EtherRain Rain Sensor
The EtherRain Rain Sensor is an economical and durable sensor capable of detecting precipitation when attached to the Rain Sensor input of an EtherRain Controller. The sensor includes an eight inch long bendable aluminum mounting bracket.
The EtherRain Rain Sensor features an industrial wool felt wick that absorbs water. This hydroscopic material holds water and keeps the rain detection signal active for a length of time beyond the end of the precipitation event. Once the rain detection signal is activated the signal remains active until the wick is dryed out. The drying period depends on surrounding environmental conditions and can take from 1 to 48 hours.
Benefits:
- Low cost.
- Durable
- Small and lightweight, easily hidden
- Save money by preventing unecessary irrigation
Features:
- Self cleaning, Impervious to dirt and dust
- No moving parts
- Corrosion resistant
- Hydroscopic, release from activation depends on environmental conditions
- Works well with LawnCheck's RainBrain Feature
Usage:
The EtherRain Rain Sensor was designed for use with the EtherRain controller family. Use of this sensor ensures that irrigation will be blocked in the event of local rain conditions. This sensor will not provide rain sensing functions for controllers other than EtherRain.
| Name | Description | Part # | Status | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain Sensor | Rain Sensor, Mounting Bracket | ER-RD-NW | Available | $8.95 |
| Rain Sensor | Rain Sensor, 25 ft Wire, Mounting Bracket | ER-RD-25 | Available | $14.95 |
| Rain Sensor | Rain Sensor, 40 ft Wire, Mounting Bracket | ER-RD-40 | Available | $19.95 |
Download ER-RD Installation Guide(.pdf)
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Rain Detector Frequently Asked Questions
This rain detector looks too small. How could it possibly work?
Our rain detectors have been field trial tested for 3 years. When it rains they get wet, like most other weather exposed objects, and the wetness raises a signal within the EtherRain controller.
How durable can this sensor be, it seems like it would quickly wear out?
Our rain detector is manufactured using alumimum, industrial quality wool felt, and epoxy glass board. Our felt material is the same type as that used within internal combustion engines for oil wicking. It is impervious to heat and UV light. It is hard wearing, we actually drill it and sand it. It soaks up water to hold the rain sensor signal a period of time after precipitation has stopped. Our test sensors have been exposed to heat and UV sunlight in San Jose for over three years running and are working as new. The materials we use will outperform the plastic and cork used in competitive but more costly rain sensors.
Can this sensor be used with other sprinkler controllers?
No, but you can use competitive rain sensors with EtherRain. EtherRain has a special extremely low current circuit that detects when the sensor is wet. Other sprinkler controller manufacturers run much higher currents through their rain sensors and require a high current switch within the rain sensor.
Can I use this rain detector and EtherRain simply as a remote rain detector?
It's possible, but you'd have to write your own alerting software.