Van walt Rain gauge User manual

Operating Instructions

Rain Gauge

VAN WALT

Monitoring your needs

MA143V3_02/06/2020_TD

Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................

1. Description ........................................................................................................................

1.1 Package contents ...........................................................................................................

1.2 General .............................................................................................................................

1.3 Datalogger .......................................................................................................................

1.4 Measuring section ............................................................................................................

2. Technical specications ..................................................................................................

3. Taking into use ..................................................................................................................

3.1 Settings ..............................................................................................................................

3.2 Connection ......................................................................................................................

3.3 Installation .........................................................................................................................

4. Use ..................................................................................................................................

4.1 LDM e+ ..............................................................................................................................

4.2 Taking rain measurements ..............................................................................................

5. Applications ......................................................................................................................

6. Problems and solutions ....................................................................................................

7. Maintenance ...................................................................................................................

Appendix; Battery set e+ logger ...............................................................................................

Operating Instructions

Rain Gauge

VAN WALT

Monitoring your needs

Introduction

The e+ RAIN sensor consists of a datalogger and a separate rain gauge sensor. This manual

describes how to use the datalogger and the rain gauge and what their various functions are. A

description is provided of how to use the Logger Data Manager® (LDM) e+ software. It includes

a guide to the preparation of the software and explains various aspects of its use. This is followed

by a description of the various possibilities available for carrying out rain

measurements. It concludes with instructions for calibration and regular

maintenance.

1. Description

1.1 Package contents

0 e+ RAIN sensor, which consists of a datalogger (11.41.21.01), rain

gauge (11.41.21.02), LDM e+ software (11.11.14) and battery set

e+ logger (11.41.90.01)

0 Available separately:

• Stand for the rain gauge for use in the eld (11.41.92.01), includes special

xing nut.

• IrDa readout unit (11.31.90) for wireless connection with a (laptop)

computer

• Readout unit (11.11.10) for connecting with a (laptop) computer

• DRC Readout cable, for connecting to a (laptop) computer by means

of a DRC communication cable (11.11.45). Available in the following

lengths:

5 m

10 m

15 m

30 m

60 m

80 m

100 m

• e-SENSE e+ sensor cable for connecting to an e SENSE SMS modem (eld

modem) available in the following lengths:

1 m

5 m

10 m

15 m

30 m

60 m

80 m

100 m

200 m

e+ RAIN: datalogger, eld

support and rain gauge

(11.11.38)

(11.11.39)

(11.11.40)

(11.11.41)

(11.11.42)

(11.11.43)

(11.11.44)

(11.31.78)

(11.31.70)

(11.31.71)

(11.31.72)

(11.31.73)

(11.31.74)

(11.31.75)

(11.31.76)

(11.31.77)

Operating Instructions

Rain Gauge

VAN WALT

Monitoring your needs

1.2 General

The e+ RAIN sensor is an intelligent sensor that consists of a specic sensor section as well as a so-

called datalogger that houses the micro-electronics. The datalogger has an internal memory for

storing the measurements but also provides the means for reading the digital data. To make this

1.4 Measuring section

The rain gauge is part of the e+ RAIN sensor and is manufactured from UV-proof

synthetic material. It furthermore has an aerodynamic design which ensures

that measurements suffer as little as possible interference from the wind. The

system operates on the so-called ‘tipping bucket’ method, in which rain is

captured via a funnel and poured into a basin that is xed on a hinge. A pre-

determined amount of rain results in the bucket tipping and emptying itself. Brief

contact results with a switch. In this way the amount of rain equals the number of

switch contacts during a specic time unit. The rain gauge is tted with a 5-pole

connector for connection with the datalogger.

The raingauges tipping bucket mechanism is immobilised before shipping to prevent damage

in transit. To release the mechanism, remove the funnel from its base by unscrewing the three

thumbscrews. Remove the piece of foam from under the bucket mechanism. This foam may be

saved and used whenever the raingauge is moved

1.3 Datalogger

The datalogger is designed around a

microprocessor that performs the role of saving

periodical measurements in the memory and

enables a connected device to read the stored data. The signal

that the sensor part delivers to the interface is converted into data

that can be processed by the microprocessor. The microprocessor

records the data in the memory with a sample speed, based on the

internal Real Time Clock (RTC). It is possible by means of available communication channels,

namely the optical connector and the IrDa link, for a device that has been connected to

communicate with the microprocessor and read the data stored in the memory or adjust

settings such as the sample speed, for instance. The datalogger of the e+ sensor has 2 measuring

channels and the memory range is divided proportionally over the available channels. The

memory has the capacity to store 30.000 measurements per channel.

possible the datalogger has an optical connector for a

communication cable or a readout unit or an IrDa interface for

communication by means of an IrDa readout unit. This offers the

advantage of intercompatibility, reliable transfer of data and

the possibility of stand-alone use.

