PreciBal - Weighing Principle Precipitation Gauge
KISTERS’ PreciBal is an innovative high-quality precipitation gauge using the weighing principle for measuring liquid, solid and mixed precipitation within a wide temperature range. It conforms to the most stringent requirements of the WMO. PreciBal is a low power device even during cold winter times by using anti-freeze agent to decrease the freezing point of collected water. The optional heating is controlled by a combination of temperature settings and solid precipitation events to avoid snow capping and ice accretion at extreme environmental conditions.
PreciBal achieves very high levels of accuracy by means of correcting the data to eliminate the influence of wind vibration, particles, unrealistic weight variations, evaporation, and temperature fluctuation. The result is outstanding measuring performance in terms of accuracy, long term calibration for real-time precipitation monitoring at entire intensity range up to 3000 mm/h.
The compact design allows for easy installation. Due to its low power consumption PreciBal is ideal for remote stations powered by battery or a small solar panel. Two different versions regarding the bucket orifice (200 / 314 cm2) and collecting size (1.500 / 1.000 mm) are available. Processed precipitation data (one-minute intensity, various cumulative precipitation data, weight, temperature) are available via serial interfaces and via the PreciBal app.
PreciBal with its solid state design without any moving part measures liquid and solid precipitation by its factory life time calibrated and adjusted load cell at highest standards and performance on accuracy and reliability. Low power consumption, low maintenance and high accuracy provide reduced operational costs, less staff deployment in the field, better data and high data availability.
In addition to KISTERS’ data loggers, PreciBal is compatible with other data loggers and ideal for deployment at new sites or expansion of precipitation monitoring networks.
MPS100 - Compact Sensor for Solar Radiation
Precise longterm measurements of the hemispherical radiation budget at earth surface provide fundamental insights to understand the changing climate system of the earth.
KISTERS’ innovative WeatherSens MPS100 sensor provides precise and maintenance-free measurement of solar radiation by photoelectric technology. The compact sensor is designed without any moving parts and with embedded electronic for highspeed signal processing and calculation in order to provide real-time radiation data.
WeatherSens MP - Compact Weather Sensors
The MP Series compact weather sensors are designed for robust and maintenance-free measurements in hydrology, meteorology and weather-critical applications where durability, precision and operations in different climatic conditions are required.
The compact devices allow for single or all-in-one measurements of up to 7 parameters such as:
WeatherSens WS - Compact Weather Sensors
The WS Series compact weather sensors are designed for reliable and maintenance-free measurements in hydrology, meteorology and weather-dependent applications where durability, precision and operations in different moderate climatic conditions and wind speed up to 45 m/s are required.
The compact devices allow for single or all-in-one measurements of up to 6 parameters such as
AR200 / WS200 - Compact Wind Sensors (Ultrasonic Anemometers)
HyQuest Solutions’ ultrasonic anemometers AR200 and WS200 provide precise and maintenance-free measurement of wind speed and wind direction. The compact devices are designed for applications in hydrology, meteorology and other weather-dependent applications where durability, precision and operations in different moderate climatic conditions are required.
The sensors are designed and developed with corrosion-resistant durable materials and with a solid structure. They are maintenance-free with no moving parts, light-weight and cost-effective for durable measuring performance. The devices are easy to use, install and integrate into 3rd party systems.
The sensors have been tested and approved against following environment conditions:
TB3 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
KISTERS TB3 is a high-quality tipping bucket rain gauge for measuring rainfall and precipitation in urban and rural locations. Due to the integrated syphon, the gauge delivers high levels of accuracy across a broad range of rainfall intensities. With the optional heater the TB3 is the ideal device for cold climates.
By TB3’s tried and proven design long-term, accurate and repeatable results are provided. It is manufactured from high quality, durable materials providing long-term stability in the harshest of environments. It consists of a robust powder-coated aluminium enclosure, an aluminium base, and stainless steel finger filter and fasteners.
