Rain Gauge Retrofit

Current rain gauges store data in physical form, requiring an individual to laboriously convert data to electronic form so that it can be stored and analyzed by a computer. The rain gauge retrofit entails modifying current rain gauges throughout the northwest to store data in electronic form from the start, saving time and money for the US forest service.

Background
Why make a conversion for rain gauges?
 * Currently, each rain gauge requires an individual to laboriously convert data on a piece of paper to data in programs such as excel. There are many of these gauges throughout the world, and most still rely on the older designs utilizing paper rolls. Converting the initial data collection to electronic form could save on quite a bit of man-hours, allowing the forest service to use those man-hours elsewhere.

Current methods
 * There are many small variations in design, but they all work on one basic premise: physical movement of an actuator arm, combined with an internal tension spring. Calibration is relatively simple: the recording paper is marked to give reference numbers regarding rainfall in fractions of an inch, and the system is balanced using various sets of weights until the actuator arm accurately reflects real rainfall amount.

Deliverables
Working Retrofitted Rain Gauge

Development to date:


 * Transferring Displacement to Potentiometer
 * We have completed our final prototype of this system, found below in Project Learning


 * Potentiometer
 * We have bought, tested, and verified that our current potentiometer meets all specifications required by our project. Details can be found in Project Learning.


 * Data Logger
 * We have a datalogger that meets all our specifications, and is already configured with arduino software to give us real-time data on voltage and rainfall levels


 * Energy Storage
 * Preliminary analysis on energy needs has already been performed; batteries and support equipment have been acquired. Details can be found in the Project Learning section.


 * Electrical Component Housing Unit
 * The housing unit is in an ongoing, iterative process of improvement through 3D printing. Details of this system can be found below, in Project Learning.

3D modeled rain gauge with retrofit
 * In Project Learning we have the results of our 3D modeling, which clearly shows that plenty of room exists within current rain gauges for our retrofit design.

Data & control flow diagrams
 * Both of these diagrams are finished and can be seen in Project Learning.

Potentiometer & data logger calibrations
 * Calibration is performed using a switch located on the housing unit, and is done on-site.

User Manual
 * The user manual is currently composed of electrical and mechanical portions.
 * [[Media:manual.pdf|Electrical Engineering Manual]]
 * [[Media:2015_Rain_Gauge_Mechanical_Assembly_Manual.pdf|Mechanical Engineering Manual]]

Project Learning
Electrical Engineering


 * Noise Analysis
 * Noise analysis was performed on multiple potentiometers to determine viability.
 * [[Media:noise_analysis.pdf|Analysis and Report]]


 * Validating Rotary Potentiometer
 * Having selected the rotary potentiometer to move forward with design we needed to validate its range of operation and maximize the useable range.
 * [[Media:Validating_Potentiometer.pdf|Analysis and Report]]


 * Power Analysis
 * In order to select a usable power system the current of the system must be measured and minimized. Experiments were performed and future experiments are planned.
 * [[Media:current_draw.pdf|Analysis and Report]]


 * Operation/Control Diagrams
 * {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"


 * 2014_RainGauge_DFD.jpg
 * 2014_RainGauge_CFD.jpg
 * 2014_RainGauge_buttonCFD.jpg
 * }
 * [[Media:diagrams.pdf|Diagrams]]
 * [[Media:diagrams.pdf|Diagrams]]

Mechanical Engineering


 * Housing Unit Development
 * [[Media: 2015_Rain_Gauge_Initial_Housing_Unit.pdf|Initial Housing Unit]]
 * [[Media:2015_Rain_Gauge_Design_Iteration_2-12-2015.pdf|Design Iteration 2-12-2015]]
 * [[Media:2015_Rain_Gauge_Design_Iteration_2-26-15.pdf|Design Iteration 2-26-2015]]
 * [[Media:2015_Rain_Gauge_Design_Iteration_3-8-2015.pdf| Design Iteration 3-8-2015-2015]]
 * [[Media:2015_Rain_Gauge_Current_Housing_Unit.pdf|Current Housing Unit]]


 * Choosing the right box
 * After modifying a variety of off the shelf project boxes it was found 3D printing to be the best option. A cost analysis was performed to validate the printer purchase and printer selection.
 * [[Media:3dprinter.pdf|Cost analyis/ Final printer]]

Document Archive
[[Media:2015_Rain_Gauge_Contract.pdf|Rain Gauge Contract]] [[Media:2015_Rain_Gauge_design_review_slides.pdf|Rain Gauge Design Review Slides]]