PESSL INSTRUMENTS RAIN GAUGE - Maintenance and Calibration

Modified on Fri, 14 Aug at 9:48 AM

Regular maintenance of your rain gauge is essential to ensure accurate precipitation measurements and reliable long-term performance. Dirt, debris, insects, and improper leveling can affect sensor accuracy and lead to incorrect rainfall readings.

Step 1. Cleaning the Rain Gauge

Perform regular visual inspections and cleaning, especially during periods of heavy dust, pollen, leaf fall, or insect activity.

1. Check the Funnel Filter

Inspect the filter located inside the collector (also known as the funnel or pot).

Ensure the filter is free from dirt, leaves, insects, and other debris.
Remove any blockage that could prevent water from reaching the tipping bucket mechanism.

2. Clean the Tipping Bucket Mechanism

Inspect the bucket mechanism inside the rain gauge.

Verify that the bucket tips freely and smoothly.
Remove dirt, dust, bird nests, spider webs, or other contamination.
Ensure the bucket is thoroughly clean, as contamination can affect calibration and measurement accuracy

⚠️ Dirt, dust, bird nests, spider webs, or other contamination disrupts the sensor calibration.

To help you check in clean your rain gauge, you may find THIS VIDEO useful

Step 2. Testing the Rain Gauge Accuracy

Testing the rain gauge is essential to ensure accurate precipitation measurements and the sensor is functioning correctly.

⚠️ For this step, proper cleaning and leveling is critical for accurate rainfall measurements.

Verify the Level

Ensure the rain gauge is mounted on a stable surface. For this, check the built-in bubble level or use a level.
Adjust the installation if needed.

Testing the Rain Gauge

After cleaning and leveling:

Test the rain gauge accuracy according to the official rain gauge testing procedure - LINK
You can monitor sensor readings during the test by accessing the station's menu and perform a sensor test - LINK IN PROGRESS

Step 3. Re-Calibration

The official calibration procedure is found at Calibrating and testing of the Rain Gauge - LINK

⚠️ Re-calibration must be carry out only on rain gauges out of warranty and no longer providing accurate readings.

⚠️ Warranty claims should be submitted with proofs that the rain gauge is not working or properly calibrated.

➡️ After re-calibration, repeat the accuracy test to ensure correct operation.

Preventive Maintenance Recommendations

To minimize maintenance requirements and improve reliability:

Keep the rain collector opening clean.
Inspect the rain gauge regularly for insects, birds, nesting materials, or any other contamination source.
Ensure the gauge remains level after strong winds.
Consider installing protective accessories such as bird protection spikes or rain gauge protectors on the drainage opening underneath it.

Need Help?

If you encounter issues during this process or have questions about the information described in this page, please SUBMIT A TICKET to the METOS Support Center and include all the required information.

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