Topic: New Climalytic TROPO gauge installed

[miraculon]

I received and installed the new TROPO gauge yesterday. It looks good, and the accessories (brush and hand grip) are nice to have. I like the special features, like the tapered inner cylinder funnel, etc.

It is quite a bit longer and narrower than the original gauge.

I'll order spare outer cylinders and get the gram mass before the snow flies...

Greg H.

[WheatonRon]

Since the Tropo gauge costs $100, or 2.5 times the cost of a stratus gauge, does it include washing your car for you on a monthly basis? Have you contacted the CoCoRaHS folks to get a new station ID that designates that your measurements are from a Tropo gauge instead of the stratus gauge? Obviously sarcasm in my first point but read somewhere that getting a new ID is desirable.

[miraculon]

Since the Tropo gauge costs $100, or 2.5 times the cost of a stratus gauge, does it include washing your car for you on a monthly basis? Have you contacted the CoCoRaHS folks to get a new station ID that designates that your measurements are from a Tropo gauge instead of the stratus gauge? Obviously sarcasm in my first point but read somewhere that getting a new ID is desirable.

Hmmm.... I haven't heard anything regarding this. I did make a note in the comments today regarding the gauge change. I'll send a query to CoCoRaHS about it and see what they say.

I used to make a note regarding using the weighing method for snow and even suggested to CoCoRaHS to have a check box if that method was used. Nolan thought it was a good idea, but apparently the logistics for changing the database were an obstacle so it didn't happen. I suspect that the same issue would occur if there was a selection for gauge type/brand.

There is a comment in the current blog. "The Catch" article mentions the new gauge, but nothing regarding needing a new ID. Personally, I think that since the IDs are location based, it doesn't make sense to change it.

Greg H.

[Cutty Sark Sailor]

You need to change nothing...

[ocala]

I received and installed the new TROPO gauge yesterday. It looks good, and the accessories (brush and hand grip) are nice to have. I like the special features, like the tapered inner cylinder funnel, etc.

It is quite a bit longer and narrower than the original gauge.

I'll order spare outer cylinders and get the gram mass before the snow flies...

Greg H.

Just curious if you left your old coco up to compare readings.

[CW2274]

At least a little more reasonable here...

https://weatheryourway.com/products/tropo-4-precipitation-gauge

[WheatonRon]

At least a little more reasonable here...

https://weatheryourway.com/products/tropo-4-precipitation-gauge

Wrong. This place charges $11.25 for shipping making it exactly $100 plus tax.

However, irrespective of price, this Tropo gauge hype seems over the top—particularly in the winter. Capturing precipitation in this gauge or “the prior official gauge” aka the Stratus gauge, in the wintertime when snow is blowing around is at best a good faith estimate.

[CW2274]

At least a little more reasonable here...

https://weatheryourway.com/products/tropo-4-precipitation-gauge

Wrong. This place charges $11.25 for shipping making it exactly $100 plus tax.

Oh.

[miraculon]

I received and installed the new TROPO gauge yesterday. It looks good, and the accessories (brush and hand grip) are nice to have. I like the special features, like the tapered inner cylinder funnel, etc.

It is quite a bit longer and narrower than the original gauge.

I'll order spare outer cylinders and get the gram mass before the snow flies...

Greg H.

Just curious if you left your old coco up to compare readings.

I did not. I reused the same mount and just drilled new holes for the TROPO mount.

I do make comparisons with the Davis and Novalynx gauges. I put the 24 hour amounts at CoCoRaHS observation time in the comments. My ID is MI-PI-1. A comparison prior to the TROPO installation (5/28/2023) for the original gauge could be made vs. newer data.

Greg H.

[miraculon]

Here is a photo of the new TROPO gauge as installed. This is the old mount reused from the original Stratus gauge.



Greg H.

[ocala]

I received and installed the new TROPO gauge yesterday. It looks good, and the accessories (brush and hand grip) are nice to have. I like the special features, like the tapered inner cylinder funnel, etc.

It is quite a bit longer and narrower than the original gauge.

I'll order spare outer cylinders and get the gram mass before the snow flies...

Greg H.

Just curious if you left your old coco up to compare readings.

I did not. I reused the same mount and just drilled new holes for the TROPO mount.

I do make comparisons with the Davis and Novalynx gauges. I put the 24 hour amounts at CoCoRaHS observation time in the comments. My ID is MI-PI-1. A comparison prior to the TROPO installation (5/28/2023) for the original gauge could be made vs. newer data.

Greg H.

The only reason I asked is because they say it's more accurate. For $100 I would like to see what those results are. 

[miraculon]

I received and installed the new TROPO gauge yesterday. It looks good, and the accessories (brush and hand grip) are nice to have. I like the special features, like the tapered inner cylinder funnel, etc.

It is quite a bit longer and narrower than the original gauge.

I'll order spare outer cylinders and get the gram mass before the snow flies...

Greg H.

Just curious if you left your old coco up to compare readings.

I did not. I reused the same mount and just drilled new holes for the TROPO mount.

I do make comparisons with the Davis and Novalynx gauges. I put the 24 hour amounts at CoCoRaHS observation time in the comments. My ID is MI-PI-1. A comparison prior to the TROPO installation (5/28/2023) for the original gauge could be made vs. newer data.

Greg H.

The only reason I asked is because they say it's more accurate. For $100 I would like to see what those results are.

I might set the Stratus out on the walkway the next time it looks like rain. Since I reused the mount, this would be the best I can do.

They have this in the CoCoRaHS blog:

How Accurate is the Tropo Gauge?

The Stratus gauge has a known error of about 2.5 percent (reads 2.5 percent too high). That is within the stated NWS error range of 4 percent from the 8-inch standard rain gauge. The Tropo gauge is accurate to less than 1 percent error. This accuracy is determined by measurement.

