KISTERS’ tipping bucket heater TB3H-LP is a low-power heating element, that raises the temperature of the interior of the rain gauge, funnel and catch to avoid the freezing of the gauge in cold climates with subsequent loss of precipitation records. The TB3H-LP saves energy by means of switching on power for a limited time only when snow is detected in the funnel.
TB3H-LP has been designed for use with the TB3 tipping bucket rain gauge (has to be ordered separately). TB3H-LP is integrated with the TB3 device at the factory and delivered fully installed, ready to use, no settings required.
Heater control: automatic or external
Automatic control: TBH-LP is supplied set to automatic control, i.e. it monitors ambient temperature and snowfall, and operates the heater automatically. The automatic control logic: Snow sensor on when ambient temperature drops below +4 °C; heater on when snow detected. Heater off when no snow remaining in the catch for 18 minutes. No heating below -20 °C and above +5 °C to conserve power.
External control: If an external system like a full weather station monitors ambient temperature and snowfall, and is allowed to control the tipping bucket heaters directly, the TB3H-LP has an external control mode whereby the controlling system can actually turn the heating elements on and off.
