Campbell TB4, TB4MM, CS700, CS700H Product Manual

TB4, TB4MM,

CS700, CS700H

Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

Revision

Copyright ©
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

: 8/19

1995 – 2019

Limited Warranty

“Products manufactured by CSI are warranted by CSI to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve months
from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding
product manual. (Product manuals are available for review online at

www.campbellsci.com.) Products not manufactured by CSI, but that are resold

by CSI, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original manufacturer.
Batteries, fine-wire thermocouples, desiccant, and other consumables have no
warranty. CSI’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or
replacing (at CSI’s option) defective Products, which shall be the sole and
exclusive remedy under this warranty. The Customer assumes all costs of
removing, reinstalling, and shipping defective Products to CSI. CSI will return
such Products by surface carrier prepaid within the continental United States of
America. To all other locations, CSI will return such Products best way CIP
(port of entry) per Incoterms ® 2010. This warranty shall not apply to any
Products which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, improper
service, accidents of nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all
other warranties, expressed or implied. The warranty for installation services
performed by CSI such as programming to customer specifications, electrical
connections to Products manufactured by CSI, and Product specific training, is
part of CSI's product warranty. CSI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND

EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CSI hereby disclaims,
to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, any and all warranties and
conditions with respect to the Products, whether express, implied or
statutory, other than those expressly provided herein.”

Assistance

Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following
contact information is for US and international customers residing in countries
served by Campbell Scientific, Inc. directly. Affiliate companies handle repairs
for customers within their territories. Please visit www.campbellsci.com to
determine which Campbell Scientific company serves your country.

To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number, contact
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone [phone]. Please write the
issued RMA number clearly on the outside of the shipping container. Campbell
Scientific’s shipping address is:

CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
RMA#_____
815 West 1800 North
Logan, Utah 84321-1784

For all returns, the customer must fill out a “Statement of Product Cleanliness
and Decontamination” form and comply with the requirements specified in it.
The form is available from our website at www.campbellsci.com/repair. A
completed form must be either emailed to [e-mail] or faxed to
[phone]. Campbell Scientific is unable to process any returns until we
receive this form. If the form is not received within three days of product
receipt or is incomplete, the product will be returned to the customer at the
customer’s expense. Campbell Scientific reserves the right to refuse service on
products that were exposed to contaminants that may cause health or safety
concerns for our employees.

Safety

DANGER — MANY HAZARDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLING, USING, MAINTAINING, AND WORKING ON OR AROUND

TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ANY ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES,
ANTENNAS, ETC. FAILURE TO PROPERLY AND COMPLETELY ASSEMBLE, INSTALL, OPERATE, USE, AND MAINTAIN TRIPODS,

TOWERS, AND ATTACHMENTS, AND FAILURE TO HEED WARNINGS, INCREASES THE RISK OF DEATH, ACCIDENT, SERIOUS
INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND PRODUCT FAILURE. TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID THESE HAZARDS.
CHECK WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION'S SAFETY COORDINATOR (OR POLICY) FOR PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WORK.

Use tripods, towers, and attachments to tripods and towers only for purposes for which they are designed. Do not exceed design limits.
Be familiar and comply with all instructions provided in product manuals. Manuals are available at www.campbellsci.com or by
telephoning [phone] (USA). You are responsible for conformance with governing codes and regulations, including safety
regulations, and the integrity and location of structures or land to which towers, tripods, and any attachments are attached. Installation
sites should be evaluated and approved by a qualified engineer. If questions or concerns arise regarding installation, use, or
maintenance of tripods, towers, attachments, or electrical connections, consult with a licensed and qualified engineer or electrician.

General

• Prior to performing site or installation work, obtain required approvals and permits. Comply

with all governing structure-height regulations, such as those of the FAA in the USA.

• Use only qualified personnel for installation, use, and maintenance of tripods and towers, and

any attachments to tripods and towers. The use of licensed and qualified contractors is highly
recommended.

• Read all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before

beginning work.

• Wear a hardhat and eye protection, and take other appropriate safety precautions while

working on or around tripods and towers.

• Do not climb tripods or towers at any time, and prohibit climbing by other persons. Take

reasonable precautions to secure tripod and tower sites from trespassers.

• Use only manufacturer recommended parts, materials, and tools.

Utility and Electrical

• You can be killed or sustain serious bodily injury if the tripod, tower, or attachments you are

installing, constructing, using, or maintaining, or a tool, stake, or anchor, come in contact with
overhead or underground utility lines.

• Maintain a distance of at least one-and-one-half times structure height, 20 feet, or the distance

required by applicable law, whichever is greater, between overhead utility lines and the
structure (tripod, tower, attachments, or tools).

• Prior to performing site or installation work, inform all utility companies and have all

underground utilities marked.

• Comply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should be

installed by a licensed and qualified electrician.

Elevated Work and Weather

• Exercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.

• Use appropriate equipment and safety practices.

• During installation and maintenance, keep tower and tripod sites clear of un-trained or non-

essential personnel. Take precautions to prevent elevated tools and objects from dropping.

• Do not perform any work in inclement weather, including wind, rain, snow, lightning, etc.

Maintenance

• Periodically (at least yearly) check for wear and damage, including corrosion, stress cracks,

frayed cables, loose cable clamps, cable tightness, etc. and take necessary corrective actions.

• Periodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections.

WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS,
THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION, USE, OR
MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS, TOWERS, OR ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS,
ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC.

Table of Contents

PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.

1. Introduction................................................................ 1

2. Precautions ................................................................ 1

3. Initial Inspection ........................................................ 2

3.1 Ships With ............................................................................................2

4. QuickStart .................................................................. 2

5. Overview .................................................................... 4

5.1 Wind Screen .........................................................................................6

6. Specifications ............................................................ 6

6.1 Heated Rain Gage ................................................................................7

7. Installation ................................................................. 7

7.1 Wiring ..................................................................................................7

7.1.1 TB4, TB4M, or CS700 Connections .............................................7

7.1.2 CS700H Heated Rain Gage Connections ......................................7

7.2 Data Logger Programming ...................................................................9

7.2.1 PulseCount Instruction ................................................................ 10

7.2.2 SDI12Recorder Instruction ......................................................... 10

7.3 Siting .................................................................................................. 10

7.4 Mounting ............................................................................................ 10

7.4.1 Mounting to the CM240 and Leveling ........................................ 12

7.5 CS700H Power Supply Installation .................................................... 13

8. Operation ................................................................. 13

8.1 Sensor Schematic ............................................................................... 13

8.2 Long Cable Lengths ........................................................................... 14

8.3 CS700H Heated Rain Gage Operation ............................................... 14

8.3.1 SDI-12 Measurements ................................................................. 14

9. Troubleshooting and Maintenance ......................... 15

9.1 Troubleshooting ................................................................................. 15

9.2 Maintenance ....................................................................................... 16

9.2.1 Dismantling for Cleaning ............................................................ 16

9.2.2 Reassembling the Rain Bucket .................................................... 18

9.3 Calibration Check............................................................................... 19

i

Table of Contents

Appendices

A. Importing Short Cut Code Into CRBasic Editor ... A-1

B. Example Programs ................................................ B-1

B.1 TB4 or CS700 Example Programs ................................................... B-1

B.1.1 CR6 Program for the TB4 or CS700 ......................................... B-1

B.1.2 CR1000X Programs for the TB4 or CS700 .............................. B-2

B.2 CS700H Example Programs ............................................................. B-4

B.2.1 CR6 Program for the CS700H .................................................. B-4

B.2.2 CR1000X Programs for CS700H .............................................. B-5

C. CS700H Operation Details ..................................... C-1

C.1 High Power Operation ...................................................................... C-3

C.2 External Control ............................................................................... C-3

C.3 Status LED ....................................................................................... C-4

C.4 Snow Sensor ..................................................................................... C-4

C.5 Operating Modes .............................................................................. C-5

C.6 SDI-12 Sensor Support .................................................................... C-6

C.6.1 Introduction ............................................................................... C-6

C.6.2 SDI-12 Command Basics .......................................................... C-6

C.6.2.1 Acknowledge Active Command (a!) .............................. C-8

C.6.2.2 Send Identification Command (aI!) ................................ C-8

C.6.2.3 Start Verification Command (aV!) ................................. C-8

C.6.2.4 Address Query Command (?!) ........................................ C-8

C.6.2.5 Change Address Command (aAb!) ................................. C-8

C.6.2.6 Start Measurement Commands (aM!) ............................ C-9

C.6.2.7 Start Concurrent Measurement Commands (aC!) .......... C-9

C.6.28 Start Measurement Commands with Cyclic

Redundancy Check (aMC! and aCC!) ...................... C-11

C.6.2.9 Stopping a Measurement Command ............................. C-11

C.6.2.10 Send Data Command (aD0! … aD9!) .......................... C-11

C.6.2.11 Continuous Measurement Command (aR0! … aR9!) .. C-12

C.6.2.12 Extended Commands .................................................... C-12

