>                 One rain measuring method we studied in a Physical Geography
>         class I took once is called the tipping bucket gauge.

We've got a couple of these here even simpler.

Just a small piece of tin pipe (100mm) cut in half (length wise). In the
center, is a piece of metal that divides the two halves. This all pivots
about it's center point on a pin. A small metal extension extends up
from the bucket pivot point where a small magnet is attached. Each time
one side of the bucket assembly fills it over balances, falls towards
the heavy end and empties that side. The process continues with the
opposite side filling. As the bucket assembly oscillates, the magnet
passes a nearby reed switch momentarily closing the contacts.


I had this idea simmering at the back of my head for a while now, and
was wondering if a piezo sensor could be used to detect rain drops
hitting it, or a surface attached to it. I thought it may make a rain
detector for an automatic windscreen wiper.

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Best regards

Tony

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