TB3 provides a finger filter that prevents the collector catch area from blocking when leaves, bird droppings and other debris find their way into the catch.
The TB3’s base incorporates two water outlets at the bottom allowing for water collection and data verification.
Maintenance of the TB3 is easy, because removal of the outer enclosure and access to the tipping bucket mechanism and finger filter assembly is made easy with quick release fasteners.
Output options
TB3 includes a dual output 24 V DC reed switch allowing for output redundancy or the addition of a second data logger. The second output could also be used for connecting KISTERS current meter counter CMCbt paired with the free FCD application that allow for easy and accurate field calibration even in noisy (urban) environments. The reed switch incorporates varistor protection against surges that may be induced on long, inappropriately shielded signal cables.
TB4 Series II Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
KISTERS’ TB4 Series II is a high-quality tipping bucket rain gauge for measuring rainfall in urban and rural locations. Due to the integrated syphon, the gauge delivers high levels of accuracy across a broad range of rainfall intensities.
By TB4 Series II’s tried and proven design long-term, accurate and repeatable results are provided. It is manufactured from high quality, durable materials providing long-term stability in the harshest of environments. It consists of a robust powder-coated aluminium enclosure, a UV-resistant ASA polymer base, a teflon bucket, and stainless steel fasteners and finger filter.
TB4 Series II provides a finger filter that prevents the collector catch area from blocking when leaves, bird droppings and other debris find their way into the catch.
The base incorporates two water outlets at the bottom allowing for water collection and data verification.
Maintenance of the TB4 Series II is easy, because removal of the outer enclosure and access to the tipping bucket mechanism and finger filter assembly is made easy with quick release fasteners. The new more spacious enclosure makes maintenance even easier.
Output options
TB4 Series II includes a dual output 24 V DC reed switch allowing for output redundancy or the addition of a second data logger. The second output could also be used for connecting KISTERS’ Bluetooth pulse counter CMCbt paired with the free FCD application that allow for easy and accurate field calibration even in noisy (urban) environments. The reed switch incorporates varistor protection against surges that may be induced on long, inappropriately shielded signal cables.
RainTrak
KISTERS RainTrak is a proven product line offering a fully autonomous and integrated All-In-One Rain Gauging and Reporting Station. The complete package is delivered with all elements needed for easy and fast installation and ready to operate within minutes from deployment on any given site. Simply add a valid SIM card to enable network connection and off you go!
RainBal - Weighing Principle Self-Emptying Rain Gauge
KISTERS' RainBal is a rain gauge that combines the highly accurate weighing principle with a self-emptying bucket mechanism. Equipped with a load cell, purpose built electronics and dedicated firmware, the rain gauge reliably delivers accurate high-resolution real-time data.
RainBal combines the advantages of weighing rain gauges and tipping bucket rain gauges while avoiding their disadvantages (like clogging, intensity and resolution issues of tipping bucket rain gauges, and overflooding or manual drain-off issues and massive weight and dimension of totalizator weighing gauges). Regarding the bucket orifice different versions are available (200 and 314 cm2).
RainBal meets the requirements of the WMO guidelines. Via serial interfaces and via the RainBal app one-minute intensity and cumulative rain are available.
RainBal is designed for easy installation and low-maintenance: large aperture to provide inflow, load cell and simple mechanical design. The advanced high-resolution load cell turns the Rainbal into a balance determining rain mass rather than volume achieving a higher accuracy. Due to its low power consumption RainBal is ideal for remote stations powered by battery or a small solar panel.
RainBal achieves very high levels of accuracy by means of correcting the data to eliminate the influence of wind vibration, particles, unrealistic weight variations, evaporation, and temperature fluctuation.
Low power consumption, low maintenance and high accuracy in a self-emptying device provide reduced operational costs, less staff deployment in the field, better data and high data availability. In addition to our KISTERS data loggers, RainBal is compatible with other data loggers and ideal for setup and expansion of rainfall measurement networks.
