In the past, the weathermen had to travel a long way to go down the field and check out the instrument which collected the rainfall. They had to do the reading and recording manually. In their effort of coming up with the best results and accurate data, their job had to take long. However, these days, modern technology has provided a new and easier avenue of measuring precipitation without all the fuss. Data gathering has also become too convenient for all weathermen. Thanks to the wireless rain gauges!
Yes, you have read it right. Wireless rain gauges are now widely available in this time and age. The manufacturers have already invaded the market and the weathermen are just too thankful for this kind of innovation.
A Look at this Modern Precipitation Measuring Device
The wireless rain gauge makes way for an efficient method of data gathering. A sensor is integrated into the device which transmits the pertinent information to the main monitoring center that is located in a sheltered area. The data associated to rainfall comes in a span of 5 up to 10 seconds. This short time frame ensures that the given information is no other than the current and updated version.
The Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge Gone Wireless
More so, the conventional tipping bucket has had its fair share of modernization. An innovation that has been applied to it has gone a long way towards being wireless. This kind of functionality includes a microprocessor which aims to measure the rate of rainfall and later on send the results of the raw data to some kind of monitoring mechanism. The latter, then, displays the measurements for an easier and more convenient way of recording it.
What is more practical and useful about this microprocessor is its capability to correct any of the probable errors in the entire data. Thus, the transmitted data are always accurate because of this mechanism’s sensitivity.
Positioning the Device Matters
To be able to come up with the most precise data, what needs to be done is to position the device properly. It should be made a point to place it in areas which don’t hinder the rainwater from being collected. The wireless collection device includes an installation manual which needs to be read prior to setting it up. Since the device has to regularly send the wireless transmissions, it needs to be mounted into a spot which provides a clear view from the main monitoring station.
The bucket has to be situated in an open area and must be free from all debris, stones, leaves, and other objects that may fall into the funnels. If the worst case happens, the funnels will get clogged up and inaccurate readings will follow.
An ideal spot for the device is on top of the roof wherein there is a very little chance of being in contact with other impediments. This wireless device allows clear remote monitoring up to about 100 up to 300 feet radius. Be sure not to go beyond the specified point or else the information to be emitted will be far from perfect.
Many of today’s wireless rain gauges function via the use of batteries. To be certain that only a maximum performance is going to be met, the Lithium batteries are best to use. Why is that so? It is because the alkaline batteries are more subject to freezing especially during the extreme conditions of the weather.