Rain Detector


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This circuit uses a sensor made of a small piece of etched PC board and a simple SCR circuit to detect rain and sound a buzzer. The SCR could also be used to activate a relay, turn on a lamp, or send a signal to a security system.

Schematic

This is the schematic of the Rain Detector

Parts

Part
Total Qty.
Description
Substitutions
R111K 1/4 W Resistor
R21680 Ohm 1/4 W Resistor
D111N4001 Silicon Diode
BZ1112V Buzzer
S11SPST Switch
SCR11C106B1 SCR106CY
SENSOR1See Notes
MISC1Board, Wire, Case, PC Board (For Sensor)

Notes

  1. The sensor is a small piece of PC board etched to the pattern showen in the schematic. The traces should be very close to each other, but never touching. A large spiral pattern would also work.
  2. Make sure to use a loud buzzer.

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Comments

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anonymous
Rain Detector
Friday, March 20, 2015 2:45:17 PM
im trying to make a 6 volt rain sensor that will move a 6 volt motor back and forth
gowtham
Rain Detector
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 1:17:31 PM
Can v extend this circuit for automatic wiper.if so plz send me the extended circuit
anonymous
Rain Detector
Thursday, February 16, 2012 10:09:26 PM
change the scr with a bjt NPN transistor
anonymous
Rain Detector
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 10:16:39 AM
Why doesn't OFF when it drys?. Very simple: change The DC supply for an AC supply; the SCR turns OFF during the power supply's negative cycle . Additionally, you can change the SCR for a TRIAC.
anonymous
Rain Detector
Tuesday, December 13, 2011 9:37:09 PM
If it detects rain, and when it drys it still thinks there's rain probably you could put 1N4148 instead of 1N4001 because 1N4148 is a fast recovery diode... maybe...
Drikus
Rain Detector
Sunday, November 06, 2011 3:20:17 AM
hey. Is this parts also available in south africa? Lol.. sorry but I would like to know
anonymous
Rain Detector
Saturday, March 05, 2011 12:01:38 AM
SIR, can you explain the function of each part of the circuit, especially the diode and the resistor.
ubed ullah khan lohani
Rain Detector (to stop the buzzer)
Monday, August 16, 2010 10:02:46 PM
to stop the buzzer you have to replace the SCR with a BJT in darlington pair arrangement... and also use 10k resistance as R1 connected with gate.. and the collector of transistor with the buzzer's leg. and emitter =>ground.........BJT 547 will be sufficient for that.
anonymous
Rain Detector
Sunday, July 11, 2010 4:17:01 AM
i have maid one, its perfect! i just follow the schematic and it works.
anonymous
Rain Detector
Monday, June 21, 2010 6:19:44 AM
Is it really not switching off when the sensor is dry?
anonymous
Rain Detector
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 3:40:41 AM
i built this project, but the "buzzer" still On after sensor become wet, but after the sensor is dry, the buzzer still active, Why??, I want the sensor to stop the buzzer when dry. thanx
Questioner
Rain Detector
Saturday, September 05, 2009 2:38:01 PM
How to make the circuit can differentiate between light, moderate and heavy rain? The application is to control speed motor. For example, minimum speed for light rain and maximum speed for heavy rain.
Julian
Rain Detector
Saturday, May 09, 2009 4:19:17 AM
I've built this but it activates even when i complete the circuit with two people touching hands in series with the detector. Its WAY too sensitive. Is there a resistor change that would make the detector less sensitive? It also doesn't turn off when the contact across the sensor (water or finger) is removed. HELP
anonymous
Rain Detector
Sunday, March 15, 2009 7:21:58 PM
fantastic i have my own idea for this and let you know when i sort it ;) thanks
M. ASlani
Rain Detector
Sunday, March 08, 2009 2:24:57 PM
There is a problem with this rain sensor. the rain drops remain on the surface of sensor even when the PCB is installed in 45 degree position. Does somebody suggest any method to solve this problem?

