Rain Gauges in Houston

OSI optical rain gauges measure rain, snow, drizzle, freezing drizzle, freezing rain, hail, sleet, and mixed precipitation. The APG-815-DS additionally reports snow water equivalent. All sensors output NWS and WMO weather identification codes, providing a minimum of 10 precipitation type classifications for official weather reporting.

Yes. OSI optical rain gauges measure rain rates from 0.001 mm/hr up to 500 mm/hr, with an optional extended range exceeding 500 mm/hr. This makes them well-suited for Houston's extreme rainfall events, including tropical storms and flash flood conditions, without mechanical saturation or clogging issues common in traditional gauges.

No. OSI optical scintillation sensors have no moving parts and are insensitive to dirt buildup on optics, eliminating scheduled cleaning. Field calibration is typically required only every two years. The OWI-430 series requires no field calibration at all due to advanced DSP electronics and environmentally adaptive algorithms.

Yes. The ORG Optical Rain Gauge, APG-815-DS, and LP-WIVIS are all compatible with 12 VDC solar or battery power, consuming a maximum of 400 mA. The APG-815-DS includes Adaptive Heater Technology (AHT) for cold-climate remote installations, while the LP-WIVIS features intermittent mode operation to further extend battery life.

OSI precipitation sensors support RS-232 as standard, with MODBUS RTU over RS-232 included. Optional interfaces include RS-485, Ethernet, Limited Distance Modems (LDM), and cellular modems. This flexibility enables integration with SCADA systems, data loggers, and remote telemetry networks used in Houston stormwater management and environmental monitoring programs.

Yes. OSI's OWI-430 series and AWOS-AV system are FAA certified and compliant with FAR 91.171 and FAR 91.175. The AWOS-AV delivers dual visibility and pressure sensors for official altimeter settings, meeting ICAO standards. These systems are suitable for Houston-area airports, private helipads, and aviation facilities requiring certified automated weather observation.