Campbell TE525 User manual

Revision: 01/2022
Copyright © 1990– 2022
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 2
4. QuickStart 2
5. Overview 5
5.1 Wind screen 5
5.2 Snowfall adapter 5
6. Specifications 6
7. Installation 7
7.1 Wiring to data logger 7
7.2 Data logger programming 8
7.3 Siting 8
7.4 Mounting 9
8. Operation 12
8.1 Sensor schematic 12
8.2 Measurement 12
9. Troubleshooting and maintenance 12
9.1 Troubleshooting 13
9.2 Maintenance 13
9.3 Calibration 13
Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 15
Appendix B. Example program 16
Appendix C. Changing funnels with a different size 17
C.1 TE525 and TE525MM 17
C.2 TE525WS 17
Table of Contents - i

1. Introduction
The TE525-series tipping bucket rain gages are adaptations of the standard National Weather
Service tipping bucket rain gages. They funnel rain into a mechanism that tips when filled to the
calibrated level. The TE525 and TE525WS measure in 0.01-inch increments and the TE525MM
measures in 0.1-mm increments. The TE525WS conforms to the National Weather Service
recommendation for an 8-inch funnel orifice. The TE525 and TE525MM have an orifice diameter
of 6 inch and 24.5 cm, respectively.
NOTE:
This manual provides information only for CRBasic data loggers. For retired Edlog data logger
support, see an older manual at www.campbellsci.com/old-manuals .
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
lTE525-series tipping bucket rain gages are precision instruments that must be handled
with care.
lSensor is factory-calibrated and should not require field calibration. Refer to Maintenance
(p. 13) for field calibration check and factory calibration.
lDuring field installation, ensure that you have removed the small rubber band that secures
the tipping mechanism during shipping.
lDebris filters, funnel, and bucket reservoirs should be kept clean.
lSantoprene® rubber, which composes the black outer jacket of the TE525 cable, will
support combustion in air. It is used because of its resistance to temperature extremes,
moisture, and UV degradation. It is rated as slow burning when tested according to U.L. 94
H.B. and passes FMVSS302. However, local fire codes may preclude its use inside buildings.
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 1

3. Initial inspection
lUpon receipt, inspect the packaging and contents for damage. File damage claims with the
shipping company.
lThe 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 correct
product and cable length are received.
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 also describes programming with Short Cut.
1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.
2. Double-click the data logger model.
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 2

3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type TE525 or locate the sensor in the Sensors >
Meteorological >Precipitation folder. Double click TE525/TE525WS Rain Gauge or
TE525MM/TE525M Rain Gauge, depending on which model you have. Data defaults to
millimeters. This can be changed by clicking the mm box and selecting inch.
4. Click the Wiring tab to see how the sensor is to be wired to the data logger. Click OK after
wiring the sensor.
5. Repeat step three for other sensors being measured.
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 3

6. In Output Setup, enter the scan rate, Data Output Storage Intervals, and meaningful table
names.
7. Select the measurement and its associated 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.
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 4

5. Overview
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 data loggers.
The TE525-series tipping bucket rain gages are manufactured by Texas Electronics and cabled by
Campbell Scientific.
Features:
lHigh precision
lCompatible with all Campbell Scientific data loggers
lTE525WS conforms to the National Weather Service recommendation for an 8-inch funnel
orifice.
lTE525WS is directly compatible with the CS705 Snowfall Adapter, allowing it to measure
the water content of snow.
5.1 Wind screen
Campbell Scientific offers the 260-953 Wind Screen to help minimize the effect of wind on rain
measurements. This wind screen consists of 32 freely hanging leaves that 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 CS705 Snowfall Conversion Adapter uses antifreeze to melt snow, allowing
the TE525WS to measure the water content of snow. The CS705 cannot be 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 back of this document). Refer
to the CS705 manual for siting information and the installation procedure.
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 5

6. Specifications
Sensor type: Tipping bucket/potted magnetic momentary-contact reed
switch
Operating temperature range: 0 to 50 °C
Storage temperature range: –40 to 70 °C
Switch ratings: 30 VDC at 2 A
115 VAC at 1 A
Closure time: 135 ms
Bounce settling time: 0.75 ms
Resolution: 1 tip
Accuracy: 1.0% up to 2 in/hour (50 mm/hr)
Materials
Bucket: White powder-coated spun aluminum
Funnel collector: Gold anodized spun aluminum
Screen: Gold anodized spun aluminum
Locking snap ring: Stainless steel
Tipping mechanism: UV protected black ABS plastic with hardened stainless steel
jewel bearings and pivot
Cable: 2-conductor shielded cable (length must be specified for all –L
options at time of order)
Cable weight: 0.1 kg (0.2 lb) per 10 ft
Mounting: Gold anodized aluminum side bracket with adjustable pipe
clamps for pole or mast mounting
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 6