(Editor's notes: Coat with RainX.)

conductivitysensor
Rain Detector
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:30:54 AM
does this pc board works if u plant it in the soil and can detect conductivity if you will water the soil??
siddeswaran
Rain Detector
Monday, February 16, 2009 2:42:28 AM
when the water falls on the sensor it sense , transfer the information to scr1 and to activity the buzzer
naveed malik
Rain Detector
Saturday, February 07, 2009 4:10:05 AM
very funny
Tim Hurt
Rain Detector
Friday, January 16, 2009 5:07:14 PM
Am building a bed-wetting detector for my niece and will use this ckt. Want to use +9 VDC battery so I don't shock baby plus tie a HI intensity flashing LED to pulse the piezo 70 dB buzzer and wake the child. Thanx 4 your ckt design. Will tweak it a bit 4 my purposes & let you know how she works out!
anonymous
Rain Detector
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 2:55:56 PM
Thanks for posting this plan. Very helpful and clear. I think it may be useful to use something like this large scale, example as toilet water. Maybe large-scaled projects like this don't take so much trouble for all the water we would save.
HAL
Rain Detector
Monday, January 05, 2009 10:25:34 AM
IT IS VERY USE FULL .
Ivan
Rain Detector
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 11:04:29 AM
It is possibble that the buzzer stops when no water on sensor is detected? Thanks
anonymous
Rain Detector
Friday, November 14, 2008 8:55:03 AM
To stop the buzzing, I think that the sensor exposed out door, should be installed in 45° position for a quick water drainage - Not in a flat poisiton. No rain water on the sensor, no detection
UBAID ULLAH KHAN
Rain Detector
Thursday, November 13, 2008 5:06:32 AM
its good and helpful.
anderson(Brazil)
Rain Detector
Friday, October 24, 2008 11:47:59 AM
I was searching a rain detector for my project...good job.
kay
Rain Detector
Thursday, October 09, 2008 8:30:01 AM
how to stop the buzzer from beeping automatically after the rains is detected except using the switch to stop it manually. what should we add and where should we put it? what type of that components we use for this purpose?
AJINKYA
Rain Detector
Monday, September 08, 2008 9:52:02 AM
Please can you explain to me what kind of sensor you refere in project??? I.m very interested in this project, but i dont know that sensor is............The sensor is a small piece of PC board etched to the pattern showen in the schematic. The traces should be very close to each other, but never touching. A large spiral pattern would also work. What is this?
christopher Umahaeyo
explain to me better
Friday, August 29, 2008 8:47:06 AM
I honestly beleivr you are doing a wonderful job. may your rewards be bountiful. i beleive these project is awesome. and i honestly want to get invovled in it for my final year project. explain the type of sensor you are talking abt here. also get to an explicit and well detailed circuit diagra, listing fully the components involved i wld really appreciate it well

(Editor's notes: Read the notes.)

