Ideal for high-intensity precipitation, even in freezing conditions
Overview
The CS700H, manufactured by HS Hyquest Solutions, is a high-end heated tipping bucket rain gage with an 8 in. orifice and a heavy duty cast aluminum base. It measures precipitation in 0.01 in. increments at temperatures down to -20°C. This heated rain gage is ideal for locations where intense rainfall events may occur, and it is used in environmental monitoring applications.
Read MoreBenefits and Features
- Extra-heavy metal construction for durability and long life
- Low power consumption
- More accurate measurement of high-intensity precipitation
- High precision—tips at 0.01-in. increments
- Accuracy is ±3 percent at high precipitation rates of 500 mm/hr
- Heater elements can run on either batteries or ac power
Images
Technical Description
The CS700H funnels precipitation into a bucket mechanism that tips when filled to its calibrated level. Each tip is marked by a dual reed switch closure that is recorded by a datalogger pulse count channel. After measurement, the water drains through two orifices (accepts 12 mm tubing) in the base, allowing the measured water to be collected in a separate container.
The CS700H contains an internal siphon mechanism that causes precipitation to flow at a steady rate to the tipping bucket mechanism (regardless of intensity). The siphon allows the sensor to make accurate measurements over a range of 0 to 50 cm per hour.
The CS700H includes an internal snow sensor that is activated when the air temperature drops below 4°C. If the snow sensor detects snow in the catch area (funnel), the heating elements automatically turn on and keep the funnel temperature at +10°C. To conserve power, the heater goes into a wait mode when snow has not been detected for 18 minutes. The heating element is also automatically deactivated when the air temperature drops below -20°C.
Specifications
| Sensor Type | Tipping bucket with siphon and dual reed switch |
| Measurement Uncertainty |
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| Measurement Uncertainty | 700 mm/h (27.6 in./h) maximum rate per hour |
| Rainfall per Tip | 0.01 in. (0.254 mm) |
| Measurement Range | 0 to 700 mm/h (0 to 27.6 in./h) |
| Humidity Range | 0 to 100% |
| Cable Type | Two-conductor shielded |
| Operating Temperature Range |
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| Output | SDI-12 |
| Total Current Consumption |
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| Main Power Voltage Requirements | 10 to 30 Vdc or 12 to 28 Vac |
| SDI-12 Power Voltage Requirements | 9.6 to 16 Vdc |
| Drain Tube Size | Both filters accept 12 mm (0.47 in.) ID tubing. |
| Orifice Diameter | 20 cm (7.9 in.) |
| Height | 34.2 cm (13.5 in.) |
| Weight | 3.3 kg (7.4 lb) with 7.62-m (25-ft) cable |
CS700H-AC Option Only |
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| -NOTE- | Additional specifications are provided in Phoenix Contact’s manual for the Quint-PS/1AC/24DC/10. |
| Model Name | Quint-PS/1AC/24DC/10 |
| AC Input Voltage Range | 100 to 240 Vac |
| Power Consumption |
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| Protective Circuitry | Transient Surge Protection Varistor |
| Integrated Input Fuse | 6.3 A (slow blow, internal) |
| Normal Output Voltage | 24 Vdc ±1% |
Compatibility
Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.
Dataloggers
| Product | Compatible | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CR1000 (retired) | ||
| CR1000X | ||
| CR300 | ||
| CR3000 (retired) | ||
| CR310 | ||
| CR350 | ||
| CR6 | ||
| CR800 (retired) | ||
| CR800 (retired) | ||
| CR800 (retired) | ||
| CR800 (retired) | ||
| CR850 (retired) | ||
| CR850 (retired) | ||
| CR850 (retired) | ||
| CR850 (retired) |
Additional Compatibility Information
Power Considerations
The CS700H has two power configuration options (either AC or DC). With the AC option, a Phoenix Contact Power Supply is shipped with the CS700H. With the DC option, the CS700H is connected to a user-supplied battery. This option is ideal for remote sites using wind or solar power to recharge the battery. Battery capacity requirements vary according to the application and site location.
Mounting
The base of the gage is supported by three legs. A CM240 Leveling Base and Mount or a user-supplied baseplate with leveling capability is recommended. The CM240 may be attached to a CM300-series mounting pole, or to a user-supplied 1.5 IPS (1.9-inch outer diameter, unthreaded) pipe (see Ordering Information). A concrete pad is recommended.
Wind Screen
Campbell Scientific offers the 260-953 Wind Screen to help minimize the affect of wind on the rain measurements. This wind screen consists of 32 leaves that hang freely and swing as the wind moves past them.
Related FAQs
Number of FAQs related to CS700H-L: 12
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These rain gages can be connected to either.
- When a control port is used, one lead goes to the 5 V port to provide current, and the other lead goes to a control port to detect the current.
- When a pulse channel is used, one lead goes to the pulse port, and the other lead terminates on a ground terminal.
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These rain gages don’t necessarily generate a voltage range, but rather a pulse. Depending on how the rain gage is connected to the datalogger, the gage can generate a sourcing current or a sinking current pulse.
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The CS700H-L has three heating elements to prevent the formation of icicles. Two of the heaters are on the base of the funnel, and one is on the base of the bucket. Because of the heating elements, this sensor requires a power supply of approximately 5 A. The SDI-12 interface of the sensor controls the heaters to come on only when needed.
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These high-end rain gages are used in applications where preservation of life is a priority, such as mine safety, dam safety, flood control, and slope stability.
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Not enough tips or too many tips.
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Not registering any tips, missing tips, or double tips.
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When a rain gage is out of calibration, it is usually because of the buildup of dirt and grime on the internal surfaces of the tipping bucket mechanism. Cleaning the internal surfaces usually brings the rain gage back into calibration. It is also possible that a rain gage is out of calibration because it is no longer level.
To minimize the possible occurrence of calibration errors, perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the rain gage at least once every three months. The environmental conditions at a particular site may require a facility to perform cleaning, leveling, and maintenance on a much more frequent schedule.
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The most common errors are either that the rain gage appears to have drifted out of calibration or that the tips are not being correctly recorded by the datalogger.
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The following are some suggestions to try:
- Check that there is a solid connection to the reed switch. The screws should be tight, and the wires should have a solid connection to the screws.
- Try switching the connection from the current reed switch being used to the secondary reed switch connection.
- Check that the cable is connected to the correct input on the datalogger. Take the two wires on the other end of the cable (the sensor side) and touch them together. The datalogger should register a tip. If the tip registers, the issue is with the reed switch. Replace the reed switch.
- If the datalogger still doesn't register a tip, try using a different cable.
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- Remove the housing assembly from the base by removing the three screws and lifting upward on the housing.
- Check the bubble level to verify the rain gage is level.
- Pour water through the inner funnel to wet the two bucket surfaces. Using a graduated cylinder, slowly pour 314 cc (19.16 in3) of water, over a 15 minute period, into the collection funnel. This volume of water is equal to 0.39 inches of rainfall (10 mm).
- After the water has passed through the rain gage, the tipping bucket should have tipped 39 times for the TB4-L or CS700-L, or 50 times for the TB4MM-L.
- If the rain gage fails to record the correct number of tips, return the unit to Campbell Scientific for recalibration.