RainAlert® III

Q1.  What software is needed to setup the ADS^® RainAlert™ III monitor?
A1. The ADS Qstart™^XML (or Qstart) software is needed and is available for download on the ADS Software Downloads For further instructions regarding installing the Qstart^XML software, download the QstartXML Installation Guide also on the software downloads page.

Q2.  How should the RainAlert III be configured and activated?
A2.  All steps necessary for a successful configuration and activation of the RainAlert III are outlined in Chapter 3 of the RainAlert III Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual or view the “How To Initialize an ADS RainAlert III Rainfall Monitor” video.

Q3.  How can the monitor be configured to send out/files/manuals/RainAlertIII-Combined_A5.pdf alarms?
A3. The monitor can be configured to send out alarms through the Rain and Data Delivery devices in Qstart^XML. Further information on how to configure these devices is available in Qstart^XML’s online help or in Chapter 3 of the RainAlert III Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual.

Q4.  Can the RainAlert III be configured to deliver data to ADS PRISM?
A4. Yes. The RainAlert III can be configured to deliver data to PRISM using the Data Delivery device in Qstart^XML.  The server IP address is 13.82.147.226.

Q5.  Can the RainAlert III deliver data simultaneously to an FTP server and ADS PRISM?
A5. Yes, provided the Data Delivery device in Qstart^XML has been configured to deliver data to both locations.

Q6.  Why is the RainAlert III unable to deliver files to the FTP server after configuration?
A6. The folder name configured on the Data Delivery device cannot have spaces in the name. For example, RAIII Folder will not work, but RAIII_Folder will work.  Verify that there are no spaces in the folder name and activate the RainAlert III again to see if it successfully delivers files to the FTP server.  Other possibilities for this error could be that the FTP server is not configured to accept file delivery from the RainAlert III’s IP address, or that the RainAlert III is set to Active for the delivery mode and needs to be set to Passive in the Data Delivery  ADS recommends using the Passive delivery mode.

Q7.  What is the difference between Active and Passive mode on the Data Delivery device in the FTP setup section?
A7. The Active mode allows the monitor to set the data channel (port) for the FTP server to use; in the Passive mode, the FTP server tells the monitor which port to send the data over. Most servers are configured to accept data in the Passive mode only.  Therefore, ADS recommends using this mode unless the FTP server does not support it.

Q8.  Can the RainAlert III deliver data via email?
A8. Yes. On the Notification page of the Advanced device, the Recipient 5 can be configured to receive data via email.

Q9.  Can the RainAlert III be configured to respond to on-demand remote communication requests?
A9. Yes. On-demand, remote communication is available for monitors equipped with SIM cards having static IP addresses as long as the modem power is configured to be “on.”  Further information on configuring on-demand data collection is available in Chapter 3 of the RainAlert III Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual.  

Q10. Can the RainAlert III’s initial activation be done wirelessly? 
A10. No. The monitor must be activated initially on-site via direct connection to the monitor using the Serial option for the Connect parameter in Qstart^XML. Subsequent activations can occur wirelessly.

Q11.  Is the ADS sun shield needed for all installations?
A11. ADS recommends all outdoor installations use the sun shield to maximize the life of the monitor enclosure.

Q12.  What parts, supplies, and equipment are needed to install the RainAlert III?
A12. The following parts and supplies are required: RainAlert III monitor, tipping bucket, sun shield, direct connection cable, pole-mount kit (if securing the sun shield to a pole), calibration kit (for the tipping bucket).  The following tools and equipment are required:  24” (610 mm) carpenter’s level, open-end wrench set (including ½ – ¾-inch sizes), small adjustable crescent wrench, flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers (assorted sizes, included 1/8-inch tip flathead), diagonal wire cutters and strippers, ladder (if needed). 

Q13.  Does the RainAlert III support an external antenna?
A13. Yes. ADS offers an external antenna kit (ADS p/n 9000-0044), and further information on the installation and use of an external antenna can be found in Appendix C of the RainAlert III Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual.

Q14.  Can a user communicate remotely with a deactivated RainAlert III?
A14. No. Once the monitor has been deactivated, users can no longer communicate remotely.  In order to reinitialize communications, it must be activated again on-site with a direct serial connection.

Q15.  Does the RainAlert III support Verizon wireless communications?
A15. Yes. As of May 2018, the ADS Verizon LTE-M RainAlert III monitor has been available for purchase.

Q16.  How long will a RainAlert III battery last?
A16. The monitor’s battery can last between four months to five years, depending on the configuration of Modem Power Settings, the frequency of the Data Delivery configuration, etc. Maximum battery life is obtained when the Modem Power is configured to be Always Off.

Q17.  What is the low battery threshold for a RainAlert III?
A17. The low battery threshold is 6.0 volts. It is recommended that the battery be changed within two weeks of receiving the low battery warning.

Q18.  How can ADS Customer Support be contacted?
A18. ADS Customer Support can be contacted through email at adssupportcenter@idexcorp.com, or by telephone at 1-877-237-9585 (for U.S. customers) or 256-430-6234 (for customers outside the U.S.).

Q19.  Does the RainAlert III support external power?
A19.  Yes. Appendix D in the RainAlert III Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual provides information on the installation and use of an external power source.

Q20. Will the internal real-time clock of the RainAlert III drift?
A20. No. The internal clock of the RainAlert III is checked every 12 hours and compared to the cellular network time.  If the internal RainAlert III clock differs by more than 5 seconds, it is resynchronized to the cellular network time.

Q21.  Are there resources for Maintenance and/or Troubleshooting issues with the RainAlert III?
A21.  Yes. Chapter 6 in the RainAlert III Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual provides information on many topics regarding Maintenance and Troubleshooting.