DFRobot Gravity Tipping Bucket Rainfall Sensor - I2C & UART
The DFRobot Gravity Tipping Bucket Rainfall Sensor is a reliable and convenient tool designed for precise rainfall measurement in various applications.
Based on the tipping bucket rainfall principle, this rainfall measurement sensor provides accurate precipitation data in millimeters along with system operating time information.
What makes this sensor particularly effective is its thoughtful design - it contains no electronic components inside the measurement mechanism and features a hollow bottom that allows rainwater to automatically drain away.
These design choices significantly enhance the stability and sensitivity of the sensor, making it ideal for continuous outdoor monitoring in weather stations, environmental research, or agricultural applications.
This versatile tipping bucket rain gauge supports both I2C and UART data outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of popular platforms including micro:bit, Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi.
Setting up a complete rain monitoring system is straightforward thanks to the integrated easy-to-use Gravity interface and the provided ready-to-go libraries. The Arduino rainfall detector works by collecting rainwater through its top inlet, which then flows into the tipping bucket through a funnel.
When sufficient water accumulates, the bucket tips over, generating a pulse signal that allows the controller to calculate rainfall amount.
This reliable mechanism makes the sensor perfect for delivering high-quality rainfall data for weather station equipment setups, environmental monitoring stations, or smart farming applications.
Note: The signal adapter board is not waterproof. Do not expose the signal adapter board to rain.
Features
- Working voltage range of 3.3V to 5.5V DC for flexible power options.
- Low current consumption of less than 3mA for efficient operation.
- Precise measurement resolution of 0.28mm for accurate rainfall data.
- Wide operating temperature range from -40°C to 85°C for all-weather use.
- Tipping bucket size: 118mm × 59mm × 80mm for effective rain collection.
- Signal adapter board dimensions: 32mm × 37mm for compact installation.
- Includes rainfall sensor, signal adapter, and Gravity 4-pin connection cable.
Circuit Diagram of Gravity Tipping Bucket Rainfall Sensor and Arduino Uno