Too Much Rain Reading Davis VP2

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1

Last night, we had rain. My Davis VP2 read 90.0++ inches while my backup manual gauge read 1.02 inches. What would cause the VP2 to over-read so much? The rain counter is constantly increasing as I type this and it is not raining.

Thanks

Frank

2

First off, I would try disconnecting the rain gauge from the ISS and see if the rain amount continues to rise. This would indicate an issue with the ISS or console.
If it stops then there’s an issue with the rain gauge, if not then:
Reboot the console - power off and batteries out for about 10 minutes before restarting.
If it’s still rising then do the same to the ISS, disconnect the solar cell and pull the battery - you may have to leave that overnight for the supercaps to discharge.

3
  1. Rain gauge disconnected from ISS and counter still increases. The increase is showing up on my console and my Envoy so I conclude it is not the console/Envoy.
  2. I removed the battery and disconnected the solar cell. It is still accumulating rain at the rate of 14.05 inch/hour.

Thanks
Frank

4

Is it wet inside the ISS?

5

Yes Dan, there was a very small amount of moisture inside. I removed the battery and unplugged the solar panel so the supercap will run down. I was going to let it dry out, run down the supercap, then reconnect everything tomorrow and see what happens.

Do you have other ideas? The unit is a Davis refurbished approx 16 months old.

Thanks

Frank

6

I had a similar problem and found the connector between the rain gauge and ISS was corroded.
However, I don’t think this is your problem since you get it with the rain gauge disconnected.
Sounds like the ISS is having problems; might be faulty.

-Keith

7

If possible, dry out the ISS and see if the problem continues…best guess since it’s wet inside is corrosion is causing the problem.

8

That big, sliding, O ring seal design is a bad idea IMHO. Smearing a little silicone grease or petroleum jelly on it before reclosing the box will maximize the chances of it staying watertight.

9

also check for spider webs, that can hold the tipping spoon in a position that makes the reed switch in a off/on position

10

After speaking with the Davis techs, it appears my iss board is bad. Replacement is on the way. This is the third one I have had. First one lasted 5 years before the supercap corroded. Second one died after 16 months. Unfortunately, the warranty on the second one was only 90 days - grrrr… As luck would have it, being down I missed about 4 inches of rain yesterday.

I have lots of cleanup to do of all the rain records as well as individual daily amounts.

11

maybe try coating the next ISS board with something to keep out moisture?

12

Like this stuff: Holts Damp Start :wink: