Intelligent Rain Detection Module

This rain detection module from DFRobot sits inside behind a glass pane and optically detects the raindrops on its outside. Via UART it reports four levels: no rain, light, moderate or heavy rain. It is intended for camera housings whose wiper is controlled by it. In addition, it measures the ambient light and the temperature on the board. The round board has a diameter of 12.5 mm.

Important: The module is designed for 3.3 V (datasheet: 3.0 to 3.5 V, UART level 3.3 V). On 5 V boards such as the Arduino UNO, route the data lines through a level shifter. According to DFRobot, the adapter cable is assigned as follows: black VCC, white RX, yellow TX, red GND, i.e. different from the usual colours. Measure before connecting.

Recommended Accessories:

• Logic Level Converter 2-Channel 5V / 3.3V
• Dupont Cables M-M 10cm 20 Pieces

Features:

• Optical rain detection through the pane, HALIOS-SD measuring method, insensitive to strong sunlight
• Four rain levels, thresholds and sensitivity adjustable via UART
• Ambient light (raw value 0 to 1024) and temperature on the board
• Self-diagnosis, calibration of the optical system, sleep mode
• Data frames with CRC-8 checksum

Application Examples:

• Controlling wipers on surveillance cameras
• Detecting rain behind windows and skylights
• Weather observation in horticulture and agriculture

Documentation:

• DFRobot product page SEN0545
• Datasheet (PDF)
• User manual (PDF)

Technical Data:

• Manufacturer: DFRobot
• Manufacturer SKU: SEN0545
• Sensor: RS200 V2.00
• Operating voltage: 3.3 V (3.0 to 3.5 V)
• Operating current: below 50 mA (DFRobot), typically 31 mA in rain detection (datasheet)
• Interface: UART, 115200 baud, 8N1, 3.3 V level
• Connector: 4-pin socket, 0.8 mm pitch
• Cable assignment according to DFRobot: black VCC, white RX, yellow TX, red GND
• Operating temperature: -40 to 85 °C
• Humidity: 5 to 95 %RH
• Dimensions: Ø 12.5 × 5 mm
• Weight: 3 g

Scope of Delivery:

• 1× rain detection module RS200
• 1× adapter cable 4-pin to Dupont female