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A rain gauge is a device that a hydrologist or meteorologist would use to measure precipitation. They measure the certain amount of time it takes for sleet, hail, rain or snow to precipitate.
Rain gauges usually measure in millimeters providing them with the amount of rainfall. Some are already calibrated to be able to read the amount of rainfall directly. Other gauges are calculated by the depth of water in the container collected through a funnel.
A polyester or copper funnel make it easy to collect rainfall in an enclosed cylinder. On an automatic rain gauge, there is a recording chart that is mounted on a drum.
Rain gauges are essential for those who farm and raise crops. Farmers need exact data in their area calculating the amount of rainfall. This helps famers better forecast their harvest time and yield.
Having your own rain gauge allows you to get exact results without having to rely on the news reports. These are simple instruments that can give you results in inches or millimeters. Smarter decisions can then be made when it comes to caring for your land and crops.
Different plants grow in different climates therefore, it’s important to use your rain gauge to know which will thrive. A rain gauge will provide you with the best results you couldn’t find anywhere else.
It is important to select the proper rain gauge. Due to changes in rainfall, the gauge needs to be able to measure a wide variety of intense conditions. Your gauge will need to be able to measure from light rain to a heavy downfall.
Many low cost gauges are not as accurate as the higher end devices. A manual rain gauge is a vertical tube that has a millimeter or inch scale shown on the tube. The manual gauge measure rain daily and then emptied.
If you are experiencing heavy rain, some manuals contain an overflow tube that is essential for accuracy. They can provide accurate readings to 1/100th of an inch. These are the most popular rain gauges used.
Weighing rain gauges collect rainfall via a container that is on a scale. These are ideal for heavier rainfall and are weighed periodically. This is a great gauge to use when measuring snow, sleet and hail.
You may find that weighing gauges are more expensive however, they are one of the most accurate gauges on the market. A tipping bucket rain gauge comes in a wide variety of price and quality. They are also the most popular.
They are two buckets that attach side by side and sit on a pivot. A funnel is then used to direct rain into its container. Once the container becomes full, the bucket tips and empties the rain into the other bucket. This type of rain gauge is less accurate then its counterparts.
The bucket may remain only partially full at the end of rainfall. This causes it to only tip when a new rainfall period begins. Most models under record high downpours of rain. Acoustic gauges measure rainfall by counting the specific number of drops.
The rain drops fall onto a plate located above a sensor. Many people prefer these types of gauges because they can differentiate between rain and hail by the acoustic signal it generates. They can tend to report rainfall inaccurately but they are maintenance free.
With acoustic gauges, if you are experiencing heavy rain it becomes harder for the device to count each drop. Once the sensor becomes saturated the signal levels off. With the tipping bucket rain gauge, the water will spill over if both are full.
If you live in a climate that has high rain intensity, the accuracy of your readings will be incorrect. It is very important to choose a rain gauge depending on how long you want it to last. The answer depends on where you plan to put it.
The type of rain gauge matters if you life in a dry climate with very few showers. It also makes a difference if you live in tropical areas or near the ocean. If you purchase a cheap gauge and live near the ocean, you are guaranteeing it will not last longer then a year.
Corrosion easily happens in this type of environment and a cheaper device will not be able to withstand such conditions. An acoustic style gauge is more ideal for harsh climates.
Here are some of the top 10 best rain gauges in 2019 that well help get you on your way:
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Table of Contents
10. Rain Harvesting Wireless Rain Water Tank Gauge
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This is a simple set up that transmits signals wirelessly to the receiver up to 100 meters away.
Pros
* It transmits signals wirelessly to the receiver up to 100 meters away.
* It is suitable for all vented tanks up to 3 meters tall.
* Utilizes a reliable solid float system.
Cons
* At times it may be slow to update
* Screws are tightened securely making it hard to replace batteries.
9. Springfield Digital Rain Gauge
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This rain gauge allows you to measure and graphically display hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly rainfall without the help of a weatherman.
Pros
* This wireless rain gauge features a self-emptying rain collection bucket that wirelessly transmits up to 100-feet from the base station to the receiver. An automatic reset ensures accurate daily readings.
* Base station features include a minimum/maximum temperature and rainfall memory function, a clock, a calendar, and a low battery indicator.
* Can last up to five years.
Cons
* Outdoor reading temps have been known to be erratic.
* Does not withstand harsh conditions such as hail.
8. SYS Wireless Rain Meter Rain Gauge
It has a wireless outdoor and indoor temperature (°C ).Weather forecast tendency. The transmission distance in open field: 80 meter max.Temperature range: -40°C to +65°C (show OFL if outside range).
Pros
* The forecast icons based on changing barometric pressure.12 or 24-hour time display.
* There is an LED backlight and a transmitter included.
Cons
* It is more expensive then products of its kind.
* It is usually always out of stock or sold out.
7. La Crosse Technology The Weather Channel Wireless Rain Gauge
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Superior Technology Accurate rainfall measurements displayed in the comfort of your home. Never go outside again to how much it rained again. This wireless digital Rain Gauge is capable of collecting and electronically transmitting weather data directly into the comfort of your home.
Pros
* Has a self emptying rain bucket
* It contains light to heavy rainfall icons
* Includes a rain alarm
Cons
* Complaints of a short shelf life.
6. Springfield Rain Gauge Spike
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This rain gauge will accurately measure up to 6 inches of rainfall with this rain gauge from Springfield.
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5. B & L Industries 1990-12 E-Z Read Jumbo Rain-Gauge
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Accurately measures rainfall up to 5″ and can be read from a distance of up to 50′. 24″ tall and its 1-3/4″ tube has brilliant yellow markings with a colored float.
1″ of rain raises the float over 4″ for easy reading, entry funnel constructed to prevent leaves and large debris from entering plastic tube.
Pros
* Perfect for rural store customers.
* Also makes a fun conversation piece for suburbia store customers.
Cons
* It is a closeout item so it cannot be returned.
4. La Crosse Technology 724-1710 Wireless Rain Gauge
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This is an excellent rain gauge that allows you to check rainfall daily or weekly from the comfort of your own home. It comes with two cups that tilt and empty themselves all on their own.
It can even give you a reading for up to a few months. It will also monitor your temperature and has a display screen that shows you the time.
Pros
* Self-emptying Rain Bucket-Empties Via Internal Tilting Cups
* Rainfall Alert & Precipitation Alarm
* Rainfall History Graph: View Last 7 Days, Weeks, or Months on Graph
Cons
* Short shelf life
* Hard to replace batteries
3. La Crosse Technology 705-109 Waterfall Rain Gauge
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The rain gauge includes a vibrant red floating rain level marker to ensure accurate readings, even from a distance.
Pros
* Innovative design slides on & off bracket for ease of use.
* Large width waterfall design.
* measures up to 6 inches.
Cons
* Can discolor easy.
* Can measure twice the amount making it inaccurate.
2. Stratus RG202 Long Term Professional Rain Gauge
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A rain gauge that’s actually made to last.
Pros
* The last rain gauge you’ll ever need to buy.
* Heat and frost resistant.
* Accurate to 1/100th of an inch and easy to read.
Cons
* Can be hard to replace batteries.
* More expensive then other brands.
1. AcuRite 00899 Deluxe Wireless Rain Gauge
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Weather the day with confidence with your own accurate and up-to-date information, right from your own backyard.
Pros
* Rainfall measurement in inches or millimeters with history.
* Automatic self-emptying rain collection cup.
* Transmits data every 16 seconds.
Cons
* Not resistant to harsh weather.
* Short shelf life.
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