Step-by-Step Guide

What's in the Box

The baseline precip sensor package includes the following components:

• Installation instructions, splices, and an additional mounting bracket for vertical surface installation.
• The sensor biCoder and biCoder splices for connecting the sensor to the two-wire path.
• The precip sensor itself with a 10-foot wire lead. The sensor comes with three mounting legs pre-installed for horizontal surface mounting, and two screw holes on the side for use with the extra mounting bracket.

Preparing the Sensor for Installation

1. Determine your mounting surface type. For horizontal surfaces such as rooftops or flat platforms, use the three pre-installed mounting legs on the bottom of the sensor. For vertical surfaces such as poles or walls, remove the three bottom legs and attach the supplemental mounting bracket to the side of the sensor using the two screw holes provided.

2. Remove the shipping restraint from the tipping mechanism. The tipping portion of the sensor has been secured for shipping, so loosen the set screw and remove the outer ring of the sensor.

3. Locate the rubber band that secures the tipping device inside the sensor. Remove the rubber band and discard it.

4. Test the tipping mechanism to make sure it moves freely back and forth.

5. Reinstall the outer ring, snug the set screw, and reinstall the debris screen.

Connecting the Sensor Wires to the biCoder

Consider how you will route or protect the sensor wire in the field. You may want to complete this wiring step after mounting the sensor, especially if you're using conduit. If your installation allows, you can connect the sensor wires to the biCoder output wires before going to the field.

1. Use the small IP68 waterproof splice to secure the two wires together. Disassemble the splice and thread the wires through each side.

2. The splice itself has a plate with two small screws. Use a micro screwdriver to loosen these screws. Take care not to lose the tiny screws, especially if you're working out in the field.

3. Insert the wires, then tighten down the screws to secure them.

4. Connect the red sensor wire to the red and black biCoder wire.

5. Connect the black sensor wire to the white and black biCoder wire.

6. Slide the connector plate back into the housing and tighten down the strain relief nuts hand tight. When the splice is complete, the grommet should meet the wire on both sides, providing a waterproof seal.

Mounting the Sensor in the Field

1. Select a location for your precip sensor that will receive rainfall amounts typical for the entire site. Ensure that nearby structures such as fences, buildings, or trees do not create a rain shadow that would prevent the sensor from receiving representative rainfall.

2. Mount the sensor using the appropriate hardware for your installation. For pole mounting, use stainless steel clamps or similar hardware to secure the sensor bracket to the pole.

3. Secure the sensor wire with some sort of strain relief to prevent damage from wind or movement.

4. Consider using conduit to protect the wire from vandalism or environmental damage.

Connecting the biCoder to the Two-Wire Path

1. Connect the sensor biCoder to the two-wire path using the included DBR Y6 splices.

2. Place splices in access boxes according to industry standards. Do not bury splices directly in the trench.

Configuring the Sensor at the Controller

1. Turn the controller dial to the Assigned position.

2. Navigate to and open the Menu.

3. Select Rain Gauges.

4. Like all other baseline search processes, highlight Search in the left column and then press Enter. The controller will search for any new devices connected to the two-wire path.

5. Once the search process is completed, the new device serial number (for example, BR00010) will populate the list.

6. Highlight the serial number in the left-hand column, then highlight Device Number 1 in the right-hand column, and press Enter.

7. The precip sensor will move into the right-hand column and is now assigned to Precip Sensor 1.

Viewing the Sensor in BaseManager

1. Log in to BaseManager.

2. Select the Quick View tab to see the new precip sensor listed in the sensor menu.

3. The display shows the serial number, the status, the current rain rate, and the rainfall accumulation since the sensor was installed.

4. To rename the device or perform additional configuration, navigate to the Devices tab and select Precip Sensor.

5. From the Devices tab, you can also test the sensor to see the current rainfall rate and the rainfall accumulation.

Video Walkthrough

Video originally published April 2021.

If you have questions, here are 3 ways to get answers:

1. Search within this Baseline knowledgebase

2. Visit the Baseline support page

3. Call 866-294-5847 or email support@baselinesystems.com, hours are from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time or 4:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.