HyQuest Solutions TB3 Instruction Manual

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

TIPPING BUCKET RAINGAUGE

MODEL TB3

QUALITY SYSTEM

ISO:9001

CERTIFIED

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 110-01 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

TableofContents

I. GENERAL ......................................................................................................................... 3

II. UNPACKING YOUR TB3 RAINGAUGE ....................................................................... 3

III. SPECIFICATION ........................................................................................................... 4

IV. INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................... 5

V. TEST OPERATION .......................................................................................................... 6

VI. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................... 7

VII. ELECTRICAL ................................................................................................................ 9

VIII. CALIBRATION .......................................................................................................... 9

IX. TB3 PART LIST .......................................................................................................... 10

TB3 Base Part List ........................................................................................................... 11

TB3 Bucket Part List ....................................................................................................... 12

Syphon Part List ............................................................................................................... 13

Filter Part List .................................................................................................................. 14

Enclosure Part List ........................................................................................................... 15

XI. FIELD CALIBRATION DEVICE ............................................................................... 16

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-02 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

TIPPING BUCKET RAINGAUGE MODEL TB3

I. GENERAL

The Hyquest Solutions Tipping Bucket Raingauge (TB3) is recognised as the standard for
measuring rainfall and precipitation in remote and unattended locations. The TB3 raingauge
operates on the tipping bucket principle, and can be supplied with two types of bucket
assemblies; Painted Metal (Brass) or Chrome Plated ABS (Plastic). A receiver of 200mm
diameter collects the rainfall, which then flows through the Stainless Steel Catch Filter into
the Syphon Mechanism before being passed into the tipping bucket measuring system. One
tip of the bucket will occur when the calibrated resolution of precipitation is collected (either

0.2, 0.5, 1.0mm or 0.01 inch). When the bucket tips, it will pass the encapsulated Dual Reed
Switch assembly that detects these events and produces a momentary contact closure signal
for:

 logging into our of precipitation Rainfall Data Logger, Model ML1-FL

 telemetered rainfall systems such as the RainTrak, Model, Model RT-

3G

 displayed on our Total Rainfall Display (TRD).

II. UNPACKING YOUR TB3 RAINGAUGE

 This package should contain:
 TB3 Rain gauge
 TB311/5 5 metre connecting lead
 M4 Allen Key

Please verify you have received these items and that the Tipping Bucket Raingauge
resolution is as ordered.

To prepare the Tipping Bucket Raingauge for installation:

 lift the unit from the carton and place on secure surface

 remove polythene bag

 loosen the three enclosure securing screws and back them off until

screw head is clear of the enclosure.

 lift the enclosure from the gauge

 carefully remove the elastic band that secures the bucket assembly

during transit.

Your Tipping Bucket Raingauge is now ready for installation.

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-03 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

III. SPECIFICATION

Receiver: 200 mm + 0.3 diameter heavy duty cast aluminium, Powder coated.

Resolution:

one tip at 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mm or 0.01 inch of rainfall.

Maximum Intensity: 700 mm / hr.

Calibration accuracy:

TB3 bucket capacity Range Accuracy

0.1mm

0.5mm & 1.0 mm

Long term stable calibration.

Humidity: 0 to 100 %

Temperature:

Contact sy

stem: dual reed switches encapsulated with varister protection.

- Max Capacity:

- Resistance:

- M.T.B.F:

- 20 to +70

24 Volts (0.5 amp max.)
Initial contact resistance 0.1 OHMS

8

10

to 109 Operations

o

, 0.2mm, 0.01”,

C

0-250 mm

/hr + 2 %

250-500 mm/hr + 3 %

Syphon: 0.4 mm (12 ml) capacity of rainfall - made from Brass with a non

hydroscopic outer body. The syphon can be dismantled for routine cleaning
and servicing.

