Question about Netatmo Rain gauge

I also take it in during the winter and put a pipe with the same circumference instead of the rain gauge. Take the pipe in after snowfall, let the snow melt and empty it into the rain sensor.

I think that would be too much for a battery-powered device. The moving parts in the unit would not work in sub-zero temperatures. I just take the rain gauge inside in the winter and put it back into operation in the spring.