Lambrecht rain[e]observer User manual

Operating Instructionsrain[e]observer
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
Features
• High-end solution for your precise measurements of precipitation quantity, intensity and 16 di󰀨er-
ent types of precipitation (in accordance with WMO standard)
• The radar module of the rain[e]observer operates without moving parts and is therefore wear and
tear-free
• Save time and money with easy installation and maintenance
• Plug & play upgrade set for the rain[e] series
rain[e]is the weighing precipitation sensor with its unique, self-draining collection system
rain[e]combines the highest resolution and precision in a very compact design
rain[e]observer
Complete system for measuring
►Amount of precipitaon
►Precipitaon intensity
►16 types of precipitaon
1

rain[e]observer Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
Table of Contents
1 General safety information 4
2 Warranty 4
3 Disposal 4
4 Introduction 5
5 Operating principle 5
6 Scope of delivery 5
7 Choosing the installation site 5
8 Connecting cables for rain[e] precipitation sensor and heating 6
9 Initial operation 7
9.1 General 7
9.2 Wiring the rain[e] as rain[e]observer · Internal connection diagram 8
9.2.1 Opening the housing 9
9.2.2 Changing the wiring 9
9.2.3 Closing the housing 9
9.3 Congurationoftherain[e]asarain[e]observer 9
9.4 Installation of the rain[e] at the installation site 11
9.4.1 Choosing the installation site 11
9.4.2 Assembly 11
9.4.3 Integrated collection container 12
9.5 Installation of the observer module 15
9.6 Installing the mast mount for the traverse 16
9.7 Connecting the rain[e]observer - Connecting the system cabling 17
9.7.1 Connecting cables to the observer module and the rain[e] 17
9.7.2 Connection diagram 18
9.8 System start 18
10 rain[e]observer protocols 18
10.1 SDI-12 interface 18
11 Modbus protocol 27
11.1 Data encoding 27
11.2 Device address 28
11.3 Standardconguration-default 28
11.4 Modbus command set 28
11.5 Measured value and parameter register Lambrecht sensors 29
11.6 Special case of precipitation amount 30
11.7 Sensor status 30
11.8 Descriptive sensor parameter register (holding register) 31
11.9 Sensorparameters/congurationparameters 31
11.10 Autoconguration 32
11.11 Total amount of precipitation 32
11.12 Pulse output 32
12 Changing the communication protocol 32
2

Operating Instructionsrain[e]observer
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
13 Changing the serial interface from SDI-12 (default) to RS485 33
13.1 Opening the housing 33
13.2 Change the device’s internal wiring 34
13.3 Change the output protocol 34
13.4 Closing the housing 35
14 Checking and troubleshooting 35
15 Observer module maintenance 36
16 Storage and handling 37
17 Accessories and spare parts 37
18 Dimensions rain[e]observer 38
19 Connection cable (sensor / data logger) 39
19.1 Technical data connection cable 39
19.2 Connection cable drawings 40
20 Heating cable 41
20.1 Technical data heating cable 41
20.2 Heating cable drawings 42
21 Technical data, rain[e] precipitation sensors 43
22 Technical data observer installation set 44
23 Download of updates 44
3

