Buy Now
The Rain Gauge senses water hitting its outside surface using beams of infrared light, modelling the principle used in automotive rain-sensing windshield wiper controls. The optical gauge bounces the infrared beams within the sensor lens, and as rain drops hit the surface, the infrared light
escapes through. Changes in the intensity of the infrared beams during rainfall are directly correlated with the size of the rain drop. The system automatically compensates for condensation and very small drops; it can detect rain drops less than a half millimetre in size!
Optical sensing technology overcomes many of the shortcomings of conventional tipping bucket rain gauges. The sensor works in mobile environments, there is no collecting funnel to clog with leaves, and the round shape makes it essentially self-cleaning. With a range of accuracies available, applications now include a tipping bucket rain gauge replacement. The compact size makes them ideal for wet weather notification systems or remote rain gauges where periodic maintenance is not possible.
Model Comparison
Hydreon has a Rain Gauge suitable for almost any application that requires a reliable and sensitive rain sensor. The physical dimensions for each model is the same:
Length: 4.8″ (121 mm) Width: 2.8″ (71 mm) Height: 2.2″ (56 mm) Weight: 4.3 oz (122 g)
Including the moisture proof connector: Height: 3.0″ (76 mm) Weight: 4.5 oz (128 g)
| RG-11 | RG-15 (New) | RG-9 (New) | |
| High Accuracy Tipping Bucket | – | ✔ | – |
| Wiper Control | ✔ | – | – |
| Drop Detection | ✔ | – | – |
| Condensation Sensing | ✔ | – | – |
| Irrigation Control | ✔ | – | – |
| Rain Water Harvest | ✔ | – | – |
| “It’s Raining Mode” | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Low Power | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unique Hardware | Heater Prevents Frost | – | – |
| Current Drain | 1.5 mA Nominal 15 mA Raining | 110 μA Nominal 4 mA Raining | 110 μA Nominal 4 mA Raining |
| Tipping Bucket Accuracy | ±36% 2/3 of the time | ±10% in our controlled environment | – |
| Serial Communication RS232 | Unsupported Transmitted Registers Unidirectional | Command Based Bidirectional | Command Based Bidirectional |
For more detailed information on each sensor, click on the links below.