Rain Accumulation Calibrations Follow

A default calibration is used for haptic rain sensors in the Tempest and SKY devices. The haptic rain sensor detects and quantifies rain using vibration signals - not directly by volume or weight. There are many factors that can influence vibration signals. Each and every haptic sensor in the field is subject to unique external factors that can contribute to accumulation discrepancies, for example, mount materials, mast height, environment, wind, and turbulence can all affect the resulting rain accumulation readings. 

Haptic Rain Sensor Calibration

The haptic rain sensor can benefit from a manual field calibration more than other sensors due to the effects of mounting as well as device-to-device variability. Field calibration, based on reference data from known-good sources, can help improve accuracy of the haptic sensor readings. Before following the steps below, please ensure that your mount is sturdy and there are no external sources of vibration contributing to over-reporting accumulation. Calibration cannot fix the effects of an unstable mount or random vibrations caused by winds, birds, etc. If you think your device needs an adjustment, please follow the instructions below…

• I have a high quality, co-located rain gauge with quantitative data I can share.

The most successful method of calibration is to use accumulation readings from a known-good gauge located very close to the Tempest.

1. First, follow this link to register the co-located rain gauge you will be using for comparison data.
2. Once registered, follow this link to report individual rain events.
   • Reports should be submitted over a 24-hour period, from 12AM to 12AM local time.
   • More data from a larger sample size of rain events is preferred.
   • Use comparison data from at least several precipitation events with varying intensity for the best results.
3. Follow up with us after you think you have submitted enough reports for a calibration adjustment.

• I do not have access to another gauge. Can I still get a calibration adjustment?

Yes. We can often use data from other sources to help with calibration adjustments. Our support team has access to an array of data, however you should also share your knowledge on weather stations nearby that are reporting rain data online and we can review the data for use as an additional reference for calibration. Please contact us for assistance and let us know what other rain measurement source you're using for comparison.