rain[e]observer Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
1 General safety information
The system is state-of-the-art and built in accordance with recognized safety regulations.
However, you should pay attention to the following information.
1. Before using the device, make yourself familiar with the relevant operating instructions.
2. Observeanyin-houseandcountry-specicguidelinesandaccidentpreventionregulations(e.g.fromtheem-
ployers’liabilityinsurance).Obtainmoreinformationfromyourcompanysafetyo󰀩cer,ifnecessary.
3. Use the system only in accordance with the purpose designated in the operating instructions.
4. Always keep the operating instructions close to hand wherever the system is used.
5. Operatethesystemonlyifitisinatechnicallyawlesscondition.Youshouldimmediatelyrectifyanymalfunc-
tionsthatoccurthatmayhaveanadversee󰀨ectonsafety.
6. Do not allow any impermissible liquids to penetrate the inside of the measuring device.
7. Youshouldtakeaccountofpowersurgesandlightningprotectionaswellaspossiblyappropriategrounding
measures required in accordance with local regulations.
2 Warranty
Note the loss of warranty and exclusion of liability in the event of unauthorized access to the system.
Changes to or interventions in system components may only be made with the explicit approval of LAMBRECHT
meteo GmbH by qualied sta󰀨.
The warranty does not include
1.Mechanicaldamageduetoexternalimpact(e.g.fallingice,fallingrocks,vandalism).
2.E󰀨ectsordamagecausedbypowersurgesorelectromagneticeldsthatgobeyondthestandardsandspeci-
cationsreferredtointhetechnicaldata.
3. Damage caused by improper handling, such as the use of incorrect tools, incorrect installation, incorrect elec-
tricalinstallation(reversepolarity)etc.
4.Damagethatcanbeattributedtooperationofthedevicesoutsidethespeciedconditionsofuse.
3 Disposal
Lambrecht Meteo GmbH is registered with the Elektro-Altgeräte Register(EARFoundation)forwasteelectronic
devices as follows.
WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE 45445814
In the monitoring and control instrument category, type of device: Monitoring and control instruments for exclu-
sively commercial use.
Within the EU
The device must be disposed of in accordance with European directives 2002/96/EC and
2003/108/EC(wasteelectricalandelectronicdevices).Wastedevicesmustnotbedisposedofwith
householdgarbage.Forenvironmentallyfriendlyrecyclinganddisposalofyourwastedevice,please
contactacertieddisposalcompanyforelectronicwaste.
Outside the EU
Please observe the regulations applicable to the proper disposal of waste electronic devices in each country.
4

Operating Instructionsrain[e]observer
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
4 Introduction
Withtheextensionsetdescribedhereandtheelectricmodule,inadditiontotheamountandintensityofprecipita-
tion,therain[e]canuseradarmeasurementstodi󰀨erentiatebetween16typesofprecipitationandthusbecomes
a rain[e]observer. These instructions describe the installation and commissioning of the rain[e]observer and the
extension set.
5 Operating principle
Therain[e]observer’sDopplerradarsendselectromagneticwavesinthemWrangeupwardsviaatransmitting
antenna array, i.e. towards the precipitation. The frequency used is internationally approved for measurements of
thiskind.Thereceivingantennaarrayofthesensorreceivesthesignalreectedbythedropletsorparticles,from
whichthedi󰀨erencefrequencybetweenthetwosignalsisdetermined.
Theexactfallingspeedofthedrops(particles)canbecalculatedfromthedi󰀨erencefrequency,whichcombined
with the measurements taken for air temperature and humidity allows for 16 types of precipitation to be determined
anddi󰀨erentiatedapproximately(seechart).
6 Scope of delivery
Scope of delivery for rain[e]observer installation set · ID no. 32.15184.300000
Note: rain[e] precipitation sensor not included (please order separately)
Item number Designation
32.15184.200000 Detectionofprecipitationtype(observermodule)
32.15184.301000 Observer connection box
33.14627.001010 Aluminumprole840x16E0.75m
33.14627.002000 Mast mount
35.09331.540100 Hexagonal screw M8 x 16 DIN 933 A2
35.67981.500841 Serrated lock washer 8.4 DIN 6798 A A2
69.06500.590000 T nut 8 St M8, galvanized
69.61010.210000 Tension band
69.61010.210100 Turnbuckle
7 Choosing the installation site
Tominimizepossiblespraying,itisrecommendedthatyouavoidlocationswithahardoorsurface(suchas
concrete) and to install the precipitation sensor instead on grass or another soft surface. In general, the sensor
should not be placed on roofs or slopes.
InaccordancewithDWDstandards,werecommendinstallingtheprecipitationsensoratadistanceofatleast2m
ortheobstacleheight(abovethesensoredge)tothenextobstacle(suchastreesorwalls),twicetheobstacle
heightinaccordancewithWMOstandardsorideallyfourtimestheobstacleheight.
Overgrowth by plants around the precipitation sensor must be regularly trimmed back to the height of the sensor
inordertopreventtheresultsbeingfalsiedandtoreducethee󰀨ectsofwindatthesametime.
Aspecicpointabouttherain[e]observer’sradarmoduleisthatthereshouldbenolargemovingobjectssuchas
treesorcarsdrivingwithinaradiusofupto10metersinthemodule’seldofvision.Thisappliesinparticularto
movingobjectsatsensorheightaswellasgasdisposallamps(e.g.streetlighting).Theradarsignalsreectedfrom
theseobjectscouldproduceDopplerfrequencies,whichcouldbeincorrectlyinterpretedasprecipitationevents.
Youshouldtakeaccountofpowersurgesandlightningprotectionaswellaspossiblyappropriategrounding
measures required on site in accordance with local regulations.
5

