TB4-L

When a rain gage is out of calibration, it is usually due to the buildup of dirt and grime on the internal surfaces of the tipping bucket mechanism. Cleaning the internal surfaces usually brings the rain gage back into calibration.

To minimize the possible occurrence of calibration errors, perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the rain gage at least once every three months. The environmental conditions at a particular site may require a facility to perform cleaning and maintenance on a much more frequent schedule.

1. Remove the housing assembly from the base by removing the three screws and lifting upward on the housing.
2. Check the bubble level to verify the rain gage is level.
3. Pour water through the inner funnel to wet the two bucket surfaces. Using a graduated cylinder, slowly pour 314 cc (19.16 in³) of water, over a 15 minute period, into the collection funnel. This volume of water is equal to 0.39 inches of rainfall (10 mm).
4. After the water has passed through the rain gage, the tipping bucket should have tipped 39 times for the TB4-L or CS700-L, or 50 times for the TB4MM-L.
5. If the rain gage fails to record the correct number of tips, return the unit to Campbell Scientific for recalibration.

1. Check that there is a solid connection to the reed switch. The screws should be tight, and the wires should have a solid connection to the screws.
2. Try switching the connection from the current reed switch being used to the secondary reed switch connection.
3. Check that the cable is connected to the correct input on the datalogger. Take the two wires on the other end of the cable and touch them together. The datalogger should register a tip. If the tip registers, the problem is with the reed switch. Replace the reed switch.
4. If the datalogger still doesn't register a tip, try using a different cable.

Most Campbell Scientific sensors are available as an –L, which indicates a user-specified cable length. If a sensor is listed as an –LX model (where “X” is some other character), that sensor’s cable has a user-specified length, but it terminates with a specific connector for a unique system:

•  An –LC model has a user-specified cable length for connection to an ET107, CS110, or retired Metdata1.

•  An –LQ model has a user-specified cable length for connection to a RAWS-P weather station.

If a sensor does not have an –L or other –LX designation after the main model number, the sensor has a set cable length. The cable length is listed at the end of the Description field on the product’s Ordering tab. For example, the 034B-ET model has a description of “Met One Wind Set for ET Station, 67 inch Cable.” Products with a set cable length terminate, as a default, with pigtails.

If a cable terminates with a special connector for a unique system, the end of the model number designates which system. For example, the 034B-ET model designates the sensor as a 034B for an ET107 system.

•  –ET models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station.

•  –ETM models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station, but they also include a special system mounting, which is often convenient when purchasing a replacement part.

•  –QD models terminate with the connector for a RAWS-F Quick Deployment Station.

•  –PW models terminate with the connector for a PWENC or prewired system.

Many Campbell Scientific sensors are available with different cable termination options. These options include the following:

•  The –PT (–PT w/Tinned Wires) option is the default option and does not display on the product line as the other options do. The cable terminates in pigtails that connect directly to a datalogger. 

•  In the –C (–C w/ET/CS110 Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a CS110 Electric Field Meter or an ET-series weather station.

•  In the –CWS (–CWS w/CWS900 Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a CWS900-series interface. Connection to a CWS900-series interface allows the sensor to be used in a wireless sensor network.

•  In the –PW (–PW w/Pre-Wire Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a prewired enclosure.

•  In the –RQ (–RQ w/RAWS Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a RAWS-P Permanent Remote Automated Weather Station.

Note: The availability of cable termination options varies by sensor. For example, sensors may have none, two, or several options to choose from. If a desired option is not listed for a specific sensor, contact an application engineer at Campbell Scientific for assistance. 

Not every sensor has different cable termination options. The options available for a particular sensor can be checked by looking in two places on the Ordering tab of the sensor’s product page:

•  Model number

•  Cable Termination Options list

If a sensor is offered in an –ET, –ETM, –LC, –LQ, or –QD version, that option’s availability is reflected in the sensor’s model number. For example, the 034B is offered as the 034B-ET, 034B-ETM, 034B-LC, 034B-LQ, and 034B-QD.

All of the other cable termination options, if available, are listed on the Ordering tab of the sensor’s product page under “Cable Termination Options.” For example, the 034B-L Wind Set is offered with the –CWS, –PT, and –PW options, as shown on the Ordering tab of the 034B-L’s product page.

Note: As newer products are added to our inventory, typically, we will list multiple cable termination options under a single sensor model rather than creating multiple model numbers. For example, the HC2S3-L has a –C cable termination option for connecting it to a CS110 instead of offering an HC2S3-LC model.