Operating Instructions

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Rain gauge

Diameter rain gauge : 254 mm Height rain gauge

: 340 mm Output signal

: contact

Nominal measurement sensitivity : 0.20 mm rain fall per contact

Maximum contact power : 300 mA Power supply

: None Weight

: 1 kg

3. Taking into use

3.1 Settings

2. Technical specications

Datalogger

Number of channels : 2 channels

Memory capacity : 30,000 measurements per channel

Measurement intervals : 1...60 seconds

: 1...60 minutes

: 1...24 hours

Datalogging method : Measures at chosen times Resolution

: 0.0033%, 15 bit (data storage) Clock accuracy

: <1 sec. per day

Alarm : 0...100% of the measuring range

Battery status : 0 to 100% Temperature operating range

: -20 ... +70 °C Relative humidity range

: 0...100%

Power supply : 3.6 V (AA) lithium battery 2.3 Ah

Battery life : 6 years (typical for 10-minute sample speed)

There is no need to congure any settings before installation of the datalogger. To achieve

optimal measurement precision the datalogger’s factory settings for the range can be used.

The rain gauge is factory-calibrated and is supplied with a calibration specication, which state

the actual measuring sensitivity, the so-called calibration factor. The deviation of this calibration

factor from the nominal sensitivity is 2% at most, which means that the accuracy is always

greater than 2% if the Range setting is not introduced.

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To be able to congure the datalogger, the following are required: LDM

e+ software, a readout unit (see Chapter 1.1, “Package contents”) and a

(laptop) computer. LDM e+ is a universal software package, suitable for

the e+ datalogger as well as the Diver® from Van Essen Instruments and

can be used for conguration as well as for reading the data. The LDM e+

is simple to install but make sure the user account for installations under

Windows NT, 2000 or XP has adequate access rights for the installation of

software and that the computer being used has a CD-ROM drive. When the CD is placed in the

CD-ROM drive setup will automatically commence. If this is not the case it can be started by going

to Start -> Run, and enter: <X>:\setup.exe, in which <X> will be the letter indicating the CD-ROM

drive. Next connect the readout unit to an available COM port on the computer. Now launch LDM

e+, press the Application Management tab and enter the following settings options:

• Selected port: should show the number of the port to which the readout unit is connected

• User type: in this case Basic is sufcient, only select Advanced if special settings such as the

datalogger units need to be adjusted

• English / Deutsch / Nederlands: this allows you to select the preferred language.

LDM e+ is ready for the conguration of the datalogger, which should now be placed in the

readout unit.

To enter and adjust settings for

the datalogger the appropriate

window can be accessed by

clicking on the Settings tab in

LDM. Before starting, the current

settings for the datalogger rst need to be

entered. This requires clicking on the button

on the toolbar shown on the right. The left-

hand side of the window shows the general

settings for the datalogger (note: for Diver

settings a slightly different window may be shown). In the right-hand section of the window settings

can be created for the 2 individual measuring channels, including the Range setting referred to

earlier. The gure on the next page illustrates the setting options per channel. For more information

about the calibration of the rain gauge and determining the correct Range setting, please refer to

Chapter 7, “Maintenance”.

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Once the setting options have been entered, all the settings will be programmed into

the datalogger by clicking on the button on the toolbar as shown on the right. The e+

sensor is now ready to be installed. It should be noted that it is not necessary with the e+

sensor to stop the datalogger in advance, as the new settings will be activated as soon

as the datalogger is started again.

3.2 Connection

When the installation of the e+ sensor is a permanent one and the

datalogger is located in an easily accessible place, the IrDa-interface

provides a useful alternative to a permanently installed connecting

cable. The IrDa interface has an optical unit that makes it possible for the

datalogger to be read from a distance of 1...2 metres. It is tted with a 9-pole

sub-D connec- tor for connecting to the COM port of a computer. To read

the datalogger’s data in the eld use should be made of a laptop computer.

When it is not possible to have as datalogger and a computer close

together because the e+sensor is being permanently installed, one

can resort to the use of a DRC readout cable in combination with a

communication cable. A DRC readout cable is available in different lengths

and which is tted with a special connector for connection to a DRC

communication cable. It also has an optical interface for the datalogger.