rain[e]observer Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
8 Connecting cables for rain[e] precipitation sensor and heating
To connect the rain[e] to a data collection device such as the PreLOG data logger, you require a connection
cable with an M12 plug (ID no. 32.15184.060000). To power the heating you need a power cable (ID no.
32.15184.061000 or 32.15184.061010).
Connection cable for the sensor, 8-pin, M12 plug, length: 10 m 32.15184.060000
Connection cable for the heating, length: 1 m 32.15184.061000
Connection cable for the heating, length: 10 m 32.15184.061010
You should ensure that the external power connection for the heating is connected rst – before
the clamping plug for the heating in the device and the sensor connection. Otherwise the heating
will be switched o󰀨 during the automatic heating check.
The maximum possible distance between the rain[e] and the data collection device depends on the interface used.
• SDI-12 65...100 m, unshielded, low voltage cable
• RS485  1,000m,
• Pulse output 1,000 m.
YoucanndfurtherdetailsoftherespectivecablelengthsinthecorrespondingSDI-12andRS485standards.
If you use a power cable longer than the 1 m long cable we recommend to sup-
ply the heating, this formula gives you information about the actual power Pa
at the nominal voltage UN= 24 VDC, the nominal power PN=140W,thespecic
electrical resistance ρ =0.017Ωmm²/mforcopper, the length of the cable land the
cross-sectional area of cable A.
The actual output should be Pa>125Winordertoguaranteesu󰀩cientheatingperformance.
TheUSBcablesforconnectionstotheserviceinterface(insidetherain[e]) should be no longer than 3 m.
Applies to rain[e]H: Pa>125WandPN=140W;appliestorain[e]400H and rain[e]314H: Pa>187WandPN=210W
2
2
4
2






+
=
A
l
P
U
P
U
P
N
N
N
N
a
ρ
6

Operating Instructionsrain[e]observer
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
9 Initial operation
9.1 General
There are di󰀨erent versions of the rain[e], which have already been prepared for the observer
module upon delivery. With the rain[e] versions that are not prepared for the observer module,
two additional installation steps have to be carried out rst.
Essentially, the observer module can be connected to the following rain[e] models.
1
2
3
4
Youcantellfromtheitemnumberwhethertherain[e]hasbeenpre-wiredandconguredasstandardforuseas
a rain[e]observer.
00.15184.XXX9XX
If there is an item number 9 at this point, the respective rain[e] model is directly prepared for connection of the
observermodule.(X=anynumber).Otherwise,thecongurationofthe8-pindeviceplugmustbewiredinthe
precipitation sensor in accordance with the following connection diagram.
Installation involves the following steps.
1. Adapt the wiring of the 8-pin device plug in the rain[e] precipitation sensor *)
2. Congurationoftherain[e]asrain[e]observerwiththerain[e]commander*)
3. Installation of the rain[e] at the installation site as required
4. Installation of the observer module
5. Plug in the system cabling
6. System start
*) These steps are omitted for the above-mentioned rain[e] sensors that have already been prepared for connecting the ob-
server module.
7
(1)rain[e]
(2)rain[e]314
(3)rain[e]400
(4)rain[e]H3

