What is the tipping bucket rain gauge?

A tipping bucket rain gauge is an instrument used to measure the amount of rainfall over a specific period of time. It consists of a collecting funnel which channels rainwater into a container containing two small buckets or compartments. These buckets are balanced so that when one bucket is filled with a certain amount of water, it topples over, dumping the water inside and allowing the other bucket to take its place.

Each time the bucket tips over, it triggers a switch or sensor that records the event as a pulse or count. By measuring the number of times the bucket tipped over, the rain gauge can calculate the total amount of rainfall. The tipping bucket device provides a convenient way to measure precipitation in discrete increments, usually in millimeters or inches.

The main components of a tipping bucket rain gauge include

1. Collection Bucket: This is the part of the rain gauge that collects the raindrops. It is usually made of stainless steel or ABS to prevent corrosion and has a specified capacity, usually 200 mm in diameter. 

2. a tipping device: when the collecting bucket is filled with water, it tips over, usually due to the force of the water itself or through a mechanical connection such as a lever or cam.

3. Drainage system: For an accurate reading of the rain gauge, a drain hole is usually cut in the bottom of the bucket and a pipe is used to direct the overflow away from the rain gauge.

Tipping bucket rain gauges are highly accurate and are usually used in weather stations to record rainfall data. They are also used for research and environmental monitoring. One of the advantages of a tipping bucket rain gauge is that it can measure the intensity and total amount of rain, as the speed at which the tipping bucket is tipped can indicate how much rain is falling.

It is important to note that while tipping bucket rain gauges are reliable, they do require regular maintenance, including cleaning the bucket to remove any debris that may interfere with the action of the tipping bucket. In addition, they can only measure liquid precipitation, not snowfall, which must be measured using a separate device.

Tipping bucket rain gauges are widely used because of their simplicity, durability and relatively low cost. 

Tipping bucket rain gauges are widely used in the following areas:

1. meteorological monitoring: used to measure rainfall and provide meteorologists with accurate precipitation data to help predict weather changes.

2. Hydrological monitoring: Used in river basins and hydrological stations to monitor precipitation and help assess flood risk and water resource management.

3. Agriculture: Tilting bucket rain gauges are used in agriculture to monitor rainfall and help farmers rationalize irrigation schedules and crop planting.

4. environmental research: used in environmental research and ecosystem monitoring to help understand the impact of precipitation on ecosystems.

5. Construction: Used in construction to monitor rainfall, assess the effectiveness of drainage system design and stormwater management in buildings.

Tipping bucket rain gauge data sheet

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

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