The DRC communication cable comes in a standard length. It is tted with

connector for connection to the readout cable and has a 9- pole sub-D

connector to connect it to the COM port of a computer.

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It is common practice in an e-SENSE measuring system for the e+ sensor

to be permanently installed. This requires it to be connected by means of

an e+ sensor e SENSE cable to an e-SENSE SMS modem (eld modem).

An e-SENSE measuring system is designed to carry out remote wireless

transmission of the measurement data from the e+sensors by means of an

SMS modem to a central (Internet) database. This does away with

having to read data in the eld. For further information about e SENSE

measuring systems, the e-SENSE data site or e-SENSE direct and points of

note in connection with the installation, you are referred to the instruction

manual for the e-SENSE SMS modem (eld modem), the e-SENSE data site

and e-SENSE direct. For more information about the types and lengths of

connection cable as well as the IrDa-interface please refer to Chapter 1.1,

“Package contents”.

Operating Instructions

Rain Gauge

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3.3 Installation

Prior to installation it is important to nd a suitable location for the

rain gauge. In the rst instance one should look for a setting where

the measuring cannot be interfered with by obstacles. A useful rule

of thumb is to position the rain gauge at a height that is at least twice

that of nearby obstacles. In the case of special applications it is

possible that there may be other special requirements. Secondly, it is

important for the rain gauge to be placed in a horizontal position. Also

look for a location where the stand for the rain gauge can be placed

in a stable and horizontal position.

Choosing the right measuring location is of great importance as far as obtaining accurate

measuring results is concerned

First of all the stand for the meter must be placed in a

stable and horizontal position. This will require drilling a

hole in the soil in which to place the tube of the stand.

After putting the tube in position place the leftover soil

back into the hole and tamp it down well while holding

the tube in an upright position. Place the xing platform of

the stand on top of the tube and nish by securing it with

socket-head screws.

The rain gauge is now completely disassembled, after

which it is reassembled step by step back on the stand:

1. Place the outer base plate with the three xing holes on

the platform on the stand.

2. Place the inner base plate with the recesses on the outer base plate. The

recesses need to t correctly into the studs while it must be ensured that

the inner base plate cannot be pushed up by the connecting cable.

3. Align both base plates with the aid of the adjustable rings of the stand.

4. Check the horizontal position with a spirit level that is xed to the inner base plate.

5. Secure the outer base plate by screwing the wing nuts on the stud bolts of the stand.

6. Assemble the rain gauge.

Operating Instructions

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Communication

cable

Protective cap

(optional)

e+ logger

Mounting nut with

vandalism proof

bolts. Delivered with

measuring station

7. Remove the protective cap (with eye) and the O-ring

of the e+ logger.

8. Remove the nut from the e+ logger. Note that the

support ring and the battery cover are not moved (the

battery housing will not be water tight anymore).

Battery cover

Support ring Nut

Free space Mounting nut

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10.Re-place the O-ring (that was removed in step 7) in the seat of the

e+ logger

To continue installation for:

• IRDA-readout: step 11 till 14

• Communication cable: step 15 till 18

11.Screw the logger nut on the e+ logger (or use the optional protective cap) and turn it hand

tight. It is also possible to use the protective cap with eye again, however it must be removed

when reading out the logger.

Logger nut Protective cap (optional)

12.Connect the sensor connector to the e+ logger and screw it handtigth with the ring nut.

e+ logger

Ring nut

Sensor connector

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13.Shove the e+ logger in the square tube of the measuring station, the sensor cable is curved

along the e+ logger.

Sensor cable

14.Push the e+ logger in the square tube just that far that the tap holes of the mounting nut

correspond with the rst pair of holes in the square tube. Screw in both vandalism proof bolts.

Sensor cable

Second pair of holes

Vandalism proof bolt

Continue with step 19

15.Screw the opto-connector of the communication cable on the e+ logger, the postion pen of

the opto- connector ts in the free space of the e+ logger.

Position pen

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16.Mount the sensor connector to the e+ logger and screw it hand tight.

Sensor connector

Ring nut

e+ logger

17. Shove the e+ logger in the square tube of the measuring unit, the sensor cable is curved

along the e+ logger.

Sensor cable

14.Push the e+ logger in the square tube just that far that the tap holes of the mounting nut

correspond with the rst pair of holes in the square tube. Screw in both vandalism proof bolts.

