RG600 - Weather Station Global Water - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	8" Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge (Weather Station component)
Resolution	0.01 inches (0.254 mm) or 0.2 mm (RG600M)
Accuracy	±1% at 1 inch per hour
Dimensions	10 1/8" x 8" (257 mm x 203 mm)
Weight	2.5 lbs (1.13 kg)
Operating Temperature	0°C to +51°C (32°F to 124°F)
Switch Type	Magnetic reed switch (normally open)
Switch Closure Time	135 ms average
Maximum Switch Rating	30 VDC @ 0.2 A
Output	Pulse (contact closure) per 0.01 inch of rainfall
Mounting Options	Flat surface (via screws) or mast (via pipe clamps)
Funnel Material	Gold anodized aluminum with white baked enamel housing
Maintenance	Periodic cleaning of funnel and tipping bucket; remove debris, pollen, insects
Calibration	Two adjustment screws under tipping bucket; clockwise increases tip count
Power Supply	None (passive sensor; requires external datalogger/ counter)
Warranty	1 year from shipment date
Repairability	Factory repair with RMA number; basic cleaning and calibration adjustable by user
Included Accessories	Mounting screws, pipe clamps, manual
Manufacturer	Global Water Instrumentation, Inc., Gold River, CA 95670

Frequently Asked Questions - RG600 Global Water

What is the resolution of the RG600 rain gauge?

The RG600 measures rainfall in increments of 0.01 inches (0.254 mm) per tip. The metric version (RG600M) measures 0.2 mm per tip.

How do I calibrate the RG600 tipping bucket?

To check calibration, slowly pour 27.9 ounces of water through the funnel over at least 45 minutes. You should get 100 ± 3 tips. Adjust the two screws under the bucket equally: clockwise increases tip count, counter-clockwise decreases it. Half a turn on both screws changes the count by about 2-3%.

What kind of datalogger is compatible with the RG600?

The RG600 outputs a pulse signal (contact closure) for each tip. It connects to any datalogger or display that accepts event/pulse counting, such as the GL500 Datalogger from Global Water. The two wires attach to the pulse channel.

How often should I clean the rain gauge?

Clean the funnel and tipping bucket periodically, especially if located near trees or pollen sources. Dirt, bugs, and debris can cause inaccurate readings. Use a soft brush and water to remove buildup.

What is the maximum rainfall rate the RG600 can measure accurately?

The gauge is most accurate at rates up to 1 inch per hour. At higher rates, the bucket tips before fully filling, causing underestimation. At low rates (drips), accuracy is excellent.

Can I install the RG600 on a mast?

Yes, the gauge can be mounted on a mast using the included pipe clamps. Ensure the mast is properly guyed to minimize vibration in high winds.

What is the operating temperature range?

The RG600 is designed for temperatures from 0°C to +51°C (32°F to 124°F). It should not be used outside this range.

How do I troubleshoot if the rain gauge stops reading?

First, clean the funnel and tipping bucket. Then check calibration with the drip test. If problems persist, contact Global Water technical support at 800-876-1172 or email [e-mail]. Be ready with the model, serial number, and purchase information.

What is the warranty period for the RG600?

Global Water provides a 1-year warranty from the date of shipment against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers repair or replacement at Global Water's option, but does not cover misuse or unauthorized repairs.

How do I return the gauge for repair?

Call Global Water to obtain an RMA number. Mark the RMA on the outside of the package and include a written description of the problem. Ship prepaid and insured to the factory address. Do not return without an RMA.

USER MANUAL RG600 Global Water

Simple black-and-white icon with a stylized wave or wavy line inside a rounded rectangle (no text or symbols)

Global Water

Instrumentation, Inc.

11390 Amalgam Way

Gold River, CA 95670

T: 800-876-1172

Int'l: [phone], F: [phone]

8" Tipping Bucket

RG600

Global Water

800-876-1172 • globalw.com

Congratulations on your purchase of the Global Water RG600

8" Tipping Bucket. This instrument has been quality tested and approved for providing accurate and reliable measurements. We are confident that you will find the RG600 to be a valuable asset for your application. Should you require assistance, our technical staff will be happy to help.

Table of Contents

I. RG600 Checklist 3
II. Inspection....3
III. Description .... 3
IV. Tipping Bucket Installation 3
V. Installation of Tipping Bucket with the GL500 Datalogger......4
VI. Tipping Bucket Calibration Information 4
VII. Tipping Bucket Calibration Check....5
VIII. Specifications....5
IX. Maintenance....5
X. Trouble Shooting....6
XI. Warranty....7
XII. Appendix A: Rain Gauge Mounting Diagrams......8

* Copyright © Global Water Instrumentation, Inc. 2007

Global Water

800-876-1172 • globalw.com

I. RG600 Checklist

a. 8" Tipping Bucket w/cable attached
b. RG600 Manual

II. Inspection

a. Your RG600 unit was carefully inspected and certified by our Quality Assurance Team before shipping. If any significant damage has occurred during shipping, please notify Global Water Instrumentation, Inc. and file a claim with the carrier involved. Use the checklist to ensure that you have received everything needed to operate the RG600.

III. Description

a. The sensor consists of a gold anodized aluminum collector funnel with a knife-edge that diverts the water to a tipping bucket mechanism. The mechanism is designed so that each tip of the bucket measures 0.01 inch of rainfall (or .2mm for RG600M). A magnet is attached to the tipping bucket that actuates a magnetic switch as the bucket tips. Thus, a momentary switch closure takes place with each tip of the bucket. Connecting the sensor to an event/pulse counter on an electronic datalogger or display module will allow record keeping of accumulated rainfall. The aluminum housing is covered with white baked enamel.

