AcuRite Rain Gauge Instruction Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on your new AcuRite product. To ensure the best possible product performance, please read this manual in its entirety and retain it for future reference.

Unpacking Instructions

Remove the protective film that is applied to the LCD screen prior to using this product. Locate the tab and peel off to remove. Remove packing materials from inside of the rain gauge.

Package Contents

• Display
• Rain Gauge
• Instruction Manual

Product Registration

IMPORTANT: PRODUCT MUST BE REGISTERED TO RECEIVE WARRANTY SERVICE. Register online to receive 1 year warranty protection at www.AcuRite.com.

Features & Benefits: Rain Gauge

The rain gauge unit features the following components:

1. Rain Gauge Cover

Protects the internal components.

2. Rain Gauge Tipping Cups

Collects and empties rain for continuous rain measurement.

3. Battery Compartment & Electronics Box

Houses the batteries and electronic components.

4. Rain Gauge Base

The foundation for the rain gauge unit.

5. A-B-C Switch

An ID code that must match the display's A-B-C switch to ensure units synchronize.

Features & Benefits: Display

The display unit shows rainfall data and settings:

1. [Button]

Press to manually toggle between rainfall readings for TODAY, YESTERDAY, 7 DAYS, or by MONTH. Press and hold to automatically toggle between readings for TODAY, YESTERDAY, and 7 DAYS.

2. Date

Displays the current date.

3. Display Low Battery Indicator

Indicates when the display unit's batteries are low.

4. Clock

Displays the current time.

5. Year-To-Date Rainfall Total

Shows the cumulative rainfall for the year.

6. ? Icon

Indicates rainfall readings are in auto-cycle mode.

7. Rainfall Total

Displays rainfall for the time range indicated above.

8. Rain Gauge Signal Strength

Indicates the strength of the wireless connection to the rain gauge.

9. Month-To-Date Rainfall Total

Shows the cumulative rainfall for the current month.

10. Rain Gauge Low Battery Indicator

Indicates when the rain gauge unit's batteries are low.

11. ? Icon

Indicates a rain alert has been set.

12. Rain Alert Value

The threshold for the rain alarm. The alarm will sound if the value is exceeded for today's rainfall.

13. Integrated Hang Hole

For easy wall mounting.

14. [Up Arrow] and [Down Arrow] Buttons

Used for setup preferences and to adjust the rain alert value.

15. SET Button

Used for setup preferences.

16. Battery Compartment

Houses the display unit's batteries.

17. A-B-C Switch

Used for setup preferences to synchronize units.

18. Battery Compartment Cover

(Not shown)

Setup: Rain Gauge

Install or Replace Batteries

AcuRite recommends high-quality alkaline batteries for the best product performance. Heavy-duty or rechargeable batteries are not recommended.

1. Separate the rain gauge cover from the base by gently squeezing the tabs and pulling the cover upwards.
2. Remove the battery box by squeezing the two tabs on each end together.
3. Remove and discard the cardboard rain gauge stabilizer.
4. Insert 2 x AA batteries into the battery compartment as shown. Follow the polarity (+/-) diagram in the battery compartment.
5. Securely place the battery box back into the rain gauge base.
6. Securely re-attach the rain gauge cover onto the rain gauge base.

Set the A-B-C Switch

Locate the A-B-C switch inside the battery compartment. Set the A-B-C switch to A, B, or C. You must select the same letter choices for both the rain gauge and the display in order for the units to synchronize.

A-B-C Switch: Set to match display: [A B C]

Setup: Display

Set the A-B-C Switch

Locate the A-B-C switch inside the battery compartment. Set the A-B-C switch to A, B, or C. You must select the same letter choices for both the display and the rain gauge in order for the units to synchronize.

A-B-C Switch: Set to match rain gauge: [A B C]

Install or Replace Batteries

1. Remove the battery compartment cover.
2. Insert 3 x AAA alkaline batteries into the battery compartment, as shown. Follow the polarity (+/-) diagram in the battery compartment.
3. Replace the battery cover.

Battery Disposal Note: Please dispose of old or defective batteries in an environmentally safe way and in accordance with your local laws and regulations. Follow battery safety guidelines regarding cleaning contacts, removing batteries for extended storage, proper polarity, prompt removal of dead batteries, and avoiding mixing battery types or short-circuiting terminals.

Set the Time, Date & Units

This rain gauge is equipped with historical data and alarms that require accurate time and date settings to function properly. It is important to set the time, date, and units before using the rain gauge.

