This circuit uses a sensor made of a small piece of etched PC board and a simple SCR circuit to detect rain and sound a buzzer. The SCR could also be used to activate a relay, turn on a lamp, or send a signal to a security system.

Schematic

Parts

Part	Total Qty.	Description	Substitutions
R1	1	1K 1/4 W Resistor
R2	1	680 Ohm 1/4 W Resistor
D1	1	1N4001 Silicon Diode
BZ1	1	12V Buzzer
S1	1	SPST Switch
SCR1	1	C106B1 SCR	106CY
SENSOR	1	See Notes
MISC	1	Board, Wire, Case, PC Board (For Sensor)

Notes

1. The sensor is a small piece of PC board etched to the pattern showen in the schematic. The traces should be very close to each other, but never touching. A large spiral pattern would also work.

2. Make sure to use a loud buzzer.