Topic: High winds and rain gauge?

[Kwaj]

Hey just wondering if high winds can disrupt rain gauge from working very well? I have a 2902 that broke recently and was new. I got a replacement and it hasn't rain a lot but my manual large gauge recorded 3/100ths last night and ambient recorded zero. I live in a tropic location by the ocean where it's been blowing 30-40mph with gust as high as 45 for many days now and wondering if that has effects on it???

[CW2274]

Hey just wondering if high winds can disrupt rain gauge from working very well?

Yes.

[Mattk]

Yes wind can affect a rain gauge but in comparison what size is your manual one compared to the 2902 and what height difference and distance relationship is there between them? Typically why rain gauges are mounted low near the ground and anemometers are mounted higher above the ground 

[Kwaj]

Yes wind can affect a rain gauge but in comparison what size is your manual one compared to the 2902 and what height difference and distance relationship is there between them? Typically why rain gauges are mounted low near the ground and anemometers are mounted higher above the ground

Well here's a pic showing their relationship. I guess the rain gauge is at 4' just above railing. The station is on a, I think, 10' copper pole. Everything rust here hence the copper. The rain gauge is working if I pour water in it. It just hasn't registered any rain since it's been installed for a couple of weeks. But it's also been extremely windy. I just thought it would register something but the squalls blow by so fast and they probably only measure a few 100ths. Appreciate the help

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

[Gyvate]

a) for proper comparison the manual gauge and the array should be at the same height
b) you can put the Ecowitt rain gauge rim extension to reduce splash loss
(it works for both WH40 and WH65/WS69 [your array] - needs to be fixed in combination with the bird spikes)
https://shop.ecowitt.com/collections/accessories-for-wh40

[Kwaj]

@Gyvate, thanks so much for that!! I suppose I could reduce the height of the station but mostly wanted this for clear wind data. We also had 14/100ths of rain last night and not one tip for the rain gauge

Thanks again for the link and info!!

[Gyvate]

@Gyvate, thanks so much for that!! I suppose I could reduce the height of the station but mostly wanted this for clear wind data. We also had 14/100ths of rain last night and not one tip for the rain gauge

You could also put the manual gauge on a second pole which can be easily lowered for reading and emptying. 
No need to lower the array - except for taking it down once or twice a year for cleaning the rain gauge, solar panel etc.
An aluminium pipe with one inch diameter should work - I have such a one to hold my WS90 (Wittboy) which has withstood 60 mph (100 km/h).
Doesn't need to be a sturdy thing like with your WH65 array.

[BoDuke]

Is it possible that the tipper mechanism is sticky or has too much resistance?  It might tip if you pour water in that is equivalent to a heavy rain but what if you mist or barely sprinkle water in over a period of time, just to make it barely tip?  I've read reports from others on this forum who had problems with accuracy that their tippers tipped when tested but just taking it apart carefully, cleaning it, and re-assembling everything fixed their problems.

You wouldn't necessarily have to buy the extension if you have the materials to make one yourself.  If it was me, I would take some flexible plastic and a large hose clamp or maybe even rubber bands and tape to make a DIY rain collector extension for testing purposes.  If it works, then I'd consider buying (or finding someone to 3D print a more solid one).  I personally think the current Ecowitt one isn't very impressive from a durability and accuracy perspective.  It seems like a semi-professional proof-of-concept prototype, between DIY and a solid, professional solution.