The Stevens Tipping Bucket Rain Gage is an accurate, cost-effective instrument for encoding increments of precipitation. It is typically used as the input sensor for a counter, recorder or a data logger, such as the Stevens Pulse Logger or MultiLogger with a Digital Input Board. 

The Gage has many options, allowing you to select the features that best suit your operation. The collector is available in the standard 8 inch diameter that is commonly used by the U.S. National Weather Service, or a larger 12 inch size which gives better sensitivity for areas with low rates of precipitation. 

The Gage features a sealed, magnetically-operated reed switch in parallel with a surge protector, for protection from nearby lightning strikes. 

The tipping bucket measuring system is available in three common English or metric sizes, to match your counter, recorder or data logger requirements. 

Either collector size is available in a heated version, where ice or snow is common. These models require a continuous source of 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz power. The unheated version is suitable for all other applications. 

Principles of Operation

Precipitation is gathered by a collector with either an accurate 8 or 12 inch diameter. This precipitation is filtered and funneled down into the tipping bucket assembly. 

The bucket assembly has two compartments, each of which holds the selected increment of precipitation (for example: 0.01 inch). The empty bucket assembly rests in one of two stable positions. 

As precipitation occurs, it is directed to one of the two bucket compartments, causing it to become heavier. When the correct amount of precipitation has been received, the bucket tips to the opposite position. This movement momentarily activates the sealed magnetic reed switch to send a signal to the connected instrument. This process continues while there is precipitation, and each sample is discharged through the base of the gage. 

Specificastions
 

Collector diameter	8 or 12 inch*
Calibration per tip	0.01 in, 0.2 mm or 0.25 mm*
Accuracy	± 0.5% at 0.5 in per hour ± 1 % at 1 to 3 in per hour at 70° F
Switch, sealed	Magnetic reed, 10 W, 12 VA, 0.5 A maximum
Heater option	120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 315 W, with thermostat*
Mounting means	3 pads for 1/4 inch bolts on 9-21/32 in (9.66 in) diameter circle
Size (less pads)	F 8 in: 18 in (46 cm) high F 12 in: 20.5 in (52 cm) high
Weight	F 8 in unheated: 6 lb/2.7 kg (9 lb shipping) F 8 in heated: 7 lb/3.2 kg (9 lb shipping) F 12 in unheated: 6.5 lb/3 kg (9 lb shipping) F 12 in heated: 7.5 lb/3.4 kg (10 lb shipping)
Construction	Bucket: Teflon-coated stainless steel with jeweled bearings Finish: Beige, textured paint and clear anodized aluminum

NOTES: * Select collector diameter, calibration, and heater option(s) at time of order.

Price:.....$640.00