Pluviometers

ICT International's pluviometers consists of a tipping-bucket rain gauge with a data logger. These precision systems offer standalone measurement suitable for any short-term or long-term remote data logging application. They are especially suitable for research and measuring rainfall. Rainfall events from the rain gauge are stored in memory, which can be downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer.

Applications:

Catchment measurement
Flood studies / alerts
Rainfall intensity

Meteorological rainfall monitoring
Agriculture and horticulture
Hydrology

Runoff monitoring
Soil erosion

Pluviometer Product Range
Commercial Grade (Regular interval logging)	PLVEM5-50	The PLEM5-50 Pluviometer consists of a EM5B data logger with the ECRN-50 tipping-bucket rain gauge. The ECRN-50 has a 1mm tip. This low-cost system offers standalone measurement suitable for any short-term or long-term application. The EM5B data logger features very low current consumption, requiring only 4 x AAA batteries for up to 6 months use. Rainfall events from the rain gauge are stored in memory, which can be downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer in Excel format.
	PLVEM5-100	The PLEM5-100 Pluviometer consists of a EM5B data logger with the ECRN-100 tipping-bucket rain gauge. The ECRN-100 has a 0.2mm tip. This low-cost system offers standalone measurement suitable for any short-term or long-term application. The EM5B data logger features very low current consumption, requiring only 4 x AAA batteries for up to 6 months use. Rainfall events from the rain gauge are stored in memory, which can be downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer in Excel format.
	PLVEM50-100	The PLEM50-100 Pluviometer consists of a tipping-bucket rain gauge with 0.2 mm tip and EM50 data logger. This system offers standalone measurement suitable for any short-term or long-term application. It features very low current consumption, requiring only 5 x AA batteries for up to 12 months use. Rainfall events from the rain gauge are stored in memory, which can be downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer in Excel format.

Research Grade (Event logging) The ML1 Event logger features: Low Cost Small and Compact Low power consumption Records events Memory Wrap Download to computer	PLVML1-100	The PLVML1-100 Pluviometer consists of a tipping-bucket rain gauge with 0.2 mm tip and ML1 event data logger. This system offers standalone measurement suitable for any short-term or long-term application. It features very low current consumption, providing 2 to 3 years of normal use. Rainfall events from the rain gauge are stored in memory, which can be downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer.
	PLV6	The PLV6 Pluviometer consists of the TB6 tipping bucket rain gauge with 0.2 mm tip and ML1 event data logger, offering a stand-alone measurement system suitable for any short or long term application. The receiver is powder coated machined aluminium casing and the base is ABS plastic. The TB6 is expected to function for 5 years without service or calibration. Rainfall events from the rain gauge are stored in memory, which can be downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer.
	PLV4	The PLV4 Pluviometer consists of the TB4 tipping bucket rain gauge with 0.2 mm tip and ML1 event data logger, offering a stand-alone measurement system suitable for any short or long term application. The receiver is powder coated machined aluminium casing and the base is ABS plastic. The TB4 is expected to function for 5 years without service or calibration. Rainfall events from the rain gauge are stored in memory, which can be downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer.
	PLV3	The PLV3 Pluviometer consists of the TB3 tipping bucket rain gauge with 0.2 mm tip and ML1 event data logger, offering a stand-alone measurement system suitable for any short or long term application. The TB3 has the highest specification of materials, construction and calibration. It is expected to function for 10 to 20 years without service or calibration. Rainfall events from the rain gauge are stored in memory, which can be downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer.

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Rain Gauges

TB6, TB4 and TB3 Raingauges

The design of these rain gauges includes several features to maintain accuracy of measurement. The TB4 and TB3 rain gauges include a syphoning device which "smooths" the flow of water through the system, which minimises errors associated with varying intensity of rainfall. Rainfall is captured in the 200 mm diameter collector funnel and is directed through a syphon (TB4 & TB3) to fill a divided tipping bucket device. The bucket is pivoted through its centre and has a preset calibration to tip for 0.2 mm of rainfall. When full, the bucket pivots and empties. This action magnetically closes and opens a reed switch, sending a pulse signal to the data logger or electronic counter. Through this tipping "seesaw" action, the other side of the bucket is aligned to receive the flow from the delivery pipe. The recording and tipping cycle continues with rainfall while fine stainless-steel mesh prevents debris such as dirt and insects from entering the workings of the rain gauge. Other features to ensure maintained accuracy include a level bubble adhered to the base.