Table 6-1: Specification comparisons
TE525 TE525WS TE525MM
Volume per tip14.73 ml
(0.16 fl. oz)
8.24 ml
(0.28 fl. oz)
4.73 ml
(0.16 fl. oz)
Rainfall per tip 0.01 in
(0.254 mm)
0.01 in
(0.254 mm)
0.1 mm
(0.004 in)
Funnelcollectordiameter215.4 cm
(6.060 in)
20.3 cm
(8 in)
24.5 cm
(9.7 in)
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)
1The 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.
2If the CS705 Snowfall Adapter or other eight-inch funnel is installed on these gages, refer to Table 7-2 (p. 8) for the
multiplier. See Changing funnels with a different size (p. 17) before replacing funnels on any TE525 tipping bucket
rain gage with a different size funnel.
7. Installation
If you are programming your data logger with Short Cut, skip Wiring to data logger (p. 7) and
Data logger programming (p. 8). Short Cut does this work for you. See QuickStart (p. 2) for a
Short Cut tutorial.
7.1 Wiring to data logger
Table 7-1: Wire color, wire function, data logger connection
Wire color Wire function Data logger connection
Black Rain signal Por U1(pulse terminal)
White Rain signal reference ⏚(analog ground)
Clear Shield ⏚(analog ground)
1Uterminals are automatically configured by the measurement instruction.
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 7

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. 15). This section provides programming basics for CRBasic
data loggers. A complete program example can be found in Example program (p. 16).
The PulseCount() instruction programs CRBasic data loggers to measure the TE525 rain
gage.
PulseCount(Dest,Reps,PChan,PConfig,POption,Mult,Offset)
lChoose Switch Closure for the PConfig parameter. For the CR6 and CR1000X, choose
Switch Closure with pull up.
lThe Multiplier parameter determines the units in which rainfall is reported (Table 7-2
(p. 8)).
Table 7-2: 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
7.3 Siting
Mount the rain gage in a relatively level spot representative of the surrounding area. Ensure that
the lip of the funnel is horizontal, at least 30cm above the ground, and higher than the average
snow depth.
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 8

Place the rain gage away from objects that obstruct the wind. The distance should be two to four
times the height of the obstruction.
7.4 Mounting
The TE525 includes hose clamps to mount the gage to a 1-inch to 2-inch IPS vertical pole. For
additional stability and better leveling capabilities, the CM270 leveling base can be used instead
(FIGURE 7-1 (p. 9)). This leveling base is included with the CM705 Snowfall Adapter, but can be
purchased separately. The CM270 is compatible with a pole with an outer diameter of 2 inches or
less. For more information, see CM270 Installation Guide at
https://s.campbellsci.com/documents/us/technical-papers/cm270.pdf .
FIGURE 7-1. CM270 Rain Gage Mount attaches to the base of a TE525-series rain gage to
give added stability
Both the hose clamps and the CM270 leveling base can mount to the CM300 series mounting
poles. The models are stainless steel 1.5 IPS vertical poles of different lengths (Table 7-3 (p. 9)).
Table 7-3: CM300-series pole lengths
Model Pole length
CM300 58 cm (23 in)
CM305 119 cm (47 in)
CM310 142 cm (56 in)
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 9

The pole or pipe can be attached to a concrete foundation using J-bolts or self supporting legs
(7.4 (p. 9)) or placed directly into a concrete foundation (FIGURE 7-3 (p. 11)). A concrete pad is
recommended, but it should not be installed over a large paved or concrete surface.
FIGURE 7-2. Mounting pole base options
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 10

FIGURE 7-3. TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gage
Mount the gage with its lip at least 5 cm (2 in) above the post or pole (FIGURE 7-3 (p. 11)). The
mounting pole must be vertical. Use a torpedo level to get the pole as vertical as possible.
The rain gage has a bubble level to ensure it is level. To access the bubble level, loosen the
thumbscrews holding the funnel on the bucket and then take the funnel off the top of the bucket.
The bubble level is inside the bucket toward the bottom. Center the bubble level while mounting
the bucket to the pole.
While the funnel is off the bucket, remove the small rubber band securing the tipping bucket,
which protects it during shipping. Seat the funnel back on to the rain gage, and push the funnel
all the way down until it is fully seated on the main body. Hand tighten the thumb screws (if
present) to secure the funnel to the body.
NOTE:
Press either end of the bucket down against its stop to make sure the bucket is NOT hung up
in the center beforehand tightening the thumb screws.
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 11

8. Operation
8.1 Sensor schematic
Campbell Scientific installs a 100 Ω resistor, connected in series, at the switch to prevent arcing by
limiting current (FIGURE 8-1 (p. 12)).
FIGURE 8-1. TE525-series rain gage schematic
8.2 Measurement
Campbell Scientific data loggers measure TE525 rain gages by counting switch closures and
converting the total to rainfall. The PulseCount() instruction employs dedicated pulse count
accumulators, which continuously monitor the input signal, even when the data logger is
between program scans. To create a pulse, an internal 100kΩ pull-up resistor pulls the pulse
input to 5VDC when the switch is open, and a switch closure to ground pulls the input to 0VDC.
9. Troubleshooting and
maintenance
NOTE:
All factory repairs and recalibrations require a returned material authorization (RMA) and
completion of the “Declaration of Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form. Refer to
the Assistance page at the back of this manual for more information.
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 12