C.6.3 SDI-12 Transparent Mode....................................................... C-12

C.6.3.1 Changing an SDI-12 Address ....................................... C-13

C.6.4 References ............................................................................... C-13

D. Phoenix Contact Power Supply Specifications ... D-1

Figures

1-1. TB4 or TB4MM (left), CS700 (center), and CS700H (right)

Tipping Bucket Rain Gages ..............................................................1

5-1. CS700 Bucket Mechanism (housing not shown) .................................5

5-2. Phoenix Contact Power Supply ............................................................5

7-1. CS700H with Cables ............................................................................8

7-2. Phoenix Contact Power Supply ............................................................9

7-3. Typical Rain Gage Installation ........................................................... 11

7-4. CM300 Short Leg Pedestal Option (left) and J-Bolt Pedestal

Option ............................................................................................. 12

7-5. Transparent View of the TB4 (CS700 looks similar) ......................... 12

7-6. CM240 Mounting Bracket ................................................................. 13

ii

Table of Contents

Tables

8-1. TB4, TB4M, and CS700 Schematic ................................................... 13

8-2. CS700H Heater Operation ................................................................. 14

9-1. Main Components of the CS700 ........................................................ 16

9-2. TB4 Base ............................................................................................ 17

9-3. Dismantling the Filter/Siphon Assembly ........................................... 17

9-4. Filter/Siphon Assembly ...................................................................... 18

9-5. Reassembling the CS700 .................................................................... 19

C-1. Locations of the CS700H Heater Components ................................ C-1

C-2. Diagram Depicting Overall Operation ............................................. C-2

C-3. Diagram showing how the “Snow Run-On” timer controls the

heater. ........................................................................................... C-3

7-1. TB4, TB4MM, or CS700 Wire Color, Wire Function, and Data

Logger Connection ...........................................................................7

7-2. CS700H Sensor Cable Wire Color, Wire Function, and Data

Logger Connection ...........................................................................8

7-3. CS700H Power Cable Wire Color, Wire Function, and Power

Supply Connection ............................................................................8

C-1. CS700H Default Values ................................................................... C-1

C-2. Status LEDs ...................................................................................... C-4

C-3. Snow Sensor Power Options ............................................................ C-5

C-4. Operating Modes .............................................................................. C-5

C-5. Campbell Scientific Sensor SDI-12 Command and Response Set ... C-7

C-6. Example aM! Sequence .................................................................... C-9

C-7. Example aC! Sequence .................................................................. C-10

CRBasic Examples

B-1. CR6 Program Measuring the TB4 or CS700 .................................... B-1

B-2. CR1000X Program Using a Pulse Terminal to Measure the TB4

or CS700 ....................................................................................... B-2

B-3. CR1000X Program Using a Control Terminal to Measure the

TB4 or CS700 ............................................................................... B-3

B-4. CR6 Program Measuring the CS700H ............................................. B-4

B-5. CR1000X Program Measuring the CS700H .................................... B-5

B-6. CR1000X Program Measuring the CS700H and Monitoring

Heater............................................................................................ B-6

iii

NOTE

TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H
Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

1. Introduction

The TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H are tipping bucket rain gages that
funnel rain into a mechanism that tips when filled. The TB4, CS700, and
CS700H measure in 0.01-inch increments and the TB4MM measures in

0.2-mm increments. The TB4 and TB4MM have a lightweight plastic base, and
the CS700 and CS700H have a heavy-duty, cast-aluminum base (FIGURE

1-1). The CS700H is a heated rain gage for measuring the water content of

snow.

2. Precautions

FIGURE 1-1. TB4 or TB4MM (left), CS700 (center), and CS700H

(right) Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

This manual provides information only for CRBasic data loggers.
For retired Edlog data logger support, see an older manual at

www.campbellsci.com/old-manuals.

• READ AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the front of this

manual.

• The rain gages are precision instruments. Please handle them with care.

• Before using the rain gage, remove the rubber band and cardboard that

secures the tipping bucket assembly during shipping.

®

• The black outer jacket of the cable is Santoprene

was chosen for its resistance to temperature extremes, moisture, and UV

rubber. This compound

1

degradation. However, this jacket will support combustion in air. It is rated
as slow burning when tested according to U.L. 94 H.B. and will pass
FMVSS302. Local fire codes may preclude its use inside buildings.

