RAIN GAUGES
Tipping Bucket Rain Gauges, Heated Rain/Snow Gauges & All-Weather Precipitation Gauges
HydroLynx Systems, Inc. manufactures rain gauges for real-time flood warning and hydrological monitoring. Our tipping bucket rain gauges connect directly to ALERT and ALERT2 data transmitters, our heated rain/snow gauge measures the water equivalent of snowfall, and our all-weather weighing gauge records rain and snow at remote, solar-powered sites. Every gauge is built for years of unattended operation in harsh field conditions.
Rain Gauge Models
MODEL 5054TS
Rain Gauge Top Section
The standard ALERT rain gauge housing. Mounts on any ALERT station standpipe or stands alone with a roof mount. Used with the Model 5050P sensor.
MODEL 5050P
Tipping Bucket Rain Sensor
Hard-anodized aluminum tipping bucket with self-lubricating bearings, bullseye level, and sealed reed switch output for ALERT/ALERT2 transmitters.
MODEL 2501
Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
Low-cost 8 in. tipping bucket rain gauge originally designed for the National Weather Service. 0.01 in. or 1 mm per tip.
MODEL 2500 / 2500E
Tipping Bucket Rain & Heated Rain/Snow Gauge
8 in. or 12 in. tipping bucket rain gauge. The 2500E adds a heater to melt snow and measure its water equivalent (120 Vac).
MODEL 5045
All-Weather Rain Gauge
Weighing (load cell) precipitation gauge with antifreeze charge that measures rain and snow without AC power. 12, 20, and 30 in. capacities.
MODEL 2526
Lexan Rain Gauge Wind Screen
Wind screen that reduces updrafts and turbulence over the gauge orifice to improve catch accuracy in windy sites.
Which Rain Gauge Is Right for Your Site?
| Model | Type | Best for | Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5054TS + 5050P | Tipping bucket | Standard ALERT station rain gauge (standpipe mount) | Rain |
| 2501 | Tipping bucket, 8 in. | Low-cost rainfall measurement, 0.01 in. or 1 mm per tip | Rain |
| 2500 | Tipping bucket, 8 or 12 in. | Selectable 0.01 in., 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mm calibration; ±2% accuracy | Rain |
| 2500E | Heated tipping bucket | Rain and snow (water equivalent) where 120 Vac is available | Rain & snow |
| 5045 | Weighing (load cell) | Rain and snow at remote, solar-powered sites | Rain & snow |
Need a complete station instead of a single gauge? HydroLynx packaged rain stations combine a tipping bucket rain gauge, ALERT2 transmitter, solar power, and enclosure, ready to install. Learn more about precipitation monitoring and flood early warning systems, or keep gauges accurate in the field with the Model 2595 precipitation gauge calibrator.
Rain Gauge FAQ
How does a tipping bucket rain gauge work?
Rain is collected by a funnel and directed into a small two-sided bucket that pivots on a fulcrum. When one side fills with a fixed amount of water (for example 0.01 in. or 1 mm), the bucket tips, empties, and brings the other side into position. Each tip closes a magnetic reed switch, producing a contact-closure pulse that a data logger or ALERT2 transmitter counts and timestamps.
Can a tipping bucket rain gauge measure snow?
A standard tipping bucket cannot measure snow, because snow collects in the funnel instead of reaching the bucket. The heated Model 2500E rain/snow gauge adds a heater to melt snow as it falls so the tipping bucket records its water equivalent. Where AC power is not available, the Model 5045 all-weather gauge weighs precipitation in an antifreeze charge instead.
Which rain gauge is the standard for ALERT and ALERT2 stations?
The Model 5054TS rain gauge top section with the Model 5050P tipping bucket sensor is the standard ALERT rain gauge. It mounts directly on an ALERT station standpipe and is used in HydroLynx packaged rain stations.
What resolution should I choose, 0.01 in. or 1 mm?
Choose 0.01 in. calibration for networks that report in U.S. units and 1 mm (or 0.25/0.5 mm on the Model 2500) for metric networks. Finer resolution gives more detail during light rain; coarser resolution reduces tip count during intense storms.
Ready to learn more or request a quote?
Our sales team can provide detailed specifications, pricing, and application guidance. We typically respond within one business day.
Request Information → Contact UsHydroLynx Systems
830 Fesslers Pkwy, Suite #108
Nashville, TN 37210