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