Rain Gauge Under-Reporting

[K3JAE]

Would the WS-2308 be the same type of reed switch? My rain gauge hasn't reported rain in almost a year and I must enter it manually.

Have cleaned the spiderwebs etc. out numerous times with no change. Have poured water, both quickly and very very slowly and nothing reports. I even manually rock the tipper (cover off) and no luck. I cannot verify if electrical (bell wire) or the reed switch is bad. These rain buckets, in my opinion, are total crap but one gets what one pays for I suppose.

Any instructions on how to dismantle the circuit board off the mounting point?  I cannot seem to get it as a tied knot in the bell wire prevents any movement. I do not really want to cut the bell wire but will if need be. I cannot slide the board out of its channel otherwise I suspect.

[DanS]

Yes the reed switches are the same. A great test to localize the problem area would be to temporarily apply short circuits across the reed switch. Take a piece of test wire about 8 inches or so and strip it's ends. Tie one end around one side of the reed switch exposed wire connection. Use the other end of the test wire to tap across the reed switch on it's other exposed wire end. This test will simulate the bucket magnet passing each time it tips. While you are applying the tapping short circuits the display/console should be updating. If it is updating then the reed switch is bad (or the tipping bucket assembly is on backwards with the magnet on the other side). If still no updates on the display/console then the thermo/hygro connection for the rain gauge needs close inspection.

note: if you cannot get to the reed switch to connect the test wire you may instead use a paper clip bent open to tap on the other side of the circuit board where the reed switch is soldered. Just hold on end of the paper clip on one of it's solder connections while tapping the other connection.

[Whuffo]

I've had two LaCross 2300 series weather stations and both of them had problems with the rain gauges. The design of the rain gauge is marginal at best; it depends on the magnet in the tipper activating a reed switch each time the tipper tips.

Unfortunately, the magnet is a little too weak and the reed switch is a little too insensitive. Under the best of conditions, it works. But under normal conditions, you'll experience rain values that are less than accurate.

There's several solutions: one is to replace the reed switch with a more competent one. Another is to contact LaCross and get a replacement. What works (so far) for me is to make some small modifications to the rain gauge. It's hard to describe well, but if you look at the internal mechanism and find a way to get the magnet in the tipper to be closer to the reed switch you just might fix the problem. It's worked for me so far...

[K3JAE]

Yes the reed switches are the same. A great test to localize the problem area would be to temporarily apply short circuits across the reed switch. Take a piece of test wire about 8 inches or so and strip it's ends. Tie one end around one side of the reed switch exposed wire connection. Use the other end of the test wire to tap across the reed switch on it's other exposed wire end. This test will simulate the bucket magnet passing each time it tips. While you are applying the tapping short circuits the display/console should be updating. If it is updating then the reed switch is bad (or the tipping bucket assembly is on backwards with the magnet on the other side). If still no updates on the display/console then the thermo/hygro connection for the rain gauge needs close inspection.

note: if you cannot get to the reed switch to connect the test wire you may instead use a paper clip bent open to tap on the other side of the circuit board where the reed switch is soldered. Just hold on end of the paper clip on one of it's solder connections while tapping the other connection.

Well after doing the above, and as usual problem did not resolve itself. I am pretty sure the Hygro-Thermo sensor is junk... again for the 3rd time. These stations really are of inferior quality. Telephone wire for wiring (although LaCrosse vehemently denies it is standard bell wire). I found bluing in the contacts which speak of oxidation and moisture still getting into it.

I may have to try to find some "better quality" bell wire and rewire this pig myself along with a new Hygor-Thermo sensor. Eventually I will grow up and get a real station....

Sorry for the less than cheerful response but I am sick and tired of this crappy station. If only you knew how much modding and fixing I have done over the last 3 years, you would understand my disdain for these crappy systems.

[daman]

....These stations really are of inferior quality

....for these crappy systems.

Boy you got that right i have a LaCrosse station 1510 model and tho for right now it's working good all but the rain gauge it woks but batteries only last 3 weeks!!! that's just ridiculous same here investing in a better unit sometime in the future.

LaCrosse is just scrap!!!!