rain[e]observer Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
9.2 Wiring the rain[e] as rain[e]observer · Internal connection diagram
Iftheobservermoduleisretrottedtoarain[e]precipitationsensororifitisnotsuppliedwitharain[e]prepared
fortherain[e]observer,thecongurationofthe8-pindeviceplugintheprecipitationsensormustbewiredinac-
cordance with the following connection diagram.
It is important that the conguration of wires with the thick lines (WH, BN, GY, PK) is strictly
adhered to. All other wires can be connected as desired.
Note:ItisnotpossibletousetheSDI-12interfaceandtheRS485interfaceatthesametime.Toavoidmalfunc-
tions, it is recommended that only one of the two interfaces be connected to the plug connector internally. Com-
municationviatheSDI-12interfaceisprovidedasstandard;fortheRS485interfaceconnection,seethesection
Changing the serial interface from SDI-12 (default) to RS485.
To change the wiring, open the housing.
8

Operating Instructionsrain[e]observer
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
9.2.1 Opening the housing
• Unscrew the knurled screw on the underside and turn the upper section counterclockwise in the direction of
open.Carefullylifto󰀨thehousingandpayattentiontotheconnectorfortheheatinginsidethehousing.
Please note that the measuring edge of the housing’s upper section is very sharp. There is a risk
of cuts. It is recommended that you do not press on the measuring edge and/or wear heavy-duty
gloves.
• Pullouttheclampingplugfortheupperheatingsectionandputthehousinginasafeplace.Whenputting
the housing upper section aside, avoid placing it on the cutting edge of the receiver opening, in order not to
damage it.
9.2.2 Changing the wiring
The wires are equipped with wire end sleeves and plug into push-in terminals. To loosen the wires, press the
orangereleasebuttonwithascrewdriver(size2)untilthewirecanbeeasilypulledout.
Based on the desired wiring scheme, place the loosened wires into the push-in terminals as far as they will go. It
is not necessary to press the orange release button.
9.2.3 Closing the housing
1. Connect the clamping plug of the heating and position the upper housing section in such a way that the open/
close sticker sits over the knurled screw.
2. Press the housing down and turn it clockwise in the direction of close.
3. Tighten the knurled screw.
9.3 Conguration of the rain[e] as a rain[e]observer
Ifthishasnotyethappenedupondelivery,therain[e]precipitationsensormustbereconguredwiththerain[e]
commander in order to use the observer module.
Depending on the version, the rain[e] commander can be downloaded from the Lambrecht website or is included
withthesensorupondelivery.Fortheconguration,therain[e]doesnothavetobesuppliedwithelectricitybut
is fed via the service USB interface.
With the rain[e]H3 model, the USB interface only works if the external sensor supply is discon-
nected.
1. Connect the sensor using the supplied mini-USB on USB 2.0 cable to a PC, laptop or similar device on which
the rain[e] commander has been installed and start the rain[e] commander. The observer module does not
havetobeconnectedfortheconguration.
2. SelecttheusedCOMportoftheUSBinterface(USBserialport).
3. Press the button toloadthecurrentcongurationfortherain[e].
4. Forthe“multipurpose”input,choosetheprecipitationtype.
9

rain[e]observer Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
rain[e]observer Precipitation Measuring System
5. If necessary, change the protocol that is to output the type of precipitation.
The precipitation type is only available in the SDI-12 extended protocol or the Modbus protocol.
Other protocols can also be selected but these do not support the output of precipitation type.
(For further details see the section on “Protocols of the rain[e]observer”.)
6. Sendthenewcongurationtotherain[e]bypressingthebutton
10