Precipitation Wetness Help and Understanding

Without precipitation this page has no meaning and all parameters will read zero.


This data is from a Davis Vantage Pro Instrument

0=Dry Conditions with no precipitation   15=Precipitation is occurring or wet condition.

Data is for today starting at midnight - 24 Hour Time used


The wetness sensor is being used as a Precipation Duration Times sensor in past 24 Hrs. A small wood box was built under the leaf wetness sensor grid containing two 15 watt bulbs as a small heat source. This heat source is controlled by a dimmer switch according to the seasonal temperatures at about 20°F above the dew point.The heat prevents condensation of dew on the number two Leaf Wetness Sensor so it only detects the beginning of precipitation whether it be snow or rain. Then if the precipitation stops the heat source will soon dry the liquid and determine the end time of the precipitation and the ending period. This instrument is good to check the timing of a sprinkle or shower during the night that was too little to be measured by the rain gauge but lasted at least 5 minutes.
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