View research grade pluviometers instead

TB6	TB4	TB3


TB6 Diagram	TB4 Diagram	TB3 Diagram

Feature Comparisons
Rain Gauge	TB6	TB4	TB3
Download Brochure (Includes Rain gauge and event logger)	PLV6 Brochure	PLV4 Brochure	PLV3 Brochure
Suitable for:	Low rainfall intensities	High rainfall intensities	High rainfall intensities
Factory Calibration:	Standard	Standard	Extensive
Tipping bucket:	Double-spoon Chrome plated ABS	Double-spoon Chrome plated ABS	Double-spoon Choice of synthetic ceramic coated brass bucket balanced to ±0.05 gms (TB3 M) or chrome plated ABS (TB3 P)
Base:	ABS	ABS	Diecast aluminium
Catch / Enclosure:	Powercoated aluminium	Powercoated aluminium	Powercoated aluminium
Mounting:	Three 10 mm diameter mounting holes at 117 mm p.c.d. in feet moulded to outside diameter of base
Bucket pivot system:	Two stainless steel rolling bearings, mounted at 90 degrees to bucket axle		Ground sapphire pivots with hard stainless steel shaft
Tip Size:	0.2 mm Standard and 0.5 mm Optional		0.2 mm Standard or 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm Optional
Resolution:	0. 2 mm / 0.5 mm		0. 2 mm / 0.5 mm / 1.0 mm
Range:	0 to 500 mm rainfall/hr	0 to 500 mm rainfall/hr	0 to 700 mm rainfall/hr
Overall Height:	342 mm	342 mm	342 mm
Level:	Bullseye level at base
Accuracy:	±2% from 0 to 100 mm/hr. ±3% from 100 to 300 mm/hr	±2% from 25 to 300 mm/hr ±3% from 300 to 500 mm/hr
Syphon:	No syphon, funnel only Suitable for low rainfall intensities	Syphon system made from brass with a non-hygroscopic* outer case Long term calibration and accuracy ensures stability at high rainfall intensities (* Non-hygroscopic materials do not absorb moisture)
Collector Diameter:	200 mm
Measurement Units:	Millimetres
Humidity Range:	0 to 100%
Switch Closure:	Dual reed switches potted in soft silicon rubber with varistor protection
Packed Dimensions:	3.2 Kg, 0.03 m³

Decagon's Tipping Bucket Rain Gauges

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The ECRN-100 and ECRN-50 are simple self-emptying electronic rain gauges. They are made of durable plastic that is UV and water-resistant. Configured as volume gauges, they are useful for measuring the output of irrigation systems in terms of liters per hour.

ECRN-100 Rain Gauge

The ECRN-100 is suitable for use with the ML1, Em50 and Em5b dataloggers.

ECRN-50 Rain Gauge

The ECRN-50 is suitable for use with the Em5b datalogger.

Feature Comparisons
	ECRN-100	ECRN-50
Click the image thumbnail for full size
Related Pluviometers	PLVML1-100 (ECRN-100 with ML1) PLEM50 (ECRN-100 with Em50) PLVEM5-100 (ECRN-100 with Em5b)	PLVEM5-50 (ECRN-50 with Em5b)
Applications	Catchment measurement Flood studies / alerts Rainfall intensity Meteorological rainfall monitoring Agriculture and horticulture Hydrology Runoff monitoring
Features	Best for research applications and measuring rainfall Double-spoon tipping bucket Robust design	Best for measuring irrigation events Single-spoon tipping bucket Robust design
Specifications
Tipping bucket:	Double-spoon	Single-spoon
Tip:	0.2 mm tip	1 mm
Resolution	0.25 mm	1 mm
Measurement units:	Millimetres	Millimetres
Sensor type:	Tipping bucket	Tipping bucket
Humidity range:	0 to 100%	0 to 100%
Reliability	10+ years (With proper maintenance & cleaning)	10+ years (With proper maintenance & cleaning)
Dimensions	170 mm x 142 mm	100mm x 50mm
Material:	High-impact ABS Construction	High-impact ABS Construction
Connector type:	3.5 mm plug	3.5 mm plug

Request Quote | Specification sheet
Reference List

Smart Logger Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge

The 'smart' digital tipping bucket rain gauge by ICT International provides reliable measurement of rainfall and intensity. The design includes several features to maintain accuracy of measurement, including a siphoning device which 'smooths' the flow of water through the system, minimising errors associated with varying intensity of rainfall.

Rainfall is captured in the 203 mm diameter collector funnel and is directed through a delivery pipe to fill a divided tipping bucket device. The bucket is pivoted through its centre and has a preset calibration to tip for 0.2, or 0.5 or 1.0mm of rainfall. When full, the bucket pivots and empties. This action magnetically closes and opens a reed switch, sending a pulse signal to the data logger or electronic counter. Through this tipping 'seesaw' action, the other side of the bucket is aligned to receive the flow from the delivery pipe.

