Topic: Ambient Weather WS-5000 rain gauge under reading.

[looney2ns]

I have suspected the WH40E raingauge in my system is under reporting tips.

Today we had 0.35" as measured by my Cocorahs manual rain gauge.
But the weather station only reports 0.04".

Until recently the WH40E and the Cocorahs gauge always matched amounts very well.

I have had the funnel off looking for something that is preventing the tipping spoon from tipping, but I don't see anything.

Does this work by the typical magnet on the tipping spoon tripping a reed switch as it pass's by?

If so, can the reed switch be replaced?

Battery shows ok on Ambient network, but can a low battery affect the tips?
Thanks.

[Gyvate]

the WH40 can underread when strong rainfall is involved - and even more when this rainfall is accompanied by stronger winds - there will be quite a loss from splashing due to the very flat funnel and its low rim.
Therefore a rim extension is recommended.
see https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#wh40
https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#accessories

if you are into tinkering, that reed switch should be a common piece to find and to replace
it's not offered as a replacement item though

[looney2ns]

Thanks for the quick reply, I've had very little underread caused by heavy rain over the past two yrs.

This latest rain what I would class as gentle,  so dont think splash out is the culprit.

[Rover1822]

One thing to look at is debris under the tipping bucket. You can't see that top down.

What has happened in my environment , is that debris builds up under the bucket , with enough "sticky" factor that the bucket does not return to its normal position, in effect , stuck.. not reporting.

Other things I have run into, is that the axle through rod , and little plastic assembly will stick on occasion. This can be cured by a little lubricant , I use a small spray of silicone (wet), and that seems to work

[looney2ns]

the WH40 can underread when strong rainfall is involved - and even more when this rainfall is accompanied by stronger winds - there will be quite a loss from splashing due to the very flat funnel and its low rim.
Therefore a rim extension is recommended.
see https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#wh40
https://meshka.eu/Ecowitt/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start#accessories

if you are into tinkering, that reed switch should be a common piece to find and to replace
it's not offered as a replacement item though

Is someone making this rim extension for folks to order?
I don't have a 3d printer.

[Gyvate]

I didn't have one either. But there are 3D print services available online.
I had it printed and posted to me.
You choose your colour and print material - they print and post.
The print file can be downloaded from the WiKi
Its format is understood by all printing programs.