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

All our sensors support custom logo branding directly on the product. Below is a guide to selecting the optimal placement for your logo on the Professional Rain Sensor.

The logo must be provided in Vector format: AI, ESP or SVG and with placement and size specifications. By default, it is printed on a durable, weatherproof clear vinyl sticker in a rectangular format.

Placement guidelines:

• Position 1 & 2: Maximum height: 6 cm

• Position 3: Maximum width: 4.5 cm

• Position 4: Maximum width: 9.5 cm

Please ensure your logo fits within the dimensions specified for your chosen placement.

Correct installation and operating conditions are essential to ensure accurate and reliable rainfall measurements. The following guidelines apply to all Pronamic rain gauges unless otherwise specified.

Operating Environment

Temperature
The rain gauge is designed for outdoor use and operates reliably within the specified temperature range of the sensor. Typical operating range:

• 0 °C to +60 °C
  The minimum temperature is when rain turns to snow.

Humidity

• Designed for continuous outdoor exposure

• Resistant to high humidity and condensation

Installation Requirements

Mounting Height

• Install the rain gauge 0.5–1.5 meters above ground level

• Avoid mounting directly on rooftops, close to trees and other construction where wind turbulence may affect measurements

Leveling

• The rain gauge must be mounted perfectly level

• An uneven installation will result in inaccurate tipping and measurement errors

Location

• Install the sensor in an open area with unobstructed exposure to rainfall

• Recommended distance from obstacles (trees, buildings, poles):

  • At least twice the height of the nearest obstacle

• Avoid locations prone to splash-back from hard surfaces (concrete, metal roofs, etc.)

Wind Influence

• Wind can affect catch efficiency

• For professional or meteorological installations, consider wind-shielding or standardized mounting locations according to local meteorological guidelines

Drainage

• Ensure that water can drain freely from the base of the rain gauge

• Do not install the sensor in locations where water may accumulate or flood the base

Material

• Pronamic rain gauges are manufactured from UV-stable ASA materials suitable for long-term outdoor exposure

• Regular inspection and cleaning are the most effective measures to prevent contamination

Electrical and Mechanical Stability

• Mount the rain gauge on a rigid, vibration-free structure

• Ensure strain relief on cables to prevent mechanical stress on connectors