9.1 Troubleshooting
Symptom: No Precipitation
1. Check that the sensor is wired to the pulse terminal specified by the PulseCount()
instruction.
2. Verify that the Configuration Code (switch closure) and Multiplier parameters for
the PulseCount() instruction are correct.
3. Disconnect the sensor from the data logger and use an ohmmeter 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 wires should vary from infinite (switch open) when the bucket
is tipped, to less than an ohm (switch closed) when the bucket is balanced.
9.2 Maintenance
The funnel and bucket mechanism must be kept clean. Routinely check for and remove debris
such as leaves, dust, or insects.
9.3 Calibration
A field calibration check is advised every 12 months.
Field calibration check:
1. Secure a can or bottle that will hold at least 16 oz of water.
2. Punch a very small hole in the bottom of the can or bottle. If it takes less than 45 minutes
for 16 oz of water to run out, the hole in the can is too large.
3. Place the can in the top funnel of the rain gage and pour 16 fluid ounces 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. The following number of tips should occur:
TE525, TE525MM 100 ± 3
TE525WS 57 ± 2
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 13

5. 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.
6. Check and re-level the rain gage.
Factory calibration:
If factory calibration is required, contact Campbell Scientific to obtain an RMA (see Assistance at
back of manual).
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 14

Appendix A. Importing Short
Cut code into CRBasic Editor
Short Cut creates a .DEF file that contains wiring information and a program file that can be
imported into the CRBasic Editor. By default, these files reside in the C:\campbellsci\SCWin folder.
Import Short Cut program file and wiring information into CRBasic Editor:
1. Create the Short Cut program. After saving the Short Cut program, click the Advanced tab
then the CRBasic Editor button. A program file with a generic name will open in CRBasic.
Provide a meaningful name and save the CRBasic program. This program can now be
edited for additional refinement.
NOTE:
Once the file is edited with CRBasic Editor,Short Cut can no longer be used to edit the
program it created.
2. To add the Short Cut wiring information into the new CRBasic program, open the .DEF file
located in the C:\campbellsci\SCWin folder, and copy the wiring information, which is at
the beginning of the .DEF file.
3. Go into the CRBasic program and paste the wiring information into it.
4. In the CRBasic program, highlight the wiring information, right-click, and select Comment
Block. This adds an apostrophe (') to the beginning of each of the highlighted lines, which
instructs the data logger compiler to ignore those lines when compiling. The Comment
Block feature is demonstrated at about 5:10 in the CRBasic | Features video .
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 15

Appendix B. Example program
CRBasic Example 1: CR1000X program measuring the TE525 or TE525WS using a pulse terminal
'Program records precipitation from one TE525 or TE525WS Rain Gage once a
'second and stores the total every 60 minutes
'Wiring Diagram
'==============
'TE525 or TE525WS
' Wire
' ColorFunctionCR1000X
' --------------------
' BlackPulse OutputP1
' WhiteGround ⏚
' ClearShield ⏚
'Declare the variables and units for the rain measurement
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)
PulseCount(Rain_mm,1,P1,1,0,0.254,0)
'For TE525MM Rain Gage, use multiplier of 0.1 in PulseCount instruction
'Call Data Table
CallTable(Rain)
NextScan
EndProg
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 16

Appendix C. Changing funnels
with a different size
C.1 TE525 and TE525MM
The TE525 and TE525MM rain gages use the same tipping mechanism that is calibrated to tip
with the same amount of water. Changing the funnel does not necessitate changing the tipping
mechanism, but it does require changing the multiplier in the data logger program to match the
funnel size. See Table 7-2 (p. 8) for the correct multiplier.
C.2 TE525WS
The TE525WS rain gage uses a different tipping mechanism that is calibrated differently than the
TE525 or TE525MM. The tipping mechanism must be replaced to work with a TE525 or TE525MM
funnel. Send the rain bucket into the Campbell Scientific repair department for modifications.
Contact Campbell Scientific to obtain an RMA (see Assistance at back of manual).
TE525-Series Tipping Bucket Rain Gage 17

Limited warranty
Products manufactured by Campbell Scientific are warranted by Campbell Scientific to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for three years from
the date of shipment unless otherwise specified on the corresponding product webpage. See
Product Details on the Ordering Information pages at www.campbellsci.com . Other
manufacturer's products, that are resold by Campbell Scientific, are warranted only to the limits
extended by the original manufacturer.
Refer to www.campbellsci.com/terms#warranty for more information.
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Campbell Scientific hereby
disclaims, to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, any and all warranties and conditions
with respect to the Products, whether express, implied or statutory, other than those expressly
provided herein.