Rain gauge with tipping bucket

Automatic rain gauges typically use a tipping bucket, also called a rocker. When a certain weight is reached, the bucket tilts downward and empties. The amount of precipitation can be calculated from the number of tilts. The tilts are electrically detected by a fixed reed switch. The tipping bucket has a two-part measuring chamber. This ensures that no raindrops are lost during the actual tipping process. Tipping buckets with a resolution of 0.1 to 0.5 mm are common. Tipping buckets with a resolution of > 1.0 mm are also available for special applications.