Relatively cheap way to get your own rain data for weather intelligence

[diabetic_debate]

I was using a nearby personal weather station for rain measurements but the station was flaky. It worked for a month and would drop off.

I did not want to set a whole weather station since my roof is very inaccessible for mounting it above the roof line. So I went ahead and setup a rain sensor and use it for my Rachio’s rain data instead.

Total cost was $63 from Amazon.

Rain sensor:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JKWM2VB

Base station:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0978XLG8T

It even integrates into Home Assistant:

[twin1]

Thanks for sharing this valuable information!

May I ask how/where you mounted the rain sensor?

[diabetic_debate]

I mounted it in my fence with zip ties.

https://www.imgur.com/a/pzAxI6X

[twin1]

How does the sensor communicate with the base station? Is it via Wi-Fi?

[diabetic_debate]

It uses the 915MHz ISM radio band. Range is quite good compared to WiFi. I have a mositure sensor, also from Ecowitt and that is about 50 feet away and through three concrete foundation walls away from the gateway. It still shows full signal strength.

My rain gauge is only about 20 feet away from the gateway.

Do keep in mind Ecowitt makes their sensors and gateways in three different frequencies. Officially US only has the 915MHz equipment but you can order other frequencies from their website. But all the frequencies of the gateway and sensors must match with each other.

[Thomas_Lerman]

It does seem like a good deal if one does not want a full weather station. Seems cool with the Google Home integration too.