Press and release the "SET" button to enter SET MODE. Once in set mode, the preference you are currently setting will blink on the display. To adjust the currently selected (flashing) item, press and release the [left arrow] or [right arrow] button (press and HOLD to fast adjust). To save your adjustments, press and release the "SET" button again to adjust the next preference. The preference set order is as follows:

• CLOCK HOUR (note AM/PM indicators)
• CLOCK MINUTE
• CALENDAR MONTH
• CALENDAR DATE
• CALENDAR YEAR
• UNITS (INCH or MM)

You will automatically exit SET MODE if no buttons are pressed for 8 seconds. Enter SET MODE at any time by pressing the "SET" button.

Placement for Maximum Accuracy

AcuRite sensors are sensitive to surrounding environmental conditions. Proper placement of both the display and rain gauge are critical to the accuracy and performance of this product.

Display Placement

Place the display in a dry area free of dirt and dust. The display stands upright for tabletop use or is wall-mountable.

Important Placement Guidelines

• Display and rain gauge must be within 100 ft (30 m) of each other.
• To maximize wireless range and communication, install the rain gauge at least 3 ft (0.9 m) above ground. Place both the display and the rain gauge away from large metallic items, thick walls, metal surfaces, or other objects that may limit wireless communication.
• To prevent wireless interference, place both units at least 3 ft (0.9 m) away from electronic devices (TV, computer, microwave, radio, etc.).

Visual representation: A diagram shows a TV and the AcuRite display unit positioned at least 3 feet apart. Another diagram shows the rain gauge placed outdoors, away from obstructions, with a note indicating a maximum wireless range of 100 feet (30 meters).

Rain Gauge Installation

• To ensure accurate rain measurement, the rain gauge MUST be placed on a flat, level surface.
• Ensure the rain gauge is not placed in a low spot that could become flooded or in an area where there are obstructions above it.

Visual representation: Diagrams show correct placement (flat surface, clear area) and incorrect placement (flooded area, obstructed view).

1. Separate the rain gauge cover from the rain gauge base.
2. Locate the two holes on the rain gauge base.
3. Fasten the rain gauge base to a sturdy surface, like a deck railing or a fence post, with screws (included) using hand tools. (Power tools may slip during installation, causing damage to the rain gauge.)

Setup is Complete: The rain gauge will now synchronize with the display. It may take a few minutes for synchronization to complete. Please refer to the troubleshooting section of this manual if anything appears to be functioning improperly.

Operation

Using the Rain Gauge

Rainfall Records

Press and release the [button] on the front of the display to cycle through historical rainfall records. Records order as follows:

• TODAY (resets at midnight)
• YESTERDAY
• 7 DAYS
• MONTH (up to previous 13 months)
• YEAR

After 3 seconds of inactivity, the display will exit records mode. View records at any time by pressing the [button].

Rain Alarm

By default, the display's rain alert is set to OFF. To set the alarm value, use the [down arrow] and [up arrow] buttons on the back of the display to select the parameter for rainfall. Choose from a selection of rain accumulation thresholds.

When a rain alert has been activated, an audible alarm will sound and the display will flash the rainfall value. Press any button to silence the alarm. Disable the alarm at any time by pressing the [button] until the alert value shows "OFF".

Troubleshooting

If your AcuRite product does not operate properly after trying the troubleshooting steps, visit www.AcuRite.com or email support@chaney-inst.com for assistance.

Calibration

Calibrate the Rain Gauge

The rain gauge can be calibrated to improve accuracy.

Items Needed: rain gauge, display, plastic cup, pin, screw driver

1. First, place the rain gauge on a level surface.
2. Place the display close by so you can monitor it during calibration.
3. Make a pin hole in the bottom of a plastic cup. Hold the cup over the rain gauge and fill it with exactly 1 cup (8 oz.) of water, allowing the water to slowly drip into the rain gauge. You should hear the internal cups tipping and see the water drain through the rain gauge.
4. A few seconds after each cup tip, the display will show rainfall in approximately 0.01" (0.2 mm) or more increments.
5. The cup of water should take more than 20 minutes to empty; a quicker period will result in an inaccurate calibration. Try to simulate a normal steady rainfall. When the cup is empty of water, the display should register 1.68" (42.67 mm).

Tips

• There should be nearly an equal number of water drops between cup tips. If not, then adjust the calibration screws beneath the tipping lever until an equal number of water drops are tipping the cups. Then, restart the calibration procedure.
• If you don't hear the cups tipping and see water dripping alternately out of each drain, there may be an issue with the rain gauge or its adjustment.

Adjustment

If the rain gauge doesn't register close to 1.68" (42.67 mm) after the cup is empty, make an EQUAL adjustment to the two calibration screws, located beneath the tipping cups. Turn screws counter-clockwise to increase rainfall; turn screws clockwise to decrease rainfall.

• To adjust the rainfall reading by 2%, turn both screws 1/4 of a turn.
• To adjust the rainfall reading by 4%, turn both screws 1/2 of a turn.
• To adjust the rainfall reading by 8%, turn both screws 1 full turn.

