
4. Line up the RainVUE-series mounting holes over the CM241 mounting bolts and place the
sensor on the bracket.
Figure 7-5. Exploded view of RainVUE-series and CM241 bracket;
wing nuts and pole not shown
5. Loosely secure the RainVUE-series to the CM241 using the washers and wing nuts.
6. Place the CM241 on the pole or pipe and secure it to the pole or pipe by tightening the
screws with a Phillips screwdriver (see Figure 7-4 [p. 12] and Figure 7-8 [p. 14]).
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 12

7. Adjust the three leveling feet to level the RainVUE-series. The RainVUE 10 has a bubble level
next to a leveling foot; the RainVUE 20 bubble level is visible after removing the funnel. See
Figure 7-6 (p. 13).
Figure 7-6. Bubble level locations on the RainVUE-series
8. Once the RainVUE-series is level, tighten the wing nuts by hand and recheck the level.
9. During installation, remove the piece of foam from under the tipping mechanism. This
foam should be saved and used whenever the sensor is transported.
10. Tip the tipping assembly several times to ensure the tipping mechanism can move freely.
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 13

11. Pull and remove the insulator tab used to prevent draining of the backup coin cell battery
during shipping and storage. The tab extends from the bottom of the RainVUE-series
interface to inside the RainVUE-series.
Figure 7-7. RainVUE-series interface and insulator tab
12. Replace the funnel and tighten the three base thumb screws to secure the funnel to the
base.
Figure 7-8. RainVUE-series mounted on a pole
13. Join the extension cable connector to the cable connector. Only hand tighten the
connectors.
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 14

8. Operation
This section discusses the following:
8.1 SDI-12 measurements 15
8.2 SDI-12 extended commands 18
8.3 SDI-12 version 1.4 identify measurement commands and responses 20
8.4 Calculations 21
8.5 Device Configuration Utility 23
8.1 SDI-12 measurements
The RainVUE-series responds to the SDI-12 measurement commands shown in Table 8-1 (p. 16).
When the data logger issues an M! command, the sensor should respond immediately indicating
how long it will take to perform the measurement. The data logger then waits that amount of
time or, if the sensor finishes sooner, the sensor will send a service request to the data logger
indicating data can be collected. After receiving the service request or waiting the indicated time,
the data logger will send the D! command to collect the data.
The C! command follows the same pattern as an M! command, except it does not require the
data logger to pause its operation until the values are ready. Rather, the data logger retrieves the
data with the D! command on the next scan through the program. Another measurement
request is then sent so that data is ready on the next scan.
NOTE:
SDI-12 sensor support (p. 37) describes the SDI-12 commands. Additional SDI-12 information
is available at www.sdi-12.org .
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 15

Table 8-1: SDI-12 measurement commands
SDI-12
command1Values returned Units Comments
aM!,aMC!,
aC!,aCC!,
aR0!,
aRC0!
1. Intensity corrected
accumulation (ICA) since last
measurement accumulator
reset2
2. Number of raw bucket tips
since last measurement
accumulator reset2
3. Total intensity corrected
accumulation since total
intensity accumulator reset3
4. Average precipitation intensity
since last measurement
accumulator reset2
5. Maximum (peak) intensity
since last measurement
accumulator reset2
1. mm or inch
2. Count
3. mm or inch
4. mm/hr or in/hr
5. mm/hr or in/hr
Each tip event adds to
the tip counter (#2) and
computes the values
described in
Calculations (p. 21).
Commands reset
measurement
accumulator
aM1!
1. Supply voltage
2. Temperature
3. Sensor level
4. Time since last measurable
precipitation event
5. Lithium battery voltage
1. VDC
2. °C
3. Degrees from
normal, flat
4. Days
5. VDC
aMC1!,
aC1!,
aCC1!,
aRC1!
1. Supply voltage
2. Temperature
3. Sensor level
4. Time since last measurable
precipitation event
5. Lithium battery voltage
1. VDC
2. °C
3. Degrees from
normal, flat
4. Days
5. VDC
Commands reset
measurement
accumulator
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 16

Table 8-1: SDI-12 measurement commands
SDI-12
command1Values returned Units Comments
aR9!
1. Intensity corrected
accumulation since last
measurement accumulator
reset2
2. Number of raw bucket tips
since last measurement
accumulator reset2
3. Total intensity corrected
accumulation since total
intensity accumulator reset3
4. Average precipitation intensity
since last measurement
accumulator reset2
5. Maximum (peak) intensity
since last measurement
accumulator reset2
1. mm or inch
2. Count
3. mm or inch
4. mm/hr or in/hr
5. mm/hr or in/hr
Each tip event adds to
the tip counter (#2) and
computes the values
described in
Calculations (p. 21).
Command does not
reset accumulators
aI!
a14CampbellRainVU
vvvSN=xxxxxxx
SDI-12 address: a
SDI-12 version: 14
Vendor: Campbell
Model: RainVU
Model version: vvv
RainVUE 10 (0.01 in) = 10i
RainVUE 10 (0.1 mm) = 10m
RainVUE 10 (0.2 mm) = 10n
RainVUE 20 (0.01 in) = 20i
RainVUE 20 (0.1 mm) = 20m
Serial number: SN=xxxxxxx
Not applicable (NA)
RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 17