Sensor cable

Second pair of holes

Vandalism proof bolt

Operating Instructions

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Continue with step 19

15.Screw the opto-connector of the communication cable on the e+ logger, the postion pen of

the opto- connector ts in the free space of the e+ logger.

Position pen

16.Mount the sensor connector to the e+ logger and screw it hand tight.

Sensor connector

Ring nut

e+ logger

17.Shove the e+ logger in the square tube of the measuring unit, the sensor cable is curved along

the e+ logger.

Sensor cable

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18. Push the e+ logger in the square tube just that far that the tap holes of the mounting nut

correspond with the second pair of holes in the square tube. Screw in both vandalism proof

bolts.

Vandalism proof bolt

First pair of holes

Communication cable

Sensor cable

19. Tighten the cable(s) for example with tie-straps to the measuring unit. Avoid cracking and

mind sharp edges.

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4. Use

4.1 LDM e+

Just as with the settings, monitoring of the

data- logger takes place in the window in

LDM e+ under the Settings tab.

It is in this window that two of the most important actions are performed for the operation of the

datalogger. These are:

Starting and stopping the datalogger:

Monitoring of the datalogging process can be done by clicking

on the tab Direct reading in the Settings window and by clicking

on Start direct reading in this screen. The current status will then

be read continuously and at the same time the buttons that start

and stop the datalogger are correctly activated (in the Settings

window). The following functions are now also available:

• Start now: clicking on this button will start the datalogger

straight away

• Future start: by clicking on this button the datalogger will

start at the time and date that is shown in the Standard

Settings window.

• Synchronize logging time with system time on starting: if this box

has been checked, the RTC clock of the datalogger is

synchronized with the system clock of the computer at start-up.

• Stop: clicking on this button will stop the datalogger immediately

It should be noted that when the datalogger is started all the

measurements are erased and a new session is commenced.

If the datalogger has been started and settings are altered, these changes will not take effect

until the next measuring session, i.e. not until the datalogger has been stopped and started again.

Reading the measurements:

The datalogger is read in the Settings eld by clicking on the button in the wtoolbar as

shown on the right. These measurements are recorded in LDM e+.

All the series of read and recorded measurement data can be viewed in a list under the e+

measurements tab -> Series. If measurement data are read more than once while the datalogger

is operating , there will be duplication of measuring data, divided over several measurement

series. These data can be removed by clicking on the Remove duplicates button. If a series of

measurements has been selected by going to the lists, the measuring results can be viewed and

analysed in the e+ measurements window -> Tables and graph, while it is also possible to go to the

main window and to export the data via the menu File -> Export.

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In order to measure the daily amount of rain (the most commonly used procedure) the Sample

speed of the data- logger is set at 24 hours in LDM e+, e-SENSE direct or on the e-SENSE data site. If

a lower Sample speed is selected, a so-called intensity measurement can be taken. Rain intensity

measurements are normally expressed in mm per

hour, and for these the Sample speed needs to be set at 1 hour. An even lower Sample speed

can be selected if the rain intensity needs to be recorded over shorter periods.

e+ Sensors possess an alarm function which activates the alarm status of the sensor when

measurement values exceed a certain pre- determined limit. A device that has been connected

can detect an active alarm status and depending on its function, can respond by performing a

specic task after which it can turn off the alarm status of the datalogger. The alarm function is set

by means of alarm boundaries and hysteresis limits. As soon as the measurement values exceed

one of the alarm boundaries the alarm status is activated.

The alarm status can be reactivated only once the hysteresis limits are reached. The limit values

can be set in LDM e+, but LDM e+ does not support alarm functionality. The relevant settings have

the following meanings:

• AlarmHigh: species the high limit that will cause the alarm status to be activated.

• HystHigh: species the high limit that will cause the alarm function to be reactivate.

• AlarmLow: species the low limit that will cause the alarm status to be activated.

• HystLow: species the low limit that will cause the alarm function to be reactivated. (note: the

low limits do not have any practical use when measuring rain)

Alarm High

Hysteresis

High

Alarmstatus

Externe

Ultschakeiing

Heraktlvering

Alarmfunktle

4.2 Taking rain measurements

The datalogger records the number of

contacts made by the rain gauge and

converts those to the amount of rain

in mm. The datalogger has two ways

of processing these contacts. Channel

1 processes the number of contacts,

determines the amount of rain between

two samplings times and stores this value.

Channel 2 is a so-called integrator, that

keeps on recording as the new value,

the new value from channel 1, with the

previous measurement total added to it.

