RG-11 Optical Rain Gauge for weather station
The RG-11 Optical Rain Gauge is a compact, sealed, and cost-effective solution for accurate precipitation measurement. Using infrared optical sensing, it detects rainfall by measuring changes in reflected light caused by raindrops, even below 0.5 mm. With no moving parts or funnels, it resists clogging and works reliably in harsh or mobile environments, making it ideal for weather stations, remote monitoring, and early warning systems.
- Input Voltage: 10–30 VDC or 12–26 VAC
- Protection: 50 V surge, reverse polarity protected
- Current Consumption: 15 mA nominal; 1.5 mA sleep mode
- Max Current Rating: 50 mA (output on); 55 mA (heater on, 24 VDC)
- Output: Relay output (NO / NC contacts)
- Output Signal: RS485 / Switching Signal / Analog Signal
- Operating Temperature:−40°C to +60°C
Price: $39~$59
导言
An Optical Rain Gauge is a precipitation sensor that measures rainfall using infrared optical sensing technology. It detects rain by monitoring changes in reflected light when raindrops strike the sensor surface, allowing accurate measurement without moving parts. Compared with traditional tipping bucket rain gauges, optical rain gauges offer faster response, low maintenance, and reliable performance in harsh or remote environments, making them ideal for modern weather stations and automatic monitoring systems.
Structure of Optical Rain Gauge
- Optical Lens/Sensing Surface: Provides a smooth, transparent surface for detecting raindrops, ensuring stable optical reflection.
- Infrared Emitter (IR LED): Emits infrared light toward the lens, forming a controlled optical path for rainfall detection.
- Infrared Receiver (Photodiode): Receives reflected infrared light, converting intensity changes caused by raindrops into electrical signals.
- Signal Processing Circuit: Analyzes signal variations to identify rainfall while filtering noise interference, such as condensation.
- Control Output Module: Processes rainfall data and provides standard output signals to external systems.
- Sealed Housing: Fully enclosed, weatherproof design protects internal components from dust, moisture, and harsh environments.
- Mounting Bracket/Integrated Arm: Enables easy, stable installation on masts, weather stations, or other structures.
- Optional Heating Module: Prevents condensation in low-temperature or high-humidity conditions, enhancing measurement reliability.
详情显示
The Optical Rain Gauge embodies thoughtful design in every detail—from its adjustable side-mount bracket to its transparent hemispherical cover housing a precision optical sensor module, and its streamlined suspension base—all contributing to its accuracy in rainfall measurement and flexible installation. Together, these elements provide a solid foundation for stable and reliable meteorological monitoring.
尺寸
规格
The RG-11 optical rain gauge is designed with flexible electrical and environmental parameters to meet different application requirements. Key specifications include power supply options, power consumption, output type, load capacity, and operating temperature range. Below are the detailed technical specifications for the optical rain gauge:
参数
| 参数 | Value |
| Input Voltage | 10-30VDC or 12-26 VAC 50V surge Reverse polarity protected to 50V |
| Current Drain | 15 mA nominal.(No outputs on, not raining, no heater) about 1.5 mA in micro-power sleep mode. 50 mA with output on. 55 mA-With heater on,24V dc input. |
| 输出 | Relay closure, Normally Open and Normally Closed contacts. Max load 1A,24 VDC. |
| 工作温度 range | -40 C to +60C |
Features of optical rain gauge
Optical Measurement Principle
Infrared optical sensing technology, identifying rainfall through changes in light intensity.
No Mechanical Structure
Features no tipping bucket or moving parts, avoiding mechanical wear and ensuring more stable operation.
High Sensitivity Response
Capable of detecting even the smallest raindrops, enabling fast and real-time rainfall detection.
Fully Sealed Structure
The sensor is completely sealed, suitable for complex and harsh outdoor environments.
Low Power Consumption
Suitable for long-term continuous monitoring and solar power systems.
Easy Installation
Integrated mounting arm for easy attachment to weather station masts or other infrastructure.
Functions of the optical rain gauge
The RG-11 Optical Rain Gauge is versatile and reliable, suitable for a wide range of applications including rainfall measurement, irrigation control, wiper activation, skylight automation, and condensation or frost detection.
Weather Station Rainfall Monitoring
Used in automatic weather stations to achieve highly reliable continuous rainfall monitoring and data collection.
Smart Cities and Urban Drainage Systems
Provides real-time rainfall data support for urban flood early warning and stormwater discharge scheduling.
Traffic and Road Weather Monitoring
Used near highways, bridges, and tunnels to support traffic safety management.
Photovoltaic and New Energy Monitoring
Monitors the rainfall’s impact on photovoltaic power generation environments and equipment operation.
Agricultural and Hydrological Monitoring
Supports irrigation management, water resource assessment, and agrometeorological analysis.
Mobile and Specialized Applications
Suitable for vehicle-mounted, vessel-mounted, or vibration-prone environments.
案例
Optical rain gauges seamlessly adapt to diverse scenarios with their high sensitivity and low maintenance requirements—from replacing high-maintenance tipping buckets to triggering vehicle and vessel wipers, automatically opening sunroofs, and precisely regulating irrigation and scientific monitoring. Below are the Cases for the optical rain gauge:
custom optical rain gauge
The RG-11 Optical Rain Gauge supports flexible customization, including power options, output interfaces, sensitivity, housing, heating, and mounting, allowing it to meet diverse project requirements and harsh environment conditions.
定制选项
- Electrical Parameter Customization: Input voltage range, current consumption, and output type (relay, analog signal, or digital interface) can be adjusted according to project requirements.
- Accuracy and Sensitivity: Different accuracy grades and minimum detectable raindrop sizes are available based on rainfall monitoring needs.
- Housing and Materials: Customizable corrosion-resistant, UV-resistant, or high/low-temperature-resistant housing materials to suit special environments.
- Heating Module: Anti-frost/anti-condensation heaters can be added for low-temperature or high-humidity environments.
- Mounting Options: Various mounting arms or brackets are available for integration with weather station masts, buildings, or mobile platforms.
- Custom Output Interfaces: Relay, RS485, 4-20mA, or other user-specified interfaces can be provided for seamless system integration.
- Brand/Label Customization: Logos, serial numbers, or custom identifiers can be added per client requirements.
optical rain gauge 制造商 和供应商
Yantai Sensor is a professional optical rain gauge manufacturer and supplier, supported by an in-house R&D team, modern production facilities, and a complete testing system. With CNAS-certified laboratories and advanced environmental testing equipment, our optical rain gauges undergo rigorous validation, including high-temperature and high-humidity testing, low-temperature freeze–thaw cycles, and long-term performance stability tests.
We own multiple independent brands and patents, and all products comply with international standards such as CE, ISO, and RoHS. Backed by automated production lines and a strict quality management system, our optical rain gauges are widely used in weather stations, smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, transportation, and industrial control. In addition to standard models, we offer flexible customization and system integration services to meet diverse project requirements. Contact our professional team to learn more about our optical rain gauge solutions and long-term cooperation opportunities.
