Ambient Weather Support

Determining accuracy of rain gauge involves multiple factors
First, we need to take into account how they operate.

• Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge:
  • Operates on a simple mechanical principle where a funnel collects rainwater and directs it into a bucket that tips when a certain amount of water is collected.
  • Each tip of the bucket represents a predetermined amount of rainfall (e.g., 0.2 mm).
• Haptic Rain Gauge:
  • Uses electronic sensors to measure rainfall, often providing real-time data through haptic feedback.

Now that we have established this, we can then compare the accuracy. 

Accuracy

• Tipping Bucket:
  • Generally reliable, but results may be affected by wind, evaporation, and design characteristics. May underestimate rainfall during heavy storms due to splashing.
• Haptic Rain Gauge:
  • Potential for high accuracy if the sensor technology is advanced. However, reliability can depend on the design and environmental conditions that may influence sensor readings..

Accuracy can be influence by the environment.

 Sensitivity to Environmental Factors

• Tipping Bucket:
  • Sensitive t external factors like wind, which can cause inaccuracies due to evaporation or splashing. Proper placement is essential for accurate readings.
• Haptic Rain Gauge:
  • May be sensitive to vibrations. Design factors determine how well it can handle environmental disturbances.

If you are experiencing an under-reporting of rain, you can calibrate the haptic rain gauge by referring to the calibration section of the WS-4000 manual.