This is called the accumulation of data.

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The e-SENSE SMS modem (eld modem) and e-SENSE direct do support alarm functionality. When

an SMS modem detects an active alarm status for a sensor, e-SENSE direct can transmit an alarm

message via the SMS modem direct to a mobile telephone number.

The values of alarm and hysteresis must be within the interval constituted by on the one side the

Reference and on the other side by the sum of Reference and Range.

In formula: Ref. <= Alarm <= (Ref. + Range) and Ref <= Hysteresis <= (Ref. + Range)

The user must always (also when no telemetry is used) ll in the values for alarm high, hysteresis

high, alarm low and hysteresis low.

The integrator function can be used to determine daily, weekly or monthly totals on the basis of

rain intensity measurements. If it is necessary to start obtaining measurement totals, the starting

value of the integrator can be set at zero, which can be done by adjusting the datalogger’s

Master setting to the value ‘-0’. This is called the ‘resetting’ of the integrator. In this way, the rain

intensity measurements can be used to determine daily, weekly or monthly totals on the basis of

daily measurement samples.

5. Applications

The following e+ sensors are currently available:

• Rain fall (intensity and total)

• Soil moisture (volume fraction, conductivity and temperature)

In due course e+ sensors will also be available for the following areas of application:

-Wind (direction and speed) -Soil erosion

-Atmospheric conditions (moisture and temperature) -Evaporation

-Atmospheric pressure -Tension

-Temperature -Pulse

-Radiation (pyrano and albedo) -Current

-Flumes (ow rate) -Conductivity

-Inltration -Serial

The following Divers are currently available for the following applications:

-Diver (water level and temperature) -CTD-Diver (water level, temperature and

conductivity)

-BaroDiver (atmospheric pressure and temperature) -OTD-Diver (water level, temperature and

dissolved oxygen)

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6. Problems and solutions

This chapter provides useful tips and information if problems occur with the performance of the

datalogger or the rain gauge during or after they have been put into operation. The following tips

can help you to ascertain what is wrong and possibly correct the fault yourself.

No measurements appear after starting up the datalogger and putting it into service.

• If the datalogger is used in stand-alone capacity:

• Check if the correct type of connection cable has been used or if the cable is damaged,

whether the infrared eyes of the datalogger are clean and the readout unit is connected

correctly. Next check in LDM e+ under the Application management tab -> Program settings if

the correct COM-port has been selected.

• If the datalogger is connected to an e-SENSE SMS modem (eld modem) and if e-SENSE direct

or the e-SENSE data site is used:

• If the fault occurs in all dataloggers used, there is probably a fault in e SENSE direct or the

e-SENSE data site. Consult the instructions for e-SENSE direct or the e-SENSE data site. If the fault

only occurs in dataloggers that are connected to a specic SMS modem, there is probably a

fault in that SMS modem. Consult the user manual of the SMS modem. If the fault only occurs

in one specic datalogger, check if the correct type of connection cable has been used or

whether the cable is damaged.

If the measures above do not solve the problem, remove the datalogger and check its operation

with a readout unit and a (laptop) computer with LDM e+ installed on it. If communication

with the datalogger is not possible in LDM e+, replace the battery as described in chapter 7,

“Maintenance”. Contact your supplier if the fault cannot be corrected with any of these measures.

Communication with the datalogger is correct, but no measurements appear.

• If the datalogger is used a stand-alone capacity:

• In LDM e+, check the settings for Sample speed and Future start and also check the system time

of the (laptop) computer under Settings, Conguration, Date and Time. Synchronize the RTC

when starting up the datalogger. Depending on the set Sample speed and possibly a set Future

start, measurements should now become available at a certain point in time.

• If e-SENSE direct or the e-SENSE data site is used:

• Check the settings for Sample speed, Send interval, Send start and Channel is activated. The

setting for Sample speed should be lower than the setting for Send interval, while Channel

is activated must be active. Depending on the value for Send interval and Send start,

measurements should become available at a certain point in time. If this is not the case, check

1. The signal strength level of the e-SENSE SMS modem (eld modem), if applicable. Please refer to

the user manual of the SMS modem for checking the eld strength level of the SMS modem.

2. The signal strength level of the computer GSM modem, if applicable. The eld strength level is

shown in the status bar of e-SENSE direct.

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The datalogger produces incorrect measurements. The fault is in the sensor or the datalogger.

