Step 1: Prepare Silicone Strips and Zip Ties

Insert a Stainless Steel Zip Tie into the Silicone Strips. Ensure that all the holes on the Silicone Strips, where the Stainless Steel Spikes will be inserted, are facing the same direction.

Diagram Description (Figure 1): A close-up view shows a zip tie being threaded through the rectangular holes of a silicone strip. An arrow indicates the direction of insertion, and text labels the hole as "hole for metal spike".

Step 2: Form the Spike Ring

Create a circle using the prepared silicone strips and zip ties. Insert the pointed end of the Stainless Steel Zip Tie into its self-locking clip. <strong>DO NOT FULLY TIGHTEN.</strong> Leave some slack for adjustment in a later step.

Diagram Description (Figure 2): A linear segment of a silicone strip with a zip tie threaded through it is shown, with an arrow indicating direction.

Diagram Description (Figure 3): Two circular arrangements are shown. The first depicts the silicone strips and zip ties forming a circle with visible slack in the zip ties. The second shows the circle tightened. Text emphasizes ensuring holes face upwards and not fully tightening the zip ties until Step 4.

Step 3: Position the Spike Ring

Place the formed circle over the rain gauge funnel. Ensure the holes in the silicone strips are facing upwards.

Diagram Description (Figure 4): The assembled spike ring is shown being placed onto the top rim of a rain gauge funnel. Text indicates that the holes should be facing up.

Step 4: Tighten the Zip Ties

Using needle-nose pliers, firmly grip the tip of the Stainless Steel Zip Tie that is protruding through the locking clip. Tighten the zip tie around the funnel by rotating the pliers. Grip the zip tie firmly between the pliers and rotate away from the locking clip. For a funnel with spikes facing up and the zip tie pointing right, rotate your wrist clockwise.

Diagram Description (Figure 5): An illustration shows needle-nose pliers gripping the end of a zip tie attached to the silicone strip on the funnel. Arrows indicate the direction of rotation for tightening.

Diagram Description (Figure 6): A close-up image shows the pliers tightening the zip tie around the funnel's edge, engaging the locking mechanism.

Step 5: Insert Stainless Steel Spikes

Place the Stainless Steel Spikes into each corresponding hole on the Silicone Strip.

Diagram Description (Figure 7): The rain gauge funnel is shown with the spike assembly attached, featuring all stainless steel spikes pointing vertically upwards.

Step 6: Bend the Spikes

Using pliers, bend the Stainless Steel Spikes over the opening of the rain funnel. This action prevents birds from nesting inside the funnel. Apply pressure to the silicone strip while bending to prevent the spikes from tearing the material.

Diagram Description (Figure 8): Pliers are shown bending a stainless steel spike downwards over the edge of the rain gauge funnel.

Alternate Spike Bending Method

This method uses a combination square for precise 45-degree bending.

Required Tools:

• Combination Square
• Pliers
• Pencil

1. Remove the ruler from the combination square.
2. Mark a 1-inch point on the handle of the combination square using a pencil.
3. Follow the procedure:
   • Align one end of the bird spike with the pencil mark on the combination square handle.
   • Clamp the bird spike securely against the handle of the combination square.
   • Bend the free end of the spike against the handle to achieve a perfect 45-degree angle.

Diagram Description (Alternate Method): Images illustrate the use of a combination square. One shows a combination square with a ruler. Another shows the ruler removed. A detailed diagram shows a spike being aligned with a 1-inch mark on the square's handle, clamped, and then bent to a 45-degree angle, with numbered steps and labels.

Diagram Description (Finished Product): A close-up image shows a single spike bent to the correct 45-degree angle.

Step 7: Install on Sensor Array

Install the rain gauge funnel, with the spikes attached, into the sensor array. Rotate the funnel clockwise to secure it to the sensor array. Refer to Section 5.3.4 of the WS-1900, WS-2000, and WS-2902A manual for detailed attachment instructions.

Diagram Description (Final Assembly): The rain gauge funnel, now equipped with the bird spikes, is shown being fitted into the sensor array of a weather station.