HyQuest Solutions’ tipping bucket heater TB3H is a thermostatically controlled heating element, that raises the temperature of the interior of the rain gauge, funnel and catch to avoid the freezing of the gauge in cold climates with subsequent loss of precipitation records.
TB3H has been designed for use with the TB3 tipping bucket rain gauge (has to be ordered separately). TB3H is integrated with the TB3 device at the factory and delivered fully installed, ready to use, no settings required.
Heater control: automatic or external
Automatic control: TB3H is supplied set to automatic control, i.e. it monitors ambient temperature and operates the heater automatically. The automatic control logic: Heater on when ambient temperature drops below +4 °C. Heater off when temperature rises above +5 °C. No heating below -20 °C and above +5 °C to conserve power.
External Control: If an external system like a full weather station monitors ambient temperature and snowfall, and is allowed to control the tipping bucket heaters directly, the TB3H has an external control mode whereby the external controlling system can actually turn the heating elements on and off.
Fully automated operation
Thermostatically controlled
Additional external temperature sensor
Neoprene sheath for enclosure minimizes heat dissipation
Funnel heated to melt snow
Base heated to avoid freezing of tipping bucket mechanics
SDI-12 interface for configuration, monitoring and control
Temperature Ranges -
Ambient: -40 to +70 °C (-40 to +158 °F)
Heater operating parameters between -20 to +5 °C (-4 to 41 °F)