FAQ

The PRONAMIC PCB has a terminal strip with four connection (two outlets). The two outlets are marked as 1-2 and 3-4. The outlet 1-2 is connected by a reed switch and the state is Normally Closed (NC). The outlet 3-4 is connected by another reed switch and the state is Normally Open (NO). When the tipping bucket tips, then the reed switches changes state.

See the following guide for connecting the PCB to a IoT Device/Microcontroller

1. Connect your IoT Device/Microcontroller with wires to the following screw terminals:
   Screw terminal 1-2 (Red arrow in Figure 1) if the desired state of the reed switch is
   1. Normally Closed (NC).
   2. Screw terminal 3-4 (Green arrow in Figure 1) if the desired state of the reed switch is Normally Open (NO).

      

2. Configure the software to add the calibration value (either; .1 – 0.2 – 0.25 – 0.5 – 1 mm) each time the tipping bucket tips, and the reed switch changes state from open to closed or closed to open.

OBS: Remember to check if your IoT controller has a built-in pull-up resister.

No, we do not include a data logger or controller. Our products are designed for OEMs, who typically use custom-made systems. We supply only the rain gauge itself, which can be easily connected to a data logger or controller via a simple wired connection.

This example is for the calibration: 0.2mm/tip

Pronamic Professional funnel orriface: 200cm2
200cm2 = 0.02m2
0.2mm pr. tip.
0.2mm x 0.02m2 = 0.004 liter
0.004 liter = 4ml – thus the calibration is 4ml/tip

Pronamic provides rain gauges for a wide range of applications and environments, each requiring different cleaning and maintenance intervals. Below are our general recommendations for cleaning and maintenance:

1. Routine Inspection (Every Three Months)
   Inspect the sensor every three months. Check for leaves, bird droppings, debris, spiders, or other foreign objects in the funnel, and clean as necessary.

2. Measurement Unit Cleaning
   Remove the funnel and inspect the measurement unit for dirt, insects, sand, or pollen. Clean as required. Use a cloth or paper towel moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the spoon.

3. Base and Drainage Check
   Examine the base and drainage system for clogs or blockages. Clear any obstructions as needed.

Field Calibration Check
To perform a calibration check, you can drip 200 ml of water through the rain sensor as follows:

1. Measure 200 grams of water using a container or bottle.
2. Ensure the water drips very slowly into the funnel, taking approximately 20 minutes (around 10 ml per minute).
3. Ventilate the container to allow air to enter as the water drips out.

After the water has completely passed through the sensor, you should log the following approximate measurements based on the calibration values:

• Professional and Meteorological Rain Sensors:

  • Calibration Value: 0.10 mm = 2 ml
  • Calibration Value: 0.20 mm = 4 ml
  • Calibration Value: 0.25 mm = 5 ml
  • Calibration Value: 0.50 mm = 10 ml

• Small and Tower Rain Sensors:

  • Calibration Value: 1 mm = 5 ml
  • Calibration Value: 2 mm = 10 ml

To calculate the number of tips (the times the internal measurement mechanism is triggered), use the following formula:
Number of Tips = 200 ml / Calibration Value in ml

For example, if the calibration value is 2 ml, you can expect approximately 100 tips (200 ml / 2 ml = 100).

PCB 9602 = Normally Open or Normally Closed.

PCB 9601 = Normally Open.

See more information here: Professional rain and precipitation sensor

Birdspikes 500-319 – Video link to YouTube

Leaf grid and Birdspikes 500-320 – Video link to YouTube