Bucket: Two types of bucket assemblies available; synthetic ceramic coated Brass

bucket, balanced to +/- 0.05 gms, and injection moulded, chrome plated, non­hydroscopic ABS plastic, UV stabilised, balanced to +/- 0.05gms.

Dieca

Base:

st aluminium.

Level: bulls eye level adhered to aluminium base.

Mounting holes: three 10 x 20 mm slotted holes with 234 to 254 PCD cast in feet attached to

outside diameter of base.

Drain fittings: to attach 12.5 mm inside diameter tubing, to catch rainfall after passing

through buckets.

Pivots:

ground

Sapphire Pivots with tough 316g stainless steel shaft.

Insect covers: stainless steel mesh on all openings to prevent insects and ants entering

gauge.

Outer enclosure: keyed to enable the release of the outer enclosure without the need for the

removal of the three securing screws.

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-04 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

Height: 330 mm

Weight: 3 kg

Packed Dimensions: 24cm L x 24cm W x 42cm H x 5 kg (0.03m

IV. INSTALLATION

M6 Bolt

2 x M6 Nuts

2x Stainless Steel
M6 Washer

2 x Plastic Washers

DIAGRAM 1

Important Notice:

3

)

The 6 plastic washers are supplied with each rain gauge for the following reasons:

1- Avoid scratching the paint on the base and expose the base to an external harsh and

corrosive environment.

2- Avoid the stainless steel bolt and washers from damaging the paint on the aluminium

base and creating galvanic corrosion between stainless steel and aluminium.

Please note:

Stainless Steel bolts and nuts are part of the Mounting Plate Part No. TB334. This part is
supplied as an accessory and not part of the rain gauge kit.

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-05 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

i. Site Selection

Rainfall measurements are intended to be representative of the actual rain falling on a given
area. Some of the more important factors which influence the representativeness of a gauge
are as follows:

 Site the gauge on level ground where possible. Avoid sloping sites.
 Site should have adequate protection from strong winds.
 Site should be free of large obstructions such as buildings and trees.
 Provide suitable ground surface to avoid splashing into the gauge.

ii. Setting up

 Install the gauge on the foundation. A suggested foundation is detailed

in Diagram 1.

 Loosen the three enclosure securing screws and the enclosure.
 The gauge is provided with a level. Proceed to level by adjusting the

hold down anchors as required.

 Connect lead to the raingauge terminals, in accordance with Diagram

3, and to the recording device, in accordance with manufacturer’s
instruction manual.



V. TEST OPERATION

 Manually tip the bucket a number of times, ensuring that each tip is

being recorded and that the tilting mechanism is operating freely.

 Replace and secure the enclosure.

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-06 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

VI. MAINTENANCE

The only routine maintenance required is cleaning. The following items should be checked
regularly for cleanliness:

 Catch filter
 Syphon (refer diagram 2)
 Interior of bucket
 Ensure Rain Gauge is level using the bubble level fitted to the base
 Enclosure locking screws - lightly lubricate after cleaning
 All insect screens

i. Dismantle Details

(a) Unscrew nut
(b) Lightly press stem down on surface until stem pops out of syphon body.
(c) Remove stem from syphon body.
(d) Unscrew cap
(e) Clean all items

Do not twist
while pushing &
pulling

To dismantle the Filter & Syphon
Assembly. Push filter and pull
syphon at the same time. Do not
twist.

Push Filter

Pull
Syphon

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HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

1- Filter Cover ____Part No. TB410-01

2- Filter Screen ____Part No. TB410-02

3- Stem Cap ______Part No. TB309-03

4- Stem __________Part No. TB309-02

5- O Ring _________Part No. SC024-23

6- Syphon Body ____Part No. TB412-01

7- Brass Nut _______Part No. SC008-38

DIAGRAM 2

ii. Assembly Details

(a) Screw cap on stem. Finger tight only.
(b) Push stem into syphon body.
(c) Replace nut and tighten. Do not over tighten.