anonymous
Rain Detector
Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:56:23 AM
I believe all the sensor is just a trace on the PCB thats not connected. When water hits the board, it will connect the traces and thus sound the buzzer. Note that if anything conductive falls onto the trace the sounder may buzz also.
anonymous
Rain Detector
Wednesday, August 06, 2008 1:52:01 PM
Hpw does the Rain detector work?what are its advantages?
anonymous
Rain Detector
Monday, July 28, 2008 9:45:30 PM
look at da notes for u who say Please can you explain to me what kind of sensor you refere in project??? I.m very interested in this project, but i dont know that sensor is............The sensor is a small piece of PC board etched to the pattern showen in the schematic. The traces should be very close to each other, but never touching. A large spiral pattern would also work.
Professor
Rain Detector
Monday, July 21, 2008 9:23:08 AM
I would like know the functions of each component of this project and What kind of sensor should i use ?
anzim
Rain Detector
Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:39:55 PM
sir, can you tell me how does it works and can you tell me what type sensors that i can use for this water level detector... please help me and do email me..
manikandan
Rain Detector
Friday, June 27, 2008 2:29:43 AM
What type of sensor used in this circuit ?
joe
Rain Detector
Thursday, May 15, 2008 10:54:14 AM
what kind of sensor that i should use in this project?
anonymous
Rain Detector
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 6:59:48 AM
Is this circuit commercially available?
mosharrof
Rain Detector
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 1:58:50 AM
It is very useful for us.So all of use it.Thanks
Mário Duarte Santos
Rain Detector
Wednesday, April 09, 2008 6:06:22 AM
Please can you explain to me what kind of sensor you refere in project??? I.m very interested in this project, but i dont know that sensor is. Thank you Mário Duarte Santos - Portugal
AVISVP
Rain Detector
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 7:00:36 AM
i would like to build these project of automatic wiper ,pls will u send the necessaray details for the project
yaz
Rain Detector
Wednesday, March 05, 2008 1:26:55 PM
I would like to build this circuit and get it to work, so if you could send me more info about it. thanks
anonymous
Rain Detector
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:59:23 AM
are there any project combining between the rain detector and temperature sensor using PIC microcontroller? how much does this project cost?
Patrick
Rain Detector
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 4:38:49 AM
Hi, I'm thinking of making a wireless rain detector, I was going to modify a wireless doorbell system and instead of being activated via a push button to be activated by a moisture sensor. Do you think that the above circuit if viable for my project? Thanks :)
sandy
Rain Detector
Friday, February 08, 2008 2:57:01 AM
can we use this project as moisture detector?
ameen
Rain Detector
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 9:44:01 PM
sir,i wanna to know the function of each component used in this project.actually i have take this project as my assignment,so i hope you can help me.. thanks
anonymous
Rain Detector
Monday, January 21, 2008 3:13:38 AM
so good cicuit.....
rumon
Rain Detector
Monday, January 14, 2008 12:27:32 AM
I am very interesting for making such kind of projects,so please give me more circuit.
Bhojraj
Rain detector
Sunday, January 13, 2008 9:15:53 AM
SIR,I'am very much keen to do this project & if u send me the more details of this project & its circuit diagram as early as possible then it will be more convenient for me.Thank you1.
balogun rafiu o
Rain Detector
Wednesday, January 09, 2008 10:05:00 AM
thanks to u guys bt,how do wld this differentiate btw water, urine and sweat shld incase any of this fall on the sensor.?
kingsford
Rain Detector
Monday, January 07, 2008 6:10:26 AM
Sir, I will be very grateful if you could send the explanation of the rain detector cicuit diagram.
suraj behede
Rain Detector
Tuesday, December 04, 2007 7:48:03 AM
i built this project, but the "buzzer" still On after sensor become wet, but after sensor dry, the buzzer still active, Why??, I want after sensor not wet, buzzer must stop
anonymous
Rain Detector
Monday, December 03, 2007 4:53:51 AM
It is used to detect the rain level in cm.
dD
Rain Detector
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 2:55:11 AM
i want the detail about this project.. a.s.a.p
yuvraj singh
Rain Detector
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 3:55:37 AM
we want the discription about the circuit diagram and its working process also the strength of its parts for a small project.
rema suwenda
Rain Detector
Saturday, November 17, 2007 7:39:32 PM
I built this project, but the "buzzer" still On after sensor become wet, but after sensor dry, the buzzer still active, Why??, I want after sensor not wet, buzzer must stop
KALEEM ULLAH
Rain Detector
Friday, November 16, 2007 1:39:06 AM
MY NAME IS KALEEM ULLAH.I LIVE IN PESHAWAR(MOHMAND AGENCY,FATA).I STUDYING IN BALOCHISTAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNALOGY,KHUZDAR.I MADE YOUR THIS INTERESTING PROJECT WHICH WORKS VERY WILL. THANKS @ GIVING SOME BASIC IDEAS @ HELP. ALWAYS THE BEST & GOD BLESS U..... YOUR,S FAITHFULLY, KALEEM ULLAH
john bainbrough
Rain Detector
Friday, November 02, 2007 9:12:34 AM
How do you connect a buzzer to the circut?
john bainbrough
Rain Detector
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 4:12:49 AM
