Environmental Measurements Limited

UPG1000 Universal Precipitation Gauge Heading For The Antarctic!

One of our new UPG1000 Universal Precipitation Gauges has recently been delivered to the The British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge for onward transmission to their base at Rothera in The Antarctic where it will undergo extensive tests and trials over the course of the next 12 months. The design of the UPG1000 is based on our highly successful SBS series aerodynamic raingauge which typically captures at least 5% more precipitation than traditionally-shaped cylindrical gauges. The UPG1000 measures liquid, mixed and solid precipitation (snow, hail, sleet, rain, drizzle) and the unique aerodynamic shape eliminates the need for for expensive wind shields unlike other products currently available. The UPG1000 incorporates electric heating systems in both the upper collecting funnel and the lower base enclosure which incorporates the tipping bucket assembly. This ensures that evaporation is virtually eliminated from both the funnel and the tipping bucket. Also by measuring the collected water by tipping bucket, the need for load cells or antifreeze are avoided.  Results from the trials should be available before the end of 2008.

Picture of…  The UPG1000 on winter tests in Scotland.  The gauge in the background is the new UPG1000 and the gauge in the foreground is the SBS1000 rain gauge.