260-2101 Rain Logger


Rain Logger	Sample Software Screen

The 260-2101 Rain Logger is an inexpensive event data logger that connects to standard tipping bucket rain gauges to provide detailed rainfall history. The data can be useful in a wide range of fields such as agriculture, forestry, hydrology, and climatology.

This compact unit in a weatherproof case records the date and time of each bucket tip, along with the accumulated totals. Manual recording of rain gauge data is eliminated by this convenient unit, saving time and ensuring that critical readings are not missed. The data is stored in nonvolatile EEPROM memory that retains collected data even if the battery fails.

The 8000 tip/event capacity can record up to 80" of rainfall between readouts at 0.01" per tip. A red light blinks every two seconds when the unit is logging. Each tip/event is logged with resolution down to 0.5 second. A lithium battery provides approximately one year of continuous use and is easily replaced by the user. The unit can be mounted inside or outside the rain gauge housing (avoid direct sunlight).

For start up and readout, the 260-2101 connects easily to your PC using the 260-2101SK PC Starter Kit. The starter kit includes the software program, a serial interface cable, and a manual for software operation. The cable connects to an available 9-pin serial port on your PC. A portable data transfer unit is also available to download data from up to 60 rain loggers.

Programmable features include:

Delayed start - The starting date and time can be programmed to begin recording up to three months after the logger is initialized.
Wrap around when full - The logger can be programmed to stop recording when the memory is full, or to wrap around and overwrite the oldest data.
Debounce/lockout - The logger has a lockout feature that enables it to ignore events for a programmable period of time after an event is recorded. For use with tipping bucket rain gauges, we recommend setting the lockout to one second to eliminate switch bounce.

The software lets you readout recorded data, view it in tabular and graphical formats, or export it for use with other programs such as Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets. The data includes date and time stamp, plus the logger's start and stop times. The software also synchronizes logger and data transfer unit clocks to computer clock and checks battery status.

Specifications

Event type: Relay contact opening (rain gauge tip)
Event resolution: 0.5 seconds
Minimum event duration: 20 microseconds
Operating temperature: -20° to +70°C (-4° to +158°F)
Timekeeping accuracy: ±1 minute per week at 20°C
Capacity: 8000 events
Battery: CR-2032 lithium
Case: NEMA-type weatherproof enclosure
Size: 4.3" x 3.5" x 1.8" (108 x 89 x 44 mm)
Weight/shipping: 3.3 oz/1 lb

Minimum system requirements: Pentium or better processor running Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP. Must have one available serial port.

Ordering Information

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