INTEGRATION GUIDERain Gauge Tipping Bucket with SatLink Datalogger Series

Rain Gauge Tipping Bucketwith SatLink Datalogger Series

Prepared by:Sutron ISD

October, 2013

Sutron Corporation22400 Davis Drive

Sterling, Virginia 20164TEL: (703) 406-2800FAX: (703) 406-2801

WEB: http://www.sutron.com/

INTEGRATION GUIDERain Gauge Tipping Bucket with SatLink Datalogger Series

ContentsIntroduction.................................................................................................................................................3

Rain Gauge Options.....................................................................................................................................3

Stainless Steel Exterior and Interior.........................................................................................................3

Plastic Interior and Stainless Steel Exterior.............................................................................................3

Mounting Solutions.....................................................................................................................................4

Pole Mount..............................................................................................................................................4

Tower Mount...........................................................................................................................................4

Concrete Pad Mount...............................................................................................................................4

Wiring Diagram............................................................................................................................................5

Common Configurations..............................................................................................................................6

Summary.....................................................................................................................................................7

INTEGRATION GUIDERain Gauge Tipping Bucket with SatLink Datalogger Series

IntroductionThe Rain Gauge Tipping Bucket is one of Sutron’s most commonly used sensors. This guide will describe the proper method of connecting the RGTB with the SatLink datalogger. This will apply to all dataloggers in the SatLink series, as well as all tipping bucket style rain gauges that are manufactured by Sutron.

Rain Gauge OptionsThere are many types of tipping bucket rain gauges to choose from. The two material options are stainless steel exterior and interior, and plastic interior with stainless steel interior. The SS interior and exterior is recommended for harsher environments, such as areas near salt water and sandy deserts. The plastic interior model is more cost effective and designed for calmer weather locations. Within each material option there is an accuracy rating for each bucket type, such as 0.1mm/tip and 0.2mm/tip. Typically, domestic users will prefer the 0.01 inch/tip option.

Stainless Steel Exterior and Interior5600-0425-1 0.1mm/tip (includes 50ft/15m cable)5600-0425-2 0.2mm/tip (includes 50ft/15m cable)5600-0425-3 0.3mm/tip (includes 50ft/15m cable)5600-0425-5 0.5mm/tip (includes 50ft/15m cable)5600-0425-6 0.01 inch/tip (includes 50ft/15m cable)

Plastic Interior and Stainless Steel Exterior5600-0525-2 0.2mm/tip (includes 50ft/15m cable)5600-0525-5 0.5mm/tip (includes 50ft/15m cable)5600-0525-6 0.01 inch/tip (includes 50ft/15m cable)

INTEGRATION GUIDERain Gauge Tipping Bucket with SatLink Datalogger Series

Mounting SolutionsThere are two bracket options to mount the tipping bucket to. One of the brackets is shown below in white that mounts to the top of a 2” pipe. This bracket can also be used for mounting the bucket to a tower if unistrut and clamps are included. The second bracket is designed to have the bucket mount to a concrete surface and then be bolted down. The bracket looks similar to the one shown below, but has a square plate on the bottom that can be fastened to the concrete floor.

Pole Mount (shown above)6211-1024-1 Rain Gauge Mounting Kit to 2" pipe

Tower Mount6211-1024-1 Rain Gauge Mounting Kit to 2" pipe9600-0001 Aluminum Unistrut, 3 Feet [Quantity 2]9600-0002 Unistrut Clamp 2” [Quantity 2]9600-0003 Unistrut Clamp 1” (size depends on tower diameter) [Quantity 4]

Concrete Pad MountRAINPLATE Rain Gauge Mounting Plate

INTEGRATION GUIDERain Gauge Tipping Bucket with SatLink Datalogger Series

Wiring DiagramPhysically connecting the RGTB to the datalogger is a simple task. Typically, the logger will be encased in an enclosure with pass through glands or military spec connectors. Simply take the wire that comes connected to the tipping bucket and thread it through the gland and connect the wires to one of the digital inputs on the logger. Any of the digital inputs can be used, but it is recommended that digital input 1 is used for the setup shown further in this guide. Also, the wires do not have a polarity so the ground and positive wires can be swapped.

INTEGRATION GUIDERain Gauge Tipping Bucket with SatLink Datalogger Series

Common ConfigurationsThe SatLink configuration is a very user friendly system. The SatlinkCommunicator application that interfaces with the unit allows for quick configuration with dropdown menus, and simple input fields. The simplest method of programming these dataloggers is to use the descriptions below as a template and change the values that differ from your ideal setup. For more information on the configuration menu use the SatLink Operations and Maintenance Manual.

The following depicts a measurement configuration of the RGTB for a measurement of 1 hour rainfall.

INTEGRATION GUIDERain Gauge Tipping Bucket with SatLink Datalogger Series

The following depicts a measurement configuration of the RGTB for a measurement of 24 hour rainfall.

SummaryThis guide has described the detailed options of the Tipping Bucket as well as how to connect it to the SatLink datalogger. If you have any questions about this integration guide, or if additional guidance is needed getting started or troubleshooting then please contact Sutron’s Integrated Systems Division at 703-406-2800.