What circuit does the detector go onto?
yard
wiper with Rain Detector
Sunday, October 28, 2007 9:11:22 PM
how to do automatic wiper with using rain detector and indicator for any verticle. is it expensive costing to do this project. and how to combine all circuit to do automatic wiper succesfull and make it function correctly. can u give me schematic circuit to me? thank you...
seesy
Rain Detector
Friday, October 26, 2007 6:29:16 AM
hey,what is the sensor we use
ahmed
Rain Detector
Sunday, October 21, 2007 6:09:02 AM
plz tell me about scr1 and rain sensor. Complete name and code plz
john bainbrough
Rain Detector
Monday, October 15, 2007 8:51:38 AM
how do you connect a rain detector circuit to a car?
leo
Rain Detector
Saturday, October 13, 2007 10:50:00 AM
please show me how to trace the SCR how it work and the parts of its 3 feet
omar
Rain Detector
Tuesday, October 09, 2007 4:49:25 PM
dear sir , i hope that u will help me , since i take this rain detector as a project . i dont know what is the sensor that i should be use , so please send me a number or a name for the sensor as soon as possible . thank you in advance.
anonymous
Rain Detector
Wednesday, October 03, 2007 8:54:49 AM
what is the purpose of the Diode in Rain Detector?
catherine
Rain Detector
Monday, October 01, 2007 9:28:33 PM
how much is the resistance of water that will flow in the PCB? obviously, it will have a value of reistance and it won't just act like a wire that's been short-circuit. Also, the value of water resistance is likely to be variable so how will this affect the circuit? response please... i'm doing a project out of this :)
anonymous
Rain Detector
Monday, October 01, 2007 8:51:16 AM
How do you get to work the rain detector circut
anonymous
Rain Detector
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 8:31:21 AM
I realy love your rain detector circuit, its ace!! Have you got a girlfriend detector circuit? If not, would you like to borrow mine? Mine is really top notch, it took me three years to design, its probably why i got fired from my previous job. They didn't think it was as important as i did!! Will you be my friend Sir???????????
wole ojo
Rain Detector
Friday, September 21, 2007 9:53:29 AM
i think this is simple and basic.i really love to put my hands on this
sagar yadav
Rain Detector
Friday, September 21, 2007 2:56:46 AM
in this circuit we use sensor. but which sensir we use in this ckt. pleas reply me on my e-mail.thanks
anonymous
Rain Detector
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 1:19:21 PM
can u give expalanation all the componenets in the circuit? i really wanna know...please reply me asap.tq for ur consideration.
WARDA MUSTAFA
Rain Detector
Tuesday, September 18, 2007 3:29:07 AM
what should be the problem statement for rain detector?
hussein ally
Rain Detector
Monday, September 17, 2007 8:45:55 AM
i would like to know how it works!its really attractive and amazing
anonymous
Rain Detector
Monday, September 17, 2007 6:55:02 AM
SIR, PLEASE TELL ME HOW THIS RAIN DETECTOR WORKS,. FOR THE SAKE OF MY PROJECTS.. THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR
Adil Shahzad Khan
Rain Detector
Monday, September 10, 2007 4:34:12 AM
hello i m intrested for making this project but one problem is there what is the form of sensor or how much volts are applied for it and what shaped senseor had as i dont sea it before
james.t
Rain Detector
Saturday, September 08, 2007 6:09:57 AM
coulld you give me an idea on how to intergrate the rain detector to an automatic car wiper system?
anonymous
Rain Detector
Tuesday, September 04, 2007 12:23:03 PM
pls i want full information about a rain detector alarm... pls if possible don't let out any information undisclosed...it's urgent
anonymous
Rain Detector
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 10:25:11 PM
can give the circuit for cable fault detector?
p.deva
Rain Detector
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 12:56:55 AM
please tell me in detail how this rain detector works & how to use a pc board as the sensor. thanks
earl
Instead of PCB, use stainless formed on the same design
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 2:22:55 AM
the use of PCB as the detector will need a frequent clean up of it or replacement because the PCB will corrode immediately on the presence of rain especially those who are near the sea. With these problem what if we use a stainless steel as a detector...BUT another problem arises!!! How can we mold the stainless steel like the PCB detector? So simple if only we can melt the stainless steel, then form it like the PCB detector as suggested above on the schematic diagram...My friend suggests why not use a stainless screen usually used on windows...well I personally havent tried it yet but i guess its worth trying..Another problem of using the stainless steel, what if the applied voltage is 12Volts, will there be enough voltage input for the SCR's GATE??????please help me...send me an email please...
anonymous
Rain Detector
Friday, August 17, 2007 4:07:23 AM
please tell me in detail how this rain detector works & how to use a pc board as the sensor. thanks
anonymous
Rain Detector
Friday, August 17, 2007 4:05:04 AM
please tell me in detail how this rain detector works & how to use a pc board as the sensor
anonymous
Rain Detector
Thursday, July 26, 2007 11:43:43 PM
How can I use other micro-controllers in calibration with the rain detector?
anonymous
Rain Detector
Tuesday, July 10, 2007 5:33:01 AM
hw it's made../// i want to make tat as ma project.. so plzz tel me in detail....
Ultima
Rain Detector