TB7 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
TB7 is a new generation high-quality tipping bucket rain gauge for measuring rainfall and precipitation in remote and unattended locations when used in conjunction with the Undercover data logger (see flip side) or a smart communication module. TB7 is a reliable ‘low cost’ device with a very good accuracy across a broad range of rainfall intensities.
By TB7’s tried and proven design long-term, accurate and repeatable results are provided. It is manufactured from high quality, durable materials providing long-term stability in the harshest of environments. Enclosure and base consists of robust UV-resistant ASA polymer, and fasteners and filter are made of stainless steel.
TB7 provides a finger filter that prevents the collector catch area from blocking when leaves, bird droppings and other debris find their way into the catch.
The TB7’s base incorporates two water outlets at the bottom allowing for water collection and data verification.
Maintenance of the TB7 is easy, because removal of the outer enclosure and access to the tipping bucket mechanism and finger filter assembly is made easy with quick release fasteners.
TB305 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
The HyQuest Solutions Tipping Bucket Rain gauge Model TB305 is recognised as the world standard for measuring rainfall and precipitation in remote and unattended locations.
Each unit consists of a collector funnel with leaf filter, an integrated syphon control mechanism, an outer enclosure with quick release fasteners, and base which houses the tipping bucket mechanism. The unit includes dual output reed switches with varistor protection as well as dual rainfall discharge outlets for water collection and/or analysis
TB3H Heater for Tipping Bucket Rain Gauges
KISTERS’ 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.
FCD Portable Field Calibration Device
KISTERS’ Field Calibration Device FCD checks rain gauges in the field for accuracy. The portable lightweight device effectively enables field technicians to run functional tests and verifications of any rain gauge in the field. The use of FCD saves time and money, because the tipping bucket rain gauges can remain fixed in their location without the need for dismantling and transport and with very short downtimes for calibration only. FCD checks whether a rain gauge is providing accurate readings: It discharges a certain volume of water into the rain gauge collector. Then, the number of tips has to be counted and checked with the calibration specifications (included). The tips generated when emptying the FCD water volume can be counted
Please note: Data loggers, FCD-App and further useful accessories are available from KISTERS.
KISTERS’ TB340A utilizes load cell technology in order to dispense water by mass for increased repeatability. It is integrated with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and can calibrate up to two tipping bucket rain gauges at a time.
TB340A Lab Tipping Bucket Calibration Rig & Test Bench
KISTERS’ TB340A is a fully automated laboratory calibration and test bench for a wide selection of tipping bucket rain gauges differing in type, make, shape and size. Thoughtful system design, quality hardware components and professional software development provide the reliability and overall quality of the TB340A. The autonomous calibration bench is software controlled and thereby allows for fast, well documented and repeatable testing, and does not require particular user attendance.
Load-cell technology makes the system less vulnerable to ambient influences: Water is delivered by mass (635 g) rather than volume, resulting in high accuracy and repeatability between test runs.
Hardware
The TB340A is a laboratory device. Two tipping bucket rain gauges can be calibrated simultaneously. The height-adjustable platform accommodates different shapes and sizes of rain gauges, with or without the funnel assembly attached. An external control software supervises the built-in controller (Modbus-RTU compliant) to run rain gauge functional tests and calibrations. For instance, the software can instruct the controller to activate one out of five solenoid valves (fitted as standard with 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 mm/hr intensity nozzles). This allows the operator to select from 31 different intensity combinations covering a wide range of calibration standards.
Software
The TB340A’s Windows control software runs on standard PC hardware. By means of automating the entire test runs and thus reducing user interaction, the control software optimizes throughput. Better yet, the software controls multiple TB340A test benches daisy-chained on a serial RS-485 link via Modbus-RTU protocol.
The software controls the functional test/calibration runs regulating water supply, collecting and analyzing data, comparing results against specs and generating a detailed report. A campaign can consist of a single or a series of test runs, for instance to calibrate the gauge at different rain rates. For each individual test, the software stores the tip counts as it progresses. It will then compare the test data to the specified performance of the tipping bucket rain gauge and finally generate a report on successful completion of a test.