The recording and tipping cycle continues with rainfall while fine stainless-steel mesh prevents debris such as dirt and insects from entering the workings of the rain gauge.

Multi-use flexibility

ICT's 'smart' tipping bucket rain gauge can be used as an integral component of the EnviroStation ™ weather station; a stand-alone 'plug and play' rain gauge used with an ICT Smart Logger; a standard tipping bucket rain gauge for integration with an existing weather station or data logger.

The smart rain gauge can calculate maximum rain rate, daily total from 9am to 9am as well as the 24-hour total. When connected to a Smart Logger the rain gauge can be used to calculate total rainfall in any logging period that is set in the logger.

Applications	Features
Catchment measurement	Corrosion-resistant materials
Flood studies/alerts	Robust design
Rainfall intensity	Options for 0.2, 0.5 or 1mm per tip
Meteorological rainfall monitoring	Can be upgraded to pluviometer
Automatic weather stations	Simple re-calibration procedure
Agriculture and horticulture	Low power consumption
Hydrology
Runoff monitoring

Links and Brochures
Download a printer-friendly version of Tipping bucket rain-gauge (205K PDF)
Interpreting Smart Logger Rain Gauge Readings page Download a printer-friendly version of Interpreting Smart Logger Rain Gauge Readings (205K PDF)
Meteorology Instrumentation page

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ML1 Event Logger

The ML1 is a one channel data logger specifically designed for recording rain fall events, both amount and intensity, from tipping bucket rain gauges. As only events are recorded, battery life is extended and data storage is minimised. Very low power consumption and a robust aluminium waterproof housing allow this logger to be deployed in the field for up to five years in remote locations.

Events are stored in the memory, which can then be downloaded to a computer, using WinComLog to download and graph data which can be used in Excel. An RS-232 serial port allows the direct connection of the ML1 to a computer on site. WinComLog can be set up to record specific minimum event amounts, for example, if the tipping bucket is 0.2mm and the required recorded event must be in increments of 1mm then set the INC field to be 0.2 multiplied by 5.

Advantages of event loggers over timed interval loggers:

Rainfall intensity can be determined because the time of every tip is recorded. This is, for example, especially useful for studying soil erosion.
Each event is time stamped allowing graphic visualisation of rainfall and rainfall intensity over time. (Sample graph)
Minimises power usage.
The event logger data set does not contain any nulls (Sample file). Timed interval data sets can contain many rows of non-data (Sample file) and depending on the interval may fill memory more quickly.

Features:

Small and Compact
Low power consumption
Records events rather than time intervals
Memory Wrap for continuous logging

ML1 Event Logging Pluviometers
PLVML1-100			PLV4
PLV6			PLV3

Specifications
Events Recorded:	100,000 events
Communications:	RS232 Port, (Tx, Rx)
Dimensions:	65x 60x 40 mm
Weight:	200 Grams

Commercial Grade Pluviometers

Feature Comparisons
	PLVEM5-50	PLVEM5-100	PLVEM50-100
Click the image thumbnail for full size
Specifications	PLVEM5-50	PLVEM5-100	PLVEM50-100
Tipping bucket:	Single-spoon	Double-spoon ABS
Material:	High-impact ABS Construction
Mounting:	Attach to post or pole	Attach to post or pole
Tip Size:	1.0 mm	0.2 mm
Resolution:	1.0 mm	0.2 mm
Range:	–	0 to 300 mm rainfall/hr
Overall Height:	100 mm	140 mm
Level:	–	Level bubble in enclosure
Accuracy:	–	±5%
Dimensions:	100 mm x 50 mm	170 mm x 142 mm
Measurement Units:	Millimetres
Humidity Range:	0 to 100%
Connector type:	3.5 mm plug
	PLVEM5-50	PLVEM5-100	PLVEM50-100
Data Logger	EM5		EM50
Click the image thumbnail for full size
Enclosure:	Weatherproof, impact and UV-resistant polymer Good for normal conditions		Weatherproof, impact and UV-resistant polymer Excellent in any condition
Power Consumption:	Batteries last up to 6 months		Batteries last up to 12 months
Battery:	4 AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries		5 AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries
Data Memory:	49 Kb (3,400 scans on all 5 ports)		1MB (36,800 scans on all 5 ports)
Communications:	3.5 mm plug		3.5 mm plug
Dimensions:	95 mm x 75 mm x 35 mm		120 mm x 200 mm x 50 mm
Weight:	150 gms		450 gms

