How to Install a Weather Station Rain Sensor
Rain sensors are an essential component of weather stations, both amateur and professional. TV meteorologists rely on them, and they can also be educational and fun for laypeople of all ages. Rain collection and analysis is done to determine the quality and quantity of rain. Rain sensors come in wireless, remote styles, or they can be hooked up to existing electrical circuits. They can be mounted onto poles, conduits, gutters or buildings. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rain sensor
- Carpenter's pencil
- Drill with screwdriver attachment
- Stainless steel screws
- Washers (optional)
- Batteries
Instructions
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1
Select a place to install the rain sensor. The side of a building or the edge of a roof is ideal, although a lower spot will also work. Find an unobstructed place, out of reach of any lawn sprinklers. Keep the sensor in an upright position during installation to ensure proper functioning.
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2
Position the support bracket. For wall-mounted types, place it against the side of the building. For swivel-bracket types, put it underneath a support structure. Using a carpenter's pencil, mark the positions of the screw holes.
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3
Mount the bracket flush against the support structure or side of the building using a drill with a screwdriver attachment. Be sure that the screws are tight and the sensor is secure. Depending on the manufacturer of your rain sensor, the screws may require washers. Because the rain sensor is an outdoor apparatus, use stainless steel screws to avoid rusting.
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4
Install batteries according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Most wireless rain sensors use AA batteries.
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Tips & Warnings
Go with wireless technology, as wires may rust or be eaten through by rodents.
Some rain sensors can be integrated into a yard sprinkler system and set to shut off the sprinklers in the event of rain.
Modern weather stations use integrated sensors that make it easier to mount all weather equipment at the same time.
Do not install wireless rain sensors onto aluminum roofing. The metal acts as a shield, preventing the transmission of data.