• While assembling the CS700H, ensure that the coiled cable and the

neoprene jacket do not interfere with the tipping bucket mechanism when
placing the funnel on the base.

3. Initial Inspection

• Upon receipt of the tipping bucket rain gage, inspect the packaging and

contents for damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.
Immediately check package contents against the shipping documentation
(see Section 3.1, Ships With). Contact Campbell Scientific about any
discrepancies.

• The model number and cable length are printed on a label at the

connection end of the cable. Check this information against the shipping
documents to ensure the expected product and cable length are received.

3.1 Ships With

TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

4. QuickStart

The rain gages ship with:

(1) Allen wrench from original manufacturer

CS700H-AC version also ships with:

(1) Power supply and mounting hardware (Quint Power made by Phoenix
Contact)

A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:

www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-datalogger-getting-started-program­part-3. Short Cut is an easy way to program your data logger to measure the

rain gage and assign data logger wiring terminals. Short Cut is available as a
download on www.campbellsci.com. It is included in installations of
LoggerNet, PC200W, PC400, or RTDAQ.

The following procedure also describes programming with Short Cut.

1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.

2. Double-click the data logger model.

2

TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type TB4 or CS700. You can

also locate the sensor in the Sensors | Meteorological | Precipitation
folder. Double-click TB4/TB4MM or CS700 Rain Gauge. The units
defaults to millimeters, which can be changed by clicking the Rain box
and selecting one of the other options. The default rainfall per tip value of

0.01 inches should be used if the sensor is a TB4 or CS700 purchased at
Campbell Scientific (U.S. office). Select 0.2 mm if the sensor is a TB4MM
purchased at Campbell Scientific (U.S. office) or a TB4 or CS700
purchase at Campbell Scientific Canada.

4. Click on the Wiring tab to see how the sensor is to be wired to the data

logger. Click OK after wiring the sensor.

5. Repeat steps three and four for other sensors. Click Next.

3

TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, meaningful table names, and the

Data Output Storage Interval.

7. Select the output options.

5. Overview

8. Click Finish and save the program. Send the program to the data logger if

the data logger is connected to the computer.

9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor

in LoggerNet, PC400, RTDAQ, or PC200W to make sure it is making
reasonable measurements.

The TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H tipping bucket rain gages are
manufactured by HS Hyquest Solutions Pty. Ltd. and modified for use with
Campbell Scientific data loggers. These rain gages funnel precipitation into a
bucket mechanism that tips when filled to a calibrated level (FIGURE 5-1).
The tipping mechanism activates a reed switch. The switch closure is recorded

4

TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

Bucket Mechanism

by the data logger. When the bucket tips, the water drains out the screened
fittings in the base of the gage.

The rain gages are ideal for locations where intense rainfall events may occur.
They include a siphoning mechanism that allows the rain to flow at a steady
rate regardless of rainfall intensity. The siphon reduces typical rain bucket
errors and produces accurate measurements for up to 50 cm per hour.

FIGURE 5-1. CS700 Bucket Mechanism (housing not shown)

The CS700H has two power configuration options (either AC or DC) for
powering the heater. With the AC option, a Phoenix Contact Power Supply is
shipped with the CS700H (FIGURE 5-2). Appendix D, Phoenix Contact Power
Supply Specifications

(p. D-1), provides more information about this power

supply.

FIGURE 5-2. Phoenix Contact Power Supply

5

With the DC option, the CS700H is connected to a user-supplied battery. This
option is ideal for remote sites using wind or solar power to recharge the
battery. Battery capacity requirements vary according to the application and
site location.

5.1 Wind Screen

The 260-953 Alter-Type Wind Screen can be used with the rain gage to
minimize the effects of strong winds. Siting information and the installation
procedure for this wind screen is provided in our 260-953 manual.

