Comparison of Precipitation Measurement Technologies - Rain Gauges
This resource delineates the different rainfall measurement technologies with each weather station model available from Columbia Weather Systems. Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge Technology: The tipping bucket gauge consists of a collector funnel with a knife edge that diverts water to a tipping bucket mechanism. The mechanism is so designed that one alternate tip of the bucket occurs for each 0.01 inch of rainfall accumulation. A magnet is attached to the tipping bucket, which, as the bucket tips, actuates a magnetic switch to signal the accumulation to the data logger. Pros: Tipping buckets are the most widely used rain sensors in the world. The technology has been around for a long time and the mechanism is simple and mechanical. This sensor is low cost and very reliable. Cons: The accuracy of the tipping bucket sensor is based on a specific rainfall rate. Higher rainfall rates tend to introduce more error in readings. Susceptible to error due to evaporation, splashing, and high wind. Fo