Working in conjunction with NCAR, Pond Engineering has completed development and is pleased to introduce the K63 Hotplate® Total Precipitation Gauge. Utilizing patented technology under exclusive license from NCAR, the K63 measures total frozen, freezing and liquid precipitation with ultra-high reliability and no moving parts. Additional measured parameters include wind speed, ambient temperature, barometric pressure and relative humidity. Robust remote communications capability is provided via an RS-232 interface allowing the system to be operated as a stand-alone weather station or integrated into a larger measurement network.

The Hotplate® technology is protected by U.S. Patent No. 5,744,711, titled “Winter Precipitation Measuring System, U.S. Patent No. 6,546,353, titled “Hotplate Precipitation Measuring System”, and five (5) continuation patents (No. 6,708,133, No. 6,714,869, No. 6,675,100, No. 6,711,521, and No. 6,751,571) filed on February 18, 2003.

  • SPECIFICATIONS
  • KEY FEATURES
  • Operating Temp Range -40°C to +50°C
    Remote Interface RS-232
    Sensing Head Aluminum
    5.125" (14.6 cm) dia.
    0.75" (1.9 cm) tall
    Mounts via (2x) u-bolts to post or tower
    Measured Parameters Liquid Equiv. Rate: 0 to 50 mm/hr ± 0.5 mm/hr
    Wind Speed: 0 to 25 m/sec ± 1 m/sec
    Ambient Temp: -40°C to +50°C ±1°C
    Relative Humidity: 0 to 100% RH ±3%
    Pressure: 300 to 1100 mbar ± 1 mbar
    Power Requirements 100 to 240 Volts
    5 Amps max.
    A.C. 47-63 Hz.

    DC-powered systems
    available on request
    Control Box Physical Dimensions 10.0" (25.4 cm) wide
    5.2" (13.2 cm) deep
    15.3" (38.8 cm) high
  • 1. Solid-state design - no moving parts or fluids, making the system ideal for harsh environments or limited access applications
    2. Heated sensing head prevents ice formation and provides accurate measurement of liquid and freezing precipitation
    3. Low-profile sensing head, made possible by high-performance aerogel insulation, allows for lower measurement uncertainty and minimizes disruption of natural precipitation trajectory
    4. Universal input switching power supply operates with AC line power worldwide

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