For the PAR inclined . Apogee upgraded sensor

[theatrus]

There are a few quirks for most of the Arduinos, being the 10bit ADC, variety of reference choices (so different resolutions per Arduino) and the lack of a differential analog input (the amplifier design uses a differential output, which is fine for meters) which would require software offsetting.

The simplest way may be just to use one of these all-in-one (16bit sigma-delta, reference, I2C control) ADCs: http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/e...Doc/22072b.pdf

[karimwassef]

I hear you but I think it's about the community of support for Arduino. Make it for an Uno and people will adapt it to a Mega or anything else. You just get the ball rolling and let the masses take it over

[theatrus]

I have several more of the original multi-meter boards ready and tested for those interested.

I'm also poking at the Arduino digitally interfaced version:

Not done yet

[karimwassef]

woohoo

[dvgnyh]

They want $300 just for the sensor?

[theatrus]

Originally Posted by dvgnyh

They want $300 just for the sensor?

It's about ... on PAR for the pricing . And a whole lot cheaper than the Licor.

[karimwassef]

You know the Apex PMK module is $300. It was $250 over Christmas.

It includes a data acquisition module ASM that can be used for more inputs too.

[007Bond]

Not a bad deal for Apex owners.

[theatrus]

Its also housing, from what I can tell in the pictures, an SQ-120 (or the sunlight version) sensor, which is retailing for $155 now. Main interest in this thread is around the SQ-500 sensor, which from datasheets is a lot more linear in key ranges and probably a closer match to the Licor sensor.

[shred5]

Originally Posted by theatrus

Its also housing, from what I can tell in the pictures, an SQ-120 (or the sunlight version) sensor, which is retailing for $155 now. Main interest in this thread is around the SQ-500 sensor, which from datasheets is a lot more linear in key ranges and probably a closer match to the Licor sensor.

If it is what they say yea it sure is and a good improvement.
I like it, I have been a critic of the Apogee meters for a while now..
You can also get a appogee 420 usb sensor for under 200 but that is the old sensor also 410 nm to 655 nm.
Neptune seems to have released their apex par sensor at the wrong time.

Sq-500 389 to 692 nm

[shred5]

Originally Posted by gus6464

Yes 390nm and below is UVA but it's kinda irrelevant since there are no LED fixtures out there that use these diodes. MH PAR will go up though as it has decent output in 390nm range.

At the end of the day though people who use 420nm actinic T5 bulbs will see their PAR number go way up since the old sensor was off by a boat load in this range.

That is right it is just violet light. It will not sunburn you or will cause your skin to tan. There are Leds out that are true UV they just cost more than most light fixtures in the hobby as of now.

Another thing in this hobby is manufactures call things anything they want.. Just because they say something in 10,000k or what ever it is just a number.

[shred5]

I see they released a usb SQ-520 for $345.00

389nm to 692nm

Not tooo bad...

[theatrus]

Originally Posted by shred5

I see they released a usb SQ-520 for $345.00



389nm to 692nm



Not tooo bad...

Looks like they are stepping up their game in terms of getting all the product lines in sync. $50 is not a bad addon price if you don't mind a computer interface.

[shred5]

Originally Posted by theatrus

Looks like they are stepping up their game in terms of getting all the product lines in sync. $45 is not a bad addon price if you don't mind a computer interface.

It says it does not need to be hooked up to a computer to use, just needs a usb port because it can record data. Obviously you would need to reed the data off a PC latter.

The sensor can also act as a stand-alone PAR datalogger by simply connecting it to any standard 5 V DC USB power plug. Internal memory within the sensor head is capable of storing 10,000 user-specified periodic measurements that can be downloaded as a CSV file to a computer for analysis.

I wonder if it can run on a External Battery Power Bank usb charger?

Would stink dragging a computer around..

Need to make it work with a phone and/or tablet.

That item you made, that is to allow you to hook up a SQ-500 to a multi-meter?
That is really cool.

[theatrus]

Their model does log, but if you're waving it around the tank you still need to correlate where you're taking the reading (time?) with the logged reading. Not practical for that purpose.

If you're logging in a fixed position over time it's great though.

[theatrus]

Originally Posted by shred5

That item you made, that is to allow you to hook up a SQ-500 to a multi-meter?
That is really cool.

Yup!

[shred5]

Originally Posted by theatrus

Their model does log, but if you're waving it around the tank you still need to correlate where you're taking the reading (time?) with the logged reading. Not practical for that purpose.

If you're logging in a fixed position over time it's great though.

I see it is continuous not snap shot.

[reefiefish]

Hi Theatrus!

how can i get myself one of these?

is it possible to adapt them to the li-cor 190 PAR sensors?

those put out uA but are convertible to 0-10 mV via a 604 ohm shunt resistor

also where is "almost nevada? im in eastern california north of tahoe...

thanks!

[reefiefish]

Originally Posted by shred5

I see it is continuous not snap shot.

if you look at the manual, you can set the sampling interval to x number of seconds

[shred5]

Now adays I think it would be important to for the USB sensor to have a app for the phones or tablets, makes no sense on a computer.

[reefiefish]

bump for theatrus as i cant send pms yet

[theatrus]

Whoops, missed it. Happy to take emails as well (yann at theatr.us).

With the resistor it should work fine for that sensor (I'll double check the output spec sheet). I have a few units ready to go, and parts for more.

[theatrus]

Finally finished up the Arduino layout (so many other projects ).

I'm going to order some boards. Its using the MCP3425 I2C 16 bit ADC and has the same sensor amplifier circuit on board. With some different resistor loadouts, its also possible to use with the SQ-120 or similar sensor.

[shermanang]

Hi Theatrus,

How can i get myself one of these?

On the multi meter it show the PAR reading direct?
Can I hook my old Apogee sensor? Or I need to get the new sensor?

[Mark426]

For those that are interested in real life comparisons between the old and new Apogee sensor go over to reef builders. They have a nice write up. If you cant find it there search for "Immersion Effect" on their website.