Visual representation: A diagram shows the collecting cup and two calibration screws, with labels indicating "Increase Rainfall" and "Decrease Rainfall" for each screw.

Care & Maintenance

Display Care

Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use caustic cleaners or abrasives. Keep away from dust, dirt, and moisture. Clean ventilation ports regularly with a gentle puff of air.

Rain Gauge Care

Clean with a soft damp cloth. Do not use caustic cleaners or abrasives that could mar the polished surface of the rain collector or tipping cups. If the rain gauge becomes dirty, rain water may not flow correctly through the rain collector. Some environmental conditions may require more frequent, periodic cleaning of the rain gauge. After a cleaning, it is recommended to apply a small amount of liquid water repellent (found in the automotive section) to the tipping cups and collector funnel for optimal rain collection.

The rain gauge cannot be used in the winter during freezing temperatures. Water expands when it freezes. If any water is left within the unit during a freeze, it can crack the plastic and permanently damage the unit.

Specifications

FCC Information

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may NOT cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

NOTE: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Customer Support & Warranty

Customer Support

AcuRite customer support is committed to providing you with best-in-class service. For assistance, please have the model number of this product available and contact us in any of the following ways:

• Email: support@chaney-inst.com
• Visit us: www.AcuRite.com
• Installation Videos
• Instruction Manuals
• Register your Product
• Submit Feedback & Ideas
• Replacement Parts

Product Registration

IMPORTANT: PRODUCT MUST BE REGISTERED TO RECEIVE WARRANTY SERVICE. Register online to receive 1 year warranty protection at www.AcuRite.com.

Limited 1-Year Warranty

AcuRite is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chaney Instrument Company. For purchases of AcuRite products, AcuRite provides the benefits and services set forth herein. For purchases of Chaney products, Chaney provides the benefits and services set forth herein.

We warrant that all products we manufacture under this warranty are of good material and workmanship and, when properly installed and operated, will be free of defects for a period of one year from the date of purchase.

Any product which, under normal use and service, is proven to breach the warranty contained herein within ONE YEAR from date of sale will, upon examination by us, and at our sole option, be repaired or replaced by us. Transportation costs and charges for returned goods shall be paid for by the purchaser. We hereby disclaim all responsibility for such transportation costs and charges. This warranty will not be breached, and we will give no credit for products which have received normal wear and tear not affecting the functionality of the product, been damaged (including by acts of nature), tampered, abused, improperly installed, or repaired or altered by others than our authorized representatives.

Remedy for breach of this warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the defective item(s). If we determine that repair or replacement is not feasible, we may, at our option, refund the amount of the original purchase price.

THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED WARRANTY IS THE SOLE WARRANTY FOR THE PRODUCTS AND IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THE EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

We expressly disclaim all liability for special, consequential, or incidental damages, whether arising in tort or by contract from any breach of this warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

We further disclaim liability from personal injury relating to our products to the extent permitted by law. By acceptance of any of our products, the purchaser assumes all liability for the consequences arising from their use or misuse. No person, firm, or corporation is authorized to bind us to any other obligation or liability in connection with the sale of our products. Furthermore, no person, firm, or corporation is authorized to modify or waive the terms of this warranty unless done in writing and signed by a duly authorized agent of ours.

In no case shall our liability for any claim relating to our products, your purchase, or your use thereof, exceed the original purchase price paid for the product.

Applicability of Policy

This Return, Refund, and Warranty Policy applies only to purchases made in the United States and Canada. For purchases made in a country other than the United States or Canada, please consult the policies applicable to the country in which you made your purchase.

Additionally, this Policy applies only to the original purchaser of our products. We cannot and do not offer any return, refund, or warranty services if you buy products used or from resale sites such as eBay or Craigslist.

Governing Law

This Return, Refund, and Warranty Policy is governed by the laws of the United States and the State of Wisconsin. Any dispute relating to this Policy shall be brought exclusively in the federal or State courts having jurisdiction in Walworth County, Wisconsin; and purchaser consents to jurisdiction within the State of Wisconsin.

Other AcuRite Products

AcuRite offers an extensive assortment of precision instruments, designed to provide you with information you can depend on to Plan your day with confidence™.

Featured products include:

• Weather Stations
• Temperature & Humidity
• Weather Alert Radio
• Kitchen Thermometers & Timers
• Clocks

Visit www.AcuRite.com for more information.

Printed in China. Model 02446 INST 062019.

© Chaney Instrument Co. All rights reserved. AcuRite is a registered trademark of the Chaney Instrument Co., Lake Geneva, WI 53147. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. AcuRite uses patented technology. Visit www.AcuRite.com/patents for details.