• Check the mechanical parts and the state of maintenance of the sensor, proceeding in

accordance with Chapter 7, “Maintenance”.

• Check the calibration of the sensor and, if necessary, recalibrate according to the relevant

instructions in Chapter 7, “Maintenance”.

• Check the Offset and Range settings of the datalogger and, if necessary, reset them.

The Offset and Range settings are part of the sensor calibration. Consult Chapter 7,

“Maintenance,” to correctly determine the values for Offset and Range.

The alarm of the sensor is not functioning or not functioning correctly.

• The alarm function is only supported by e-SENSE direct or the e-SENSE data site.

• If no alarm messages are received: check the settings for Alarm low, Hysteresis low, Hysteresis

high and Alarm high. Congure the alarm values if one or more settings are set on zero.

• If an alarm message is received once but not after that: the value for Hysteresis high should

be set lower than Alarm high, the value for Hysteresis low should be set higher than Alarm low.

If the problem persists, choose both hysteresis values in such a way that they approximate the

alarm values better.

• If many alarm messages are received repeatedly: choose the hysteresis values in such a

way that the difference with the alarm values is increased. If the problem persists, check the

course of the measurements and set a higher Sample speed if the measurements are widely

dispersed.

7. Maintenance

Reliable and accurate measuring results can only be achieved with regular maintenance. We

recommend you inspect the rain gauge at set times and, if necessary, clean it or repair it in the

following areas:

• Regularly inspect the water-collecting basin and the lter for dirt, damage or blockages. It

should be noted that during certain periods of the year, leaves, dust and dirt tend to collect

in the water-collecting basin and lter. Leaves can simply be removed, while the lter may be

cleaned after removing the cover and then the lter. Clean the lter and reassemble in reverse

order.

• Regularly inspect the tipping bucket for any dirt. Clean if necessary. When doing this, ensure

that the switch is not operated if the datalogger is turned on.

• If at certain times the datalogger is turned off, or if the rain gauge is temporarily out of use

for other reasons, take this opportunity to check the hinge point of the tipping bucket. If it is

possible to move the tipping bucket to the centre position without it getting off balance, the

hinge point must be cleaned thoroughly.

• Check the horizontal position of the instrument every time maintenance is carried out. Despite

the solid design of the eld support, in practice the rain gauge can loose its balance as a result

of ground motion, vandalism or rough handling.

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• Replace the battery of the datalogger in time with a new battery of the correct type. Chapter

2, “Technical specications,” states the expected life span of the battery. For replacement

of the battery, a battery set is available separately (see Chapter 1.1, “Package contents”).

Consult the user manual of the battery set e+ logger (11.41.90.01) to replace the battery

correctly.

If the datalogger does not function correctly after replacing the battery, short circuit the battery for

5 seconds and then end the short circuit in one direct movement.

The rain gauge is factory-calibrated and is supplied with a calibration specication, elucidated

with examples. The instrument is specied with a nominal measuring sensitivity of 0.2 mm rain per

contact. The actual value may lie between 0.197 and 0.204 mm per contact. In addition to the

nominal specication, the calibration specication states the actual measuring sensitivity of the

instrument, the so-called calibration factor. The user has the option of calibrating the instrument, to

which a static calibration is performed. Subsequently, the new calibration factor of the instrument

is determined via a dynamic calibration measurement. If so desired, the Range setting of the

datalogger can then be adjusted in accordance with the new calibration factor.

The static calibration is executed as follows:

• Preceding the static calibration, all maintenance requirements as stated above should be

completed.

• Remove the water-collecting basin and check if the rain gauge is mounted horizontally.

• With a pipette or burette, slowly drip 10.13 cm3 water in the tipping bucket. It should tip with

the last drop from the pipette or burette. If this does not occur, adjust the relevant thumbscrew

and repeat the procedure until the tipping bucket tips at the right moment.

• Repeat the above procedure for the other half of the tipping bucket.

Next, the calibration factor is determined according to the method for dynamic calibration:

• Before the calibration factor is determined, the rain gauge should be connected to the

datalogger, the water- collecting basin should be removed from the rain gauge, and a check

should be performed to see if the rain gauge is standing in the horizontal position.

Number of contacts

calibrationfactor

[mm per contactsluiting]

96.7 - 96.9

97.0 - 97.4

97.5 - 97.9

98.0 - 98.4

98.5 - 98.9

99.0 - 99.4

99.5 - 99.9

100 - 100.4

0.204

0.203

0.202

0.201

0.200

0.199

0.198

0.197

Table of contents

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