6. Specifications

Features:

Orifice Diameter: 200 mm (7.87 in)

TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

• More accurate measurement of high-intensity precipitation

• High precision

• Compatible with Campbell Scientific CRBasic data loggers:

CR200(X) series (except CS700H), CR300 series (except CS700H),
CR6 series, CR800 series, CR1000, CR1000X, CR3000, CR5000,
and CR9000(X) (except CS700H)

Measurement Range: 0 to 700 mm/hr (0 to 27.6 in/hr)

Accuracy: ±2% @ < 250 mm/hr (9.8 in/hr);

±3% @ 250 to 500 mm/hr (9.8 to 19.7 in/hr)

Resolution

TB4, CS700, CS700H: 0.254 mm (0.01 in)
TB4MM: 0.2 mm (0.008 in)

Temperature Range
TB4, TB4MM, CS700: 0 to 70 °C
CS700H: –40 to 70 °C

Humidity: 0 to 100%

Contact: Dual Reed Switch

Drain Tube: Both filters accept 12 mm inner diameter

tubing

Siphon: 0.4 mm (12 ml) capacity of rainfall; made

from brass with a non-hydroscopic outer
case. The syphon can be dismantled for
routine cleaning and servicing.

Weight with 25-ft signal cable

TB4/TB4MM: 2 kg (4.4 lb)
CS700/CS700H: 3.3 kg (7.4 lb)

Height

TB4/TB4MM: 33 cm (13 in)
CS700/CS700H: 34.2 cm (13.5 in)

6

6.1 Heated Rain Gage

TABLE 7-1. TB4, TB4MM, or CS700 Wire Color, Wire Function,

⏚

⏚

⏚

NOTE

CAUTION

7. Installation

TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

Snow Sensor and Heater
Operating Temperature Range: –20 to 5 °C

Output: SDI-12

Voltage Requirements

Main Power: 10 to 30 VDC or 12 to 28 VAC
SDI-12 Power: 9.6 to 16 VDC

Total Current Consumption

Snow sensor off, heater off: 6 mA @ 12 V, 0.072 W
Snow sensor on, heater off: 12 mA @ 12 V, 0.144 W
Snow sensor on, heater on: 5.8 A @ 12 V, 70 W

Specifications for the power supply used for the –AC option is
provided in Appendix D, Phoenix Contact Power Supply
Specifications

If programming the data logger with Short Cut, skip Section 7.1, Wiring (p. 7),
and Section 7.2, Data Logger Programming
you. See Section 4, QuickStart

(p. D-1).

(p. 9). Short Cut does this work for

(p. 2), for a Short Cut tutorial.

7.1 Wiring

7.1.1 TB4, TB4M, or CS700 Connections

and Data Logger Connection

Data Logger

Wire

Color

Black Rain Signal

White

Clear Shield

1

U and C terminals are automatically configured by the measurement instruction.

7.1.2 CS700H Heated Rain Gage Connections

The CS700H will only communicate over SDI-12 when both
its sensor cable and power cable are connected.

Wire

Function

Rain Signal

Reference

Connections Using a

Pulse Terminal

P, P_SW, or U1

(Pulse Terminal)

(Analog Ground)

(Analog Ground)

Data Logger

Connections Using a

Control Terminal

C

(Control Terminal)

5 V

(Analog Ground)

The CS700H has both a sensor cable and a power cable (FIGURE 7-1).

7

TB4, TB4MM, CS700, and CS700H Tipping Bucket Rain Gages

TABLE 7-2. CS700H Sensor Cable Wire Color, Wire Function,

⏚

⏚

⏚

TABLE 7-3. CS700H Power Cable Wire Color,

Sensor Cable

Power Cable

FIGURE 7-1. CS700H with Cables

The sensor cable connects to the data logger (TABLE 7-2). The power cable
connects to the power supply (TABLE 7-3). FIGURE 7-2 shows the terminals
for connecting the power cable to the Phoenix Contact Power Supply.

and Data Logger Connection

Wire

Color

Wire

Function

Green SDI-12

Data Logger

Connections Using a

Pulse Terminal

Odd-numbered C or U

configured for SDI-12

1

Data Logger

Connections Using a

Control Terminal

Odd-numbered C or U1

configured for SDI-12

Red SDI-12 Power 12V 12V

Blue

Black Rain Signal

White

Clear Shield

1

U and C terminals are automatically configured by the measurement instruction.

2

When using a CR6 or CR1000X, a conflict occurs if the pulse measurement uses an
even C terminal that immediately follows the SDI-12 terminal. For example, if C1 is
used for the SDI-12 terminal, do not use C2 for the pulse terminal.

SDI-12 Power

Ground

Rain Signal

Reference

G G

P or U1

(Pulse Terminal)

(Analog Ground)

(Analog Ground)

C2

(Control Terminal)

5 V

(Analog Ground)

Wire Function, and Power Supply Connection

Wire Color Description Power Supply

Red +24 VDC +

Black Ground –

8