Does anyone use a wind screen for the tipping-bucket rain gauge? I can't seem to find one on the Campbell website.
Thanks,
Jessica
You don't want to screen the wind, it'll effect the accuracy.
I've used a piece of window screen to keep little bits of trash out of the funnel, as they clog it up.
Campbell talks about one as an accessory on the tipping bucket brochure,
http://www.campbellsci.com/documents/product-brochures/b_te525ws.pdf
but it's not anywhere else, or on the price list.
The wind screen sold as an accessory to the TE525 is:
"260-953 Novalynx Alter-type Rain Gage Wind Screen - This wind screen consists of 32 leaves that hang freely and swing as the wind moves past them. The 260-953 helps minimize the affect of wind on the rain measurements."
It's not listed on our web site (only in the brochures for the tipping buckets), but it can be ordered. If you are interested in pricing information, submit a "quick quote" to our web site or call Campbell Scientific and speak with an AE.
Regards, Dana W.
Wow, http://www.novalynx.com/260-952.html looks like quite the device!
That is exactly what is used at our sites and many other wind prone sites around Alaska.
Thanks everyone! BNZLTER, have you had luck installing it witout laying a concrete pad? That's probably not an option for us.
Our group also uses an "alter shield" for any tipping bucket we deploy. We've used a variety of bases, not including concrete. Most recently we've used a wood frame ("the Gieck Base" :-) to support the alter shield and support the gauge in the middle, then anchor/peg that to the ground.
We also use a wood frame to support ours. Our latest is built like your typical deck on a house. 4x4 posts, 2x8 joists, and 2x6 decking. The alter shield supports are lagged into the decking. The TE525 is mounted on a piece of steel pipe which is screwed into a flange lagged into the deck.
While I wouldn't recommend it, I have also seen one standing for several years with the base supported by rocks piled around the edges and the TE525 on a steel rod driven into the ground.