The volume of water of a “disc” one inch high and 4 inches in diameter (the outer cylinder) is 205.926 ml (cm3), and it's mass is 205.926 grams. We know there is an error in the Stratus gauge because the volume of water filled to the one inch mark on the inner measuring tube weighs 200.8 grams, not 205.9 grams. A 10-year comparison study of the 4-inch gauge and the NWS 8-inch rain gauge by the Colorado Climate Center found that the 4-inch gauge was higher than the 8-inch gauge by about 3 percent each year. That is consistent with the known accuracy of the Stratus 4-inch gauge.


I Have Both Gauges and the Measurements Rarely Agree.

Even when identical Stratus or Tropo gauges are mounted side by side there will many times be differences in amounts. If all things were equal in an event, the Tropo gauge would be ~0.01" lower at 0.25" in the Stratus, 0.01 to 0.02" lower at 0.50", and 0.03" lower than the Stratus at one inch. So, a measurement difference of a few hundredths between gauges likely has little to do with calibration - it's just a difference caused by any number of things - wind speed and direction, air turbulence around the gauges, rain intensity, etc.

Although the primary field testing has been completed, we are currently continuing field comparisons to not only Stratus PA Gauge, but to the 8" standard rain gauge as well.

Greg H.

[PaulMy]

Thanks Mike/Greg for postings.  I'd be interested but at over $150++ C$ each   and I currently have 5 outer tubes for quick replacement and new snow and snow depth measurement in the winter.


I have asked CoCoRaHS Canada if they will be providing this to their Canadian volunteers.  They do offer a good program at $30 C$ for the standard CoCoRaHS gauge.


Enjoy,
Paul

[PaulMy]

Well maybe there is hope...
Got a very quick reply :

Hi Paul,

That is a great question! I'm glad you're interested in the new gauge.
I'm sure I can get some at some point but I'm currently seeing the new pricing and sourcing them. I will for sure keep you in mind once I'm able to get some stock in!


Have a wonderful day,



xxxxxxxx
National Volunteer Coordinator
CoCoRaHS Canada

Enjoy,
Paul

[Cutty Sark Sailor]

.....
The only reason I asked is because they say it's more accurate. For $100 I would like to see what those results are. 

My Tests (summarized pdf) here:
You'll note similar readings snow/mixed, using outer cylinder, then as we move into all liquid (±Feb 1) the inner cylinder difference becomes obvious. (NOTE: Without the funnel, the TROPO is approximately 2" lower than Stratus... )
Current Install:

[miraculon]

I mounted the old Status gauge on a deck post. Not ideal for a number of reasons, but at least it's a place that I could put it.

I'll put the results in the CoCoRaHS comment for MI-PI-1. (when/if it rains...)

Greg H.

[miraculon]

First rain measurement this morning using the TROPO gauge.

The results from my four rain gauges:

Reading from new Climalytic TROPO gauge was 0.08".

Old Stratus=0.09" (relocated to deck)
Davis VP2=0.10"
Novalynx=0.09"

Greg H.

[WheatonRon]

First rain measurement this morning using the TROPO gauge.

The results from my four rain gauges:

Reading from new Climalytic TROPO gauge was 0.08".

Old Stratus=0.09" (relocated to deck)
Davis VP2=0.10"
Novalynx=0.09"

Greg H.

In summary, statistically immaterial differences, which is good.

[miraculon]

Rain readings from overnight:

TROPO gauge = 0.13"
Stratus gauge = 0.14"
Davis TBR=0.14"
Novalynx TBR=0.14"

Wind was very light, calm at times.

There were a lot of droplets clinging to the funnel and inner tube of the TROPO. New plastic might be the explanation.

I suspect that the -0.01" is due to the combined volume of these droplets.

Greg H.

[Cutty Sark Sailor]

 I think we need to go back to Stratus... My Tropo is only collecting dust...  Counting today's ETo measure, about 2.5" deficit last 14 days.
Jeremiah 14:22 “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, ...!”

[miraculon]

I really like the TROPO for several of the features. Not the least of which is the gradations are much more readable in terms of spacing and marking.

Greg H.

[miraculon]

This morning's rain readings:

TROPO was 0.17"

Stratus gauge had 0.20"

TBR gauges: VP2=0.18"; Novalynx=0.21"

The prior rain event had closer results, so this is probably normal variability. I'm going to contact the Climalytic folks and see if RainX or Plexus is OK on their plastic. There are notably more clinging drops in the TROPO funnel and inner measuring tube.

Greg H.

[miraculon]

This morning's rain readings:

TROPO was 0.17"

Stratus gauge had 0.20"

TBR gauges: VP2=0.18"; Novalynx=0.21"

The prior rain event had closer results, so this is probably normal variability. I'm going to contact the Climalytic folks and see if RainX or Plexus is OK on their plastic. There are notably more clinging drops in the TROPO funnel and inner measuring tube.

Greg H.

Climalytic responded that they haven't yet tested with RainX, etc. but they intend to experiment.

Greg H.

[miraculon]

Today's readings:

TROPO=0.09"
Stratus=0.12"

TBR:
Davis=0.11"
Novalynx=0.11"

Response from Climalytic is that the Stratus reads high, which the data supports. I want to try the new plastic-compatible RainX on it to minimize droplets sticking to the funnel and sides. I suspect that some of the rain measurement is lost due to this phenomenon.

I'm going to wait for their test results, since I don't want to make my $100 gauge a "guinea pig" for this experiment.

Greg H.

[miraculon]

I am no longer going to post the gauge readings here, but I will continue to show the Stratus readings in my daily comments on CoCoRaHS.

https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/ListDailyComments.aspx

Enter MI-PI-1 in the Stations Fields box and tick the Station Number box.

Greg H.