The SD.Rs100.485 is an ultrasonic wind speed and direction sensor.

The Optical Rain Gauge is an electronic sensor that detects water hitting the outer surface of the sensor using beams of infrared light. It uses the same sensing principle used in motor vehicle windshield wiper controls.

The sensor is optical, not mechanical, chemical, or conductive, and it is therefore far more rugged, sensitive and reliable than tipping bucket rain gauge technology. There are no exposed conductors to corrode, no moving parts to wear out, and no openings for bugs to crawl into. The design also prevents debris build-up making this perfect for remote deployments where maintenance would be an issue.      

The SD.RS100.485 is sold as a sensor along with the Fusion Mini. 

Specifications

Testing

When deploying the sensor you may wish to confirm it is functioning correctly.

To easily simulate “rainfall”, you can cover your fingers in water and make a circular pattern over the optical sensor head (touching the plastic). This results in fairly rapid readings. You should hear an audible click and the red LED will flash which indicates an increase in the counter (each click is 0.1mm rainfall).