Installation and Operation of the RainWise Rainew™ Wireless Rain Gauge
1. The rain gauge has been designed and tested to operate at 100 feet line of sight. However, this distance
may be shortened dramatically by obstacles, power lines and the new energy efficient window glass. In
order to obtain consistent, reliable operation the following guidelines must be observed:
a. Try to locate the gauge in an open spot away from trees, but as close to the house as possible.
b. The gauge must be mounted on a flat level surface at least one foot above the ground. The reason for
this is that the ground acts like shunt for the transmitter antenna and this drastically reduces the
operating distance.
c. Locate the receiver/counter inside the house on an outside wall as close to the gauge as possible.
Note that any changes to the transmitting circuit board assembly or antenna are not approved by
RainWise Inc. and could void the users authority to operate the Wireless Rain Gauge.
2. Back out the screws holding the collector in place until it can be rotated to a point where it may be
removed. Remove the collector. Do not fasten the gauge in place yet.
3. Remove the blue cap covering the transmitter cup. Leave the desiccant in place.
4. Lift out the battery holder and install 2 alkaline AA batteries.
5. Replace the blue cap over the transmitter cup.
6. Position the rain gauge so that the antenna is aimed at the house. The
strongest radio signal is achieved if the antenna is not obstructed by the
gauge.
7. Install 3 “D” batteries in the base of the receiver/counter by removing the
cover. Be sure to install the batteries with the correct polarity. Replace the
cover. NOTE: The Counter displays also use #357 button cells, which are
included.
8. Zero the counter(s) by pressing the button on the front.
9. Slowly tip the bucket back and forth by hand. Do this exactly 10 times. In 90 seconds you should see a
count of 10 on the 100ths display (and 1 on the 10ths if you have a dual display.) The transmitter is
activated every tip and each tip count is sent to the receiver approximately every 8 seconds (4 seconds
transmitting, 4 seconds off per tip.) Continue tipping until you have at least 20 tips. If the count on the
counter equals the number of bucket tips then the location for the gauge is okay. If the counter does not
count or if the count is less than the number of tips, the gauge must be moved to a different location. . .
either closer or sideways or both. Be sure to orient the gauge to the house as shown in Figure #1.
10. When a satisfactory location is obtained you may fasten the gauge in place with the four screws
provided.
11. Place the collector over the base and rotate until the lugs are lined up with the four screws. Tighten the
four screws
12. If you have a dual counter, disconnect a battery in the receiver for approximately 5 seconds. Replace the
cover and reset the counters. This completes the installation.
