FC-37 or YL-83 rain sensor
The FC-37 or YL-83 rain sensor is a popular and simple sensor used to detect rainfall or moisture levels in various environmental applications. This sensor consists of two main components: a moisture-sensitive probe and an onboard circuit that processes the sensor's signal. The probe is typically a flat PCB with exposed traces, and when rainwater or moisture comes into contact with these traces, it causes a change in resistance. This change is then detected and converted into an electrical signal that can be read by a microcontroller like Arduino.
The FC-37/YL-83 rain sensor is most commonly used in projects related to weather monitoring, automatic irrigation systems, and water detection for smart homes or gardens. The sensor has both analog and digital outputs, which can be used to measure the intensity of rainfall or simply detect whether it is raining or not. The analog output provides a continuous value that correlates with the moisture level, while the digital output triggers a high or low signal based on a preset moisture threshold.
In Arduino-based applications, the sensor is easy to interface with using either a digital or analog input pin. For more sensitive applications, adjustments can be made to the threshold level using a potentiometer on the module, making it versatile for different environments. The FC-37/YL-83 rain sensor is cost-effective, reliable, and widely used in DIY weather stations and agricultural automation systems.