Friday, July 06, 2007 2:04:53 AM
How can I use other micro-controllers/relays in calibration with the rain detector? So I can do other things instead of making it BEEP!
anonymous
Rain Detector
Thursday, July 05, 2007 2:37:46 AM
you should tellus the science behind it
anonymous
Rain Detector
Saturday, June 30, 2007 6:46:59 PM
How can i make the rain detector locally
µ_Pro
Rain Detector
Saturday, June 30, 2007 5:43:43 PM
If the SCR is turning on without input, turns on during transients or at power on then it needs a 'SNUBBER.' A snubber is basically a 330 ohm to 470 ohm resistor in series with a 0.022uF to 0.1uF capacitor (values are for this application only - for other applications see link below.) These two components are then placed 'around' the SCR by connecting them to the source and drain. This with absorb transients and allow the SCR to power on and operate without false triggering. For a really nice, in depth, and easy to read article on RC Snubber Networks for Thyristor Control and Transient Suppression see: http://www.fairchildsemi.com/an/AN/AN-3008.pdf Have Fun! -µ_Pro
tunde tairu
Rain Detector
Thursday, June 28, 2007 8:58:15 AM
Would u please tell me how Rain Detector Look like after construction. Thank you very much.
cxfdsrb
Rain Detector
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 11:23:42 AM
the sensor doesn't work
Norm
Rain Detector
Sunday, May 27, 2007 1:54:29 PM
This ckt works fine! But, i find that that sensors are TOO sensitive -- the relay is energised with NO water on them! I built the sensor in a plastic cup, with two screw-heads about 2 1/2" apart (on the sides)....as the cup fills up, the relay energises. You can get the parts at www.mouser.com
saroj
Rain Detector
Saturday, May 26, 2007 2:10:16 AM
sir,i am doing the project about the automatic control system and this rain detector is also a part of my project but what i faced problems is that instead of getting off after some time it is continuosly getting on .so,what can i do for that. can you send the circuit diagram for automatic rain detector,please?
Norm
Rain Detector
Thursday, May 24, 2007 6:02:38 PM
From what i gather, the "sensor" is just 2 contacts very close together, so that when a drop of rain lands on it, it completes the ckt and sounds the buzzer. I imagine that, if you use some sort of "container" (like a small dish), the wires wouldn't have to be so close together, as the dish would fill up and complete the ckt. I'm gonna try to use 2 screws about 1/8" apart in a dish. Will post the results. Norm
Norm
Rain Detector
Sunday, May 20, 2007 5:55:47 PM
Where can you get the SCR? If you wanted to use a relay, what's the best coil voltage to use? Thank you, Norm
farois abdillah
Rain Detector
Saturday, May 12, 2007 10:24:39 AM
maybe you can to use the simple sensor to detect the rain, i ever think something like a mug to detect rain. on the mug gived 2 electrodes, if water of the rain fill up on mug, water will connect electrodes, it is will give signal to the other part. if we use the long of wire for sensor, we can to build it like line model of LDR. i wish u understand that i think up. thanks. farois
ik
Rain Detector
Thursday, May 10, 2007 9:06:23 AM
how can i make the sensor locally
clayton johnson
Rain Detector
Tuesday, May 08, 2007 7:27:43 PM
INSTEAD OF DETETECTING WITH A BUZZING SOUND COULD IT DISPLAY IN VOLTS OR MAGNITUDE OF RAIN FALL ?
Baris
Rain Detector
Friday, April 27, 2007 8:51:55 AM
Would u please tell me some details about how to use PC board as a sensor. Looking for ward ur kindly reply. Thank you very much.
anonymous
Rain Detector
Monday, April 16, 2007 6:49:37 AM
A FINE &FANTASTIC CIRCUIT VERY USEFUL TO THE ELECTRONIC STUDENTS
anonymous
Rain Detector
Sunday, April 01, 2007 6:31:36 AM
how to use the pc board as the sensor? ultimately i m not getting what is this sensor?..........thanx
balbir
sensor
Thursday, March 29, 2007 11:45:37 PM
i just wanna asking do u have an idea about how to sense the area in permeter unit?hopefully u can help me to solve my problem..thank you
anonymous
Rain Detector
Thursday, March 29, 2007 7:01:49 AM
shit!
nilofer
Rain Detector
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 7:19:23 AM
how to use the pc board as the sensor
Bob
Rain Detector
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 7:13:13 AM
Does the word "electrolysis" mean anything to you? Connecting the sensor's top connection to the SCR's anode might at least reduce it.
hafis
Rain Detector
Sunday, March 25, 2007 3:59:27 AM
i need to report about rain detector likes objectives, results,conclusion,specific description of what the is all about and literature review.thank you.
Rolf K
Rain Detector
Saturday, March 24, 2007 5:58:46 PM
How close is close? 0.005" OK? If so, how many inches of track, aproxematly? Rolf
anonymous
Rain Detector
Tuesday, March 20, 2007 1:45:57 PM
I was wondering which is the Gate, Anode, and Cathod connections for the SCR? Also which type of water will work best (Rain,Salt,Distilled,etc.)
anonymous
Rain Detector
Friday, March 16, 2007 8:43:08 AM
Great circiut, helped me out alot
anonymous
Rain Detector
Wednesday, March 14, 2007 12:31:59 PM
very reliable project.tq.. this wat i need
anonymous
Rain Detector
Thursday, March 08, 2007 3:08:22 PM
sweet
sudheesh
Rain Detector
Tuesday, March 06, 2007 1:37:19 PM
nice
anonymous
Rain Detector
Saturday, March 03, 2007 1:15:35 AM
what other replacement for c106b1 scr? hard to find it on the market..
Vinay
Rain Detector
Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:12:30 AM
good , simple project
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