RAKwireless RAK12005 + RAK12030 WisBlock Rain Sensor (Microchip MCP606, Remote Sensor Board)

RAKwireless RAK12005 + RAK12030 provides a simple, robust way to detect rain, condensation/fog, and other electrically conductive liquids in WisBlock systems. It works on a conductive-resistance principle: when the sensing area becomes wet, resistance changes and the module outputs a clear wet/dry signal suitable for automation and alerts.

At the core of the RAK12005 is the Microchip MCP606 CMOS op-amp. When the detection area is wet, the op-amp output goes positive, signaling the presence of liquid. For real installations, the adjustable threshold trimmer is useful because sensitivity can be tuned depending on mounting position, droplet behavior, contamination, and how early you want to trigger.

A major practical advantage is the split design: the separate RAK12030 sensor PCB is connected to the RAK12005 with a cable. That lets you place the sensor board under open sky while keeping your WisBlock Core and electronics protected inside a waterproof box—ideal for outdoor nodes.

Typical use cases include:

Weather and environmental stations (rain event detection as a data point or trigger).

Outdoor IoT protection logic, triggering actions when rain or heavy condensation is detected.

Facility monitoring, detecting conductive liquid presence where a simple wet/dry indicator is sufficient.

Prototyping for rain/condensation-triggered logging and alerts.

The kit runs on 3.3 V and supports power on/off control by the WisBlock Core to reduce power usage; a disconnect option is also mentioned for additional power savings.