Research Grade Pluviometers

Feature Comparisons
	PLVML1-100	PLV6	PLV4	PLV3
Click the image thumbnail for full size
Print Brochure		PLV6 Brochure	PLV4 Brochure	PLV3 Brochure
Rain Gauge	ECRN100	TB6	TB4	TB3
Suitable for:	Low rainfall intensities	Low rainfall intensities	High rainfall intensities	High rainfall intensities
Factory Calibration:	–	Standard	Standard	Extensive
Tipping bucket:	Double-spoon ABS	Double-spoon Chrome plated ABS	Double-spoon Chrome plated ABS	Double-spoon Choice of synthetic ceramic coated brass bucket balanced to ±0.05 gms (TB3 M) or chrome plated ABS (TB3 P)
Base:	n/a	ABS	ABS	Diecast aluminium
Catch / Enclosure:	ABS	Powercoated aluminium	Powercoated aluminium	Powercoated aluminium
Mounting:	Attach to post or pole	Three 10 mm diameter mounting holes at 117 mm p.c.d. in feet moulded to outside diameter of base
Bucket pivot system:	ABS moulded with metal axel	Two stainless steel rolling bearings, mounted at 90 degrees to bucket axle		Ground sapphire pivots with hard stainless steel shaft
Tip Size:	0.2 mm	0.2 mm Standard and 0.5 mm Optional		0.2 mm Standard or 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm Optional
Resolution:	0.2 mm	0. 2 mm / 0.5 mm		0. 2 mm / 0.5 mm / 1.0 mm
Range:	0 to 300 mm rainfall/hr	0 to 500 mm rainfall/hr	0 to 500 mm rainfall/hr	0 to 700 mm rainfall/hr
Overall Height:	140 mm	342 mm	342 mm	342 mm
Level:	Level bubble in enclosure	Bullseye level at base
Accuracy:	±5%	±2% from 0 to 100 mm/hr. ±3% from 100 to 300 mm/hr	±2% from 25 to 300 mm/hr ±3% from 300 to 500 mm/hr
Syphon:	No syphon	No syphon, funnel only Suitable for low rainfall intensities	Syphon system made from brass with a non-hygroscopic* outer case Long term calibration and accuracy ensures stability at high rainfall intensities (* Non-hygroscopic materials do not absorb moisture)
Collector Diameter:	165 mm	200 mm
Measurement Units:	Millimetres	Millimetres
Humidity Range:	0 to 100%	0 to 100%
Switch Closure:	–	Dual reed switches potted in soft silicon rubber with varistor protection
Packed Dimensions:	1.5 Kg, 0.022 m³	3.2 Kg, 0.03 m³
ML1 Event Logger	PLVML1-100	PLV6	PLV1	PLV2
Features:	Only records tipping events, saving data memory and battery. Very low current consumption.
Power Consumption:	Closed switch with expected life of 2 to 3 years	Open switch with expected life of 2 to 5 years depending on rainfall environment
Battery:	Single 3.6V Lithium battery
Data Memory:	512KB Serial Flash EPROM records up to 100,000 events with 1 second resolution
Communications:	RS232 Port, (Tx, Rx)
Dimensions:	65 mm x 60 mm x 40 mm
Weight:	200 gms

Request Quote | Specification Sheet

FCD Field Calibration Unit

The FCD is a light, portable device that allows field calibration tests. Using this instrument will save time in the field. The advantage of using a Field Calibration Device is that the Tipping Bucket Raingauges can remain fixed in their location and are therefore only out of service for a very short period of time.

The Field Calibration Device nozzle is unscrewed from the cylinder, which is in turn filled with water to the very top. The nozzle is then screwed back on the cylinder and placed through the holding plate which sits on the catch of any Tipping Bucket Raingauge. When the cap on the Field Calibration Device is closed, the air is entrapped in the cylinder. When the cap is removed a vacuum is created and the water is released down through the nozzle and into the Tipping Bucket Raingauge.

A preset volume (653ml) water will discharge through the Tipping Bucket Raingauge. This process is to be repeated a second time for an accurate calibration check. The number of tips can be manually counted or stored on the data logger for calibration check evidence and then checked with "Calibration Specifications" to confirm that the results come within the acceptable range.

Download a print version of PLV6 Brochure

Download a print version of PLV4 Brochure

Download a print version of PLV3 Brochure

Download a print version of Rain Gauges Brochure

Download a print version of ML1 Event Logger Brochure

Meteorology Instrumentation page

Rain Gauges & Pluviometers