Sandaysoft

Hi Alan,

Well, not entirely. The first section (up to 10mm) does indeed correlate very well, especially since many users suggest that the FO gauge under-reads somewhat. But from then on, the FO registers 6mm and the Hydreon 18mm.

I believe that Hydreon admit that their gauge can over-read in some circumstances, particularly with the wind blowing raindrops across the "window", so it might be worth also displaying the windspeed (and maybe sunshine, etc.) to see if that affects the correlation.

It can also "report" the raindrop size to some extent, but that probably requires a rather more "intelligent" interface than the current DTR-DSR switching.

Cheers, Alan.

Hi
What I meant was that the timing and shape of the graph was similar but I did say expanded by which I meant the RGCUM was over-reporting. I don't yet want to change the tipsize until there may or may not be a consistant correction. I agree it would be useful to use the windspeed as well but I have a problem in that the anemometer stops working in the rain - probably the mast top connection which I haven't had a chance to de-mount yet. The difference between the two RG's also needs investigation - but that's what the tests are for.
Regards
Alan

Hi
0900 25/06 to 0900 26/06
Manual Station
Manual Gauge 5.8mm
RG11 10.4mm
Cumulus Station
FO Bucket 6.6mm
RG11 7.6mm
Light Winds Some mist & light rain
Regards
Alan

Hi,

Has anybody else noticed the following paragraph in the downloadable RG-11_Instructions but NOT in the paper manual supplied with the sensor:

"For best accuracy tipping bucket applications, we recommend annual treatment of the rain sensor lens with Rain-X. The Rain-X prevents a condition where the RG reads high because water droplets stuck on the sensor get blown by the wind, causing high readings. With Rain-X, larger droplets run off." [Hydreon's bolding not mine.]

I wonder if that's a recent recommendation or something that's now been withdrawn. Note the following Rain-X "Product description" on the Amazon.co.uk website:

"Please be aware that it [Rain-X] is not recommended for use on plastic surfaces. ....... The product will last up to 60 days."

Hydreon refer to the lens as "injection molded" which I think implies that it's plastic, and they refer to "annual treatment". Is there an equivalent UK product (WD40 is said NOT to be similar)? Also, I note that reviews on the Amazon.com site much prefer the "Original" Rain-X to the later "glass cleaning" version of the same brand.

Cheers, Alan.

Alan, from my following of the device this a new(ish) recommendation.

You can buy Rain-X at Halfords along with their own brand (cheaper) version, and other brands - I use it on my car windscreen.

_________________
Mark
Wilmslow Astro Weather

Hi
Results 0900 26/06 to 0900 27/06

Manual Station
Manual Gauge 0.4mm
RG11 0.4mm
Cumulus Station
No reliable results as FO station problem

Apparently the RG11 is now supplied with RainX applied however rain does appear to stick on the surface.
Regards
Alan

on my existing tip bucket rain gauge i have used novus to clean and polish the plastic to stop the rain just wetting it untill there is enough for it to run. even light rain just forms beads and runs off.

http://www.novuspolish.com/ you can buy this from amazon in the uk as well as from ebay. this is ment for plastic and i used it to remove scratches and clean jukebox covers.

rain x is used on glass such as car windscreens to reduce smearing it puts a thin film over the glass and seals the microscopic pores of the glass.

_________________
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=IARGYLLA4

Anyone tried just a good wax car polish?

_________________
Terry Wiltshire
http://www.janter.co.nz/weather/index.htm

Hi
Results 0900 27/06 to 0900 28/06

Manual Station
Manual Gauge 1.7mm
RG11 4.2mm
Very light misty rain probably drifting over the manual gauge
Cumulus Station
No data - FO weather station failed
Regards
Alan

Hi
The new FO weather station is installed so we should start getting more results. Since I now have a spare tipping bucket I may put it over with the manual gear.
Regards
Alan

Hi
Results 0900 28/06 to 0900 29/06
The new FO station is up and running and there is a tipping bucket at the manual gauge site. But no reliable data as the new FO took a while to set up. Should be OK tomorow.
Regards
Alan

Hi
Results 0900 29/06 to 0900 30/06
Manual Station
Manual Gauge 4.3mm
RG11 6.6mm
Bucket 2.4mm
Cumulus Station
RG11 0.2mm
FO Bucket 4.8mm
Light Rain Wind 10 - 15 knots
Regards
Alan

Alan, any idea why one of the Rg11's consistently reports higher than the other?

_________________
Duke

Nightingale Weather PHP
Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK

Hi
Next time we get some rain I'll set the debug log on to see if the Cumulus unit is reporting as it should. The differences at the manual site is puzzling as the units are close together about 1M above the ground. The Cumulus RG11 is sited on a mast (not ideal but fairly close to the bucket on a flat roof). It could be turbulence from the wind over the roofs that changes the drop characteristics.
But more tests are obviously needed.
Regards
Alan

Results 0900 30/06 to 0900 01/07
Manual Site
RG11 1.6mm
Manual Gauge 0.2mm
Bucket 0.3mm
Cumulus Site
RG11 0.0mm
FO Bucket 0.0mm
Light winds
No rain apparent - suspect manual site affected by dew.
Regards
Alan