Piezoelectric rain gauge and tipping bucket rain gauge are two common rain measurement equipment, they have some differences in function, principle, accuracy, application scenarios and price, the following is a detailed comparison of the two in function, principle, accuracy, application scenarios and price:

1. Piezoelectric rain gauge and tipping bucket rain gauge function:

Piezoelectric rain gauge: the use of piezoelectric ceramic kinetic energy rainfall monitoring, through the piezoelectric material to convert the mechanical energy generated by the impact of rain into electrical energy, so as to measure the amount of rainfall. It has the advantages of simple installation, accurate data, large monitoring range, etc. It is especially suitable for accurate monitoring of heavy rain.

Tipping bucket rain gauge: Using the rotation and counting of the tipping bucket to measure the rainfall, and estimating the rainfall through the cumulative number of tipping times.

2. Principle of piezoelectric rain gauge and tipping bucket rain gauge:

Piezoelectric rain gauge: the use of piezoelectric effect for measurement, that is, according to the strength of the raindrops drop hit the identification of the rainfall can be monitored from a light rain to a heavy rain.

Tipping bucket rain gauge: through the rotation of the bucket and counting to measure the rainfall, the bucket every flip that means a certain amount of rainfall.

3. Piezoelectric rain gauge and tipping bucket rain gauge accuracy:

Piezoelectric rain gauge: Due to its impact measurement principle, it can measure the weight of individual raindrops, and then calculate the rainfall, with high measurement accuracy.

Tipping bucket rain gauge: although it can measure the cumulative rainfall, but in heavy rain or heavy rain, due to the mechanical measurement by the rain intensity of the impact of the large, may lead to measurement errors.

4. Piezoelectric rain gauge and tipping bucket rain gauge application scenarios:

Piezoelectric rain gauge: Because of its high precision and long-term stability, it is more suitable for outdoor long-term monitoring and occasions requiring high-precision data, such as ground disaster monitoring, meteorological observation, scientific research and accurate hydrological monitoring.

Tipping bucket rain gauge: mainly used in some basic meteorological observation station or personal meteorological observation, it is more suitable for the occasions that require low accuracy, simple and reliable, or the occasions that do not require high measurement accuracy, it is suitable for the occasions that need to estimate rainfall, such as agricultural irrigation, preliminary assessment of water resources and flood warning.

5. Piezoelectric rain gauge and tipping bucket rain gauge price:

The price of piezoelectric rain gauge and tipping bucket rain gauge varies according to brand, model, accuracy and function. Generally speaking, the price of piezoelectric rain gauge may be slightly higher than tipping bucket rain gauge due to its higher technology and measurement accuracy. Piezoelectric rain gauges typically cost $200 or more. Tipping bucket rain gauges are typically priced between $100-$200.

Piezoelectric rain gauges and tipping bucket rain gauges each have their own features and advantages, and the choice of which type of rain gauge to use depends on the specific application requirements and environmental conditions. In actual application, they should be selected and used together according to the actual situation to achieve the best measurement effect.

Overall, piezoelectric rain gauges are more advanced in terms of accuracy and functionality, but they are also relatively expensive and suitable for high-end applications that require high-precision measurements. The tipping bucket rain gauge, on the other hand, is slightly less accurate and relatively inexpensive, but still meets many daily monitoring needs. When choosing a rain gauge, the decision on which type to use should be based on specific application needs and budget.

Rain gauge sensor data sheet 

NBL-W-RS-Rain-sensors-instruction-manual-V4.0.pdf

NBL-W-ARS-Tipping-bucket-rain-gauge-instruction-manual.pdf

NBL-W-PRS-Piezoelectric-Rain-Sensor-Operator's-Manual.pdf