Getting Ready for Winter

[hstiles]

That would be interesting to see MNflyer.  Has anyone tried the heat blanket that I have seen for the Daivs rain bucket?  For that matter I wonder if and old fashoined heat tape would work.  I have access to power if needed.

[MNflyer]

Would like to post a pic of the light bulbs in the Davis VP2 rain bucket. Need help to upload?
Loren

[NorCal Dan]

Do you not know how to attach it to one of your posts, or is it bigger than 128k and giving you an error?

If you want to attach it to one of your posts hit the "Additional Options" link right under the text box for the message you are typing.  One of the buttons is labeled Browse, click on that and drill to the location on your machine of the picture and click it and the path should populate the empty box to the left of the Browse button.  Once you have finished typing your message just hit the Post button as usual and it should attach your photo to the message.

[Tarma]

There are pictures of the Davis heater setup in http://www.weather-watch.com/smf/index.php/topic,11958.0.html

[MNflyer]

Thanks but I made one for about 3 bucks without the wire and power source. It is 2 automotive light bulbs that heat the inside of the rain bucket. Loren

[Tarma]

Ah...I miss read! 

Dan is right. You upload pictures under "additional options". You will probably need to reduce the files size first though. The easiest way is to reduce the picture size. Most graphic programs have that option. 300x400 pixels or 450x600 or something along that line. I expect some of the graphic experts around here could give you more specific numbers.

[daveq]

Thanks but I made one for about 3 bucks without the wire and power source. It is 2 automotive light bulbs that heat the inside of the rain bucket. Loren

Have you put it to use yet or a new project?  If it works in Duluth it should work anywhere.  Very interested in the picture and how you did it.
--Dave

[MNflyer]

Here are 2 pics of my idea. Thanks to Tarma for resizing.

[NorCal Dan]

Very nice.  You will have to let us know how it works.  Probably a lot of folks interested in something like this...

[weather_nc]

Loren,

Have you tried out your 'Light Heater' yet with actual cold precip?  I am seriously considering a heater having had a freeze issue during the last freezing rain storm.  My only concern based on an experience with our camper where during a bad thunderstorm while driving, water splashed in through a small gap in the tail-light lens, hit the hot lamp (4way flashers were on in the storm) and the bulb shattered...  I am wondering if the same might happen with the bulbs in close proximity to the water pouring in the buckets.

Might be an idea to put a shield between the lights and the center tipping buckets.  I like the idea although I think I might get colored bulbs (blue maybe) to produce more heat than light...  Also, some aluminum foil around the inside surface of the outside of the top funnel (like that included with the Davis heater)...

Thoughts?

[MNflyer]

I have had the lights/heater on for about 3 weeks now and here are my thoughts:
The temp inside the rain gauge remains about 23 degrees higher than the outside air temp. So great for melting if the temp outside stays above 10 degrees.
It takes awhile for the snow to melt so hours after the snow started it shows up on display.
We just had 24 inches of snow over the past 3 days and it all melted and was displayed.

I guess I will make a shield as was noted and foil the inside. I like having a Radio Shack temp gauge in there to keep an eye on whats going on inside. Will keep ya posted on my $ 3 project. Thanks for input. Later,

[aardvark]

when the melt water flows out, does it clear the radiation shield, or freeze quickly on it....?

[TNETWeather]

MNflyer

What is the possibility of water getting into the light sockets?

[aardvark]

if it looks like water might collect and get on the bulbs, I would guess that with spacers or something similar, they could be raised above the rain funnel outlet and that might be fine...

[trevor]

Any sign of it distorting temperature/humidity readings from the ISS?