Compact Analysis

Perfect picks for your needs

  • Weather Station
  • Guides
    • Anemometer
    • Barometers
    • Lightning Detector
    • Outdoor Thermometers
    • Rain Gauges
    • Weather Radio
  • Product Reviews
    • Anemometer
    • Barometers
    • Lightning Detector
    • Outdoor Thermometers
    • Rain Gauges
    • Weather Radio
  • Tip and Tricks
    • Anemometer
    • Barometers
    • Lightning Detector
    • Outdoor Thermometers
    • Rain Gauges
    • Weather Radio
  • Accessories
  • FAQ
You are here: Home / Tip and Tricks / Step-by-Step Guideline for Building a Rain Gauge

Step-by-Step Guideline for Building a Rain Gauge

12/31/2016 by Owen Leave a Comment

step by step guideline for building a rain gauge

Measuring the rain is very important for most industries. It is the reason you would get that many people would choose to have their own rain gauge so that they can keep up with the rainfall patterns. It is even believed that the rain gauge is among the oldest weather instruments to have ever been created. The importance of measuring rainfall has many applications in our world today. Farmers could use such information when it comes to learning as when would be the appropriate time to plant their seeds. The same information would be used by engineers who are looking to design storm-resistant building and bridges.

That is not all, you could still have your own rain gauge at home for various reasons. If you are thinking of ending up with a great rain gauge, then you will have to make one. The best part is that the materials needed are quite easy to source from a store close to you. This could be a great project that can be done with your kids too as a way of helping them learn more about the weather.

What you will need

  • Clear cylindrical container
  • Soda bottle – 2 liter
  • Pebbles
  • Ruler or tape measure
  • Scissors
  • Waterproof sharpie

Procedure

Quick Navigation
Step 1: Find a clear container
Step 2: Making your own container
Step 3: Making the container heavier
Step 4: Marking the scale on the container

Step 1: Find a clear container

find a clear container

The first step would be finding the right collecting container for your rain gauge. Always make sure that it is a cylindrical container. The shape of the container is important in terms of calculation and measurements. Having a container with a wider top than the bottom will make it harder on the calculations and measurements. As for the material, you can opt for the glass or plastic, any could work. The desired height of the container should be at least 12 inches.


Step 2: Making your own container

making your own container

Source: www.wikihow.com

Sometimes you might have trouble finding the perfect container for your rain gauge. It is time to improvise and get the best container from what you have been using before. This time, opt for a soda bottle. Use a 2-liter bottle so that you get more of the uniform cylindrical part. Using a pair of scissors, cut off the narrower top part to remain with a uniform cylinder below.


Step 3: Making the container heavier

making the container heavier

Whenever it is raining, you will get that there is also wind and other debris that might knock off the rain gauge. You would need to make sure that the rain gauge can withstand such conditions. This calls for using the pebbles now as mentioned in the requirements for the build. Fill your container with the pebbles to about one inch from the bottom. Such a height of pebbles should be enough to give it a steady standing.

Now, proceed to fill the container with water to a starting level. You can also keep the starting level of the water about an inch after the pebbles. With the starting level set, you will now start creating your scale from there. Make sure that your rocks or marbles used in the container do not absorb the water as they will always end up causing an error in the reading.


Step 4: Marking the scale on the container

marking the scale on the container

With your waterproof sharpie, proceed to inscribe a scale on the container. This is where the ruler or measuring tape comes in to be useful. Hold it against the container so that you can start making the markings. From the current level of water, that should be your zero. Make sure that the scale is clear so that you can later on know the exact level of the water.

You have successfully made a rain gauge and it is ready to be placed outdoors. You have to place the rain gauge on a level and open ground. The level ground will ensure that the gauge does not easily tip over. In the open field, it means that there are no obstructions that could affect the accuracy of the rain gauge.

Measuring the rain should be easy as you can see. Within just a few steps, we have been able to make a great rain gauge. The remaining part is for you to go and try it out for yourself. These steps are easy to understand and follow, so it should not be hard at all.


Related Posts:

How to Build a School Weather Station for Kids
Read More 
Best Types of Anemometer to Buy Today
Read More 
Weather Stations for Kids
Read More 

Filed Under: Tip and Tricks, Weather Station Accessories Tagged With: weather station

Previous article: Ambient Weather WS-1002-WiFi Observer Weather Station Review
Next article: Tips for Predicting the Weather without a Weather Forecast

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Best Home Weather Station 2019: Perfect picks for your needs
  • Top Rated
  • Recent Review

Popular Post

  • Pick the best Weather Station Mounting Ideas Pick the best Weather Station Mounting Ideas under Tip and Tricks
  • Best Types of Anemometer to Buy Today Best Types of Anemometer to Buy Today under Weather Station Accessories
  • How to Build a School Weather Station for Kids How to Build a School Weather Station for Kids under Tip and Tricks
  • Step-by-Step Guideline for Building a Rain Gauge Step-by-Step Guideline for Building a Rain Gauge under Tip and Tricks, Weather Station Accessories
  • Tips for Mounting an Outdoor Weather Station Tips for Mounting an Outdoor Weather Station under Tip and Tricks
  • Best IP Cameras to Use for Weather Tracking Best IP Cameras to Use for Weather Tracking under Weather Station Accessories
  • Top 5 Acurite Weather Station Products Top 5 Acurite Weather Station Products under Buying Guides

Best By Brand

The Ultimate Weather Alert Radio Buying Guide

The Ultimate Weather Alert Radio Buying Guide

Recent Post

  • Learn your Outdoor temperature with this Temperature Gauge
    In Outdoor Thermometers, Tip and Tricks
  • acurite weather stationTop 5 Acurite Weather Station Products
    In Buying Guides
  • weather station mounting solutionsWeather Station Mounting Solutions and Aspects to consider
    In Tip and Tricks
  • Weather Stations AccuracyWeather Station Accuracy
    In Buying Guides
  • weather stations for farmersWeather Stations for Farmers
    In Buying Guides
  • how to build a school weather station for kidsHow to Build a School Weather Station for Kids
    In Tip and Tricks
  • weather station instructions for ground level mountingWeather Station Instructions for Ground Level Mounting
    In Tip and Tricks

Compact Analysis Website

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

© 2023 · Compact Analysis · Perfect picks for your needs

Compact Analysis is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Compact Analysis
  • Weather Station
  • Guides
    • Anemometer
    • Barometers
    • Lightning Detector
    • Outdoor Thermometers
    • Rain Gauges
    • Weather Radio
  • Product Reviews
    • Anemometer
    • Barometers
    • Lightning Detector
    • Outdoor Thermometers
    • Rain Gauges
    • Weather Radio
  • Tip and Tricks
    • Anemometer
    • Barometers
    • Lightning Detector
    • Outdoor Thermometers
    • Rain Gauges
    • Weather Radio
  • Accessories
  • FAQ