Campbell Scientific TE525-LC Precipitation Sensor for MetData1 - Manual (Page 4)

TE525-LC TIPPING BUCKET RAIN GAGE FOR METDATA1
2
3. INSTALLATION
3.1 LOCATION
The rain gage should be mounted in a relatively
level spot which is representative of the
surrounding area. The lip of the funnel should
be horizontal and at least 30 cm. above the
ground. It should be high enough to be above
the average snow depth. The ground surface
around the rain gage should be natural
vegetation or gravel. It should not be paved.
The rain gage should be placed away from
objects that obstruct the wind. The distance
should be 2 to 4 times the height of the
obstruction.
When leveling, be sure that the funnel is properly
seated in the body of the gage and that:
•
the orifice is level
•
the body of the sensor is vertical (plumb).
3.2 MOUNTING
The TE525 rain gage mounts to a 2 inch post or
pipe. Set the post or drive the pipe as nearly
vertical as possible. Use the enclosed hose
clamps to mount the gage as shown in Fig. 1.
The lip of the gage should be at least 2 inches
above the post or pipe. Level the rain gage
after mounting it.
NOTE: Before final leveling, press either
end of the bucket down against its stop to
make sure the bucket is NOT hung up in
the center.
3.3 CONNECTION
The TE525 cable is attached to the MetData1
connector labeled #5.
4. DATALOGGER PROGRAMMING
NOTE: Information in this section is not
necessary when programming the
MetData1 with the Short Cut Program
Builder software.
The TE525 is measured using Instruction 3 with
the switch closure configuration code. A
multiplier of 0.01 converts the output to inches.
A multiplier of 0.254 converts the output to
millimeters.
The metric TE525 uses a multiplier of 0.1 to
convert the output to millimeters. A multiplier of
0.00394 converts the output to inches.
MetData1 Datalogger Instruction:
01: P3 Pulse
01: 1 Rep
02: 2 Pulse Input Channel
03: 2 Switch Closure
04: 1* Loc [:Rain (mm)]
05: 0.1 Mult
06: 00 Offset
* Proper entry will vary with input location assignment.
4. MAINTENANCE
The funnel and bucket mechanism must be
kept clean. Routinely check for and remove any
foreign material, dust, insects, etc. The
following calibration check is advised every 12
months.
Field Calibration Check:
(1) Secure a metal can that will hold at
least one quart of water.
(2) Punch a very small hole in the bottom
of the can.
(3) Place the can in the top funnel of the
rain gage and pour 16 fluid ounces (1
pint) of water into the can. (A 16 oz.
soft drink bottle filled to within 2.5
inches of the top may be used for a
rough field calibration. An exact volume
will allow for a more precise calibration).
(4) If it takes less than 45 minutes for this
water to run out, the hole in the can is
too large.
(5) One hundred tips plus or minus three
tips should occur.
(6) Adjusting screws are located on the
bottom adjacent to the large center
drain hole. Adjust both screws the
same number of turns. Rotation
clockwise increases the number of tips
per 16 oz. of water; counter clockwise
rotation decreases the number of tips
per 16 oz. of water. One half turn of
both screws causes a 2% to 3%
change.
(7) Check and re-level the rain gage lid.
Factory Calibration:
If factory calibration is required, send the TE525
to:
Texas Electronics
P.O. Box 7225, Inwood-Station
Dallas, Texas 75209
Phone: (214) 631-2490