This document provides an overview of the various rainfall measurement methods that are offered from Columbia Weather Systems, along with each weather station model. Technologies based on the tipping bucket rain gauge: A collecting funnel with a knife edge is what makes up the tipping bucket gauge. This funnel directs water to a device that is used to measure the tipping bucket quantity. The mechanism is constructed in such a way that it causes one alternative tip of the bucket to change positions for every 0.01 inch of rainwater accumulation. The tipping bucket has a magnet connected to it, and when the bucket tips, the magnet activates a magnetic switch that sends a signal to the data logger so that it can record the accumulation. Advantages: Tipping buckets are the rain sensors that are used the most often all over the globe. Not only has this technology been available for quite some time, but the process behind it is straightforward and mechanical. Despite its inexpensive cost, this sensor is quite dependable. One of the disadvantages is that the accuracy of the tipping bucket sensor is dependent on a certain rainfall rate. It is common for increased rainfall rates to result in a greater amount of inaccuracy in measurements. Evaporation, splashing, and strong wind all contribute to the possibility of making a mistake. When the sensor is level and there is no vibration, the measurements it produces will be accurate. It is important to do regular inspections of the sensor to ensure that it is not obstructed by any debris. applications: the most effective usage for this sensor is when comparing the amount of rainfall to that of other tipping bucket sensors. In the weather station, the tipping bucket gauge is used with the Capricorn flx. Additionally, it interacts with the digital channel on the weather microserver, allowing it to be utilized with any other model. Regarding the Pulsar 601 with the tipping bucket raingauge, please see the following. features and specs of the capricorn flx tipping bucket raingauge: There is a heating option available to measure snowfall as rain accumulation. The resolution is 0.01 inches, and the accuracy is ±1 percent at a rate of 2 inches per hour or less. The collecting diameter is 6 inches. features and specifications of the Pulsar 601 tipping bucket raingauge: 0.2 millimeters is the resolution. The level of accuracy is ±2 percent. sensor with a maximum intensity of 144 millimeters per hour (orion) In terms of technology, the measurement of rainfall is based on an impact sensor, which is able to detect the impact of individual raindrops. There is a direct correlation between the volume of the drips and the signals that are produced by the hits. As a result, the signal that is produced by each individual drop may be instantly transformed into the total amount of rainfall. The technique of measuring eliminates the possibility of flooding, clogging, as well as wetting and evaporation losses in the rain measurement process. cons: does not need any maintenance. as precise as possible in conditions of high rainfall. is unaffected by evaporation and blockage throughout the process. is capable of detecting hail. display with a high resolution. disadvantages: according to sources, the weather is hazy and there is mild rainfall. applications: optimal for the installation of weather stations that need little to no maintenance. The orion weather station comes with this sensor, which is accessible for use with the weather station. specifications: 60 cm2 is the collecting area. The level of accuracy is ±1%. (spatial variations may exist) The resolution is 0.001-inch (0.0254 mm) the sensor for doppler radar (pulsar 100, 600, 700, 800) The technology that is used to detect precipitation is a doppler radar that operates at a frequency of 24 GHz. This radar measures the descent speed of each individual drop of rain or snow. The amount and intensity of precipitation are determined by calculating the connection between the size of the drop and its speed. Doppler radar sensors have the ability to detect and quantify raindrops with sizes ranging from 0.3 millimeters to 5.0 millimeters. An advantage is that the sensor has a resolution of 0.0004 inches and a quick response time (0.01 mm). ability to discriminate between snow and rain. In the event that the drop size is outside of the measuring range, the accuracy of the measurement will diminish. uses: the sensor is perfect for applications that demand a high resolution in order to notify the beginning of rainfall. As an example, the tipping bucket rain gauge will not record rainfall until the amount exceeds 0.01 inches. When the accumulation exceeds 0.0004 inches, the doppler radar sensor will start the reporting of rainfall. pulsar 600 weather station: this sensor is included in the package that comes with the weather station. specifications: The drop size range for measurement is from 0.3 to 5 millimeters. measurement: 0.0004 inches (0.01 mm) reproducibility: more than ninety percent optical sensor for precipitation and snowfall (magellan mx600) technology: an integrated optical rain gauge that automatically detects water striking its outside surface and delivers readings depending on the size and quantity of droplets that are falling. These data are interpreted by computers, which then imitate the output of a rain gauge similar to a tipping bucket. The advantages include the ability to measure rain for systems that need a transmitter that is equipped with a GPS and an electronic compass. It is important to note that the optical rain gauge does not have any moving elements as tipping bucket gauges do. The majority of its applications are those in which the precision of rain accumulation is not of the utmost importance. Con: the resolution and accuracy are both poor. applications: the most effective use for mobile and portable apps for general monitoring, such as documenting the occurrence of precipitation and the length of time it stays. applications such as testing airplanes, inspecting electricity transmission lines, and testing car tracks are examples of applications. The Magellan MX600 Weather Station with GPS is equipped with this sensor, which is accessible for use with the equipment. specifications: 0.01 inch is the resolution. range: 0 to more than 12 inches per hour The repeatability rate is three percent. In order to get information on the technology that is most suitable for your application of precipitation monitoring, you should get in touch with Columbia Weather Systems. It is possible to measure the amount of rain by visiting the Columbia Weather website.