Electronic weighing precipitation sensor for rainfall and snow

DataRain-4000

Electronic weighing precipitation sensor for rainfall and snow measures liquid, mixed and solid precipitation, with 200 cm² or 400 cm² collecting area, 0–2000 mm/h intensity range, 0.001 mm resolution and automatic draining.

Introduction

Accurate precipitation data is critical when rainfall intensity changes quickly or snow and mixed precipitation must be measured with confidence. This sensor uses an electronic weighing principle with a C3-class load cell to measure liquid, mixed and solid precipitation across a wide 0–2000 mm/h intensity range.
 
The automatic self-draining system gives the sensor unlimited cumulative measuring capacity and supports long unattended operation. Permanent calibration helps maintain 0.001 mm accumulated precipitation resolution and 0.02% weighing accuracy, while typical precipitation error remains below 0.30% across the full intensity range.
 
Integration is straightforward in new or existing monitoring networks. Data can be supplied via pulse output, RS-232, RS-485, SDI-12 or USB configuration, with protocols including ASCII/NMEA, Modbus RTU and proprietary binary protocol. The IP66 electronics, contamination filters and optional smart heating system support reliable operation in demanding outdoor environments.

Permanent accuracy
C3 load cell weighing maintains 0.001 mm resolution without periodic recalibration.
Unlimited capacity
Automatic self-draining enables unlimited cumulative precipitation and unattended operation.
High intensity range
Measures precipitation intensity from 0 to 2000 mm/h with typical error below 0.30%.
Easy retrofit
Solid-state pulse output can replace tipping buckets, factory set to 0.05 mm per pulse.
Cold-climate option
Optional smart heating supports solid precipitation measurement down to -40 ºC in heated operation.
Outdoor protection
Electronics are rated NEMA 4 & 4X / IP66 for outdoor precipitation monitoring.

Features

Collecting area options

The sensor is available with 200 cm² or 400 cm² collecting area for different monitoring requirements.

Precipitation types

The weighing system measures liquid, mixed and solid precipitation, with optional automatic heating for cold conditions.

 

Output data

The sensor provides precipitation intensity, accumulated precipitation, chamber volume, heating control temperature and status code.

Interfaces and protocols

Communication options include Reed/Solid State Relay, RS-232, RS-485, SDI-12 and USB, with ASCII/NMEA, Modbus RTU and proprietary binary protocol.

Leveling and mounting

Installation uses three adjusting knobs and a spirit level, with mounting on an SPL-4000 pedestal or tower support arm.

Contamination protection

 The inlet cartridge filter, drain filter and optional anti-insect filter help protect the accumulation chamber and drainage path.

Low-power operation

Smart adaptive low-power firmware keeps typical consumption below 35 mW with Reed/Solid State Relay, NMEA and SDI-12 protocols.