Based on a recommendation from Bill Murray of alabamawx.com, I purchased a Tempest device for my wife. She served for several years as a volunteer storm spotter for the Birmingham, AL ABC affiliate until we moved out of the market. I was looking for a good unit that would not require a major capital outlay and Bill’s review came at the right time.
Living in a subdivision in the land of 80-90’ tall Southern Pines, it will be difficult to site our unit in an area free of obstructions, but I am looking at a freestanding pole installation. I started out on the top rail of our back deck but I am anxious to get it permanently situated so we can get better readings.
With vibration being a hindrance to accurate haptic rain measurements, I’m leaning toward using fence top rail pipe rather than Schedule 40 PVC. I am curious how high off the ground the Tempest can be mounted on a single mast before wind loading becomes an issue. I have a couple of 10’ sections, but I’m thinking anything higher than 6-7’ will increase the likelihood of a false reading.
I’m sure some of you have already run this test, so I am going to wait for some feedback from the community before I start cutting the pipe.
Thanks,
Steve