SRG Standard Rain Gauge
KISTERS’ standard rain gauge SRG is recognised as the standard for non-recording type rain gauges. The SRG base, rim and enclosure assembly is constructed from corrosion resistant powder-coated aluminium. The SRG is supplied with a plastic measuring cylinder with a capacity to hold 20 mm of rainfall. The overflow of rain is collected by the internal rain gauge collector which can store a volume equivalent to 300 mm of rainfall.
It is recommended that the gauge is read daily at a fixed time (preferably 9:00 am) and recorded. The reading is taken by simply lifting the catch from the gauge, allowing access to both the collector and rain measuring cylinder. The rainfall for the previous daily period can be read (at eye level) directly from the graduations on the measuring cylinder.
In the event of heavy rainfall where more than 20 mm of rain has fallen, the rain measure will overflow into the collector. To measure this large amount of rainfall it is simply a matter of pouring from the collector into the rain measuring cylinder and totaling the amounts.
EP Class A Evaporation Pan
The Class A Evaporation Pan is a standard device for manual measurement of evaporation (Australian Bureau of Meteorology Class A type). The pan represents an open body of water: It is filled with water and exposed on a flat plateau. The evaporation rate is calculated by the change in level of the free water surface (daily manual readings) and the recorded rainfall (in millimetres). Data can be calculated for any period required for estimation of evaporation and evapotranspiration rates.
Installation
The pan is normally installed above the ground level on a wooden pallet set (provided) on flat ground to ensure air can freely circulate under the pan. The location should not be adversely affected by shade and free from surrounding obstructions such as trees, buildings, shrubs or instrument shelters. The pan should not be placed directly upon a concrete slab or asphalt. Above that it has to be ensured that water does not enter the pan from the surrounding ground during wet weather events. A fix point gauge (a cylinder with a base that sits in the pan) helps to fill the pan to the required water level which is indicated by a stainless steel pointer (part of the gauge).
HyQuant L - Water Level Radar Sensor
HyQuant L, KISTERS’ state-of-the-art non-contact water level radar sensor, operates on a 60 GHz V-Band FMCW* radar technology. It offers superior resolution and accuracy, with reduced power consumption, all at an appealing price point.
Compact design
Compact design The sensor’s exceptional compactness enables effortless and swift installations. Its discrete design further deters vandalism and enables flexible and easy installations in various support structures such as bridges and booms located in narrow and wide water bodies, urban and remote applications.
Measurement ranges
Designed for hydrological applications, the sensor is available in two ranges:
HyQuant L20:
0.10 … 20 m (0.32 … 65.61 ft)
HyQuant L50:
0.15 … 50 m (0.49 … 164.04 ft)
Optional upgradability to L+V or Q
Upgrade to the level and velocity radar HyQuant L+V or to the discharge radar sensor HyQuant Q, without uninstalling or returning the instrument, purchasing additional sensors and/or adapting the housing.
This radar system seamlessly adapts to varied monitoring environments, thanks to adjustable filter settings easily customizable via an intuitive wizard-driven interface.
HyQuant L gives customers access to non-contact technology without requiring radar expertise or compromising on size, features or performance.
*FMCW: Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave
HyQuant L+V - All in One, Level & Velocity Radar Sensor
HyQuant L+V is KISTERS’ state-of-the-art 60 GHz V-band FMCW* water level & Doppler water velocity radar, with top-tier radar electronics and radar-on-chip technology, offering advantages such as:
Simultaneous data acquisition
Simultaneous level & surface velocity data crucial for stream discharge calculation.
Compact design
Weighing merely 1.15 kg (2.54 lb), the HyQuant L+V is the smallest of its kind. Its discrete design deters vandalism and enables flexible and easy installations in various support structures like bridges and booms, in narrow and wide water bodies, and in urban and remote applications.
