RainWise MKIII User manual

Instructions
EquippedWithaWireless
Yard MountRainGauge
for the RainWise
MKIII
Weather Transmitter
Rev: 1.1 - 07-18-06

Congratulations. . . You are unpacking the ultimate in weather watching. This
MKIII is the result of 29 years of experience in the design and manufacture of
fine weather instrumentation.
A word about location and instrumentation:
By far the best location is the roof of your house. The
wind sensor should be at least 2 1/2 feet above the roof
line and a tripod is the best method of mounting.
Regardless of how you mount the system, the bottom of
the electronic enclosure should not extend more than 12”
or less than 7” above the support of the mounting tube.
Before it was packed, your MKIII was tested by transmit-
ting 433 feet, through two walls. However, if you choose to
mount the system on a remote pole or roof, you should
understand that trees, structures, walls (including glass)
will reduce this distance.
If you plan a remote mounting, you will probably not have
a problem, but we recommend that you contact our service department at 1-
800-762-5723.
We also suggest that you operate your system at ground level and make sure
that it operates properly prior to installation. Consult the instructions for your dis-
play and/or computer interface.
Mount the support tube as indicated above. Insert the necked down
end into the MKIII sensor assembly, until it bottoms with the retaining
screw in the slot. Tighten the screw.
1.
Rotate the assembly until the solar panel faces TRUE SOUTH, TRUE
NORTH if you are in the southern hemisphere. Secure the support tube
to the assembly from rotating.
2.
Adjust the solar panel angle for optimum performance. Use the table
below to determine your optimum angle.
3.
Latitude Panel Angle (from vertical)
0° - 22.5° 60°
22.5° - 55° 30°
55° - 90° 15°
Pick an open location that is within 400 feet of the MK III and away from
overhanging trees. Dig a hole for the support tube of the rain collector
that is 18 inches deep. This will place the top of the collector at the
height recommended by the National Weather Service.
Remove the collector from the rain gauge base by loosening the four
retaining screws and rotating the collector counter clockwise.
Thread the two support tube pieces together. Set the support tube in
the hole and fill in dirt around it. Rotate the gauge until the antenna is
facing the MK III. Tamp the dirt, making sure the rain gauge base is se-
cure and level. A cement base is not normally required.
Remove the blue cap from the base and insert two AA alkaline batter-
ies . Replace the blue cap. The transmitter will output every time there
is enough rain (.01 inches) to tip the bucket. Test for rainfall reception
on your display by tipping the bucket back and forth and observing the
counts. Replace the collector and tighten the retaining screws when
you have finished testing..
This completes the assembly!
The top of the solar panel is hinged. Lift the bottom of the solar panel
up and insert the two support bars into the appropriate mounting holes
in the solar panel.
4.
Turn the system on by pulling switch forwards towards the front of the
unit. The switch will click into position. The system is now transmitting.
5.
6.