To re-assemble push the
filter/syphon assembly
back in place. Do not twist

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-08 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

VII. ELECTRICAL

Dual reed switches are provided for several reasons:

 Two isolated switches permit the control of two separate circuits; e.g. a

local counter and a telemetry circuit.

 Parallel connection of both switches increases the current carrying

capacity of the contact system if required.

 Parallel switch operation confers a degree of redundancy in locations

where data from the raingauge is critical to flood warning etc.

Mounting Holes

Switch ‘1’

Voltage free closure reed switch

VIII. CALIBRATION

Switch ‘2’

All gauges have been calibrated by Hyquest Solutions Pty Limited prior to despatch.

The following products and services are available from Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd.:

 Field Calibration Device, Model FCD, for routine field check calibrations,

supplied with operating instruction sheet.

 Laboratory Calibration Unit, Model TB340, for calibration after servicing in

workshops, supplied with operating manual.

 Recalibration Service at Hyquest Solutions’ factory.

Please contact either Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd or our local distributor for further
information.

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-09 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

IX. TB3 PART LIST

Chrome Plated

ABS Plastic

UV Stabilised

Brass
Metal
Bucket

Note:

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

The TB3 Raingauge can be ordered either with a Synthetic Ceramic
Coated Brass bucket or Chrome Plated, injection moulded, non­hydroscopic, UV Stabilised ABS plastic bucket.

Raingauge

Raingauge Description

Part No.

TB3/0.2/M Tipping Bucket Raingauge, bucket capacity 0.2mm,

bucket type synthetic ceramic coated brass

TB3/0.01/M Tipping Bucket Raingauge, bucket capacity 0.01inch,

bucket type synthetic ceramic coated brass

TB3/0.5/M Tipping Bucket Raingauge, bucket capacity 0.5mm,

bucket type synthetic ceramic coated brass

TB3/1.0/M Tipping Bucket Raingauge, bucket capacity 1.0mm,

bucket type synthetic ceramic coated brass

TB3/0.2/P Tipping Bucket Raingauge, bucket capacity 0.2mm,

bucket type chrome plated injection moulded non
hydroscopic plastic ABS UV Stabilised

TB3/0.01/P Tipping Bucket Raingauge, bucket capacity 0.01inch,

bucket t
hydroscopic plastic ABS UV Stabilised

TB3/0.5/P Tipping Bucket Raingauge, bucket capacity 0.5mm,

bucket type chrome plated injection moulded non
hydroscopic plastic ABS UV Stabilised

ype chrome plated injection moulded non

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-010 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

Q

TB3 Base Part List

Item3.
Part no.: TB301-03
Descript: Insect Screen
Quantity: 2

Item4.
Part no.: SC040-16
Descript: Grommet
Quantity: 1

Item9.
Part no.: TB307
Descript: Reed Switch Assembly
Quantity

: 1

Item5.
Part no.: TB301-02
Descript: Insect Screen
Quantity: 2

Item6.
Part no.: TB301-05
Descript: Pivot Screw & Nut
Quantity: 2

Item15.
Part no.: SC045-02
Descript: Reed Switch Screw
Quantity: 2

Item12.
Part no.: SC023-09
Descript: Bullseye Level
Quantity: 1

Item8.
Part no.: (See next page)
Descript: Bucket Assembly
Quantity: 1

Item7.
Part no.: TB312
Descript: Adjusting Screw
Quantity: 2

Item11.
Part no.: SC008-24
Descript: Locknut
Quantity: 2

Item1.
Part no.: TB301-01
Descript: Base

uantity: 1

Item14.
Part no.: SC040-38
Descript: Cap Plug
Quantity: 2

Item13.
Part no.: SC045-21
Descript: Enclosure Screw
Quantity: 3

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-011 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

TB3 Bucket Part List

Item17:

Part no: TB304
Descript: Bucket (0.2mm, 0.01”)
or
Part no: TB305
Descript: Bucket (0.5mm)
or
Part no: TB306
Descript: Bucket (1.0mm)