Dual antenna setup
Uses carefully designed separate antenna pairs for level and velocity measurements. The required beam inclination for V is realised by design. This simplifies sensor positioning, needing only parallel mounting for optimal placement.
All-in-one solution
Eliminates the need for extra housings for independent sensors.
Optional upgrade to Q
Upgrade to discharge calculation without technical modifications.
Small antennas, short wavelength and optimised beam width provide high resolution and accuracy across the measurement range. The user adjustable filter settings allows adaptation to diverse monitoring scenarios.
HyQuant L+V gives customers access to non-contact technology based on the radar-on-chip technology, without requiring radar expertise or compromising on size, features or performance.
*FMCW: Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave
WLR 8/15/30 - Radar Level Sensor for Water and Waves
KISTERS’ WLR 8/15/30 is a highly accurate radar level sensor that measures the distance from the sensor to the surface. It uses advanced 80 GHz radar technology to provide accurate and stable measurements. Using contactless technology for measurement of level of fluids and solids provides many advantages over traditional methods due to simple installation, low power consumption and minimal to no maintenance.
The WLR 8/15/30 is the ideal radar sensor for hydrological, oceanographic and other environmental monitoring applications demanding contactless measurement of water levels or wave sizes. Low power consumption, multiple supported communication interfaces, and compatibility with KISTERS’ dataloggers allow users to quickly and effortlessly integrate the WLR 8/15/30 into new or existing applications.
WLR is available with 10 Hz measurement sample rate in 3 models that differ in the detection distance 8 m, 15 m or 30 m.
When compared to ultrasonic sensors for level measurement, radar technology provides advantage in precision, as the changes in air temperature which affect the quality of ultrasound measurements do not affect radar measurements.
The WLR 8/15/30 can be easily upgraded. For advanced applications, custom designed logic and detection can be programmed for specific measurement tasks and processes.
IP Groundwater Logger / IP Tube Logger
iLevel-GW is an IP data logger designed for very low power data acquisition of level and temperature in groundwater and surface waters. The system can be easily expanded into a multi-channel monitoring device by adding optional sensors for water quality monitoring. By default, an iLevel-GW comes with a coupled water level and water temperature sensor.The vented pressure sensors auto-compensate for atmospheric pressure and temperature variations providing a corrected reading at all times.
The iLevel-GW is a low-power and durable device (made from stainless steel and ABS) operating unattended for very long periods on batteries. It is equipped with highly precise yet robust high-tech electronics. Its dimensions are optimized for insertion into standard 2” boreholes (adapters for larger boreholes and mounting clamps available).
The iLevel-GW is equipped with a battery-operated autonomous IP data logger. The integrated data modem reports to the KISTERS datasphere application.
Operation
The iLevel-GW is equipped with a mobile radio modem (4G LTE-M/2G).
The device is perfectly suitable for battery operation: Low power components, innovative firmware, hibernation between samples and data transmissions, and the efficient M2M data protocol all contribute to saving battery power. The iLevel-GW monitors battery, storage, transfers, internal temperature and humidity, and signal strength to enable remote diagnostics. For preventive maintenance, these self-diagnostic parameters can trigger alarm SMS or emails.
HS23 Dry Bubble Unit
KISTERS’ dry bubble unit HS23 is a standard component of a ‘constant bubble’ type gas purge system. The HS23 provides a constant flow of gas (e.g. dry nitrogen or dried air) through a small diameter conduit (river line) to an opening submerged in the water body (orifice).
Changes in water level are detected by a dry pressure sensor connected to the HS23 by measuring the pressure head of gas bubbling from the orifice.
The HS23 is a reliable and maintenance free method for accurate sensing of water level. It provides a constant differential pressure (3-5 psi) above the pressure head at the orifice. This constant differential pressure maintains a constant bubble rate through the gas tube throughout all water level regimes.
The system incorporates a regulator valve for setting the bubble rate. This eliminates the need of sight glass and oil reservoir. The unit is pre-calibrated at the factory.