ESP8266 Rain Gauge

thingiverse

This is a quick design for a rain gauge that can run from a microcontroller such as an ESP8266. The parts uploaded here include all the mechanical bits needed. Adding a small magnet to the middle of the bucket allows it to be read by a reed-relay. To finish, measure the volume in milliliters (or your preferred unit) and increment that rainfall count by that amount each time the bucket flips over to the other side. Note: I have not printed any part of this model yet, but I've validated that it should be printable. It would be great to see if anyone prints this model. Unfortunately, I don't have enough time for this project right now due to multiple other projects on my agenda. There's enough space inside the gauge to add an ESP8266 and a couple of batteries or run a cable from the reed-relay indoors. You can decide how to handle this detail, just make sure your funnel/collector is waterproof enough to keep electronics underneath it dry. I hope you find this interesting and/or useful. I'd appreciate any comments.