SPOTON® QUANTUM PAR
LIGHT METER

Item Number: 35650
One year warranty

Made In The USA

WARNING:

Battery can explode or leak and cause burns if installed backwards, disassembled, charged, or exposed to water, fire or high temperature. CR2032 Battery CALIFORNIA ONLY: Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

UNDERSTANDING PAR LIGHT:

This meter is designed for measuring PAR light indoors and outdoors regardless of light source type. It works well for greenhouse, field, and R&D applications requiring reliable plant growth light readings.

The chemical reaction of photosynthesis requires light. Unlike energy based light measurements, the quantum (quantity) of photons is measured since it can be directly tied to the number of these chemical reactions that can take place. The measure of all available light between the wavelength (color) range of 400 to 700 nanometers(nm) has been accepted as the best measure of light available for photosynthesis. This is defined as quantum Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) in units of µmol m-2 s-1. This is referred to as PAR light, PPFD, PPF, and Quantum light interchangeably and is the total quantity of photons in µmoles over the light spectrum from 400 to 700 nm hitting a one-meter square area every second. One micromole is equal to 602,214,085,700,000,000 photons of light! This is not the same as foot candle or lux measurements as shown in Fig. 1.

UNDERSTANDING COSINE RESPONSE (SUN ANGLE EFFECT):

This meter is designed to accurately display light intensity readings +/- 80° from vertical. As illustrated in Fig. 2, less light is hitting your crop as the light source (sun) is tilted from vertical. This is called cosine effect and is accurately measured by the specially shaped diffuser on the top of the light sensor. Ideally a horizontally projected light source should show no available light for your crop regardless of its intensity. Conversely, a directly overhead light source will have 100% of its light available for your crop.

VIDEOS

USE OF PRODUCT:

Instantaneous PAR Light Readings

Remove the sensor cap and press the POWER button to turn on the meter. Wait 3 seconds while the DLI value is displayed. The meter then measures and displays instantaneous PAR light readings about once per second. The meter’s software automatically stabilizes readings from 50 or 60 Hz light sources. The display automatically turns off after 5 minutes if no buttons are pressed. You can also turn it off by pressing the POWER button.

Scanning Area for Average PAR Light

While the meter is displaying Instantaneous readings press and hold the SCAN button, then move the light meter steadily and fluidly under the area for which you desire an average light reading. Scanning can be done for up to 35 seconds. The LCD will flash “SCAN” while the button is held, once released, the meter will display the average light reading from the duration of the scan. This average reading will be displayed for 4 seconds before the meter returns to instantaneous readings. Note: the SCAN function can be used to hold or freeze readings on the display (for 4 seconds) when taking measurements in a location where it is not possible to view the display.

Daily Light Integral (DLI) Readings

The SpotOn® Quantum PAR Light Meter always takes a light reading every 3 minutes. The Daily Light Integral (DLI) is calculated from the past 24 hours of 3-minute readings and is updated every 15 minutes. Readings are automatically taken regardless if the meter’s display is on or off. The DLI value is displayed on the LCD for 3 seconds every time the meter is turned on. The current DLI value can be viewed by turning the meter on or power cycling (off and on) as needed.

The DLI calculation can be reset to zero by pressing and holding both the POWER and SCAN buttons simultaneously until you see the DLI value change to 0.0. The integration and calculation of DLI will start accumulating a new 24 hours’ worth of 3-minute readings from that point forward.

Note: If there is a battery in the meter, it will take and store a light reading every 3 minutes (this function does not affect expected battery life).

Cleaning the Sensor:

Use a damp cloth to clean the light sensor; mild soap may be used if needed. Do NOT use chemicals like alcohol, acetone, or ammonia-based cleaners. They can damage the white diffuser disc.

CHANGING THE BATTERY:

The LCD will show an empty battery icon when it is time to change the battery. Remove the screw cover (6) of Fig. 5 by rotating counter clockwise. A screwdriver may be required to loosen the cover. Gently pry out the old battery with a small knife or tiny screwdriver as shown in (8) of Fig. 6, being careful not to damage the battery holder. Replace with a new CR2032 lithium coin cell battery and replace the screw cover. Tighten the cover clockwise until the o-ring seal is slightly compressed.

MOUNTING BRACKET:

Lanyard/Hanger/Magnet Configuration

Vertical Stand Configuration

Stake Configuration

REPAIR AND SERVICE POLICY:

Contact your local dealer for returns or repairs.