[wxqc] Improving Rain Gauge Response Time

[dean at mevis.org]

I have noticed, and read others say that there is a delay between when
it actually starts raining and when your rain gage starts to register
some rain.  Apparently the issue is that the initial rain just sits on
the sides of the rain gauge until there is enough rain to break the
surface tension of the water and let it flow down to the tipping-bucket
mechanism.
 
There is a product out on the market called RainX available at Auto
Parts stores.  It is used to keep your automobile windshield clear
during the rain.  I have used it on my car and found that water
immediately beads up and runs off of the windshield.  I don't understand
the chemistry of this product, but it apparently works by making the
water slide more easily off of your windshield.
 
So it occurs to me that you can apply this product to your rain gauge
and it will make the rain slide right down into your tipping-bucket, and
you will see rain registered sooner.  
 
I have applied this product to my rain gauge.  However, I live in the
San Diego area and it only rains here about 3 times a year, so I have
not been able to see if makes a difference yet.
 
Does anybody have any experience using this product or a similar product
on their rain gauge?  Does it make a difference?
 
Is there anyone out there that lives in a rainy part of the country that
can give this a try and see if it makes a difference?
 
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