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Self-Emptying Bucket-Type Rain Gauge For Accurate Rainfall Measurement With RJ11 Switch Output
This rain gauge is a self-emptying bucket-type sensor built to measure rainfall for weather stations, agricultural monitoring and DIY environmental projects. Each time the bucket collects 0.011 in (0.2794 mm) of rain, it tips, empties itself and triggers a momentary switch closure. Because the bucket empties on its own, the gauge can run unattended for long periods and keeps counting through repeated rain events.
The switch output is easy to read with a microcontroller. You can count the closures using interrupt pins or a digital counter, and multiply the count by 0.2794 mm to get total rainfall. The switch is wired to the centre conductors of the RJ11 connector, so connecting it to a compatible board or hub is simple. This is the same rain gauge used in the weather meter kit (SEN-15901), which makes it a suitable replacement or add-on for that kit.
Key Features
- Self-Emptying Bucket Design: The bucket tips and drains automatically, so no manual emptying is needed.
- Fixed Resolution: One switch closure for every 0.011 in (0.2794 mm) of collected rain.
- Momentary Switch Output: Gives a clean pulse for each tip, which is easy to count in software or hardware.
- Flexible Interfacing: Can be read using microcontroller interrupt pins or a digital counter.
- RJ11 Connector: The switch is connected to the centre conductors of the RJ11 connector for quick plug-in wiring.
- Kit Compatibility: The same rain gauge used with the weather meter kit (SEN-15901).
Applications
- Home and hobbyist weather stations
- Agricultural and garden rainfall monitoring
- Irrigation scheduling and water management
- Environmental and hydrology data logging
- IoT-based remote weather monitoring
- Educational and school science projects
- Replacement or expansion for the SEN-15901 weather meter kit
