When you receive the shipment, inspect the container and equipment for signs of damage. Note any evidence of rough handling in transit. Immediately report any damage to the shipping agent. The carrier will not honor damage claims unless all shipping material is saved for inspection. After examining and removing contents, save packing material and carton in the event reshipment is necessary. Y TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 Introduction ......................................... 1 . 1.1 General Description................... ‘ ................. 1 1.2 Specifications....................................... .1 Chapter 2 Installation.......................................... 2 2.1 Site Requirements ..................................... 2 2.2 Installation.......................................... 2 Chapter 3 Operation .. ...... . ..... ,... ......... ....... , ,. ..... . 3 Chapter 4 Calibration.......................................... 3 4.1 Factory Calibration .................................... 3 4.2 Calibration Procedure................................... 3 4.3 Field Calibration...................................... 4 4.4 Adjustments......................................... 4 Chapter 5 Maintenance .................. .. ........ . .... .. .... .. 6 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting ..... .. .. ... ............ ,.... ,..... .... 6 . Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 General Description RG- The RG-2500 Series consists of two high quality rain gauges, Models RG-2500 and 2500-12. Model RG-2500 features a standard eight-inch diameter orifice, while the Model RG-2500-12 has a twelve-inch diameter orifice. Both gauges have been designed with high grade materials and have been built to provide years of trouble-free operation. Each of the two gauges consists of a main collection funnel, an outer cover, an internal funnel, a tipping bucket and magnetic switch assembly, a base, and mounting feet with leveling adjustments. Electrically heated versions of both gauges can be provided for use in cold climates, for measuring frozen precipitation such as snow and sleet. The electrically heated versions include the features listed above plus a heater element, a thermostat, a fuse holder and fuse, and associated wiring and terminal blocks. The model numbers for the heated rain gauges are RG-2500E andRG-2500E-12. 1.2 Specifications Capacity: Unlimited Orifice: RG-2500: 8” (20 cm) RG-2500-12: 12” (30 cm) Calibration: 0.01” per tip (0.25 mm), others on request Accuracy: + 1% for 1 to 3 inches per hour,+ 3% for 0 to 6 inches per hour Switch: Magnetic reed, SPST N.O., 10 Watts, 200 Vdc, 0.5 A max Dimensions: RG-2500:8” x 17” RG-2500-12: 12” x 20” Weight/Shipping: RG-2500: 7lbs/12 lbs RG-2500-12: 14lbs/18 lbs Optional Accessories: Wind Screen, Alter Type Model RG-952 Event Recorder, Drum Chart Model RG-6113-A Calibrator Bottle Model RG-2595 Digital Event Counter Model RG-2596 1 Chapter 2: Installation 2.1 Site Requirements The location of the rain gauge is very important to the successful operation of the instrument. The most accurate measurements are made in relatively sheltered areas protected from gusting and turbulent winds. Openings in orchards or a grove of trees offer the best exposure for the rain gauge. Fences and other structures can help serve as a wind break as long as they are not too tall. In areas that are open with no nearby structures, a wind screen such is recommended to protect against wind effects. Generally, the heights of objects near a rain gauge should be proportional to the distance away from the gauge. The distance of a nearby object should always be at least twice the height of the object above the gauge. Wind effects on catch losses are more pronounced during snow storms than during a rain storm. A wind screen is generally not used at locations where snowfall constitutes less than 20% of the mean annual precipitation. Good locations do not always remain free of obstructions. Vegetation can grow quickly, changing an excellent exposure into a poor one. Sites should be inspected regularly in order to properly maintain the exposure of the gauge. In locations with heavy snowfall, the gauge should be mounted on a support or tower to place thegauge well above the average local snow level. The exposure would be best if the tower wereto be located among trees of the same height as the tower. 2.2 Installation OMEGA@ rain gauges are shipped as a complete assembly with no additional assembly required. ‘The gauge, however, should be installed onto a platform or foundation that is fairly close to being level to minimize the amount of adjustment required after the gauge is mounted. Each gauge is equipped with three mounting brackets that also serve as feet. Each 3/8 inches. The holes in the feet should be foot has a mounting hole with a diameter of matched to anchor bolts located in the foundation or on the platforms. for severely tilted foundations, use a set of three hex nuts on each bolt to provide leveling and locking of the rain gauge ...