TE525-L Rain Gage with 6 in. Orifice

Overview

The TE525, manufactured by Texas Electronics, has a 6 in. orifice and measures rainfall in 0.01 in. increments. It is compatible with all Campbell Scientific data loggers, and it is widely used in environmental monitoring applications.

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Benefits and Features

  • Accuracy is ±1 percent at rates up to 1 in./hr
  • Compatible with most Campbell Scientific data loggers
  • High precision—tips at 0.01-in. increments

This product is available for repair and calibration

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Detailed Description

The TE525 funnels precipitation into a bucket mechanism that tips when filled to its calibrated level. A magnet attached to the tipping mechanism actuates a switch as the bucket tips. The momentary switch closure is counted by the pulse-counting circuitry of our data loggers.


Specifications

Sensor Type Tipping bucket with magnetic reed switch
Material Anodized aluminum
Operating Temperature Range 0° to 50°C
Resolution 1 tip
Volume per Tip 4.73 ml/tip (0.16 fl. oz/tip)
Rainfall per Tip 0.254 mm (0.01 in.)
Measurement Uncertainty 1.0% up to 50 mm/h (2 in./h)
Cable Type 2-conductor shielded
Orifice Diameter 15.4 cm (6.06 in.)
Height 24.1 cm (9.5 in.)
Cable Weight 0.1 kg (0.2 lb) per 3.05 m (10 ft) length
Tipping Bucket Weight 0.9 kg (2.0 lb)

Compatibility

Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.

Data Loggers

Compatible Note
CR1000 (retired)
CR1000X
CR300
CR3000 (retired)
CR310
CR350
CR6
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)

Additional Compatibility Information

Mounting

The TE525 rain gage mounts to a CM300-series Mounting Pole or a user-supplied 1.5-in. IPS pole. Several pedestal options are available to secure a CM300-series pole to the ground (see Ordering Information). Accurate measurements require the gage to be level.

Snowfall Adapter

The TE525 cannot be directly used with our CS705 rainfall adapter. However, the CS705 is compatible with the TE525WS, and the TE525 can be converted to a TE525WS by returning it to Campbell Scientific (requires an RMA).

Wind Screen

Campbell Scientific offers the 260-953 Wind Screen to help minimize the effect of wind on the rain measurements. This wind screen consists of 32 leaves that hang freely and swing as the wind moves past them.

Articles and Press Releases

FAQs for

Number of FAQs related to TE525-L: 15

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  1. Replacement screens are listed in the Replacement Parts section of TE525-L Ordering Information page

    Replacement funnels can be ordered by contacting Campbell Scientific.

  2. The accuracy of the TE525-L diminishes as rainfall intensity increases (see the Accuracy specification) because at higher intensities, rain will keep pouring into the tipping mechanism as it is tipping, causing missed tips. The maximum listed intensity in the specifications is 2 to 3 in./hr, which would give an accuracy of +0%, -5%.

  3. A TE525-L can be converted to a TE525MM-L and vice versa because the inner tipping mechanisms are the same. To convert a TE525-L or TE525MM-L to a TE525WS-L, the rain gage must be sent in to Campbell Scientific to change the tipping mechanism. If an 8 inch funnel is used on a TE525-L or TE525MM-L without changing the tipping mechanism, the multipliers for the rain measurement will change. For information about these multipliers, see the TE525 Instruction Manual

  4. The CS705 Tipping Bucket Snowfall Adapter cannot be used directly with the TE525-L or TE525MM-L because of the funnel size. To make the rain gages compatible, they can either be sent to Campbell Scientific to be converted to a TE525WS-L, or an 8 inch funnel can be installed. If the funnel is used, see the instruction manual for the appropriate multipliers, as they will change.

  5. The TE525-L and TE525WS-L have a 0.01 in. tip.
  6. When a rain gage is out of calibration, it is usually because of 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. It is also possible that a rain gage is out of calibration because it is no longer level.

    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, leveling, and maintenance on a much more frequent schedule.

  7. The most common errors are either that the rain gage appears to have drifted out of calibration or that the tips are not being correctly recorded by the data logger. 

  8. The information included on a calibration sheet differs with each sensor. For some sensors, the sheet contains coefficients necessary to program a data logger. For other sensors, the calibration sheet is a pass/fail report.

  9. 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 in the product’s Ordering information. 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 pre-wired system.