Specifications
Parameter Value
Input Voltage 12 – 30VDC or
12 – 26 VAC
50V surge
Reverse polarity protected to 50V
Current Drain 15 mA nominal. (No outputs on, not raining, no
heater)
about 1.5 mA in micro-power sleep mode.
50 mA with output on.
55 mA - With heater on, 24V dc input.
Output Relay closure, Normally Open and Normally
Closed contacts.
Max load 1A, 24 VDC.
Operating Temperature
range
-40 C to +60C
DIP Switches
Set the DIP switches for the application according to the tables below.
Generally, a few switch positions (5, 6, and 7) set the overall mode of
operation, and others (1, 2, 3, 4) adjust the behavior within the modes.
In the tables, 1 = Switch on, 0 = Switch off, X = switch in either position.
Software Revision
This manual corresponds to software revision 016. The software revision is
printed on a sticker place on the connector block. See www.rainsensors.com
(click on “support”) for information about differences in software revisions.
Differences are generally minor.
Switch 8 is Enable Micro-power Sleep Mode in most applications.
Most applications will use SW 8 off. If micro-power is enabled, the low-power
heater is disabled. In micro-power mode, if a long time (about 20 min) has
elapsed since the last rain was detected, the unit will enter a less sensitive
sleep mode. A large drop will cause it to exit sleep mode and resume normal
operation. This is for battery or solar powered applications. Micro-power
mode is disabled in Condensation sensing mode and in irrigation mode.
Switch 8 must be off for First Flush Controller. The unit will not read the DIP
switches during sleep.
OUT LED
The LED in the center of the circuit board turns on when OUT is on, as an aid
to debugging.
Condensation
Generally, the RG-11 will sense condensation as if it were rainfall, but this
seldom amounts to a significant accumulation of water. The built-in low power
heater (DIP SW 8 off) will tend to reduce condensation.
Ambient Light Interference
The RG-11 is almost completely immune to the effects of ambient light, and
may freely be mounted in direct sunlight.
Heater Notes
A built-in low power (0.25W) heater extends operation of the device to
freezing (32 F or 0C). This is disabled if the micro-power (SW 8) is enabled.
Note that this is a very modest amount of power; it will tend to drive off a
modest amount of frost, but will not melt ice.
Dark Sensing
Turns output on when it is dusk-- nominally less than 2000 lux. This is for
applications such as retracting sun-shields in the evening, when they are not
needed. (Only in Mode 1, “It's Raining” applications.)
LED Flicker / Relay Buzz
If the relay and LED remain on for a long period of time (seconds), the LED
may flicker, and the relay may make a barely audible buzz. This is because
the RG-11 pulse-width modulates the relay drive signal to reduce current
consumption. It does this to prevent excessive heat in the RG-11. This does
not affect functionality in any way.
J2 Connector
J2 is a pin-field on 0.1” centers, used for programming, development,
and testing of the RG-11. Most applications do not connect to J2,
and we make this information available only for special applications.
Connector field is 0.025” square pins on 0.1” centers. An example
compatible connector is Molex part number 22-01-3067. This is
available from Digi-Key as part number WM2004-ND. The necessary
crimp-on wire terminals are Molex 08-55-0131 / DigiKey WM4591-
ND.
J2 Pin assignments
J2 - 1 GND
J2 - 2 +5V OUT
J2 - 3 SW4
J2 - 4 SW1
J2 - 5 SW2
J2 - 6 RS232 and SW 5.
Remote Switching
These connections may be used to remotely operate the
corresponding switches, by grounding the connections. This can be
used for operator-accessible sensitivity adjustment in wiper control
applications.
RS-232 communications
Requires an external resistor. See the “support” link on
www.rainsensors.com. Modes that require SW 5 on (It's Raining,
Wiper Control and First Flush) cannot use RS-232.
Rain Gauge Model RG-11 Instructions PN 55-005-100 Manual for SW rev 016
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