TPS

TPS is short for Total Precipitation Sensor. This page is the result of a few notes Bob put together while testing out one of the ARM TPS's from Barrow.

Testing goals:

See that accumulated precipitation is consistent between drip sessions.

Supplies

1. A computer with a serial port. Choose a computer program or set up that allows received data to be redirected from the port to a file.
2. A syringe with known volume
3. A water source

Procedure:

• When the current precipitation rate is zero before any liquid has been poured on the sensor type '/R<Enter>' to reset the accumulated precipitation total.

/R Reset precip total? (Y/N): Y                                                
Total reset to zero.                                                           

• Put the sensor in automatic output mode by typing '/L<Enter>' followed by the output interval rate in seconds '60<Enter>'

• Add water. Be careful when sprinkling water on the sensor to keep all water in the center circle and be careful that the syringe doesn't squirt extra water out on its own (easy to do towards the end of the squirting operation).

Results from a Barrow TPS

Some results from the Barrow TPS 4/14/2009:

Water Added     Accumulation
miliLiters      milimeters of water
6               0.55
10              0.9