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

Quantity: 1

Item17a:

Part no: TB304/0.2P
Descript: Bucket (0.2mm, 0.01”)
or
Part no: TB305/0.5P
Descript: Bucket (0.5mm)

Quantity: 1

Metal Bucket

OR

Item18:
Part no: TB304-03
Descript: Bucket Axle
Quantity: 1

Item18:
Part no: TB304-03
Descript: Bucket Axle
Quantity: 1

ABS UV

Stabilised

Plastic Bucket

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-012 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

Syphon Part List

Item19:
Part no.: TB309-03
Descript: Stem Cap
Quantity: 1

Item20:
Part no.: TB309-02
Descript: Stem
Quantity: 1

Item21:
Part no.: SC024-23
Descript: O’ Ring
Quantity: 1

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

Item22:
Part no.: TB412-01
Descript: Syphon Body
Quantity: 1

Syphon Assembly
Part no.: TB412
Quantity: 1

Item23:
Part no.: SC008-38
Descript: Nut
Quantity: 1

Note:
This Syphon is used for TB3 0.2mm, 0.5 mm
and 0.01” capacity rain gauges

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-013 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

Item21a:
Part no.: SC024-23
Descript: O’ Ring
Quantity: 1

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

Item22a:
Part no.: TB409-02
Descript: Syphon Body
Quantity: 1

Note:
This Syphon is used for TB3 1.0mm capacity
rain gauge

Filter Part List

Item24:
Part no.: TB410-02
Descript: Filter Screen
Quantity: 1

Item25:
Part no.: TB410-01
Descript: Filter Cover
Quantity: 1

Filter Assembly TB410

Quantity: 1

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-014 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

Enclosure Part List

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

Funnel

Screw

Item26:
Part no.: TB337
Descript: Enclosure Assembly
Quantity: 1

Part no. Description Quantity

TB337-01 Funnel 1
TB337-02 Enclosure 1
TB418-06 Vent 1
SC022-72 Screw 3

Vent

Enclosure

TB337 breakdown assembly

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 100-015 Issue 12: 29/7/2014

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

N

XI. FIELD CALIBRATION DEVICE

F.

OPEN VALVE

TO COMMENCE

DISCHARGE

E.

CAREFULLY INSERT

THE DISPENSER INTO

THE THREE LEGGED

ADAPTOR

B.

REMOVE NOZZLE

INSTRUCTION FOR TIPPING BUCKET

RAINGAUGE FCD FIELD CALIBRATOR

C.

VALVE MUST

BE SHUT

C.

VALVE MUST

OMINAL DISPENSER

D.

FILL DIPENSER TO

(ANTICLOCKWISE ROTATION)

OVERFLOWING

CAPACITY= 653 MLS

BE SHUT

CALIBRATION

40.4

20.2

100.9

203 MM (8) CATCH

103.9

200 MM CATCH

79.4

41.6

20.8

81.8

APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENTS

IF THE OBSERVED RESULTS ARE UNACCEPTABLE THEN

REFER TO THE RAINGAUGE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR

A.

POSITION THE THREE

LEGGED ADAPTOR ON

THE RIM OF THE

THEORETICAL NUMBER OF TIPS

0.2 MM

0.5 MM

1.0 MM

BUCKET SIZE

AS SOON AS THE TAP IS OPENED, THE CONTENTS

(653MLS) WILL COMMENCE FLOWING INTO THE RAINGAUGE

CATCH AT A RATE EQUIVALENT TO 100 MM 0F RAINFALL

PER HOUR. THIS TABLE DISPLAYS THE THEORETICAL NUMBER

OF BUCKET TIPS THAT SHOULD BE ACHIEVED.

RAINGAUGE

0.01 INCH

Tipping Bucket Raingauge TB3 110-016 Issue 12:
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