Omega RG-2501 manual Introduction 1.1 General Description

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 General Description

The OMEGA@ Model RG-2501 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge provides an inexpensive yet accurate method for measuring and recording rainfall. The tipping bucket design provides a means for operating an magnet-sensitive switch. The switch contact closure may be used with electro-mechanical counters, event recorders or electronic recording equipment to automatically obtain a record of the rainfall. The standard model of the rain gauge, Model RG-2501, produces a switch closure for each 0.01 inch of rainfall. The Model RG-2501M switch closure represents 1 millimeter of rainfall. Other calibrations of the rain gauge are available upon request. The tipping bucket design allows unlimited measurements since the tipping action dumps the water out of the bucket on alternating tips. Drain holes in the base plate allow the water to drain out of the gauge.

All OMEGA@ rain gauges are made of the highest quality materials to provide long term, trouble free operation with a minimum of maintenance as long as each gauge has been properly installed and maintained. Parts of the rain gauge are made of aluminum with anodized or painted finishes. Fasteners are all stainless steel except for the aluminum pop rivets used to hold the bug screens in place. Some components are made of plastic, including the terminal block, the signal cable strain relief, the calibration screw acorn nuts, the bearing spacers, and the bearing inserts.

The basic rain gauge assembly includes a removable outer funnel, the tipping bucket assembly, the magnet and switch assemblies, and the outer housing assembly. The main sensor assembly with the tipping buckets, switch, magnet and signal terminal block is mounted onto a bracket that is fastened to the base plate. Two adjustable screws provide the calibration of the buckets by changing the position of the bucket stop point.

Three adjustable legs allow the gauge to be fastened permanently onto a platform or deck using standard fasteners. Slots in the legs provide some adjustment for leveling the gauge. A two-conductor, shielded cable with a wire size between 18 and 24 AWG should be used to connect the rain gauge output into the monitoring or recording equipment. A two position terminal block is provided for attaching the cable into the switch. Power for operating the switch originates within the monitoring/recording equipment and is typically a pulse ranging from 5 to 12 VDC.

The Model RG-2501 and RG-2501M rain gauges are not available in heated versions for use in cold climates. These two gauges are designed and sold as low cost general purpose rain

gauges and are best suited for standard rainfall measurements only. Refer to the NovaLynx catalog or contact the company to obtain information regarding other types of rain gauges that are available for more specialized uses.

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