This study describes various techniques for investigating the cause of the noise being output from the Geonor T-200B Precipitation Gauge, which utilizes vibrating wire technology to measure the accumulating mass of precipitation. In some instances, data recorded by the gauge is unusually noisy. T... Show moreThis study describes various techniques for investigating the cause of the noise being output from the Geonor T-200B Precipitation Gauge, which utilizes vibrating wire technology to measure the accumulating mass of precipitation. In some instances, data recorded by the gauge is unusually noisy. This study aimed to isolate the source of the noise in the vibrating wires’ frequency data by identifying variables that may be causing the problem. The goal was to recommend ways to modify the instrument to produce more accurate precipitation data. To study the vibrating wire technology, a 326-gram weight was suspended from the wires in a test enclosure to see how they performed with a static load in isolation. This test showed that wire two was noisier than the others. During the day, changes in the wire frequencies were associated with changes in ambient temperature. Plots showed a strong correlation between ambient temperature and the data being recorded by the precipitation gauge. Additional sources of noise were also noted, one of which was revealed after a power outage occurred during the test; the noise on wire two diminished, wire three began producing more noise, and the output from wire one did not change. This showed that multiple factors may be contributing to the inaccuracy of the frequency outputs the gauges produce. Engineers and other researchers can use this information to further improve the accuracy of this instrument. Show less