IV. Tipping Bucket Installation

a. The tipping bucket requires a clear an unobstructed mounting location to obtain accurate rainfall readings. Choose a location that is easily accessible for normal cleaning and is distant from trees or other sources of heavy pollen or debris. The tipping bucket may be mounted in one of two ways, either on a flat level surface or on a mast, see Appendix A.

Global Water

800-876-1172 • globalw.com

b. Use the included mounting screws to attach the unit to a flat surface. Ensure that the surface is level and free of vibration. Be sure there is an unobstructed path for water runoff from the drain screens.
c. Use the included pipe clamps to attach the unit to a mast. Ensure that the mast is properly guyed so that vibration in high winds is kept to a minimum.
d. Once the tipping bucket is mounted remove the gold funnel. Verify that the tipping bucket is not held in the center position. If held in upright gently press either end down against the stop to ensure proper operation.

V. Installation of Tipping Bucket with the GL500 Datalogger

a. Attach the two wires to the pulse channel of the GL500.

VI. Tipping Bucket Calibration Information

a. Accurate calibration can be obtained only with laboratory equipment, but an approximate field check can be easily made. The tipping bucket mechanism is a simple and highly reliable device. Any accumulation of foreign material, dust, etc. will alter the calibration of the unit.
b. The tipping bucket must be calibrated with the rate of flow of water through the tipping bucket mechanism. At least 36 seconds should be allowed to fill one side of the tipping bucket. This represents a maximum flow rate of one inch of rain per hour. If the flow rate is increased, the unit will read low (if properly calibrated). Decreasing the rate of flow will not affect the calibration. Some time is required for the bucket to tip (a few milliseconds).
c. During the first 50% of this tipping time, water continues to flow into the filled bucket; the last 50% of this tipping time, water flows into the empty bucket. The amount of water flowing during the first 50% of time is the error, the faster the flow rate the greater the error. At flow rates of one inch per hour or less, the water actually drips into the bucket rather than flowing. Under these conditions, the bucket tips between drips and there is no error in the readings.

Global Water

800-876-1172 • globalw.com

VII. Tipping Bucket Calibration Check

a. Obtain a plastic or metal container of at least one quart capacity.
Place a very small hole in the bottom of the container. Place the can in the tipping bucket funnel and pour exactly 27.9 ounces of water into the can. If it takes less than 45 minutes for the water to run out, then the hole in the container is too large.
b. Rough field calibration of this sort should result in one hundred tips, ± three. Adjusting screws are located under the tipping bucket mechanism on the base plate. Adjust both screws equally, i.e. if you turn one screw one-half turn then turn the other one-half turn. Turning the screws clockwise will increase the number of tips per 27.9 ounces of water. Turning the screws counter-clockwise decreases number of tips per 27.9 ounces of water. One-half turn of both screws normally results in a change of 2-3%.

VIII. Specifications

Resolution: 0.01 inches or .2mm

Accuracy: _1% at 1" per hour +

Average Switch Closure Time: 135 ms

Maximum Bounce Settling Time: 0.75 ms

Maximum Switch Rating: 30 VDC @ 0.2A

Operating Temperature: 0° to +51°C

Size of Gauge: 10 1/8" x 8"

Weight: 2.5 lb.

IX. Maintenance

a. The funnel and tipping bucket mechanism should be cleaned periodically. An accumulation of dirt, bugs, etc. on the tipping bucket will adversely affect the readings.

Global Water

800-876-1172 • globalw.com

X. Trouble Shooting

Issue: Tipping Bucket not reading correctly

a. Clean Tipping Bucket
b. Recalibrate Tipping Bucket.

Other issues

a. Call us for tech support: 800-876-1172 or 916-638-3429 (many problems can be solved over the phone). Fax: [phone] or Email: [e-mail]. Be prepared to describe the problem you are experiencing including specific details of the application and installation and any additional pertinent information.
b. In the event that the equipment needs to be returned to the factory for any reason, please call to obtain RMA # (Return Material Authorization). Do not return items without an RMA # marked on the outside of the package. Include a written statement describing the problems. Send the package with shipping prepaid to our factory address. Insure your shipment, as the warranty does not cover damage incurred during transit.
c. When calling for tech support, please have the following information ready;

1. Model #.

2. Unit serial number.

3. P.O.# the equipment was purchased on.

4. Our sales number or the invoice number.

5. Repair instructions and/or specific problems relating to the product.

Global Water

800-876-1172 • globalw.com

XI. Warranty

a. Global Water Instrumentation, Inc. warrants that its products are free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year from date of shipment from factory. Global Water's obligations under this warranty are limited to, at Global Water's option: (I) replacing or (II) repairing; any products determined to be defective. In no case shall Global Water's liability exceed the products original purchase price. This warranty does not apply to any equipment that has been repaired or altered, except by Global Water Instrumentation, Inc., or which has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident. It is expressly agreed that this warranty will be in lieu of all warranties of fitness and in lieu of the warranty of merchantability.

b. The warranty begins on the date of your invoice.

Global Water

800-876-1172 • globalw.com

XII. Appendix A: Rain Gauge Mounting Diagrams

a. Note – If required, the funnel can be connected to the gauge housing with two sheet metal screws for security in high wind environments.

MOUNTING EXAMPLES

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Surface Mounted On Masonary Block
Hose Clamps Supplied

Technical line drawing of a cylindrical device with a vertical support and mounting base (no text or symbols)

Mast Mounted