Another DIY Modification to the WH1080 Raingauge

[Red Sky]

Having pondered the suitability of the out-of-the-box WH1080 rain gauge (see this thread), I decided to modify it to incorporate an ordinary domestic funnel with approximately the same catchment area (55cm2). The mounting is made from Slaters plastikard, and is a simple interference fit over the original Smart Weather item so that I can easily pull it off when necessary for spider eviction purposes. A second horizontal face inside the new box holds the funnel steady (though it's also secured with a bead of Evo-Stik). The tip of the funnel is directly over the aperture in the original gauge. It looks a bit rough and ready but seems to work well enough, as it registered a fall of rain this morning. I've attached a picture so that you get the idea.

Rain Gauge DIY Modification.jpg

[6719jason]

Very goood - I like the above....

I have also been thinking....now bear with me for this... what about using the funnel type device you get for putting Salt into the Dishwasher?

Just a thought.

Jason

[Gina]

I'm going up a size on mine - from about 7in to 10in diameter. That will improve my rainfall resolution to about 0.05mm - twice what I have now. I've ordered this one :-

Screenshot-4a.png

I decided against the 12in one as a bit too big.

[6719jason]

Fantastic Gina

Thinking of giving the dishwasher funnel a try sometime, we happen to have another laying around.
Maybe use a paint pot or something similar to you Gina to keep everything in place?

[Gina]

How big is your dishwasher funnel Jason? We have a dishwasher but can't remember if it came with a funnel. If it did the funnel has disappeared long since

I'll post a photo when I've got the new funnel and put it in place.

[wd40]

. . . the funnel type device you get for putting Salt into the Dishwasher?

Jason

Curious question.

Y'all put salt in your dishwasher? Is salt the same as dishwasher powder as we call it in the USA. And why do you need a funnel? We have a place to add a liquid additive to prevent spotting on glass. I wonder if that is the same as adding salt?
Interesting difference.
Randy

[mcrossley]

I've ordered this one :-

Screenshot-4a.png

I love the sellers name

[Gina]

I love the sellers name

Absolutely

Dishwasher salt is/was added to prevent scaling by the lime in hard water. We are in a soft water area so don't need it. Also, this is often included in dishwasher tablets or powder nowadays so again, extra "salt" isn't needed.

[6719jason]

Yup, we add salt and dishwasher liquid.

Here are some photos of the dispenser and rain gauge.

Photo0099.jpg

Photo0100.jpg

[6719jason]

Here we go, all fixed into place - photos attached.
Close Up

Photo0101.jpg

Blurry Photo

Photo0102.jpg

[Gina]

Looks like your rain gauge top has collected some muck like mine though mine is more brown. The insides are quite dirty with a brown deposit. Or rather, they were. Been giving it a spring clean.

[6719jason]

Looks like your rain gauge top has collected some muck like mine though mine is more brown. The insides are quite dirty with a brown deposit. Or rather, they were. Been giving it a spring clean.

Hehe indeed, I shall have to give mine a clean soon.

From what you can see Gina, does it look okay? Or does it need some more modding?

[Gina]

That looks alright Jason. Should be a big improvement on the original. You can correct for the larger catchment area in Cumulus (as has been mentioned before). And, not having seen the underside of your setup, you may need to think about keeping insects out. As you may have read, I found lots of ants in mine. I've suffered from spiders and their webs too in the past

[Gina]

The funnel came this morning Now that was FAST! Ordered yesterday and came by Royal Mail today. Great service, so they'll be getting the full five stars from me in the feedback

[6719jason]

That looks alright Jason. Should be a big improvement on the original. You can correct for the larger catchment area in Cumulus (as has been mentioned before). And, not having seen the underside of your setup, you may need to think about keeping insects out. As you may have read, I found lots of ants in mine. I've suffered from spiders and their webs too in the past

Thank you Gina I shall take a look through the forum to try and correct Cumulus to allow for the larger collection area.
I have filled the sides of the setup with plastic carrier bags and then sealed the bottom of the unit with a removeable plastic piece - a drainage hole has been cut for the Bucket.
This I hope will keep out the creepy crawlies and its been topped off with a coat of Paint, another which will be added later. I have not painted the funnel as I dont want to cause any water to stick to the funnel, so that has remained as per it was, though its now been cleaned.

Photo's below:

Photo0103.jpg

Photo0104.jpg

Excellent to hear Gina, look forward to seeing the pics